Rural Development Research Articles

The Stakeholders Engagement Study in Rural Development Program

Rural development is integral to achieving sustainable development in Indonesia, where success is measured from an economic, social, and environmental perspective. As a region with cultural riches and abundant natural resources, the Special Region of Yogyakarta has become a focal point in village development efforts. One example of successful village development is in Kulwaru Village, where communal cattle were constructed. This research aims to explore the role and engagement of stakeholders in village development in the case of communal cattle. This study uses a qualitative case study method by collecting data through in-depth interviews with 15 informants, including local government, group leaders, community leaders, community organizations, and other related organizations. The data was then analyzed descriptively, and a power and interest matrix was used to determine the role positions of the stakeholders. This research found that stakeholder engagement has different powers and interests. Stakeholders included in the categories (1) Key players: administrators, livestock group members, and BKM Bina Mandiri; (2) Keep Informed: Kubaweta Cooperative, Puskeswan, IAAS UGM, and Academics. (3) Keep Satisfied: Kulwaru Village Government, District Agriculture and Food Service. Kulon Progo, the Central and Provincial PUPR Ministries; and (4) monitor category, the PUPR District Service. Kulon Progo. Collaboration between these stakeholders plays a vital role in the success of building communal cattle and surviving and overcoming the slum environment problems faced by the people of Kulwaru Village.

PLANNING AND JOURNALING THE AGROPOLITAN PROJECT: A FOCUS ON INCOME ANALYSIS FOR POVERTY ALLEVIATION

Although Malaysias poverty rate has decreased, there are still people who suffer from extreme poverty, especially in rural areas. The agropolitan project under the Rural Mega Leap Program (PLMLB) is a program aimed at eradicating extreme poverty and expediting progress in rural regions. The achievements of agropolitan projects are evaluated through the extent to which they help participants to get out of extreme poverty and are measured using Poverty Line Income (PGK). However, PGK only takes into account income and consumption and does not take into account non-monetary aspects such as living conditions, basic facilities and so on. Therefore, this research intends to examinethe effects of the implementationof this project on the participants in eradicating poverty and towards a sustainable livelihood. Multidimensional Poverty Index (IKPD) is used to measure poverty in this study along with its applicationof PGK. A study using the Sustainable Livelihood Framework (KPL), was conducted at the Gahai Agropolitan Project in Lipis, Pahang, involved 45 participants. Research data was obtained through the distribution of questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS version 22 software and Microsoft Excel. Studies show that theproposed project is useful to eradicating poverty and contributing to sustainable livelihoods. Calculation of the Multidimensional Poverty Index (IKPD) shows that the individuals involved are not subjected to multidimensional poverty.In addition, the participants are also exempted from extreme poverty and experience increased income within five years of participating in the Gahai Agropolitan Project. From the aspect of sustainable living, the results of the study show that the participants experience high vulnerability. Analysis of asset ownership shows that the participants of theAgropolitan Project have good asset ownership. Analysis of the regression model of income determinants for the participants demonstrate that financial assets are an important factor affecting income. According to the findings of this study, there are several recommendations for policy implications to evaluate participants or non-participants of agropolitan projects, which is to consider the Sustainable Livelihood Framework (KPL) in rural development and use the Multidimensional Poverty Index (IKPD) as a complement to the PGK.

Next Generation Welfare System and E-Government in Banjarbendo Village

Background: The effectiveness of social welfare information systems, especially the Next Generation Social Welfare Information System (SIKS-NG), is vital for local e-government initiatives. Specific Background: This study examines SIKS-NG's implementation in Banjarbendo Village, Sidoarjo, East Java, to evaluate its impact on service delivery. Knowledge Gap: Prior research highlights inconsistent effectiveness and issues related to resource adequacy and data accuracy in rural contexts. Aims: This research aims to assess SIKS-NG's effectiveness through qualitative analysis, focusing on indicators of goal achievement, integration, and adaptation. Results: The study finds that SIKS-NG operates effectively due to competent operators and sufficient infrastructure, though data inconsistencies pose challenges. Novelty: This research offers new insights into the successes and challenges of implementing SIKS-NG in a rural Indonesian setting. Implications: The findings emphasize the importance of ongoing training and infrastructure improvements to resolve data discrepancies, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of e-government in social welfare management. Highlights : Human Resource Competence: The effectiveness of SIKS-NG relies heavily on the training and skills of operators in information technology. Infrastructure Support: Adequate facilities, such as computers and internet access, are essential for smooth implementation. Data Accuracy Issues: Discrepancies between submitted and application data hinder overall program effectiveness. Keywords: SIKS-NG, e-government, social welfare, effectiveness, rural development

