Socio-economic Inclusion Research Articles

Carbon farming in India: are the existing projects inclusive, additional, and permanent?

ABSTRACT As voluntary carbon markets gain popularity, carbon farming emerges as a win-win strategy to mitigate climate change and improve farmers’ income in developing countries. India, with over 50 active carbon farming projects and an impending domestic carbon market, forms an ideal case to explore the early-stage challenges of these initiatives. Using survey data from 841 farmers from seven carbon farming project villages in Haryana and Madhya Pradesh, this study focused on socio-economic inclusion and adherence to additionality and permanence principles, which are underexplored in the existing literature. We found that carbon farmers were predominantly large-holders and from non-marginalized castes, showing patterns of systematic exclusion. Only 4% of participants were women. Around 99% of farmers had not received any monetary benefit. While certain agricultural practices predated carbon projects, raising concerns about additionality, practices like no-tillage, alternate wetting and drying, intercropping, reduced chemical fertilizers, micro-irrigation, and tree planting aligned with additionality principles. Nonetheless, a high disadoption rate (28%) raises concerns about the permanence of emissions reduction. Our findings also indicated that companies that exclusively focus on carbon credits, termed ‘Carbon Core’ companies in this study, were more efficient in spreading regenerative agricultural practices than subsidiaries or offshoots of larger corporations whose primary businesses are unrelated to carbon credits.

Evolving Organizational Models: Microfranchises and the BOP 4.0 Paradigm in Post-Conflict Colombia

ABSTRACT Microfranchises (MFs), as an innovative organizational model, aim to enhance the productive capacity of the base of the pyramid (BoP) population in diverse contexts. We provide original insights into the underexplored role of MFs in the socioeconomic inclusion of victims of the conflict and former combatants in conflict settings while advancing theory-building in overlooked areas. To bridge these gaps, we use grounded theory in exploratory analysis of the total population sampling of 17 Colombian social enterprises/seven MFs financed by the United Nations Development Program and Inter-American Development Bank. Our results suggest that MFs were the most adopted organizational model in post-conflict Colombia, promoting the inclusion of victims and ex-combatants who collaboratively create contextualized solutions and prioritize community well-being, which has led to the development of a new iteration of the BoP model – BoP 4.0 - closely aligned with MFs, an innovative sustainable business typology developed. Its focus on Colombian social enterprises in post-conflict settings delimited this research. Thus, generalizing these findings beyond this context should be approached with caution. This study marks a significant contribution by revealing the pivotal role of MFs in promoting socioeconomic inclusion for victims in conflict-affected regions. Furthermore, it introduces the innovative concept of BoP 4.0, representing an evolution in sustainable business typology within the BoP framework.

Exploring the potentials of urban crop farming and the question of environmental sustainability

As part of efforts to promote urban green spaces in increasingly urbanized cities of Africa, urban crop farming (UCF) has become a necessary pillar of urban environmental sustainability. Beyond the primary functions of food security and employment, UCF contributes to greening the urban environment and provides valuable options for urban regeneration within the broad components of environmental, social, and economic sustainability. We draw on interviews and focus group discussions in Tamale, a rapidly urbanizing Ghanaian metropolis, to examine the potential of UCF and the question of urban environmental sustainability. Our findings revealed the tremendous contributions of UCF to the provision of greenery, beautiful scenery, healthy spaces, socio-economic inclusion, and environmental restoration. We argue that reflecting and incorporating these findings in policy will be helpful for urban landscape planning and management.

Hybrid organisations embedded in resource-poor contexts: linking organisational capabilities and individual capabilities – a slippery ground?

