Sustainable Local Economic Development Research Articles

An Assessment of the Critical Success Factors of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in Lusaka, Zambia

This research focuses on the critical success and failure factors of microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Lusaka, Zambia, addressing a vital aspect of the financial landscape that impacts small businesses and low-income individuals. Despite the positive role of MFIs in providing financial assistance to entrepreneurs, recent closures of six institutions in Zambia underscore the need to understand the factors influencing their success or failure. The problem statement highlights the potential consequences of MFI closures, such as negative impacts on women, increased poverty levels, income inequality, child labor, and barriers to sustainable local economic development. Notably, the study aims to fill a research gap by assessing factors affecting MFIs' operations in Zambia, particularly those leading to closures, which the Bank of Zambia has not yet addressed or documented. The research objectives are clear and specific, intending to assess both critical failure factors from MFIs that have closed in Lusaka and critical success factors for the functioning of MFIs in the region. Additionally, the study aims to suggest measures to enhance the application of these critical success factors. Moving into the research methodology, an exploratory research design is chosen, providing a foundation for assessing the critical success factors of MFIs in Zambia. The mixed-method approach, incorporating qualitative and quantitative strategies, enhances the comprehensiveness of the study. The target population comprises 29 registered MFIs in Lusaka, and a one-stage cluster sampling technique is applied to select 10 MFIs with 60 key informants. The use of questionnaires for data collection, both open and closed-ended, facilitates the gathering of both qualitative and quantitative information. Ethical considerations are diligently addressed, ensuring informed consent, confidentiality, justice, anonymity, and protection from harm. In the discussion of findings, a demographic analysis reveals important characteristics of the respondent base, emphasizing the predominantly male representation and the prevalence of tertiary education among participants. Objective one focuses on assessing critical failure factors, with limited access to funding, operational efficiency, and limited financial literacy emerging as primary challenges. Objective two delves into critical success factors, highlighting financial stability, marketing strategies, technology adoption, and outreach to the underserved population as significant considerations. Objective three provides insights into measures employed by MFIs, such as technology integration, capacity building, customer-centric approaches, and risk management systems. The recommendations emphasize diversification of funding sources, tailored financial literacy initiatives, operational efficiency optimization, and enhanced community engagement to address identified challenges. In summary, this study contributes valuable insights into the dynamics of MFIs in Lusaka, offering practical recommendations for their sustained success and impact on local communities.

Land Titling and Microcredit in Cambodia: Examining the Reality of Hernando de Soto’s ‘Three Steps to Heaven’

Starting with the work of Hernando de Soto in the 1980s, the role of land tenure soon attracted the attention of the international development community as a neoliberal-oriented theory of change rooted in the possession and use of private individual land titles by the poor. One of the central mechanisms proposed by de Soto was a three-step process that involves the poor (1) “securing” their tenure with land titles, (2) using their newly acquired land titles as collateral to leverage large amounts of microcredit to be used to establish a functioning microenterprise, and then (3) escaping from their poverty due to the jobs and income associated with founding and running a microenterprise. This paper explores what I call de Soto’s “three steps to heaven” theory of change, a concept that was taken on board with gusto by leading Western governments and virtually all of the main international development institutions, particularly the World Bank. I argue that Cambodia provides the ideal setting for evaluating de Soto’s concept because, since around 2020, it has possessed the largest microcredit sector in the world (on a per capita basis), thanks largely to the obligatory use of land titles as the collateral required to obtain microcredit. While the first two of de Soto’s “three steps to heaven” have been realized, the evidence shows that the assumptions related to step three have proved to be extremely problematic: the ubiquity of microcredit that was achieved since the early 2010s via steps one and two has not, in general, improved the lives and communities of Cambodia’s poor through accelerated microenterprise development. It appears, instead, to have contributed to deeper poverty, insecurity, vulnerability and inequality. I conclude that de Soto’s “three steps to heaven” theory reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the real institutional drivers of sustainable local economic development and poverty reduction.

