Study Of Socio-economic Impact Research Articles

The Socio-Economic Impact of a Major Cultural Event in Cape Town During and Post-Pandemic Era

This study sought to consider the socio-economic impacts of the Cape Town Carnival, given the significant impacts impinged on the event’s exponential socio-economic potential in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the period 2020 and 2021, the event was suspended as the world grappled with mobility-restricting and other pandemic-related regulations, which grounded almost all social and economic activities. Through strategic planning and innovative efforts by the event’s organisers to curtail the pandemic’s impact, a reimagined format was conceptualised in 2022, while a post-pandemic version returned in 2023, explorations of which form the focus for the current study. Relying on CTC pre-pandemic socio-economic impact studies, pandemic, and post-pandemic era empirical investigations of 800 spectators provided data for socioeconomic impact exploration. SPSS version 29 software was utilised in the analysis and exploration of variable relationships in the collected data. The findings of the study suggest that spectators displayed positive perceptions of the socio-economic benefits of the CTC relating to job creation, tourism revenue generation, and community empowerment. The negative impact of the pandemic on the CTC's ability to deliver these benefits was acknowledged. The study highlights the importance of mitigating the negative effects that come with unprecedented events such as COVID-19 through the development of resilience strategies including adaptation, diversification of revenue streams, development of new partnerships, and investment in community engagement opportunities. The study recommends the need for a qualitative inquiry exploring stakeholder insights with key stakeholder groups to assimilate socio-economic objectives for the event for comparative purposes. Additionally, a deeper investigation into specific sectors, such as accommodation, catering, and local businesses is recommended for a more holistic view on the socio-economic impacts while a participant survey is suggested to determine the aspects of job creation and innovation, as envisioned by the objectives of the CTC.

A Study on Socio-Economic Impact on Women Owned Enterprises funded by Canara Bank MSME Section

Banks play a vital role in development of economy, industry and trade. The MSME has emerged as a highly vibrant and dynamic sector of the Indian economy by contributing to GDP. Women in India are well educated and have ample knowledge of business like how to setup business provide proper training for employees, recruitment and selection process, provide equal opportunities to employees both men and women, how to run a business, how to earn profit etc. To give a supporting hand, banks have introduced many schemes to fund them. This project involves the study of socio-economic impact of women owned enterprises in MSME section at Canara Bank with a special focus on MSME sector. This study is focusedon two schemes namely MSME VIJETA and STAND UP INDIA schemes which are provided to women entrepreneurs from bank. The project involves analytical study and was completed through a survey. Anova and Correlation were used to analyze the data and conclusion was drawn out the survey. Key words: women entrepreneurs, MSME, Canara Bank schemes, Socio-Economic development.

Foot and Mouth Disease in Cameroon: A Systematic Review to Support its Progressive Control

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an infectious viral transboundary disease of even-toed animals, caused by the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). The objective of this paper is to provide reviewed data on the epidemiology, risks, control and the existing gaps on FMD in Cameroon from 1990 to 2021 to support its progressive control. Relevant and available documents (n = 45) on FMD in Cameroon such as peer-reviewed papers (n = 27), dissertations (n = 11), conferences (n = 5) and technical reports (n = 2) were used. Studies on the molecular and serological epidemiology, the role of carrier/mobile animals, the evaluation of immune-cross protection between serotypes and the quantification of serotype-specific transmission parameters using mathematical models have been discussed. The environmental drivers of FMD in cattle markets, abattoir and herd-level, as well as risk factors such as husbandry practices, communal grazing, regional/international livestock trading system, transhumance and fomites, are presented. As international borders remain porous with poor FMD monitoring infrastructure at veterinary checkpoints in a country with no candidate vaccine, vaccination program and commercial vaccines available, farmers are left with no option other than to manage the disease with traditional formulations and veterinary pharmaceuticals mostly antibiotics. Tri-Solfen® (TS), a wound dressing formulation was efficient in managing FMD in Cameroon. The current gaps in FMD knowledge in Cameroon are presented. There is a need for a comprehensive epidemiological study in the major cattle rearing regions of Cameroon. A regional study to identify all the risk factors for the transmission of FMD is required. A socio-economic impact study of FMD is required in Cameroon.

