Community Development Research Articles

Enhancing integrated development planning in South African local government: The critical role of youth engagement in planning and implementation

This paper examines the critical role of youth participation in planning and implementation with the purpose of improving the Integrated Development Plan (IDP). Local governments in South Africa are legally mandated to foster participatory development through IDP, which aim to address imbalances from the predemocratic era and improve socioeconomic conditions. Despite the democratic foundation of these policies, youth participation in IDP formulation remains markedly low. This discrepancy is particularly troubling given the substantial role that youth played in achieving democracy and the proverb that today's youth are tomorrow's leaders. The paper argues that the absence of effective mechanisms for youth participation has led to significant social deficiencies. The paper is conceptual and is grounded in social capital theory. The study uses a qualitative desktop research method, relying on existing literature. The findings reveal that the lack of youth participation in IDP contributes to various problems, including inadequate service delivery, violent protests, substance abuse, and social delinquency. It recommends the establishment of practical and inclusive mechanisms to better engage young people in the IDP process, thus addressing the current gaps and promoting more equitable development outcomes. Young people's ignorance and the lack of efficient and inclusive mechanisms to promote participation of youth have produced numerous social deficiencies. These problems hinder community development and social transformation. Therefore, this paper concludes that training programs, youth dialogues, and political education should be developed to improve youth understanding of local government processes.

Remediation of Various Phenanthrene-contaminated Soils using Persulfate-Pseudomonas aeruginosa GZ7: Soil Properties, Radical Formation, and Microbial Community

In this study, the complex interaction of oxidizing conditions, soil composition, microbial activity, and phenanthrene (PHE) degradation was explored in persulfate (PS)-Pseudomonas aeruginosa GZ7 remediation of four PHE-contaminated soils: Paddy soil (PAS), Saline soil (SS), Red soil (RS), and Cinnamon soil (CS). Batch experiments displayed the optimal PS dosage was 0.750% (w/w), except for CS (0.125%), achieving PHE degradation rates of 54.79% ~ 81.92% on the 27-day. The zeta potential of soil clay component after 0.750% PS oxidation was lower than 0.125% and 2.000% PS, resulting in a higher PHE bioavailability and biodegradation. The electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy analysis showed that the abundance of dominant hydroxyl radicals (·OH) in CS was 3 times higher than in PAS at 0.750% PS and PS to Fe2+ molar ratio of 2:1, indicating that a higher soil organic matter would decrease the content of ·OH thus diminishing PHE removal. Stepwise linear regression and sensitivity analysis indicated that the key influential factors in the PHE degradation rate were the residual PHE content after oxidation (60.12%) and hydrolase nitrogen content (30.97%). High-throughput sequencing results showed the bacterial diversity and richness in four soils decreased after combined remediation compared to pristine soil. Redundancy analyses revealed that the fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolase enzyme was the key factor effect of soil bacterial community development in SS; and electrical conductivity and FDA hydrolase enzyme were the key factors in RS, CS, and PAS. This study may provide technical support for optimizing chemical conditions for PS-microbial remediation.

Pengembangan dan Implementasi Permainan Edukatif untuk Meningkatkan Kognitif, Sosial, dan Emosional Anak-Anak di Panti Asuhan Muhabbatul Haq

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a community service program through the development and implementation of educational games at Muhabbatul Haq Orphanage. The method used in this program involves three main stages: preparation and needs identification, educational game development, and game implementation. In the first stage, the team conducted initial observations and interviews with caregivers and children to identify their educational needs. The second stage involved the development and design of games that covered cognitive, social and emotional aspects. The third stage was the implementation of the games at the orphanage with regular game sessions. The results of the program showed significant improvements in the children's creativity and basic knowledge, as well as the strengthening of their social and emotional skills. The children were able to display creativity in the guessing game and answered questions well in the quiz, showing solid understanding. The program not only provides short-term benefits of improved knowledge and skills, but also long-term contributions to community development. In conclusion, educational games are proven to be effective in supporting children's development, building good character, and creating a fun learning environment.

Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives and Community Development: A Review of Literature on the Prospects and Challenges in Developing Countries

Businesses used to exist primarily for the goal of making profits. Corporations, however, are now realizing that they must adopt a socially responsible stance to promote community growth and remain profitable in a fast-changing environment. As a result, there is a growing expectation among stakeholders that businesses should act responsibly towards society in addition to being profit-driven. In this view, corporate citizenship, ethical business practices, and corporate social opportunity are all included in modern corporate social responsibility (CSR). According to the notion, businesses should take society's interests into account by being accountable for how their actions affect their suppliers, consumers, workers, shareholders, communities, and other stakeholders in addition to the environment. This duty demonstrates that companies must act to enhance the welfare of all stakeholders to guarantee the growth and development of communities. This analysis examines the several CSR programs that businesses can implement to support sustainability and community development. By so doing the review considers such possibilities and challenges in implementing CSR initiatives. Academic databases such as Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and the Directory of Open Access were employed by the researchers for document analysis. The research was hinged on Carrol's theory. The study found that corporates may need to undertake different forms of CSR that include environmental responsibility, ethical responsibility, philanthropic responsibility, and economic responsibility. However, politics and lack of funding have been the major challenges in implementing such initiatives.

Women Entrepreneurs in Botswana: Reducing Poverty and Creating Employment

Research Aims: The objective of this study is to examine the influence of women entrepreneurship on the generation of employment opportunities and the alleviation of poverty in Botswana. The study seeks to provide a thorough comprehension of how businesses headed by women contribute to economic transformation. Design/methodology/approach: The study used a mixed-method approach, integrating both qualitative and quantitative data. The qualitative data was obtained by conducting surveys and interviews with women entrepreneurs in Botswana, supplemented by secondary data from official and non-governmental reports. The quantitative data were analysed using the statistical software SPSS to obtain comprehensive results. Research Findings: Women-owned businesses in Botswana make a substantial impact on job creation. Many of these businesses employ a workforce ranging from 5 to 20 workers, while some larger organisations provide employment to over 50 people. These businesses play a crucial role in reducing poverty by actively participating in community development projects, such as constructing schools and clinics. As a result, they directly enhance the welfare of local communities. The qualitative findings highlight the diverse and complex contributions of women entrepreneurs in promoting community development and reducing poverty. These findings emphasise their commitment to social accountability, economic sustainability, and resilience in the face of challenges. Theoretical Contribution/Originality: This study offers novel perspectives on the distinct contributions made by women entrepreneurs in Botswana, emphasising their dual impact on both economic progress and societal transformation. The study also highlights the primary challenges encountered by women-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs), such as restricted financial resources, socio-cultural hindrances, and insufficient governmental assistance. It emphasises the significance of overcoming these issues in order to maximise the positive influence of women-owned SMEs on employment generation and alleviation of poverty

The Financial Performance of Ligao Association of City Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LACE-MPC) Credit Business for Calendar Years 2017-2021

This study assessed the financial performance of the Ligao Association of City Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (LACE-MPC) credit business from 2017 to 2021, addressing a significant gap in the literature regarding the operational dynamics of multi-purpose cooperatives in the Bicol region. Utilizing a descriptive research design, the study conducted interviews and employed survey questionnaires and documentary analysis to gather data from 113 regular and 85 associate members. The results revealed a commendable financial standing characterized by a low non-performing loan ratio and improved operational efficiency, as indicated by key financial indicators such as portfolio quality and efficiency ratios. However, the study also identified significant policy issues , including unclear loan terms and challenges in credit assessment, which hindered member satisfaction and operational effectiveness.The implications of these findings extend beyond LACE-MPC, highlighting the need for enhanced governance and operational transparency within cooperatives to foster member trust and engagement. The study underscores the importance of clear communication regarding loan terms and the necessity of robust credit assessment processes to improve member experiences. Furthermore, the research opens avenues for future studies focused on enhancing financial literacy among cooperative members and exploring the potential for establishing educational initiatives, such as a review center for civil service examinations. Overall, this research contributes to the understanding of cooperative financial management and offers insights that can enhance the sustainability of LACE-MPC's credit services, ultimately improving the socio-economic status of its members and reinforcing the role of cooperatives in community development.