Religious Pilgrimages in South Africa: A Catalyst for Sustainable Tourism and Local Economic Development

Sustainable tourism and local economic development as a mechanism for religious pilgrimages in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). This is particularly pertinent for religious pilgrimages in KZN province which boosts historical landmarks and pilgrimage destinations. Pilgrimage tourism and several other forms of tourism related to it have significant affinities to the tenets of sustainable development. The purpose of this paper is to examine the complications that could arise from religious pilgrimages' potential as a form of travel that, once implemented, would be beneficial for sustainable tourism and local economic development (LED). This paper further intends to assess the pilgrimage destinations to be viewed as a mechanism for local economic development. A quantitative research design was employed, as the nature of this research necessitates the use of numerical data and descriptive statistics to draw conclusions. A standardised questionnaire was used to collect data from 410 respondents selected using a convenience sampling technique from different pilgrimage destinations in KZN, South Africa. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were conducted using IBM’s SPSS version 28 software. The pilgrims and local communities’ perceptions of socio-economic contribution indicate that the availability of tourism facilities might be perceived as a socio-economic contributor to pilgrimage destinations. The findings further reveal that African religious pilgrimages can be sustainable and be a local economic development catalyst in KwaZulu-Natal. The study recommends that the South African National Christian Forum (SANCF), in collaboration with the South African government (national and provincial), develop an operational plan to provide business education, entrepreneurial skills, and relevant support to local communities surrounding religious pilgrimages or religious destinations, to empower them to contribute to the development of the local economy. This will assist to reduce South Africa's high unemployment rate, particularly in less developed regions.

Budidaya Maggot Lalat BSF: solusi limbah dan peningkatan pendapatan masyarakat Desa Bakalan

Bakalan Village, experiencing a significant increase in organic waste production, faces challenges in waste management due to the absence of a Temporary Disposal Site (TDS). This study investigates the implementation of Black Soldier Fly (BSF) maggot cultivation in Bakalan Village, Purwosari Subdistrict, Pasuruan District, East Java, as an innovative solution for organic waste management and an alternative income source. This community service program was initiated to provide training and insight to the village residents about the economic potential of BSF maggot cultivation. The activity involved 46 village residents and was conducted on July 5, 2021, introducing maggot cultivation techniques and their use as an alternative feed for livestock. The results indicate a reduction in the volume of organic waste in the village and an increased awareness among the community about the economic value of organic waste. Dried and further processed maggots showed an increase in selling price from IDR 8,000 to IDR 30,000 - IDR 40,000 per kilogram. This study highlights the link between sustainable waste management and local economic development, providing insights into BSF maggot cultivation practices as an effective method to reduce organic waste and increase the income of the residents in Bakalan Village.

Karst ecosystem services and their roles in the management of Gunung Sewu UNESCO global geopark

As a member of the Global Geopark Network, Gunung Sewu UNESCO Global Geopark is designed to attract tourists, with a focus on the tourism industry to generate revenue. However, this development triggers environmental pressure on the already fragile karstic ecosystem, necessitating the implementation of mitigation measures. This research aims to employ Karst Ecosystem Services (KESs) as a tool for managing the karst area and the Geopark itself, exploring both the concept and its implementation. Two examples of ecosystem services, scenic and habitat quality, are generated using InVEST tools as the representations of Karst Ecosystem Services. In the Karst of Gunung Sewu, the habitat quality of tree covers, ponds, and caves is threatened by limestone mining, agriculture, and large-scale infrastructure, while the scenic quality is degraded by the presence of construction sites, large statues, and unused or abandoned building. These ecosystem services can contribute to strengthening the Geopark’s pillars through conserving intactness and maintaining energy flow within the habitat for the Geoconservation pillar. For geoeduaction pillar, scenic landscapes provide visual interpretation, and the integrity of landforms supports morphological interpretation. Lastly, habitat and scenic quality can be developed to enhance tourism attraction while maintaining the environment quality for the Sustainable Local Economic Development pillar.

"Traditional Food Of Solo Strait As Immaterial Cultural Heritage: Protection, Preservation, And Promotion"

This study aims to examine the role of traditional Solo Straits food as an immaterial cultural heritage and investigate steps that can be taken to protect, preserve, and promote it. The research method used involved literature review, direct observation, interviews with cultural experts, and qualitative data analysis. The results that the traditional food of the Solo Strait has high cultural value as a symbol of tradition, togetherness, local wisdom, hospitality, and cultural identity. However, this traditional food faces threats in the form of changes in lifestyle, the influence of globalization, and the loss of traditional knowledge in food processing and serving. To protect, preserve, and promote the traditional food of the Solo Strait, steps are needed that involve legal recognition and protection, cultural education, preservation activities such as documentation and training, as well as support from the local community and related stakeholders. In addition, promotion strategies through social media, participation in culinary events, collaboration with tourism actors, and development of related products and services are also needed to introduce this traditional food as a culinary tourism attraction and support local economic development. This research provides a deeper understanding of the importance of traditional Solo Straits food as an immaterial cultural heritage and provides recommendations to local governments and local communities to protect, preserve, and promote this traditional food. It is hoped that by adopting the right policies and implementing strategies, the traditional food of the Solo Straits can be protected, preserved, and become a driver of sustainable local economic development.