Foot-and-mouth disease in Cameroon: A systematic review to support its progressive control

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is an infectious viral transboundary disease of even-toed animals, caused by the foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). The objective of this paper is to provide reviewed data on the epidemiology, risks, control and the existing gaps on FMD in Cameroon from 1990 to 2021 to support its progressive control. Relevant and available documents (n=45) on FMD in Cameroon such as peer-reviewed papers (n=27), dissertations (n=11), conferences (n=5) and technical reports (n=2) were used. Studies on the molecular and serological epidemiology, the role of carrier/mobile animals, the evaluation of immune-cross protection between serotypes and the quantification of serotype-specific transmission parameters using mathematical models have been discussed. The environmental drivers of FMD in cattle markets, abattoir and herd-level, as well as risk factors such as husbandry practices, communal grazing, regional/international livestock trading system, transhumance and fomites, are presented. As international borders remain porous with poor FMD monitoring infrastructure at veterinary checkpoints in a country with no candidate vaccine, vaccination program and commercial vaccines available, farmers are left with no option other than to manage the disease with traditional formulations and veterinary pharmaceuticals mostly antibiotics. Tri-Solfen® (TS), a wound dressing formulation was efficient in managing FMD in Cameroon. The current gaps in FMD knowledge in Cameroon are presented. There is a need for a comprehensive epidemiological study in the major cattle rearing regions of Cameroon. A regional study to identify all the risk factors for the transmission of FMD is required. A socio-economic impact study of FMD is required in Cameroon.

Prospects for the Biological Control of Northern Temperate Weeds in South Africa

The Northern Temperate Weeds programme is a novel biological control (biocontrol) programme started in 2017, with the aim of reducing the impacts of northern temperate weeds that are common, widespread and problematic in the high elevation grasslands of South Africa. As these regions are the most important systems for water security, providing nearly 50% of all water run-off, it is surprising that these species were not targeted for biocontrol previously. Thus far, research has focused on biocontrol feasibility as well as ecological and socio-economic impact studies on several northern temperate weeds, including Pyracantha angustifolia (Franch.) C.K.Schneid, Rosa rubiginosa L., Cotoneaster spp., Rubus spp., (all Rosaceae) and Salix spp. (Salicaceae). In addition, research conducted in the USA and Europe on the natural enemies associated with two of these species, Robinia pseudoacacia L. and Gleditsia triacanthos L. (both Fabaceae and native to the USA), have provided South African researchers with the necessary foundation to initiate programmes against these weeds. Research in South Africa is currently focused on pre-release studies on R. pseudoacacia, using the leaf miner Odontota dorsalis Thunberg (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) and the black locust midge Obolodiplosis robiniae Haldeman (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), and on G. triacanthos, using a seed bruchid, Amblycerus robiniae F. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Progress with these programmes and potential constraints that may limit success, are discussed.

Socioeconomic impact assessments of high-Speed rail: A meta-Analysis

ABSTRACT The interest in the socioeconomic impact assessments of the high-speed rail (HSR) system is burgeoning as many countries are considering investing in such a system. While extensive studies have provided a wide range of evaluations of HSR on the socioeconomic impact, primarily from an ex-post perspective, it remains unclear how reliable the evaluation outcomes were, given the variety of data, method and research framework being adopted. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the socioeconomic impact studies of high-speed rail (HSR), based on 242 academic publications. In particular, we examined to what extent the impact outcome is influenced by various modelling factors, such as data, model, and research design, using meta-analysis based on 368 empirical estimates derived from 45 empirical studies. Our analysis confirms that the factors of research design (e.g. variables, data, and modelling method) do have various influences on the empirical estimates of HSR project appraisals. In the end, the paper discusses the implications for future infrastructure project appraisals.