A Conceptual Model for Revitalizing Shenyang’s Cultural Heritage: Enhancing Customer Engagement via Social Media Branding

This paper presents a conceptual framework focused on reviving cultural heritage using social media branding strategies. Based on the case study of Shenyang, China, it focuses on how traditional cultural practices can best handle the challenges facing dealing with the shifting world of the internet. As we operate in the fast-moving digital world, it is increasingly more challenging for traditional cultural practices to move in pace with digital evolution. According to social networks, a gap exists between preserving cultural values and adapting a customer's modern behavior. This paper presents a framework for cultural preservation, digital marketing, and consumer participation. This paper stresses that social media can be viewed as a cultural heritage promotion enabler while engaging consumers in this framework. Core features include the digitalization of critical cultural elements, the development of cultural heritage-related online communities through social media, the increase of interaction of people with culturally created content, and so on. This framework offers a path to renewing the cultural landscape by incorporating digital strategies. It also acknowledges challenges like potential commodification and loss of authenticity. The insights will benefit policymakers, cultural institutions, and businesses while guiding further empirical research on social media’s role in cultural preservation.

Stakeholder Synergy In The Management of Embung Banteran Tourism, Sumbang District

The Asih Swargaloka Embung Tanggul Tourism, located in Banteran Village, Sumbang District, Banyumas Regency, has experienced a decrease in the number of visitors and the condition of unmaintained facilities since it was inaugurated in July 2023. This study aims to identify the factors causing the decline and develop development strategies that can increase the attractiveness of this tourism. This study uses a descriptive qualitative method. The location of the research is in Banteran Village, Sumbang District, Banyumas Regency. The data collection technique was carried out through in-depth interviews with each stakeholder as a tourist village manager The results of interviews with resource persons revealed that expensive entrance ticket prices, lack of promotions, and poor facility conditions were the main factors in the decline in visitors. In addition, the lack of synergy between the village government, investors, and the local community also hinders the development of this tourism. To overcome this problem, several strategic steps are recommended, including reducing entrance ticket prices, improving and adding facilities, increasing promotion through various media, and training to increase the capacity of tourism village managers. In addition, a participatory approach that involves the community in tourism management and development is expected to increase the community's sense of ownership and responsibility. The implementation of a comprehensive development strategy and good synergy between all stakeholders is expected to restore the attractiveness of the Asih Swargaloka Embung Embankment Tourism and make it a sustainable source of income for Banteran Village. Training, empowerment of tourism village managers, facility improvements, and effective promotion will be the key to the success of this tourism development.

Nurturing Professional Development in TESOL: A Community of Practice Perspective

The focus of this paper was to explore the challenges facing the effectiveness of teaching the English Language in TESOL and assess the role of communities of practice groups in overcoming challenges facing the effectiveness of teaching the English Language in East and West Africa. The study employed qualitative research through a virtual ethnography approach. Data were collected through participative observation and interviews in communities of practices and platforms online. Findings established that lack of teaching materials, poor teaching environment, and lack of opportunities for a Community of Practice and professional development were among the challenges that have been hindering the effectiveness of teaching the English Language in the field of TESOL in East and West Africa. Online professional development offered by Community of Practice groups, sharing English teaching materials, and opportunities to support school-based teacher education and training were among the strategies revealed by Community of Practice used by teachers to improve their teaching in TESOL. As a result, the study recommends that cultivating communities of practice and sharing professional development opportunities provide a continuous learning support system for updating English teaching strategies and providing effective skill acquisition in a sustainable and inclusive educational system.

Strategic Integration of Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation to support Climate Village Program in Rural Indonesia

This study was related to climate change adaptation and mitigation in the rural community. Its primary objective was to determine a strategy for community empowerment through the integration of mitigation and adaptation actions to support the Climate Village program (PROKLIM). The Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) and FGD were adopted to facilitate community in action plan development. SWOT analysis and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) were used to identify and select the most viable strategies based on their weighted scores. From the SWOT analysis, eight alternative strategies were formulated including: (1) optimizing the use of local natural resources (SO1), (2) enhancing community capacity in adaptation and mitigation (knowledge, attitudes and skills) (SO2), (3) strengthening collaborations with both governmental and non-governmental organizations (WO1), (4) augmenting financial support from village funds for adaptation and mitigation efforts (WO2), (5) reinforcing continuous training of local groups (ST1), (6) enhancing natural resource management to increase community income (ST2), (7) increasing the capacity of the local village government (WT1) and (8) promoting the benefits of Climate Village program awareness and the importance of environmental protection (WT2). Through the AHP, three strategies were found to have the highest weight as follows: (1) SO2, (2) WO2 and, (3) WO1.

