Reform Program Research Articles

The impact of the Lesotho health reform in the re-structuring of the village health workers program

BackgroundCommunity Health Workers locally known as Village Health Workers (VHW) in Lesotho are key members of the primary health workforce, and has been playing a significant role in building primary health systems in many countries and they can fill significant gaps in human resources as low and middle income countries work towards universal health coverage in the era of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 2014 Lesotho health reform restructured the VHW program to compensate, professionalize, and integrate VHWs into primary care services. We sought to document the ways in which the VHW program changed as a result of the health reform and the perceived impact of those changes.MethodsIn 2018, we conducted a qualitative research study with an inductive content analysis approach in the four pilot health reform districts of Lesotho. We conducted 26 in-depth interviews with health workers practicing in the community and in primary health facilities, as well as district health authorities, and Ministry of Health officials.ResultsWe found that the Lesotho health reform program was observed that it helped to professionalize the VHW program by introducing clear roles and responsibilities, regular monitoring, and supervision. The initiation of performance-based payment of VHWs and regular monitoring and reporting was thought contribute to overall improvement; in performance, strengthened links between communities and facilities, and promoted uptake of services.ConclusionThe Lesotho Health Reform program was felt to be highly effective in re-structuring the VHW program in Lesotho, suggesting that when VHWs are well-incentivized, monitored, and supervised they can better fulfil their essential role as the backbone of the primary health workforce.

Beyond conformity: King Pinn's counter-hegemonic rap in post-2000 ZANUfied Zimbabwe

The post-2000 period in Zimbabwe is known as the decade of the crisis because of rising poverty, hyperinflation, a collapsed economy, poor service delivery, political violence, and a myriad of problems that made the lives of the majority of Zimbabweans precarious. It was also the period of the land reform programme which the government embarked on to, among many other reasons, galvanise the ruling party’s waning political fortunes. The land reform programme was complemented by an ultra-nationalist imaginary which took the form of the 75% (later upgraded to 100%) local content policy for radio and television. The policy was meant to create cultural support for ZANU – PF’s land exercise by rejecting the cultural products of western countries. These western countries, in ZANU – PF parlance, were enemies of Zimbabwe because of their oppositional stance towards the land reform exercise. Thus, the 100% local content became a way of policing musical production to make it agree with this anti-western stance. The Urban Grooves movement of the post-2000 period emerged from this policy change and dominated Zimbabwe’s airwaves for a decade. This movement was not a musical genre per se but a mish-mash of genres comprising dancehall, soul, Afro-pop, house, hip-hop, among others. Using Zimbabwe’s hip-hop music, with special reference to the late King Pinn’s ‘I Salute You’, this paper explores how youth artists operated in post-2000 ZANUfied and Mugabeist Zimbabwe. Did their musical practices pander to the policing whims of the state? Did they, contrary to the state’s expectations, come up with alternative identities that sought to challenge the ZANUist political hegemony of their time? If youth cultures can act as conveyors of alternative phenomenological forms of social and political reality and as indicators of ideological resistance, how have Zimbabwean hip-hop artists acted as conveyors of ideological resistance?

Stakeholder-driven evaluation of the impact of land reform programme on landscape changes using earth observation data

Stakeholder-driven evaluation of the impact of land reform programme on landscape changes using earth observation data

Religion, values and ethics: transformational religious education in Wales?

ABSTRACT A process of reform of Welsh education was initiated in 2015 by a curriculum review led by Professor Graham Donaldson, against the background of mounting evidence of academic underachievement and low levels of pupil self-esteem under successive (Welsh) Labour governments. Despite Professor Donaldson having little to say about religious education, the government embarked on an ambitious and controversial programme of reform. The aim of this article is to provide a short account of the process and results of reform, alongside an initial assessment. Attention is given to the original proposals, their interpretation and revision through successive documents, the final legislation, i.e. the Curriculum and Assessment (Wales) Act 2021, and subsequent statutory guidance. The article concludes with an attempt to ‘make sense’ of the Welsh Government’s reform of religious education by identify the commitments and influences that lie behind and integrate the various reform proposals.