A Study of Socio-Economic Impact of Soft Approaches of Climate Adaptation using Changing Fuel Practice in Indoor Air at Rural Sites in India

Majority of India’s rural population depends on biomass burning for cooking and heating purposes on traditional cook stoves called Chullah which results into indoor air pollution. The sampling for this study was carried out in two villages of India viz. Budhwada, Madhya Pradesh (M.P.) and Baggi, Himachal Pradesh (H.P.). Both the regions are significantly different in terms of culture, traditions, topography and daily practices and hence this study helped in understanding the contrast between these regions. The concentrations of carbonaceous aerosols viz. OC (Organic Carbon) and EC (Elemental Carbon) were evaluated for different fuel use in four different houses of each village. Introducing the concept of soft approaches, the residents were asked to bring certain changes in their practices by cooking either with solid biomass or Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as fuel. The overall average concentration of OC was found to be higher for Budhwada (M.P.) at 124.34 ± 34.68 µg/m3 than at Baggi, (H.P.) with value 105.26 ± 35.63 µg/m3 whereas the reverse was true for the average concentration of EC with value 62.98 ± 20.75 µg/m3 at Baggi, (H.P.) and 55.51 ± 15.51 µg/m3 at Budhwada (M.P.). The average OC and EC concentrations from solid biomass fuel (dung cake) burning at Budhwada (M.P.) was respectively higher by 56.14% and 33.57% as compared to the LPG usage. Similarly, in Baggi (H.P.) village with LPG usage, a significant reduction was observed in OC and EC concentrations (76.69% and 70.10% respectively) when compared with fuelwood burning. House-wise and time-wise variations of carbonaceous aerosols at both the sites confirmed that their concentrations are lower in houses with greater ventilation and higher in cooking times (morning and evening). In Budhwada (M.P.), the concentrations of K+, Ca2+ and SO42- ions decreased significantly from dung cake to LPG use by 67.91%, 76.98% and 51.85% respectively. In Baggi (H.P.), K+ ion concentration was decreased by 63.4% from fuelwood to LPG use. A questionnaire survey conducted on the residents also corroborated the above findings where the residents agreed that LPG use has health benefits over solid biomass fuel usage but the challenges such as supply of LPG into rural interiors, financial feasibility, etc. were of serious concern. Also, changing the contemporary mindset of rural population is a challenging task.

An empirical study of socio-economic impact on academic and sports achievement of Mangalore University students

Performance in academics and sports by students is directly affected by the socio-economic status. Economic status of families is usually measured by the household items they possess. This study has divided the household items into three categories: Vital household items, Essential household items and Desirable household items using statistical technique. All most all the families possess vital household items but not owning essential household items which are brought as status symbol cannot have an impact on academic performance or interest in sports. It has been found that the academic performance or inculcating interest in sports by students is irrespective of their family’s social status. Various statistical techniques are used to study the impact of socio-economic status on the students’ performance in academics and sports.

Earth Observation and Economic Studies: A Cross-fertilization Perspective

Over the past decade, an increasing number of satellite images and other earth observation (EO) data have become available to a wide range of final users, including economists and other social scientists, boosting the amount of information they can obtain to study, analyze, and manage different research topics in their fields. In turn, economists are promoting advancement in the quantification of the benefits related to the increasing use of EO services and applications by governments, firms, and citizens. Drawing from recent literature, and our own research, we explore, on one side, how social scientists, and particularly economists, can significantly benefit from EO data, and conversely, how socio-economic impact studies of EO can take advantage from a specific set of economic methods. This article suggests that cross-fertilization and interplay between economics, social sciences, and remote sensing science are needed to advance understanding of our societies and to more rigorously evaluate the socio-economic impact of EO services and applications. The article suggests possible new research avenues.

Photosynthesis research: a model to bridge fundamental science, translational products, and socio-economic considerations in agriculture.