Research on the Impact Mechanism and Empirical Study of the Digital Economy on Rural Revitalization in the Yangtze River Economic Belt

As a new engine of China’s economic development, the digital economy is playing an important role in rural revitalization. Due to the impact of the novel coronavirus epidemic, there is a lack of recent empirical research on the digital economy and rural revitalization and development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. Based on the provincial panel data of 11 provinces in the Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2014 to 2022, this paper calculates the comprehensive development level of the digital economy and rural revitalization and conducts a benchmark regression on their relationship. The results of the heterogeneity analysis show that the impact of the digital economy on rural revitalization in the upper and middle reaches of the Yangtze River is stronger than that in the lower reaches. Then we adopt the Moran index and spatial Durbin model for further regression analysis, and find that there is a spatial autocorrelation between the digital economy and rural revitalization. The digital economy of the Yangtze River Economic Belt has a spatial spillover effect on rural revitalization. To effectively harness the digital economy’s role in advancing rural revitalization, it is crucial to tailor resource allocation to local conditions, implement targeted policies, and establish a robust monitoring and evaluation system. This strategy aims to facilitate the seamless integration of the digital economy with rural revitalization, thereby achieving synergistic effects and promoting comprehensive, sustainable development in both economic and social dimensions.

Research on the Optimization Paths for Outstanding Agricultural Economics and Management Talents under the Background of Curriculum Ideology and Politics

The article aims to discuss how to cultivate outstanding agricultural economics and management talents to meet the needs of agricultural and rural economic development in the new era, within the context of ideological and political education. Through literature review and field research, a series of innovative talent training optimization paths are proposed, and specific suggestions are made for policymakers and educational practitioners.

THE IMPACT OF MGNREGA ON TRIBAL POPULATION: A CASE STUDY OF JALPAIGURI DISTRICT IN WEST BENGAL

National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) was passed in 2005 and went into effect on February 2, 2006, covering 200 districts across India. Later on, this scheme was renamed the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in 2009.This act was passed to improve the stability of rural livelihoods by offering every household whose adult members agreed to perform unskilled manual labour 100 days of guaranteed pay employment in each financial year.The Ministry of Rural Development implements this scheme in partnership with state governments. The local governance bodies, such as Panchayati Raj Institutions, play an important role in the project development and implementation ofthis scheme in rural India. MGNREGS programs include water conservation, drought mitigation, land development, rural connection, and other rural infrastructure-building initiativeschosen according to local requirements and priorities.We selected the Jalpaiguri district for our study because it has several problems such as seasonal lockouts of tea plantations, shuttered tea gardens, unemployed laborers in isolated and closed forest villages, no heavy industry since independence, etc. In this paper we attempt to find out whether the implementation of the MGNREGA program in the Jalpaiguri district has improved the livelihood of the Tribal Population in the district and also how effective this program is in dealing with the unemployment problem among the ST population in the district.This study is based on both primary and secondary data from two blocks of Jalpaiguri district i.e. Mal and Nagrakata blockscovering the period 2017-18 to 2022-23. And from each block, I have chosen the two most populace GPs within the blocks.Although the MGNREGS is a good program for reducing rural poverty and unemployment, our primary survey reveals inadequate results in terms of job creation for tribal peoples and those living in the remote tea garden areas within the district. Furthermore, this scheme does not improve Scheduled Tribes (STs) standard of living by providing jobs and promoting their participation in village affairs, hence it is less effective as the participation of ST workers against active workers currently stands at only 12.86 percent.