Purpose This paper aims to contribute to research on hybrid organisations operating within the information and communication technology for development paradigm to foster socio-economic inclusion through the capacity building of marginalised individual youth to enable their entry and participation in the formal labour market. Design/methodology/approach Using a qualitative research design, the authors investigated impact sourcing service providers and their beneficiaries to unpack how hybrid organisations fulfil their social mission and to provide a nuanced understanding of their needed capabilities. Data triangulation through document analysis, participant observation and semi-structured interviews were conducted for the empirical findings’ robustness and in-depth analysis. Findings This paper illuminates how hybrids strived to build beneficiaries' capabilities through empirically grounded approaches of “standardised” and “individualised” skills development, which were strongly connected to the perceived capabilities among the beneficiaries. Organisations that practiced the “individualised” approach imparted technical knowledge and, depending on individual needs, relevant social skills. Critically, the empirical findings call into question the effectiveness of the scalability model, as the results showed that the creation of standardised, low-skilled and low-paid jobs contradicts the idealised self-help status that employment advocates. In addition, the findings underline the central role of constant experimentation, resilience and organisational learning in revamping capabilities of hybrid organisations. Remarkably, compared to organisations committed to the “standardised” technical competency path, the results underscored the difficulties that organisations taking an “individualised" approach face in developing organisational capabilities for their financial sustainability. Further, organisations engaged in standardised” skills development were found to readapt their business model to the economic value and kept the wording of dual mission as a narrative. Originality/value The paper makes a conceptual and empirical contribution bringing together two separately developed literature strands – the organisational capability approach and – the individual capability approach, to enhance a more profound understanding of how both capabilities are connected to each other in the dual-mission orientation of hybrids embedded in resource-poor environments, global value chains, Global South, hybrid organisations, organisational and individual capability building.

Public policies on human rights to water in informal settlements: a bibliometric analysis

ABSTRACT Global attention and academic research have focused on the intersection of informal settlements, water rights, and public policy implementation. However, the overlap of these topics remains underexplored, and trends are largely unknown. This study aims to identify aspects related to public policies on human rights to water in informal urban settlements (IUS) and their association with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A bibliometric analysis of 1,702 publications from 1978 to June 2023 was conducted using R Studio and Biblioshiny. Descriptive analysis, clustering, and mapping were employed to identify key measures for effective public policies. These include infrastructure investment, fair water pricing regulation, and socioeconomic inclusion. Furthermore, it was found that public policies should be adaptive and inclusive, with a focus on gender-sensitive approaches to address unique challenges faced by women. It is recommended that these policies prioritize environmental sustainability and innovative technologies, to support the SDGs 6, 10, 11, and 13. This will enhance resilience and well-being in IUS communities.

What Matters in Choosing School for Children’s Education? Experiences from Kottayam, Kerala

While the role of education in fostering social stability and increasing a country’s human capital is well recognised, there are debates on policies and institutional arrangements in this regard. In particular, parents’ choice of schools appears to be a critical issue as it can influence both educational outcomes and inclusiveness. Given that there is a broader homogeneity in infrastructure facilities available at both household and school levels, one would expect that household-related factors will influence the choice of schooling of children. This article examines such household-level factors that influence households’ choice of schools for children in selected areas of Kottayam District, Kerala. A primary survey was conducted in December 2021 comprising 300 households. Based on the results of the estimated binary logit and probit models, this article reports that the choice of school for children is significantly influenced by households’ ethnic background and economic status, and sex, education, and primary occupation of the family head. There is a higher likelihood of choosing public schools by households from the Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe category, those living below the poverty line, or those with agriculture as the primary occupation. On the contrary, this likelihood is less for households with educated and male heads. However, the choice of school for children does not differ significantly between rural and urban households. Further, there is no gender inequality in choosing schools. The findings suggest that future government policies should emphasise infrastructure development and quality improvement in government schools to promote socio-economic inclusion in education.