Measuring Financial Stability in Egypt Since the Implementation of Banking Reform Program (2004-2023)

Measuring Financial Stability in Egypt Since the Implementation of Banking Reform Program (2004-2023)

Characteristics and Needs of Vietnamese Technical Intern Training Candidates (Care Workers) in Japan: A Qualitative Study

In Japan, where the shortage of care workers poses a challenge to the sustainability of the long-term care system, foreign care workers play a crucial role. This study aimed to identify the needs and challenges of Vietnamese Technical Intern Training candidates, the largest group of foreign care workers, to facilitate program reforms and a more efficient recruitment process. A semi-structured interview survey was conducted with 27 candidates in Vietnam. Interview items included reasons for choosing the training program in Japan, the desired length of stay, expectations, and career advancement after returning home. Descriptive statistics and K-means clustering were used to analyze the data. Survey results showed that all participants independently decided to pursue care worker training in Japan; 44% had considered other countries; most wanted to stay in Japan for as long as possible; and 37% wanted to live in Japan permanently. The K-means method revealed three clusters: a Japanophile cluster (preferred Japan for its landscape, culture, and national character); a word-of-mouth cluster (influenced by personal referrals); and an intellectual cluster (influenced by Japan’s economic development and care levels). Our findings indicate that support for obtaining qualifications, Japanese language skills, and caregiving skills are important to secure the stability of foreign care workers. It is necessary to tailor recruitment, training, and support for each cluster.

Redistribusi Tanah Objek Reforma Agraria (TORA) Guna Mewujudkan Kesejahteraan Masyarakat Dalam Rangka Percepatan Pelaksanaan Reforma Agraria

Departing from the guidelines of the nation's noble ideals to prosper the people's lives, the government through the Agrarian Reform program aims to change the unequal agrarian structure by redistributing land to the community, especially farmers, so as to create social and economic justice. The purpose of this study is to find out and describe the redistribution of Land Object of Agrarian Reform (TORA) in the context of accelerating the implementation of agrarian reform and the implementation of agrarian reform in order to realize community welfare. This research is processed with a normative juridical approach method, namely by looking at law as a set of regulations/rules or doctrines that have a normative nature (law in book). The results of the TORA redistribution problem in the context of accelerating the implementation of agrarian reform have not been fully achieved, especially in the redistribution of forest area land. Agrarian reform has had a significant impact on improving people's welfare but it is not comprehensive, it is hoped that all elements can succeed in agrarian reform.

REFORMS AND IMPROVEMENT INITIATIVES IN GOVERNMENT OF BANGLADESH: FIELD OBSERVATION AND ANALYSIS (2010-2018)

When it comes to improving citizen service delivery standard and processes, or broadly, management in government (MIG), many reform programs and improvement efforts are ongoing across different ministries, departments, and agencies. As part of a larger field research, this paper investigates what those programs and projects are, and how they are doing, and what the gaps are. Analyzing the publicly available data on the government portal and donors’ website, this article provides an overall idea of current reforms in various places of government. In parallel, field research was conducted through visiting agency offices, observing office environment and mechanisms, and interviewing public managers who are working at district and sub-district level offices of directorates or agencies. As a trend, state-led development process and the traditional mode of administration have moved to New Public Management based quality and performance approach. All donors have their own strategy framework document like ‘Country Assistance strategy’, ‘Country Operations and Business Plan’, Logical Framework Document, etc. Many of the projects are sectoral and agency or ministry specific, having inherent limitations, due to ‘cadre’ based organizational structural arrangement. It is common ‘not to own the projects’, rather ‘using the fund as much as possible anyway within the given project duration’. When the fund ends, implementing units or agencies leave the projects alone. That is why many projects are actually half done without significant and sustained direction.

In Search of a New Strategy of the Franco-German Tandem: Domestic Political Factors

The article addresses internal political factors that may influence the search for a new common strategy for the Franco-German tandem. The relevance of the article is determined by the lack of alternatives for in-depth cooperation between partners, who are currently forced to develop a joint approach towards the EU reform and clarify the prospects for acceptable convergence of their own socio-economic models. The first part of the article (“France at a crossroads”) analyses the features of the modern development of France and draws a conclusion about the limited freedom of maneuver for President E. Macron to implement his declared reform program. The second part (“The Beginning of a New Transformation in Germany”) argues that Germany has entered a stage of largescale transformations. Politicians and citizens do not know the completion dates of the transformations, the results and the amount of expenses. In the third part (“Strategic Seminar in Hamburg”) the authors show why France and Germany are returning to the concept of shared responsibility. They also reflect on how partners intend to overcome asymmetry and objective differences and urge to monitor and analyse Franco-German tandem developments to clarify the resources necessary for the successful implementation of Russian national programs and adjust the timing of their implementation.