FBcastS: An Information System Leveraging the K-Maryblyt Forecasting Model

We have developed FBcastS (Fire Blight Forecasting System), a cloud-based information system that leverages the K-Maryblyt forecasting model. The FBcastS provides an optimal timing for spraying antibiotics to prevent flower infection caused by <i>Erwinia amylovora</i> and forecasts the onset of disease symptoms to assist in scheduling field scouting activities. FBcastS comprises four discrete subsystems tailored to specific functionalities: meteorological data acquisition and processing, execution of the K-Maryblyt model, distribution of web-based information, and dissemination of spray timing notifications. The meteorological data acquisition subsystem gathers both observed and forecasted weather data from 1,583 sites across South Korea, including 761 apple or pear orchards where automated weather stations are installed for fire blight forecast. This subsystem also performs post-processing tasks such as quality control and data conversion. The model execution subsystem operates the K-Maryblyt model and stores its results in a database. The web-based service subsystem offers an array of internet-based services, including weather monitoring, mobile services for forecasting fire blight infection and symptoms, and nationwide fire blight monitoring. The final subsystem issues timely notifications of fire blight spray timing alert to growers based on forecasts from the K-Maryblyt model, blossom status, pesticide types, and field conditions, following guidelines set by the Rural Development Administration. FBcastS epitomizes a smart agriculture internet of things (IoT) by utilizing densely collected data with a spatial resolution of approximately 4.25 km to improve the accuracy of fire blight forecasts. The system’s internet-based services ensure high accessibility and utility, making it a vital tool in data-driven smart agricultural practices.

A Systematic Review of Groundwater Management Applied to Rural Development

A Systematic Review of Groundwater Management Applied to Rural Development

Obstacles and Challenges of Rural Development in Afghanistan: Examining Problems and Solutions: A Review

Obstacles and Challenges of Rural Development in Afghanistan: Examining Problems and Solutions: A Review

Effect of Farmer Group Empowerment and Agribusiness Training Program on Productivity and Income of Coffee Farmers in West Java

This study investigates the impact of Farmer Group Empowerment and Agribusiness Training Programs on the Productivity and Income of coffee farmers in West Java. The research utilizes a quantitative approach with a sample of 200 coffee farmers and significantly positively affect ploys Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with Partial Least Squares (PLS) to analyze the relationships between the key variables. The results indicate that both Farmer Group Empowerment and Agribusiness Training Programs significantly positively affect Productivity and Income. However, Farmer Group Empowerment shows a stronger impact on productivity compared to training programs, emphasizing the importance of collective action in enhancing farming practices. These findings highlight the need for an integrated approach to agricultural development, combining empowerment with technical training to ensure sustainable improvements in farmers' livelihoods. The study provides valuable insights for policymakers and agricultural development practitioners seeking to promote rural development and increase smallholder farmers' productivity and income.

Conceptualising climate change vulnerability across the agrarian transition: The example of Egypt

In this study, we explore the relationship between Egypt's agrarian transition and farmers’ perceptions of environmental risks and opportunities for climate change adaptation. Drawing from agrarian studies and rural development pathways in Egypt, we highlight structural challenges in addressing vulnerabilities of households in agrarian communities to environmental change. Our evidence comes from 350 landholders and agricultural labourers in rural Damietta, a governorate in the northeast of the Egyptian Nile Delta Region. We categorize households into three groups based on their reliance on agriculture for income, corresponding to different agrarian transition models. We find that vulnerabilities and capacities for climate change adaptation vary among these groups, with those heavily dependent on agriculture being the most vulnerable, despite having greater awareness of agricultural risks. They exhibit limited capacity to respond effectively – both in and ex situ, indicating a need for targeted support as environmental pressures increase due to climate change.

The Influence of Leadership Capacity on Organizational Commitment in Rural Development Areas and the Mediating Effect of Sense of Calling

The Influence of Leadership Capacity on Organizational Commitment in Rural Development Areas and the Mediating Effect of Sense of Calling

The Void in Local Governance for Rural Development: Understanding Public Leadership in Village Transformation in Indonesia

The Void in Local Governance for Rural Development: Understanding Public Leadership in Village Transformation in Indonesia

Assessing the Impact of Land Fragmentation on Agricultural Productivity and Rural Development in Vihiga County, Kenya