Planning For Resilience: Examining Gaps in Cyclone Preparedness and Impacts on Marginalized Communities in India's East coast cities

Cyclones and associated storm surges pose a major threat to coastal communities in India, especially along the Bay of Bengal where their intensity is higher. This paper examines cyclone resilience planning in four coastal cities - Visakhapatnam, Puri, Rameshwaram, and Velankanni. A multi-dimensional analysis is undertaken to focus on disaster preparedness, tourism economy contributions, socio-economic inclusion, and sustainability principles. The key objective is to study the integration of cyclone resilience with equitable, tourism-based development to strengthen vulnerable communities through conceptual modeling. The research methodology employs a mixed methods approach combining literature review, secondary data analysis of resilience infrastructure and tourism statistics, and conceptual model development. Findings highlight continued infrastructure and preparedness gaps alongside persisting socio-economic disparities limiting resilience access for marginalized groups. While progress is visible on early warnings, shelters, and evacuations, constraints exist regarding storm-proofing of amenities, customized enterprise support, secure housing, and risk financing tools. The study concludes that resilient, sustainable outcomes require planning processes that engage tourism-dependent communities through bottom-up participation. Coupled with hazard-resilient land use standards, customized livelihood protection schemes, resilient affordable housing programs, and coherent governance; tourism-centric coastal cities can enhance capacities to absorb cyclone impacts and enable inclusive rebuilding. Key Words: Cyclone resilience, Coastal city planning, Socio-economic vulnerabilities, Tourism economies

Socio-Economic Inclusion and Sustainable Economic Growth: An Evidence from Pakistan

Over 48 years (1975-2022), this research analyzes Pakistan's socio-economic inclusion and sustainable growth using data from PBS, SBP, and WDI. It examines GDP growth alongside healthcare expenditure, capital formation, education spending, employment, and school enrollment. Employing ARDL models and tests, it explores short and long-term dynamics, emphasizing the significance of healthcare, capital investment, education, and employment. The rigorous methodology ensures reliability, offering evidence-based policy recommendations crucial for fostering inclusive and enduring economic development. Additionally, it evaluates the impact of government expenditure on education and employment dynamics, highlighting their role in shaping economic progress and gender inclusivity in education.

Recognition of Prior Learning in Nepal: A Gateway to Socio-Economic Inclusion

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) has become a popular policy instrument across the world- both in developed and developing countries. RPL is highly relevant in the context of Nepal, as it aims dignified employment to its people. Nepal has a huge number of people working in informal sector, including large number of migrants returning home every year with skills and experiences. However, the skills and competencies of these people are not yet harnessed to ensure them dignified jobs and better earning. This article is based on the secondary information along with author’s personal experiences and interaction with few RPL candidates. It presents the basics of RPL, the importance of RPL in the context of Nepal, and then looks at some problems and issues of RPL provision in Nepal. Finally, the article draws the conclusion on how the RPL can become a vital tool to boost Nepal’s socio-economic status.

Selective collection: economic and socio-environmental impacts in municipalities of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

This study estimates the economic, social and environmental contributions of the selective collection of solid waste, highlighting the increase in the production of this waste in Brazil, despite the existence of robust environmental legislation. Addressing Law nº. 12,305/2010 – National Solid Waste Policy (PNRS) and the Municipal Solid Waste Management Plan (PMGRS), the work proposes the implementation of selective collection in municipalities. Based on case studies and bibliographical research, questionnaires are applied to managers of organizations that perform the service. Selective collection contributes to a cleaner environment, favoring correct environmental practices. Furthermore, it promotes social inclusion through cooperative organizations, as provided for in the PNRS, generating income for participants. The study highlights the selected collection as an agent of environmental awareness and socioeconomic inclusion, verifying the specific difficulties of the analyzed municipalities and defending the strengthening of the organizations involved.