Despite impressive success in molecular physiological understanding of photosynthesis, and preliminary evidence on its potential for quantum shifts in agricultural productivity, the question remains of whether increased photosynthesis, without parallel fine-tuning of the associated processes, is enough. There is a distinct lack of formal socio-economic impact studies that address the critical questions of product profiling, cost–benefit analysis, environmental trade-offs, and technological and market forces in product acceptability. When a relatively well understood process gains enough traction for translational value, its broader scientific and technical gap assessment, in conjunction with its socio-economic impact assessment for success, should be a prerequisite. The successes in the upstream basic understanding of photosynthesis should be integrated with a gap analysis for downstream translational applications to impact the farmers’ and customers’ lifestyles and livelihoods. The purpose of this review is to assess how the laboratory, the field, and the societal demands from photosynthesis could generate a transformative product. Two crucial recommendations from the analysis of the state of knowledge and potential ways forward are (i) the formulation of integrative mega-projects, which span the multistakeholder spectrum, to ensure rapid success in harnessing the transformative power of photosynthesis; and (ii) stipulating spatiotemporal, labour, and economic criteria to stage-gate deliverables.

Transit oriented development of light rapid transit palembang

Light Rapid Transit (LRT) is one of the public mass transport which is necessary to break the problem of the urban transportation system in developing countries. LRT has many promises in the development of the city, in addition to solving the transportation problem is an increase in economic activity. This current case study of the paper is Palembang, one of the cities in Indonesia; the government develops mass public transport to solve the transportation problems. The government planned LRT construction to optimize the development of demand for public transport. This paper studies the concept of LRT construction by the development of Transit Oriented Development (TOD), include the development of estate management at stations area. The concept of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) for the develop stations location to spur the growth of economic activity around the locations. This concept needs to analyze the socio-economic impact study to determine the feasibility of developing TOD level especially at stations and the land use impact of the construction of LRT. Survey of Palembang City land use shown that 23 location can use as stations. The analysis by the impact of the socio-economic condition, land use, and feasibility of LRT construction; present that there are 13 locations can be used as TOD and shown as stations of Palembang LRT.

Impacts of Religious Tourism in Janakpur

The study of socio-economic impact of pilgrimage tourism in Janakpur shows the adverse effects in culture and environments. The study recommends to manage the devotee tourists more scientifically in top festivals. Many tourists are entering Nepal for religious purpose. This study has been concentrated on pilgrimage tourism and its socio-economic impacts in Janakpur area. Janaki mandir is one of the important religious sites of Nepal located in Dhanusha district which is around 234 KM far from the Kathmandu. In this connection how and why pilgrimage tourism brings socio economic changes in Janakpur area as well as what types of negative and positive impacts can be seen in the area. This study is based on both primary and secondary data and followed qualitative research design. For this study data were collected by using observation and individual questionnaires as data collection tools.

Towards a meta-analysis and toolkit for port-related socio-economic impacts: a review of socio-economic impact studies conducted for seaports

Port authorities increasingly need to communicate with a variety of external stakeholders in order to maintain and strengthen the societal acceptance of seaport activities. The availability of socio-economic impact studies on port authority and regional development agency websites has often made this information accessible to the public at large. However, the differences in methodologies adopted, in terms of selecting, defining and measuring various types of socio-economic impacts, sometimes lead to misconceptions as well as misleading comparisons across ports within and between regions. In this paper, we suggest guidelines for the design and application of a potential best practice from an interregional perspective (UK, France and Belgium), based on research in the framework of a European Commission co-funded project, ‘IMPACTE’. The paper also aims to develop guidelines for comparing the socio-economic impacts of ports across regional and national borders and discusses the development of a European port economic impact measurement toolkit. We analyse a sample of 33 recent socio-economic impact assessment reports in terms of methodologies adopted and types of impacts measured. The review shows a great diversity among these studies, leading to important differences between the impacts of port activity communicated to stakeholders.

First Nations gaming in Canada

While games of chance have been part of the Aboriginal cultural landscape since before European contact, large-scale commercial gaming facilities within First Nations communities are a relatively new phenomenon in Canada. First Nations Gaming in Canada is the first multidisciplinary study of the role of gaming in indigenous communities north of the 49th parallel. Bringing together some of Canada's leading gambling researchers, the book examines the history of Aboriginal gaming and its role in indigenous political economy, the rise of large-scale casinos and cybergaming, the socio-ecological impact of problem gambling, and the challenges of labour unions and financial management. The authors also call attention to the dearth of socio-economic impact studies of gambling in First Nations communities while providing models to address this growing issue of concern.