Polish Science and Higher Education in the Post-Socialist Period: The Development of the Reform Program and the Results

The article overlooks the processes which developed in the Polish academic and research sphere in the post-socialist period. The government’s approach toward scientific and higher education politics is being considered as well as the research organizations’ and universities’ accommodation to new economic and social realities. There are several stages of evolution of the Polish academic and science sphere at that period. The first one belongs to the period that followed the collapse of socialism and was characterized by vast autonomy of academic and research organizations without clear government’s scientific and educational policies. It resulted in huge educational expansion mainly by paid segment and decreasing of the research activity. At the same time research organizations were financed primarily by public means. The autonomy of academic organizations resulted in conserving traditional norms and spheres of activity in academic environment which didn’t create any stimulus for developing and integration in the international academic space. The Polish government became interested in developing research and higher education sphere approximately after the 2010s and undertakes a series of reforms that partly reduced the academic autonomy and created an evaluation system for the research effectiveness. Such reforms were criticized by some groups of the Polish academic community. At the moment we can say that some flagship research organizations have already emerged in Poland but a significant part of the academic community is partly marginalized.

Personalization and domestic policy outcomes: evidence from Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT What effect does power personalization have on authoritarian policy outcomes? While existing literature expects personalist rulers to substitute private handouts or personal whims for coherent policymaking, I identify two mechanisms – elimination of veto players and establishing institutional control over the bureaucracy – through which personalization can serve as a permissive condition for autocracies adopting public policies that benefit mass constituencies within society. Focusing on a clear case of personalization in Saudi Arabia, I demonstrate that these proposed mechanisms have contributed to the policy achievements of the Vision 2030 reform programme. Policy outcomes under de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman thus point to a more complicated relationship between personalization and policymaking under authoritarianism than predicted by existing literature. This article has implications for how we study authoritarian policymaking and the research questions we ask about personalization.

Agrarian Reform and Land for Youth?: Responding to Agricultural Gerontocracy among Palm Sugar Farmers in the Menoreh Mountains

This paper aims to examine the contribution of agrarian reform in addressing the gerontocracy of agriculture in rural areas. The research specifically focuses on examining how the post-agrarian reform program in Gunung Kukusan hamlet has shifted land ownership and control from the older to the younger generation, and how agrarian reform has influenced changes in land management control. The research was conducted using a qualitative approach. Data collection techniques included in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. Data analysis was carried out qualitatively by categorizing and visualizing the data. The research results clearly demonstrate the issue of agricultural gerontocracy, particularly the tendency to view agricultural activities as a secondary profession. Agrarian reform through asset restructuring and access restructuring does not bring about changes in land control, ownership, and management. Land certification serves as a confirmation of ownership rather than a direct transfer of ownership. The practice of land grabbing shows that management control is entirely in the hands of landowners, most of whom belong to the older generation. The youth lack the authority to make changes to the generations-old coconut farming practices. This situation underscores the need for agrarian reform policies that accommodate the issue of youth landlessness.

The Approach of Agrarian Conflict Resolution through Land Redistribution in Sumberklampok Village

Agrarian conflict is a prevalent issue within the land sector. One such conflict in Indonesia occurs in Sumberklampok Village, Gerokgak Subdistrict, Buleleng Regency, Bali Province. This study aims to analyze the chronology of the conflict, the efforts to manage and resolve agrarian disputes, and the process of land redistribution. The research employs a qualitative methodology with a descriptive approach and analysis. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and document reviews. The findings reveal that the conflict stemmed from the community's control over land previously classified under HGU (Right to Cultivate) Certificates No. 1, 2, and 3 in Sumberklampok Village, alongside the Bali Provincial Government's claim over the land classified under HGU Certificates No. 2 and 3. The resolution process was supported by various stakeholders, culminating in the issuance of a Joint Agreement Letter (SKB) that facilitated land redistribution as part of an agrarian reform program. The Joint Agreement Letter (SKB) was followed by the distribution of 1,613 land certificates to the community, serving as legal proof of ownership and providing legal certainty over their land rights.