Enhancing the entrepreneurial capabilities of female immigrant entrepreneurs through Entrepreneurship Education and Training (EET) – The Irish Context

Under-represented groups, such as female immigrant entrepreneurs, experience entrepreneurship differently to the mainstream population. In view of this, it is necessary that entrepreneurship policies and supports are tailored, in order to effectively address their unique and specific needs, thereby becoming more inclusive. This would guarantee some degree of level playing field in entrepreneurship. Thus, if female immigrant entrepreneurs are to successfully maximise the opportunities within their host nations and manage the challenges they potentially face, especially as it relates to entrepreneurship, it is imperative that they receive the kind of support, which recognises and considers their uniqueness and entrepreneurial potentials in its design, development and delivery, and which increases the likelihood of their entrepreneurial success. Essentially, Entrepreneurship education and training (EET) has value in creating opportunities for their socioeconomic inclusion and for fostering and facilitating entrepreneurial capability development.
 This empirical study presents findings on the extent to which the current provision of entrepreneurship education and training in Ireland meets the entrepreneurial capability needs of female immigrant entrepreneurs. Study 1 is a systematic analysis of documentation on the current provision of EET in Ireland from 2011 – 2021, while Study 2 is based on findings from semi-structured interviews with 21 female immigrant entrepreneurs resident in Ireland. The research questions were centred on their experience of entrepreneurship in Ireland, what entrepreneurial capabilities they require to start and grow their businesses, as well as their perception of the extent to which the current EET provision meets their need.

Entrepreneurial Migrants: Educommunication Model for Socioeconomic Inclusion in Northern Ecuador

The number of people in a condition of human mobility that use Ecuador as a destination has increased rapidly from 2017 to the present. The populations of the provinces of Imbabura and Carchi in the north of the country perceive this increase immediately because they are border provinces with Colombia and the main entry of Venezuelan, Colombian and other nationalities migrants and refugees. This research aims to explore the entrepreneurial characteristics of migrants in the cities of Tulcán and Ibarra in order to propose an educommunication model for the training of migrants based on the model proposed by Ruiz (2021). For this purpose, surveys show a young migrant population with families who have developed enterprises to improve living conditions according to competencies developed mainly in the service sector. The proposed model to train entrepreneurs allows the incorporation of these characteristics of migrants and opens the possibility of improving entrepreneurial networks in the north of Ecuador and favoring the integration process of the population in conditions of human mobility with the receiving population.

The later, the better? The ethnic penalty on labor market achievement by migrant generation: evidence from Italy

The socio-economic inclusion of the children of immigrants in the host labor markets is still problematic, and connoted by a general penalization if compared with their native counterpart. Anyway, this issue has been studied only in old migration countries, while it remains largely unexplored in the new receiving ones. From this perspective, Italy represents a very interesting and uncharted case study, where first-generation migrants have already emerged as a particularly disadvantaged group. This work aims at filling this gap, by exploiting the two Eurostat "ad hoc modules" (2008; 2014) European Union Labour Force Survey. By means of multivariate statistical techniques, it will be estimated the gap in employment and socio-economic status among natives and migrants, distinguished according to their generation, and how this gap varies within the second-generation individuals with different parental area of origin.

Support Interventions for Young People in Housing Programs: A Rapid Literature Review.

This rapid review synthesizes current original research studies concerning support interventions intended for young people who experienced homelessness and are housed through youth-focused housing programs. Peer-reviewed articles on interventions for young people between 13 and 25 years of age with experience of homelessness living in youth-focused housing published between January 2017 and May 2022 were search in Scopus, Web of Sciences, PubMed, and EBSCO. Ten articles were included in the review. Interventions examined in the reviewed literature included case management, psychosocial and mental health support interventions; social support through peer support, mentorship, and positive social networks; and socioeconomic inclusion through skill building. Evidence found in the current review provides directions for the development of promising practices.