Increased population pressures affect land as it is divided again and again resulting in poor yields in agriculture. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to establish the Legislative changes and population growth as factors leading to land fragmentation in Vihiga County, Kenya. Following the Agricultural Production Function Model, the study was descriptively cross-sectional. The study was undertaken in Vihiga County. Purposive sampling together with the stratified random sampling technique was adopted to recruit participants to the study. The population was over 10,000 therefore sample determination was done using Fisher’s formula which gave 384 peasant farmers with subdivided farms. Quantitative data were gathered using, Likert-scale questionnaires that were semi-structured, while qualitative data were gathered using interview guides. Quasi-experimental research design incorporated both quantitative and qualitative data that used both descriptive and inferential analysis. The study showed that 58percent of the households had land of half-quarter to half acre, 71 percent. 3 percent of farmers are owning the land for farming. On the issue of land fragmentation 94 % of the respondents agreed that this was prevalent mainly as a result of inheritance. Also, 48% of subdivisions produced subdivided plots that were less than a quarter acre, therefore reducing the productivity of farm land and posing difficultly in managing it. While 84% of responded farmers had less than one acre of land, only 16% had more than one acre of land which was strongly indicating the level of land fragmentation. Additionally, on 66 percent of the agricultural: land size farmed was between a quarter and half an acre. It revealed that farm productivity had positive relation with larger land size (r = 0. 888). Descriptive statistics and inferential tests showed a strong positive relationship between land size, land ownership and productivity found out that large block of size is productive. This also affected the investment in modern and mechanized farming practices with a correlation of -0. 598 as the fragmentation was associated with low yields and low profitability or economic return with r = - 0. 443. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher concludes that land consolidation is crucial in increasing agriculture productivity and supports the policies dealing with efficient use of the limited land resources. This study recommended that in the event of addressing the issue of fragmentation prioritization of land consolidation and the encouragement of land ownership reforms to accommodate investments in different techniques in support of superior usage of land, thereby increasing agricultural, production and sustainability levels.

Evaluating the Impact of Long-Term Demographic Changes on Local Participation in Italian Rural Policies (2014–2020): A Spatial Autoregressive Econometric Model

This study elaborates on a typology of demographic change and tests this definition at the lowest granular level (LAU2, municipality) with official data. This typology distinguishes between fragile and resilient municipalities based on population dynamics (in terms of duration and intensity) over 1991–2021. This study’s second aim is to elaborate a spatial autoregressive econometric model to evaluate to what extent and in which direction the rate of participation of potential beneficiaries of the Rural Development Programmes (RDPs) of 2014–2020 is affected by demographic change and other explanatory variables. Regression models compare the results of the OLS (aspatial) and spatial autoregressive models (SAR) of four types of participation rates (all RDP schemes; all LEADER schemes; sectoral schemes of RDP and LEADER; non-sectoral schemes of RDPs and LEADER). This comparison makes it possible to understand the differences between centralised and decentralised management and between sectoral and broader rural-targeted schemes. The results of the models appear attractive in interpreting the role of RDP instruments in different regions and local areas. First, the rate of participation is strongly dependent on macro-regional differences. Regarding the demographic factors at the local level, this study highlights that demographic fragility does not necessarily hamper the use of RDP measures. Conversely, the participation rate in RDP policy schemes seems particularly significant in very fragile areas, whereas significance has yet to be proved in other demographic typologies. This result holds particularly true for the policy uptake of non-sectoral schemes. Furthermore, LEADER decentralised interventions fit the fragile areas more than resilient and vital ones due to the territorially targeted approach followed by the Local Action Groups.

Exploring Adherence to Operational Guidelines Set by Rural Women’s Savings and Investment Groups in Kashari County, Mbarara District

Most Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in developing countries all over the world are fighting poverty through various strategies such as employment promotion, agricultural and rural development among others. Microcredit has been proven as one of the most effective strategies in poverty alleviation especially through giving small loans to vulnerable populations particularly women without requiring collateral security. This study delved into exploring the adherence to operational guidelines set by the rural women savings and investment groups in Kashari County, Mbarara district. This is a qualitative study that was conducted among rural women in Kashari county Mbarara district. Key findings revealed that all members including those who can’t read and write are aware of the operational guidelines. However, only members who are involved in the day today running of the groups’ activities are more knowledgeable about the operational guidelines, lending rules and procedures and they go ahead to adhere to them. Findings further revealed that members who are not involved in daily running of the groups have not adequately adhered to the operational guidelines as expected. It was further found out that the guidelines which were easily adhered to by most members were mainly to do with subscription as members for instance paying their annual, monthly and weekly subscription and contributions. The lending guidelines were also reported to be easily and keenly followed during the loan appraisal process. This paper concludes that operational guidelines are crucial ingredients in the smooth running of rural women to the savings and investment groups. We recommend that concerted efforts must be directed towards ensuring that both active and non-active members, educated and less or non-educated members are kept abreast with operational guidelines and reminded of their obligations on regular basis.