Transforming public services

Abstract The public service works to provide frontline and vital services to meet the needs of the people of Ireland. Working on behalf of the government in a diverse range of organisations, public servants play an established role in the economic and social life of this country. The public service has grown and evolved to take advantage of opportunities, address new challenges, and meet the changing needs and expectations of the people of Ireland. Since 2011, the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, has led a dedicated programme for reform and transformation, used its role and functions to enhance governance, build capacity and delivery effectively, working with the full range of public service bodies to build a more unified and agile public service. In 2023, the department published Better Public Services, a strategy that lays out the current framework and programme of transformation up to 2030, which is delivering tangible outcomes in improved public services, living standards and infrastructure in Ireland.

Medicare Advantage: National Carriers Expand Market Share While Regional Carriers Without Affiliation Decline, 2012-23.

This study examined the evolving landscape of insurer competition in the Medicare Advantage (MA) program from both national and local perspectives. Data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services revealed that the MA market has become more concentrated. National carriers expanded their national market share significantly from 2012 to 2023, whereas the collective market share of regional carriers without affiliation to Blue Cross and Blue Shield organizations declined because of acquisitions. For example, the combined national market share of national carriers increased from 46percent in 2012 to 66percent in 2023, while the combined national market share of non-Blue regional carriers decreased from 25percent to 6percent. Conversely, concentration in local markets has declined but remains highly concentrated, and evidence suggests that further declines may be unlikely. Specifically, declines in local market concentration have been limited to markets with low MA penetration. Once MA penetration exceeds 20percent, further MA growth is not associated with further drops in concentration, on average. Thus, policy makers should be aware that MA program reforms that assume MA markets are competitive are unlikely to achieve program goals without ensuring the competitiveness of those markets.

Political economy analysis of the dissemination and use of seasonal weather forecasts and services in Zimbabwe

Weather and climate services are essential tools that help farmers make informed choices, such as choosing appropriate crop varieties. These services depend considerably on the availability of adequate investments in infrastructure related to weather forecasting, which are often provided by the State in most countries. Zimbabwean farmers generally have limited access to modern weather and climate services. While extensive attempts have been made to investigate farmers’ socioeconomic factors that influence access to and use of weather and climate services, comparative political economy analysis of weather and climate service production and use is limited. To address this knowledge gap, this study examines the production, dissemination, and usage of modern seasonal weather services through a political economy analysis perspective. The findings of this study highlight considerable discrepancies in access and use of seasonal weather forecasts between male and female farmers, those who practise African Traditional Religions versus Christians, and the minority group (Ndau tribe) and the majority group (Manyika tribe). This result suggested the presence of social marginalization. For example, minority Ndau members living in remote areas with limited radio signals and a weak mobile network have limited access to modern seasonal weather forecasts, forcing them to rely much more on indigenous weather forecasts. Further, due to unequal power relations, a greater proportion of male farmers participated in agricultural policy formation processes than their female counterparts. To promote inclusive development and implementation, deliberate efforts need to be made by State authorities to incorporate adherents of African traditional religions, members of minority tribes and female farmers in agricultural policymaking processes, including seasonal weather forecast delivery policies. Further, the study suggests the relaxation or elimination of international sanctions on Zimbabwe by the European Union, United Kingdom and the United States of America, given that they are considerably affecting marginalized groups of farmers in their climate change adaptation practices, including the use of modern weather and climate services. The vast majority of these marginalized farmers never benefitted from the land reform programme and were also not responsible for the design and implementation of this programme which triggered these sanctions.

Artificial Intelligence's Impact on Employment: Challenges, Potential Consumers, and Policy Responses Through Automation and Workforce Rehabilitating

Abstract: The employment market has undergone an enormous shift as a result of the rapid progress of artificial intelligence (AI). This transformation presents both significant challenges and opportunities. This paper examines the ways in which AI-driven automation is transforming a variety of industries, resulting in employment displacement in sectors that rely on routine tasks and the creation of new roles in technology, data management, and AI maintenance. Addressing the growing disparities between those who benefit from AI and those who are left behind, as well as managing large-scale employment displacement, are the primary challenges. This is particularly true for low-skilled workers. AI, however, also offers chances to boost creativity, productivity, and the creation of highly skilled jobs in cutting-edge industries. In order to alleviate adverse consequences, this investigation underscores the necessity of proactive measures, such as educational reform, reskilling and upskilling programs, and collaboration among educational institutions, governments, and industries. By prioritizing these strategies, the employment market can adjust to the transformative potential of AI, thereby fostering economic development and inclusive job creation by balancing the reduction of traditional roles with the emergence of new opportunities.