Mushroom Tacos: Multicultural Festivals and Environmental Racism in a Rural Pennsylvania Town

ABSTRACT Advancing recent literature that critically examines multicultural efforts to generate socio-economic inclusion, this article studies how, in a small yet affluent Pennsylvania town, multicultural festivals are part of a social milieu in which Latinx immigrants face continuing erasure and exploitation – manifested in precarious health and housing conditions. Utilizing ethnographic and qualitative methods, I show that, although the town’s multicultural festivals aim to give a voice and recognize minority communities, they have in some cases contributed to an environment in which Latinx peoples have for decades been silenced and overlooked, resulting in heightened rates of health issues related to dangerous housing. From a semiotic theoretical approach, the disconnect between increasing performative-visibility and ongoing marginalization of Latinx immigrants can be explained by multicultural festivals relying upon floating signifiers, as well as issues of structural power. My findings shed light on the nuanced cultural ways that the structural social and material suffering of minoritized, immigrant populations is overlooked through the invocation of purportedly emancipatory acts, as well as the lingering effects of the structural force of White Supremacy.

“When I think about my future, I just see darkness”: How youth exiting homelessness navigate the hazy, liminal space between socioeconomic exclusion and inclusion

ObjectivesThe overarching objective of this mixed methods longitudinal study was to understand whether and how rent subsidies and mentorship influenced socioeconomic inclusion outcomes for youth exiting homelessness. The focus of this paper is on the qualitative objectives, which evolved from a primary focus on exploring how study mentorship was working as a facilitator of socioeconomic inclusion to focusing on how participants navigated the hazy, liminal space between socioeconomic exclusion and inclusion.MethodsThis was a convergent mixed methods study scaffolded by community-based participatory action axiology. The quantitative component is reported elsewhere and involved a 2-year pilot randomized controlled trial where 24 participants received rent subsidies and 13 were randomly assigned a study mentor; proxy indicators of socioeconomic inclusion were measured every 6 months for 2.5 years. Qualitative objectives were explored using a qualitative descriptive design and theoretically framed using critical social theory. The lead author interviewed 12 participants every 6 months for 2.5 years. Qualitative interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis with an emphasis on critical interpretation.ResultsNavigating the liminal space between socioeconomic exclusion and inclusion was complex and non-linear, and the way youth navigated that journey was more strongly associated with factors like informal mentorship (naturally occurring “coach-like” mentorship) and identity capital (sense of purpose, control, self-efficacy, and self-esteem), rather than whether or not they were assigned a formal study mentor.ConclusionA holistic approach integrating coaching and attention to identity capital alongside economic supports may be key to helping youth exiting homelessness achieve socioeconomic inclusion.

Waste Pickers’ Formalisation from Bogotá to Cartagena de Indias: Dispossession and Socio-Economic Enclosures in Two Colombian Cities

Colombia is considered a pioneer in inclusive recycling in Latin America and the state-led formalisation policies are considered a referent for the socio-economic inclusion of waste pickers beyond the region. Nevertheless, more than 60,000 waste pickers in Colombia are struggling to remain in place despite these inclusive recycling and formalisation policies. This paper examines the implementation of formalisation policies and their consequences for the population of waste pickers by comparing evidence from two Colombian cities: Bogotá and Cartagena de Indias. The paper draws on extensive qualitative community-based research methodology with waste pickers in both cities guided by an interdisciplinary epistemological position to support Colombian waste pickers’ political struggle for recognition from a theoretical reflection. This paper shows how formalisation policies became a mechanism of manifold dispossessions in both cities. This paper categorises three forms of enclosures faced by waste pickers: (a) material and socio-economic; (b) bodily and spatial; and (c) political and organisational. Finally, this paper concludes by urging to consider the situated social, political, and cultural facets of waste pickers’ labour to enhance grassroots reflections on how to achieve greater levels of social justice and inclusion.