Pendampingan Pemasaran Produk Olahan Pulu Mandoti Berbasis Digital Marketing Sebagai Upaya Meningkatkan Pendapatan Usaha Ibu Pkk Di Kabupaten Enrekang

Background: Most people in Salukanan Village, Baraka District, Enrekang Regency, South Sulawesi Province are farmers. Salukanan village has high-quality pulu mandoti rice seeds, which can only grow well in that village. This PKM activity is intended to provide partners with solutions to overcome the lack of income due to the limited marketing of Pulu Mandoti products. Method: The implementation method is in the form of mentoring and training in using digital technology to maximize branding and product marketing to partners, namely 15 Salukanan Village PKK group members. Results: Through digital marketing training, PKK group members have understood how to manage a business digitally by marketing products. Conclusion: By implementing digital marketing-based assistance, PKK groups in Enrekang Regency can optimize their business potential, increase income, and contribute to sustainable local economic development.

Revitalizing Rural Wealth: Uncovering the Potential of Local Resources through Coffee Cake and Jackfruit Cake Innovations for Sustainable Community Development

The aim of this service is to empower local economic members to build a coffee cake and jackfruit cake business that will increase the income of rural residents, supporting sustainable local economic development. The service method used is joint product development to develop new cake variants with sustainable innovation involving culinary experts, local business actors and the local community. The research results obtained from this service increase local income. Adding production and sales of jackfruit cake and coffee increases the income of rural communities. The implication of this service is strengthening local identity, increasing knowledge about the richness of local culture and making tourists interested in local culinary delights. Therefore, through innovation in coffee cake and jackfruit cake, this project is expected to help sustainable development and welfare of rural communities.
 Highlights : 
 
 Joint Collaboration: Involving culinary experts, local businesses, and the community in joint product development fosters collaboration for sustainable innovation.
 Economic Impact: The introduction of coffee cake and jackfruit cake contributes to increased income, supporting local economic development in rural areas.
 Cultural Enrichment: The project enhances local identity, promotes cultural richness, and attracts tourists through the innovation in coffee and jackfruit cakes.
 
 Keywords : Coffee Cake and Jackfruit Cake, Sustainable Community Development, Rural Wealth, Culinary Diversity, Rural Economic Empowerment

Analysis distribution and segmentation of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Kediri Residency Area: implications for local economic development

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are critical drivers of economic growth, especially in developing nations like Indonesia. This study focuses on the specific case of Kediri Residency, using 2018 data from the Central Bureau of Statistics of East Java Province to uncover insights for sustainable local economic development. Our methodology involved data acquisition, parsing, mining, filtering, and representation/ interaction. This process yielded a dataset of 168 data points, providing a nuanced view of MSMEs in Kediri Residency. Our analysis highlighted significant trends. Kediri Regency, for example, excelled in the Food and Beverage Industry (270 MSMEs) and Wood Industry (260 MSMEs). Blitar Regency thrived in the Wood Industry (235 MSMEs) and the Food and Beverage Industry (230 MSMEs). Tulungagung Regency showed strength in the Wood Industry (219 MSMEs). These findings have strategic implications for local economic development, such as sectoral strengthening, enhancing competitiveness, forming business clusters, and tailoring policies to MSMEs' unique needs. Comparing Kediri City to Kediri Regency and Blitar City to Blitar Regency revealed disparities and opportunities, highlighting the role of local policies and infrastructure in MSME development. In conclusion, our research provides actionable insights to formulate policies, develop infrastructure, improve financing access, and enhance skills training programs. These actions will catalyze MSME growth, promoting regional economic development and stability.