Sustainable Oyster Mushroom Livelihood Development Project for Rural Communities of Ilocos Sur

This research was conducted to determine the contributions of the stakeholders of oyster mushroom livelihood project particularly on their participation on technical services and adequacy/availability of financial services; to determine the challenges encountered in terms of knowledge, willingness, attitude and policy implementation; and develop a framework that can help to address sustainability of the mushroom livelihood project. Four municipalities in Ilocos Sur Province were selected as research site using an inclusion criteria. A constructed survey questionnaire and an interview guide were used to gather data which were collated and interpreted using the point scale, range of values, and descriptive equivalent. As prevailed in the research study, there is high participation on the technical support of the LGU in all activities of the mushroom livelihood project. However, the mushroom growers consistently claimed a low to moderate participation of LGUs on the support to development initiatives of the mushroom livelihood project and formalizing involvement of funding agencies and other stakeholders through a MOA. On the area of financial support, LGUs provided highly available/adequate support according to them but mushroom growers mentioned they received moderately available/adequate financial support. On the knowledge, willingness, and attitude of mushroom growers, there were no challenges encountered. This suggests that they have already the knowledge and capabilities of producing and managing their mushroom livelihood. They just needed enhancement in order to prove more about the technology and its management. On the policy implementation, the LGUs have encountered varied challenges in the area of technical policies, but overall, the LGUs and the mushroom growers revealed that they encountered very serious challenges. On the financial policies aspect, the LGUs encountered a very serious challenge, specifically on the allocation of funds for monitoring activities. Overall, a low to moderate participation of LGUs on their technical support, a moderately available/adequate financial support, and challenged with the problem on policy implementation prevailed based from the result of the study, hence, the sustainability mechanism and development framework on oyster mushroom livelihood development project is hereby recommended to help achieve sustainable rural community development through participation and empowerment of the stakeholders.

WOMEN ENTREPRENEURIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ENCOURAGING GOALS ATTAINMENT IN THE SOCIETY

The main drivers of women's entrepreneurship span from entrepreneurial framework conditions, socio-cultural influences, gender-specific challenges, and economic contributions to innovation and sustainability. This paper examines the effects of the above elements on growth, resilience, and sustainability in women-owned enterprises through a thematic analysis of empirical studies that investigate how these different aspects have influenced the development of women-owned enterprises. Some findings also show that women entrepreneurs face specific obstacles in establishing and sustaining enterprises, scaled by constraints in accessing finance, induced biases by gender conditions, and inadequacy in managerial training. However, supportive socio-cultural dynamics, the adoption of digital technologies, and targeted policy frameworks have been imperative to foster entrepreneurial success. This study takes cognizance of the role played by women entrepreneurs from an economic and social perspective. This role was targeted to reduce poverty and enhance community development to strategically achieve both Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1-(Poverty Reduction) and SDG 8-(Economic Growth). The theoretical framework for the study is ‘social feminist theory’, which postulates that patriarchal structures in society are one of the avenues for unequal distribution of resources, power, and decision-making, thus shaping the female gender's actions in entrepreneurship. The policy recommendations for this study include identifying enhanced financial access, and digital transformation among others.