BIOENGINEERED CROPS AS TOOLS FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: OPPORTUNITIES AND STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS

SUMMARYCrop bioengineering provides unique and dramatic opportunities for international agricultural development. However, we consider the technology not as a ‘silver bullet’ or panacea for crop improvement in the developing world but as an increasingly important tool that can be used to complement conventional methods of crop improvement. The number of bioengineered crops ready for commercial release in developing countries is expected to expand considerably in the next few years. But the multi-national life sciences companies that are leading the research, development and commercialization of bioengineered crops focus primarily on major crops that have high commercial value and extensive international markets. These companies also hold proprietary gene technology for many other crops of extreme importance to subsistence and resource-poor farmers but do not pursue product development and commercialization because of low anticipated returns. Such crops have traditionally been overlooked and are sometimes referred to as ‘orphan crops’ because of the relative lack of research and development applied to them. We propose a strategy for the development and delivery of bioengineered crops, including orphan crops, for developing countries. Consulting local public and private sector stakeholders to determine their highest priority needs for agricultural products is the first step. This ensures local stakeholder buy-in and that we do not invest in technology that is unlikely to be adopted. Next, the feasibility of developing and delivering the product is assessed. If the result is positive, the work is organized into ‘product commercialization packages’ (PCPs) that integrate all elements of the research, development and commercialization processes. The main elements of each PCP include (i) technology development; (ii) policy-related issues such as intellectual property and licensing, as well as gaining regulatory approval by the relevant national authorities; (iii) providing public information to producers and consumers about the benefits, risks and correct management of these new products; and (iv) establishing, or verifying, the existence of marketing and distribution mechanisms to provide farmers access to planting material. Our strategy involves integration of needs-based capacity building, socio-economic impact studies and product stewardship into each PCP. Whenever appropriate, opportunities are sought to create public–private partnerships to help leverage public funds, help absorb development costs and provide a broader distribution channel. To illustrate how our strategy is being translated into action we include, as a case study, examples of work by the US Agency for International Development-funded, Cornell University-led Agricultural Biotechnology Support Project II on the research, development and delivery of bioengineered fruit and shoot-borer-resistant eggplant varieties (Solanum melanogena) for South and Southeast Asia.

Socioeconomic impact of two potato varieties (Cipira and Tubira) released in Cameroon

In 1988, the IRA-CIP potato project was created in Bambui, Cameroon, with the major objective of improving potato production in the country. In 1992, two potato cultivars, Cipira and Tubira, were released by the project. In 1998, a socioeconomic impact study of Cipira and Tubira was carried out in the main potato-producing region of Cameroon to determine the reaction of the farmers, the effect of the new potato cultivars on the farmers’ standard of living, and the level of achievement of the project’s objectives. Data were collected on-farm using questionnaires and direct observations. An impact survey was carried out in the region with a sample of 297 farmers selected among the potato farmers using stratified random sampling. The survey indicated that 98.6% of the potato farmers were aware of the new potato cultivars. Their main source of information was other farmers (51.5% of farmers informed). Seventy-eight percent of the farmers were still using Cipira and 62% had adopted it as part of their production system. These farmers (62.6%) reported that the resistance of Cipira to late blight was higher than that of local and European cultivars used in their production system. More than 44% of the farmers believed that their standard of living had improved due to Cipira and Tubira, since they had generated more revenue to improve their family education and nutrition, build more houses, buy more farms, purchase more farm inputs, and open new businesses. In addition, the farmers’ average yearly potato production increased from 1.6 to 3.1 tons during the period when these varieties were being adopted.