Potential suitability mapping evaluation for ecotourism development in Darjeeling Himalayan region of India

ABSTRACT Ecotourism is the nature-based economic sector essential for sustainable local economic development. The present study aims to design suitable sites for ecotourism using the GIS-based Criteria Importance Through Inter Criteria Correlation (CRITIC) technique in the Darjeeling Himalayan region of India. The study attempts eight essential factors for evaluating the suitability map. The suitability map was categorized into four classes: Highly Suitable, Moderately Suitable, Marginally Suitable, and Least Suitable. The result revealed 786.23 sq. km (33.81%) as highly suitable, 797.549 sq. km (34.30%) as moderately suitable, 438.48 sq. km (18.86%) as marginally suitable, and 303.01 sq. km (13.03%) as least suitable. The result shows northern and north-western parts, namely Jorebunglow Sukiapokhri, Mirik, Kurseong, Rangli-Rangliot blocks, and the north-eastern parts Kalimpong I and Kalimpong II blocks, as highly suitable zones for ecotourism development. Finally, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and area under curve (AUC) analyses were used to validate the suitability map. The model validation with an AUC-ROC value was assigned 0.845, suggesting that the outcome is highly reliable with ground truth. The study can be helpful for policymakers to understand the spatial information of ecotourism in Darjeeling Himalaya.

Economic Sustainability of Small Mining Towns: A Case Study in South Africa

Small mining towns are often single-industry towns that turn to ghost towns or face negative socio-economic impacts upon mine closure. This study qualitatively explores the roles that mining companies and other key stakeholders (should) play in the development of local economies of the small mining communities to bring about economic sustainability, employing a constant comparative analysis. A small mining town in South Africa is the case study. Legislative and policy frameworks were scrutinized for their effectiveness in promoting economic sustainability. In-depth interviews with key stakeholders were carried out. Key factors limiting the effective implementation of developmental strategies were also explored. The study finds that weak community involvement, lack of trust, poor collaboration, poor municipal capacity, and legislation and policy flaws impact economic sustainability. Sustainable local economic development efforts are reported though. However, such efforts are insufficient because of the legislation and policy frameworks that are promoting short-term growth. Also, the town’s overdependence on the mining company, local government not optimally fulfilling their roles and responsibilities, and minimal community members’ participation on local economic development are other hindrances. However, the fact that the mining company and local municipality do acknowledge the shortcomings in their efforts towards promoting economic sustainability is a promise in minimizing the socio-economic effects of mine closures.

Water Conservation-Based Ecotourism Development for Sustainable Local Economic Development and Supporting the Borobudur National Tourism Strategic Area (KSPN)

The area around the Borobudur Temple area needs development so that it can become a tourism buffer area. This development will align with and answer the challenge of establishing Borobudur as a National Tourism Strategic Area (KSPN). Several areas in the Borobudur KSPN that fall into the Menoreh hills have high potential as natural tourist destinations, especially viewpoint and spring. Development is directed towards conservation-based tourism with educational content to increase the selling value. Giripurno Village is one of the Borobudur KSPN villages located in the Menoreh hills and has a potential tourism support infrastructure. The development is carried out by structuring the spring area as a tourist attraction to complement the activities of guests staying at the homestay. The spring area is laid out using lightweight, flexible, yet solid designs and building materials. The existence of spring objects that are arranged sustainably will provide additional activities for visiting tourists. In addition, professional management of each tourism infrastructure will further increase the existing tourism and economic potential

Eco-Trekking in Southeast Asia: A Comparative Study of Sustainable Practices in Mountain Tourism

This research investigated eco-trekking in Southeast Asia with a comparative analysis of sustainable practices in mountain tourism. Existing literature and case studies across various countries, including Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia, served as the primary sources for the evaluation of different practices. The core components of the study were understanding the impact of eco-trekking on local communities, economies, and the environment, and the sustainability of these practices. The research found a range of approaches to eco-trekking across Southeast Asia. For instance, in Vietnam, community-based eco-trekking initiatives emerged as a significant driving force for sustainable local economic development. These initiatives were also critical in preserving local ethnic cultures and traditions. In contrast, Thailand and Malaysia showcased more top-down, government-led eco-trekking practices that concentrated on environmental conservation and maintaining a balance between tourism and nature. The study also identified common challenges, such as managing visitor impacts, maintaining the quality of trekking experiences, and the need for increased local community involvement. Furthermore, the research emphasized the importance of cross-border learning and the potential for sharing best practices among countries in the region. In conclusion, the research demonstrated that while eco-trekking practices varied across countries, they all played a crucial role in promoting sustainable mountain tourism. The study highlighted the need for a more integrated, cooperative approach among Southeast Asian countries to share lessons and jointly tackle common challenges. These findings can inform policy-making and planning for sustainable mountain tourism in Southeast Asia and other similar regions globally. Future research directions may include examining the effects of recent global trends, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, on eco-trekking and sustainable tourism practices in the region. Keywords: Eco-Trekking, Sustainable Practices, Mountain Tourism, Southeast Asia, Environmental Conservation, Adventure Travel Sustainability.