STRENGTHENING THE RULE OF LAW: LEVERAGING AFRICAN UNION SUB-REGIONAL BODIES TO ADDRESS MILITARY COUPS IN AFRICA

Military coups have emerged as a significant challenge to democratic stability and governance in Africa, undermining the rule of law and reversing decades of progress in political reforms. This paper explores how the African Union (AU) can strategically engage its sub-regional bodies, such as Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the East African Community (EAC), and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), to strengthen the rule of law and curtail the resurgence of military coups across the continent. These sub-regional organizations possess unique insights into their respective geopolitical landscapes and are well-positioned to implement preventive and corrective measures. The paper identifies key strategies, including capacity-building initiatives to strengthen judicial and electoral institutions, fostering inclusive governance to address grievances, and enhancing the rapid deployment of conflict mediation teams. It emphasizes the importance of a unified approach, where the AU coordinates efforts across sub-regional bodies to enforce legal frameworks such as the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance. Furthermore, the study examines case studies of successful and failed interventions by these bodies to derive lessons for effective implementation. However, challenges such as resource limitations, political interference, and inconsistent enforcement mechanisms impede these efforts. The paper argues that overcoming these barriers requires political will, increased funding, and stronger partnerships with global organizations. By leveraging the unique strengths of its sub-regional bodies, the AU can promote the rule of law, deter unconstitutional power seizures, and contribute to sustainable democratic governance across Africa.

How to Build a Rural Community to Develop High-Quality Rural Tourism: A Case Study of Innovative Development Strategies for Idle Rural Homesteads in China

In China, rural tourism development constitutes a significant strategy for integrating and utilizing rural resources to achieve rural prosperity. However, reconciling the interests of villagers, government entities, and market actors is difficult in practice, leading to potential pitfalls such as the erosion of rural characteristics, villagers’ rights, and sustainability. The establishment of rural communities in China’s current rural areas can effectively resolve conflicts of interest among diverse stakeholders and address bottlenecks in rural tourism development. However, there is still a lack of theoretical and practical exploration of the maintenance and value realization of rural communities. This study explores the impact of innovative strategies employed during rural tourism development on community growth through a case study of the village of Baifeng in the Anhui province. The results indicate that fostering a sense of community among stakeholders and supporting marginalized groups are the most significant values in the development of rural communities. In practice, effective collaboration and communication among stakeholders, mutual acceptance and conflict resolution, and the development of community emotions/consciousness can help rural communities achieve high-quality construction. This study offers valuable insights into the theoretical advancement of rural communities and represents an excellent case study for the research on rural revitalization and common prosperity.

What do vocational colleges do and why do they matter? Thinking about the role of colleges as local actors

ABSTRACT Vocational colleges’ social role has been under-developed because they have been marketised and privatised, and because the idea of the vocational college has not been advanced and institutionalised. The paper describes this for public vocational colleges in Australia, which are at the vanguard of competency-based education and in being disciplined with neoliberal policies. The paper bases an institutionalisation of vocational colleges on the capabilities approach and an extension of their social role to anchor the development of communities’ collective education, social and economic development, and their capacity for collective action.

Holistic approach to energy storage management aspects in sustainable community

Energy management is nowadays key topic for synchronic operation of renewable sources of energy and their recipients. Contemporary national electrical power grid systems more often cannot supply efficiently electrical energy and cannot receive energy produced by renewable sources. The common approach to the problem is to meet energy demands supplying from electrical grid and renewable power sources with energy storage feature. From the other side, off-grid solutions based on the co-generation biogas plants are commonly aimed on small local communities as power supply supported by renewable energy systems like photovoltaic (PV) systems, wind power plants or small water plants with energy storage to support self-consumption of electrical energy. Integration of intermittent renewable power sources, such as solar, wind and biogas plant, increases the difficulty of managing the electricity grid and maintaining the balance of electricity supply and demand, especially in small communities. The holistic approach to the energy storage management takes all above aspects and presents the concept where municipal waste is used to produce energy in biogas plant supported by PV systems and community shared electrical energy storage to provide uninterrupted power supply. The study also presents how energy storage management can be used in whole process to adjust the size and manage energy supply and demand within the community based on energy self-consumption optimization. It is also shown that by utilizing municipal waste produced by the community we can meet the goals of circular economy and sustainable development of local communities as the waste will be used in full without necessity of recycling it outside the community. The novelty of the study is the foundation for energy storage capacity and renewable energy sources size evaluation to balance energy management process without the need of on-grid power supply and with use only municipal biodegradable waste for biogas fuel supply and solar energy for energy production.