Aspirations and weather shocks: Evidence from rural Zambia

AbstractAspirations defined as future‐oriented desires or ambitions, can determine agricultural investments and rural development. Aspirations are shaped by people's social, cultural, and physical environment and can be affected by external factors such as natural disasters. This article addresses the question of how weather shocks can influence individual and community aspirations. Using primary panel data from two survey rounds before and during a major drought in Zambia, we show that such extreme weather events can be associated with adverse impacts on individual aspirations. Further exploratory analyses suggest that aspirations towards assets that are particularly vulnerable to droughts are affected most. We do not find any significant effects of drought on community aspirations.

INNOVATION OPPORTUNITIES IN MARKET SQUARES

The article examines market squares as connecting points between rural and urban areas, hosting diverse activities. Focused on Colombia and Mexico, the research employs qualitative methods, including case studies and direct observation, with analysis through Atlas.Ti. It highlights the positive impact of farmers' markets on strengthening the productive system and rural development, contributing to the urban food system, and creating opportunities for social innovation. Market management is based on a model of spontaneous relationships, emphasizing exchange and coexistence, especially in fresh and locally harvested products. Trade, centered on primary sector products, supports the transitioning peasant economy. The prevalence of informality, socially approved, is acknowledged. The SWOT analysis reveals weaknesses requiring innovative strategies, especially in environmental aspects such as organic waste management and noise pollution. These challenges require attention for future improvements.

Exploring the income impact of rural e-commerce comprehensive demonstration project and determinants of county selection

The development of rural e-commerce in China is viewed as an opportunity to increase rural income. Using panel data from 592 national-level key poverty-stricken (NLKPS) counties from 2014 to 2020, we confirm that the National Rural E-commerce Comprehensive Demonstration Project (NRECDP), launched by the Chinese government, delivers significant rural income growth for selected counties by providing financial support. Digital inclusive finance has facilitated rural e-commerce development, thereby promoting rural income. Our study uses the endogeneity switching regression (ESR) model to address self-selection bias and finds that NRECDP participation increases rural income by ~12.97%. The determinants of participation in the NRECDP include levels of economic development, e-commerce development, infrastructure development, industry structure, and digital inclusive finance. Additionally, the determinants of rural income include education levels and population density. Moreover, our heterogeneity analysis reveals that the rural income growth effect of NRECDP involvement is more significant for NLKPS counties in non-ethnic regions, central regions, higher industry structures, and the three regions and three prefectures. Additionally, entrepreneurship serves as a potential channel linking NRECDP implementation and rural income growth.

Obstacles and Challenges of Rural Development in Afghanistan: Examining Problems and Solutions: A Comprehensive Study

Rural development in Afghanistan faces a range of complex and interrelated challenges, which hinder sustainable growth in the region. This research aims to identify the main obstacles hindering rural development and provide strategic recommendations to achieve sustainable growth. The research utilizes a theoretical approach method with comprehensive document analysis, critical review, and literature review of current sources covering the period 2020 to 2024. Institutional, socio-cultural, economic, environmental and infrastructural factors affecting rural development were analyzed. The results show that rural development in Afghanistan is hampered by various challenges, including ineffective governance, centralized planning, and lack of a cohesive development strategy. Socio-cultural issues such as massive rural-to-urban migration, low education levels, gender inequality, and lack of community participation are also significant obstacles. Economically, poverty, unemployment, low agricultural productivity and limited access to markets and financial services hinder progress. Environmental issues such as land degradation, water scarcity and vulnerability to natural disasters worsen the situation. In addition, poor physical infrastructure, including inadequate transportation networks, limited access to clean water and sanitation, and minimal health and education facilities, further slow progress. The implications of this study emphasize the importance of a holistic and integrated approach that includes decentralization and improved governance structures, increased community participation in planning and implementation processes, and significant investment in infrastructure development.