How Does Industrial Agglomeration Affect Exports? Evidence from Chinese Province-Industry Panel Data

Industrial agglomeration is currently an important mode of industrial organisation in China’s regional economic development. Many provinces rely on their favourable resource and location advantages to formulate corresponding industrial agglomeration policies. Industrial agglomeration policies produce agglomeration effects, which enable enterprises in the agglomeration area to gain external advantages such as labour, resources and technology, effectively improving productivity and promoting sustainable local economic development. Based on the inter-provincial industry panel data from 2008 to 2017, the static benchmark regression model and dynamic GMM model are constructed to study the relationship between industrial agglomeration, labour productivity and exports, and to explore their interaction mechanism and practical effects. The study shows that, firstly, industrial agglomeration in China significantly contributes to industrial exports. However, in the long run, industrial agglomeration has a positive and then negative effect on industrial exports, with an inverted U-shaped curve. Secondly, the relationship between industrial agglomeration and industrial exports is negatively influenced by labour productivity. Finally, based on the perspective of regional heterogeneity, the impact of industrial agglomeration on exports is not significant in industrial base regions, but shows a significant promotion relationship in non-industrial base regions. Moreover, the impact of industrial agglomeration on industrial exports is not significantly different between coastal port regions and non-coastal port regions. Based on the research results, this paper puts forward targeted policy recommendations such as changing the competition model, increasing the introduction of talent and adjusting the industrial structure.

Multi-criteria evaluation of agro-processing industries for sustainable local economic development in East of Iran

This study investigates the agro-processing industries potential to develop the local economic in the east of Iran as a developing country based on the sustainable development criteria including economic, social, environmental, and managerial indices. For this purpose, a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making model based on fuzzy SWARA and fuzzy EDAS technique is developed to determine the global weights of the criteria and prioritize the agro-processing industries as alternatives. Moreover, a conceptual analytical model based on the Porter’s diamond is utilized to evaluate the state of active firms in high-priority agro-processing industries, with the aim of providing the best applicable management insights. According to the findings, the most important sub-criteria are including “income growth by creating value-added”, “payback period”, and “number of jobs created per firm activated”. These sub-criteria are known as one of the most prominent managerial concerns in the local economic development area in Iran as the case study. Focusing on the prioritization results, the agro-processing industries for barberry and saffron products are identified as first-priority industries, while those related to the processing and packaging of medicinal herbs and production of jams and extracts of horticultural crops are ranked as second and third-priority alternatives, respectively. Based on the sensitively analysis, it can be inferred that the final result of selecting the best agro-processing industry is highly robust to the changes in the weight of the most influential sub-criterion. Moreover, Porter model showed that new entrants are not considered as a serious threat. Contrary to the buyers, the suppliers do not have a bargaining power because of the current market condition. Finally, barberry and saffron products have a great competitive rivalry in the national and international markets.

Territories in Transition: how social contexts influence wildland fire adaptive capacity in rural Northwestern European Mediterranean areas

BackgroundRural and semi-rural areas are complex and dynamic social-ecological systems, many of which have experienced profound impacts from wildland fires, particularly this decade. Under uncertain climate change conditions, these areas require new adaptive strategies to support landscape and community resilience. While these areas vary widely, some patterns of local social context have become apparent through wildland fire research. These patterns can help decision-makers better understand what influences communities’ abilities to adapt to fire. We focused our study on a northwestern European Mediterranean context, where communities are adapting to wildland fire and other climate change impacts through varied programs and policies. This area is composed of diverse landscapes, cultures, histories, languages and governance structures, but it also shares fire-based learning networks and collaborations, providing a sound indicator of shared elements of social context. Our study analyzed local social contexts in rural areas of Spain, Italy and France and assessed how these may inform adaptive capacity to wildland fire. A two-step process achieved this: (1) a targeted literature review of local social context elements as they relate to wildland fire in Mediterranean Europe; and (2) conducting semi-structured interviews with 20 key experts in rural Mediterranean areas, including fire managers, foresters, local administrators and technicians.ResultsResults illustrate numerous shared patterns in rural social contexts that influence local fire adaptive capacity. Dynamic local relationships among residents, local fire knowledge and environmental movements, the role of fire managers and administrators, and embeddedness in broader sociopolitical trends all interconnect to influence local fire adaptive capacity. Some key elements of context can act as primary enablers or barriers to this process, such as the presence (or lack) of local fire knowledge, and the opportunity (or lack thereof) for sustainable local economic development. Results also demonstrate high diversity in terms of governance structures and development trajectories.ConclusionsWe argue the need for deepened empirical transdisciplinary research to connect fire and land management tailored to local characteristics. Centering these local perspectives and diverse cultural values is necessary to foster long term adaptive wildland fire management strategies in rural Mediterranean communities and globally.