Produksi Kopi Robusta Sebagai Potensi Wisata Di Desa Bangelan, Kecamatan Wonosari, Kabupaten Malang

Bangelan Village, Wonosari District is one of the famous villages as a producer of Robusta coffee in Malang Regency. Bangelan Village has a coffee plantation of 436.02 Ha. The coffee plantation of Bangelan Village is a relic of the Dutch colonial period which is now taken over by the Company PT. Nusantara Plantation (PTPN) XII. PTPN XII coffee plantations have an important role for the economic development of the Bangelan village community. The purpose of this service is to find out the production process and its role in the economic condition of the people of Bangelan Village. The methods used in this study are observation and interview methods to obtain information related to coffee plantations ranging from production to their role in the economic condition of the community. This research is expected to provide insight for the Indonesian people regarding the role of the coffee industry in Bangelan Village.

Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development in African Communities

This research explores the influence of Innovation and Entrepreneurship on Sustainable Development within African communities, utilizing a quantitative methodology characterized by an explanatory framework. A total of 370 participants provided data through structured questionnaires, which were analyzed using multiple regression analysis. The findings indicate an adjusted R-squared value of 96.0 percent, suggesting that96.0 percent of the variation in Sustainable Development can be accounted for by the factors examined. Significant results demonstrate that Entrepreneurial Education and Training, Investment in Research and Development, Collaborative Partnerships, and Intellectual Property Rights have a positive impact on Sustainable Development. However, Access to Finance and Access to Market present challenges, illustrated by their negative coefficients, and R&D Investment and the Innovation Ecosystem were deemed insignificant. The study acknowledges that the model does not account for the remaining 0.04 percent of variation, suggesting further investigation is needed. Practical implications point to the necessity for strategic planning in areas with significant positive impacts and the importance of improving Access to Finance and Market conditions. The research highlights the need for a supportive Regulatory Environment and networks to foster Sustainable Development, offering valuable insights and paving the way for future studies in this domain.

Evolving Corporate Social Responsibility Practices and Their Impact on Social Conflict

This study investigates Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, emphasising the shift from a state-owned business (SOE) to a multinational corporation (MNC) and its impact on community relations and social conflict. The research employs the CSR 2.0 strategy, transitioning from conventional charity to partnership-oriented efforts, using qualitative data obtained from semi-structured interviews with local stakeholders. The results indicate that while the multinational corporation has sought to enhance openness and community involvement, persistent concerns over environmental harm and unfulfilled development commitments continue to erode confidence and exacerbate social tensions. Moreover, the MNC's CSR initiatives often prioritise trained labour from external sources, resulting in local discontent and scepticism over the efficacy of CSR in addressing entrenched problems. Policy proposals emphasise the need for robust CSR rules, open reporting, and coordination among firms, governments, and civil society to facilitate sustainable community development. This study underscores that CSR programs must proactively confront historical challenges and be tailored to local situations. Additional study is required to investigate conflict-sensitive CSR strategies in diverse countries, with the objective of alleviating social tensions in resource-dependent communities and fostering more sustainable industrial practices.

How melon farmers’ networks enable greenhouse technology adoption? A social network analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose The study aims to investigate the connections and interactions of the melon farmers in the social network related with greenhouse adoption for the cultivation. Design/Methodology/Approach This research employed the Social Network Analysis (SNA) approach from the field survey data in the dry-land areas in Indonesia. Findings The study results indicate the presence of polarity within the social networks of farmers. The proliferation of innovations is motivated by individuals who actively develop their skills and knowledge, employing a combination of experimentation and online resources to enhance their capabilities. Dissemination is a result of the extensive collaboration among farmers who are located near each other. In addition, the trust and connection among farmers who have successfully experimented and achieved results fosters a collaborative and knowledge-sharing environment. Practical Implications The results of this study provide implications for appropriate rural extension and community development strategies. Theoretical Implications This research broadens the scope of innovation diffusion theory by examining social networks and their role in the proliferation of modern agricultural cultivation technology in marginalized areas. Originality/Value The study presents empirical evidence that highlights the successful adoption of modern agricultural cultivation technologies by fringe groups. It emphasizes the significance of locally established, self-sustaining social networks in facilitating this proliferation, marking the novelty of this study, especially in developing countries.