Development of socio-economic impact assessment methodology applicable to large water resource projects in India

SUMMARY The genesis of socio-economic impact assessment (SIA) in India is pressure from funding agencies like the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and similar institutions. Of late, these institutions have stressed appraisal of environmental concerns as a pre-condition for financial support to large infra-structure projects. However, SIA studies are easier to conceptualise than to implement, because the issues involved are nebulous, complex, highly nuanced, difficult to define, and not easily amenable to quantification. These are some of the reasons for the cursory treatment of socioeconomic impact studies in India as a formality to satisfy monitoring and funding agency requirements and not as a tool for ensuring maximum social good through the developmental process. However, proper implementation of the concept of SIA in essential in attaining the goals of sustainable development. Ensuring social justice, i.e. preventing the continued impoverishment, displacement, social dislocation, and marginalisation of the weaker sections of Indian society, who always seem to bear the burden of adverse effects of such large infra-structure projects in disproportionate numbers, is also a goal of SIA. Increasing ambivalent attitudes and mounting opposition towards the implementation of large water resources projects of late in India necessitate systematic, transparent, and exhaustive consideration of all relevant socioeconomic issues before implementation of such projects. The objective of this study was to develop a comprehensive methodology for SIA for large water resource projects in India. The methodology was based on the review of the literature and other means and implicitly addresses the major goals of SIA — sustainable development and the achievement of social justice related to development.

Socioeconomic impact of haemophilia care: results of a pilot study.

Fifty consecutive haemophiliacs were entered into a pilot study of socioeconomic impact of haemophilia treatment. The Short Form 36 was used as an instrument for the assessment of quality of life. Direct and indirect costs were analysed. Incremental cost-effectiveness was expressed as additional costs per joint bleed avoided by prophylactic treatment over on-demand treatment. Thirtynine patients (mean age 35.14 years) were substituting factor VIII according to an on-demand and 11 patients according to a modified prophylactic regimen. There were an average of 9.84 joint bleeds per patient across all patients during the 6-month observation period: on-demand group 10.74 bleeds, prophylactic group 6.64 bleeds. This difference was not statistically different. Significant differences between haemophiliac patients and healthy men were seen in the assessment of their limitations of physical activities, limiting pain and general health. The total cost per patient during the 6 months was DM 24 601 in all patients, DM 17 253 in those on an on-demand base and DM 28 245 in the modified prophylactic group. Patients experienced an average 4.71 days off work: on demand 5.81 days, prophylactic regimen 0 days. The total indirect cost per patient was DM 683; therapy cost per patient was DM 25 284; cost per avoided bleed DM 1680 for on-demand therapy and DM 4228 on prophylaxis. The incremental cost-effectiveness, i.e. the additional costs to avoid one additional joint bleed by prophylactic treatment, was DM 2536. In conclusion, patients receiving prophylactic clotting factor therapy require less additional health care resources, mainly due to the reduction in the number of joint bleeds.

THE EVOLUTION OF PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN RESERVOIR DEVELOPMENTS IN CANADA

The extent of public involvement in impact assessments of reservoir developments is a function of a variety of factors including government requirements, geographic location, time, and expectations of the public as well as the client. Environmental and socio-economic studies are compared for reservoir developments in Nova Scotia, Labrador, Ontario and Saskatchewan. These span a six-year period in which federal and provincial guidelines, as well as public environmental awareness have evolved considerably. These projects also allow a comparison of public and government expectations relevant to socio-economic studies and public participation in regions with great variation in lifestyle, resource values, and environmental awareness.The public and political concerns raised through these projects ranged from Native land claims and resource uses, through recreational property values, to effects on semi-wilderness parkland and loss of prairie farmland. Political ramifications included dealing with diverse ethnic, cultural, and social backgrounds. Innovative public participation approaches were required to convey technological understanding of the engineering and environmental study programs as well as to solicit accurate expressions of concerns over the developments. The increasing importance of public involvement in the decision process is emphasized.These studies illustrate the evolution of socio-economic impact studies and public involvement requirements related to reservoir development and management across Canada. Recommendations are made for appropriate techniques to ensure effective public involvement in the design, management, and mitigative aspects of future reservoir planning.