Place-Making through the Creation of Common Spaces in Lima’s Self-Built Settlements: El Ermitaño and Pampa de Cueva as Case Studies for a Regional Urbanization Strategy

Lima has become the first Peruvian megacity with more than 10 million people, resulting from the migration waves from the countryside throughout the 20th century, which have also contributed to the diverse ethnic background of today’s city. The paper analyzes two neighborhoods located in the inter-district area of Northern Lima: Pampa de Cueva and El Ermitaño as paradigmatic cases of the city’s expansion through non-formal settlements during the 1960s. They represent a relevant case study because of their complex urbanization process, the presence of pre-Hispanic heritage, their location in vulnerable hillside areas in the fringe with a protected natural landscape, and their potential for sustainable local economic development. The article traces back the consolidation process of these self-built neighborhoods or barriadas within the context of Northern Lima as a new centrality for the metropolitan area. The analysis of urban form and mobility, heritage and environmental challenges, governance, and social integration leads to a proposal for neighborhood upgrading, capacity building with participatory processes, and a vision for future local development to decentralize the traditional metropolitan centers, which can be scaled to other peripheral neighborhoods.

The Role of Mobiles and Women in the Sustainable Local Economic Development

Women’s access and training to use mobile technology can set the ground for creating trusted communities that provide valuable guidance on new partnerships as well as alternative business models. Such business models encompass innovative business plans adapted to the Agenda 2030 for sustainable development. Electronic commerce or small and medium-sized enterprises are pivotal to women’s entrepreneurship and they are both grounded on the adoption of mobile marketing technology and on the prolongment of the product life cycle by giving consumers’ control on its production, reuse and resale. In addition, mobile technology advancement as well as innovation, proactiveness and risk-taking initiatives can assist women to grow their business, enhance gender equality and provide long-term economic stability for a country.

Analysis of the Influence of Human Resources on the Economic Development of Minority Areas Based on Data Mining.

In order to break the bottleneck of the human capital stock restricting local economic growth in the typical western regions with backward national economic development, a research on the analysis of the impact of human resources on the economic development of ethnic regions based on data mining is proposed. On the basis of systematically reviewing the current situation and the theoretical basis of the relationship between human capital and economic growth, the method of combining normative research and empirical research is adopted, and the theories of macroeconomics, development economics, and regional economics are synthesized. In the research, the human capital and economic development in a certain western region are analyzed by establishing an econometric model. The results show that the average value of each year is taken as the inspection index, and the contribution rate is 0.0012, which shows that the contribution of human capital stock in economic growth is very small, indicating that physical capital stock is still the main driving force for local economic development. It is concluded that the research provides some relevant recommendations for human capital development to achieve sustainable local economic development.

Asset-Based, Sustainable Local Economic Development: Using Community Participation to Improve Quality of Life Across Rural, Small-Town, and Urban Communities

We analyze survey data from 5,487 residents of 85 Texas communities, including rural communities, small towns, medium-sized cities, and the five largest urban centers, to model the influence of the degree of urbanity and rurality of a community as well as residents’ social position, values, and their satisfaction with local assets. The paper’s central argument is that a wide range of factors impact how community members think about their needs and thus should be considered in any community development process. This human-centered approach looks at how community specific factors impact economic and quality-of-life development project preferences in support of adapting community development decision-making processes according to the context of each community. For the sake of parsimony, this paper presents results for three community development project concepts: (1) renovating some downtown buildings as mixed-use facilities with retail shops and apartments, (2) opening a community health center, and (3) deploying gigabit high-speed fiber broadband internet in the downtown area. Our findings specifically highlight areas where participatory processes can be introduced to guide further interactions between experts and community members to (1) identify groups in the community to bring into the process who may be most impacted by the choice of one intervention over another, and (2) target areas where further community discussion and deliberation is necessary around which community dialogues (round tables, town halls, workshops, etc.) could be facilitated.