The Impact of International Monetary Fund Arrangements on the Jordanian Economy: 1989-2022: An Empirical Study

Objectives: This study explores the statistical and qualitative impact of International Monetary Fund (IMF) arrangements on key structural variables in the Jordanian economy (1989-2022), including economic growth, balance of payments, external debt, unemployment, and Jordan's foreign investment attractiveness. It addresses the central question: What is the impact of the IMF arrangements on these variables of the Jordanian economy, and what are the reasons for the success or failure of these arrangements? Methods: The study used both the descriptive quantitative statistical method and the case study method, as a test of its basic hypothesis that there are negative correlation relationships between the IMF arrangements and the variables of the Jordanian economy. Results: The study found that the IMF arrangements have a negative impact on many variables in the Jordanian economy, such as unemployment, external debt, balance of payments, and economic growth. The study also found that the arrangements have had a weak positive impact on Jordan's attractiveness to FDI. The study found that corruption in Jordan plays a major role in the continued cooperation between Jordan and the IMF, despite the failure of its arrangements to achieve their objectives for more than three decades. Conclusions: The study found that the IMF arrangements have failed to achieve most of their economic targets with Jordan, and, therefore, there is no justification for continuing with more arrangements and programs of structural and economic reform without seriously reconsidering the various conditions that accompany them and that are demanded by the IMF from the Jordanian side

Impact of Credit in Rural Settlements of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of credit from the National Agrarian Reform Program (PNRA) on the income of family plots allocated by the National Institute of Agrarian Reform (INCRA) in the state of Minas Gerais, aiming to identify the correlation between the credit provided and the income generated. Theoretical Framework: Credit programs aimed at family farming enable the development of their activities in a sustainable, regulated manner and in compliance with environmental preservation, facilitating the construction and improvement of production systems according to each producer’s needs. Method: The study uses data collected from the RADIS/UFMT Project, in agrarian reform settlements in Minas Gerais state, Brazil, were processed and systematized using the Propensity Score Matching (PSM) regression model, with the use of Stata 16® software. Results and Discussion: The most accessed credit line by the beneficiaries was the Semi-arid line. The hypothesis that credit granted by the National Agrarian Reform Program (PNRA) is positively correlated with the income of plots allocated to families settled by INCRA is confirmed, showing an approximate 19% increase in the income of plots compared to those without access to credit. That is, for every R$1.00 of credit provided to the plot, there is an approximate increase of R$0.19 in income.

Implementation of Access Arrangements for Agrarian Reform: A Case Study in the Kampung Tua of Tanjung Riau, Batam City

Abstract: Access arrangement is one of the agrarian reform programs that continues from asset arrangement. Access arrangements aim to provide assistance in capital provision, training, and marketing strategies to communities facing obstacles in their companies. In 2022, Kampung Tua Tanjung Riau served as the location for access arrangements; data collection yielded various types of Micro-Medium Small Businesses (MSMEs), also known as agrarian reform access objects. This study aims to find out how agrarian reform access is put into action in Kampung Tua Tanjung Riau. It will do this by using a qualitative approach and collecting data from the ground about the types of businesses that agrarian reform access participants run, the status of their businesses, the status of their certificates (mortgaged or not mortgaged), and how successful their businesses are by looking at how they've grown since being given more power and by mortgaging their land ownership certificates for extra business capital. There was an increase in the number of participants who pledged certification from 40 in 2022 to 53 in 2023. However, some of the participating businesses have not experienced significant development. The constraints in the implementation of the agrarian reform access arrangement in Kampung Tua Tanjung Riau are the lack of community understanding of the program, where not all participants are registered for empowerment training, and the abundance of similar businesses that are not balanced with existing market demands, resulting in competition among MSME players. Keywords: Agrarian Reform, Access Arrangement, Community Empowerment