Integrating climate mitigation and environmental peacebuilding objectives through sustainable land use systems: Theory of change and indicators

Land is an essential natural resource for climate mitigation and peace. It is commonly connected with sources of GHG emissions and with drivers of (violent) conflict. Therefore, climate mitigation and peacebuilding strategies are co-designing sustainable land-use systems (SLUS) with affected communities to integrate land-based climate mitigation and peacebuilding objectives. SLUS is practiced within agricultural production systems that meet sustainability principles (environmental, social, and economic). Nevertheless, there needs to be more program evaluation frameworks, especially measurable indicators, that integrate these two objectives (achieving peace and climate mitigation). This study aims to develop a methodology and criteria to evaluate the precise mechanisms of SLUS influencing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and drivers of conflict. A mix-method approach was used in two case study regions, Cesar and Caquetá, Colombia, where SLUS strategies where implemented. First, we conducted three workshops, two in-person and one virtual (n = 103). Secondly, we held semi-structured interviews (n = 115) to make an analysis of the conflict. Our research focused on the drivers of land-based emissions and conflict drivers targeted by the SLUS implementation. Lastly, through a household survey (n = 929), we illustrated the impacts of SLUS in peacebuilding at the farm level. Results show that SLUS, such as cocoa agroforestry, can contribute to climate change mitigation and deliver co-benefits in four core factors: (i) socio-economic inclusion by creating jobs and diversifying livelihoods, (ii) dialogue and conflict transformation by allowing negotiations around the participatory design of farms, including conservation agreements, (iii) natural resource governance, and (iv) cooperation by creating knowledge exchange and a community of practice.

The impact of a rail network on socioeconomic inclusion: A ward-level analysis of Liverpool

This study critically examines the impact of a rail network on mobility of residents in an urban area in the north of England. The research provides a ward-level analysis of rail commuting habits, social indicators and economic trends throughout Liverpool, in order to evaluate how access to the Merseyrail network reflects socioeconomic engagement and opportunity. Secondary sourced quantitative data is used in an exploratory data analysis of mobility and socioeconomic participation in Liverpool. Operating the Travel Time Application Programming Interface (API) furthers the research by generating a spatial analysis of rail accessibility. Initial results indicate that the rail line enables mobility throughout Liverpool. Wards served by the Merseyrail network demonstrate around 8%–12% of residents use the service. Findings highlight that the rail network is associated with socioeconomic opportunity, as eight of the ten wards served by the Merseyrail network represent the lowest unemployment rates. An inequality in rail accessibility is observed as all passenger routes converge on the city centre. Should the limitations to the network be addressed through the Liverpool City Region Long-Term Rail Strategy, new social, economic and cultural opportunities will open for the city and the wider city region.

The Inter-Relationship between Climate Change, Inequality, Poverty and Food Security in Africa: A Bibliometric Review and Content Analysis Approach

Despite the persistent income inequality and climate change shocks in Africa, there is limited research on their effects on food security. Hence, this study adopted a mixed-methods approach including a bibliometric analysis and content analysis to examine emerging themes in the literature on climate change, inequality and poverty, and food insecurity in Africa. The bibliometric data used were retrieved from the Scopus database for the period 2000–2022. The exercise revealed an increasing trend in the number of publications in the field, as well as strong collaboration between African countries. Specifically, most of the leading research was published by Kenyan, USA, and UK institutes. From the analysis, seven themes emerged; namely; (1) the impact of governance and policy on poverty alleviation, nutrition status, and food security; (2) the role of innovation and sustainable agriculture in mitigating climate change in developing countries; (3) integrating gender in evaluations of the impact of climate change on food security and livelihoods in Africa; (4) climate change adaptation among smallholders in building resilience for nutrition; (5) the role of institutions in assisting smallholders mitigate and adapt to climate shocks; (6) inequality, food unavailability, and agricultural production; and (7) gendered impacts of climate-smart agriculture in climate adaptation and mitigation. We also found out that there was a dearth of longitudinal studies on these seven themes. Another key element revealed by the study was the lack of policies that address the gender-differentiated impacts of climate change; hence, there is limited research on the agricultural gender productivity gap. Policies based on the tenants of socio-economic inclusion need to guide the distribution of wealth and economic participation in order to reduce inequality and improve food security and nutrition outcomes.