Sustainable Development Of Rural Communities Research Articles

Effect of an Improved Ring Cutter on Drudgery Reduction in Brinjal Harvesting: Testing of Women-friendly Technology

Agricultural activities in India heavily rely on women, yet their tools often lack ergonomic considerations, resulting in physical strain and health hazards. Brinjal harvesting, predominantly carried out by women, involves repetitive motions, awkward postures, and traditional tools that exacerbate discomfort and reduce productivity. This study evaluated the effectiveness of an ergonomic intervention—an improved ring cutter—in reducing drudgery and enhancing the work efficiency of thirty farm women in Shamshabad Mandal, Telangana. Data was collected on assessing grip and pinch strength, work output, health hazards and satisfaction levels, comparing traditional methods with the improved tool. Results demonstrated that the ring cutter significantly improved grip and pinch strength, reduced harvesting time and increased productivity from 56–75 kg/day to 60–80 kg/day. The tool minimized musculoskeletal discomfort and eliminated injuries like cuts and hand muscle pain, common in traditional methods. Additionally, 76.7 per cent of respondents were fully satisfied with the ergonomic tool, with 100 per cent willing to adopt it. The findings emphasized the importance of women-friendly technologies in agriculture, contributing to reduced drudgery, enhanced productivity and sustainable development in rural communities. This study advocates for integrating ergonomic interventions into agricultural practices to improve the health and well-being of farm women.

Revitalizing rural areas by boosting educational advancement through social capital integration

Community development in rural areas is crucial for enhancing educational quality by addressing the diverse needs of students, families, and the broader community. This study investigates how leveraging social capital can significantly improve educational outcomes in rural communities. The primary objective of this study is to explore how community development initiatives, underpinned by social capital, contribute to educational advancements by integrating essential services such as healthcare, social welfare, after-school programs, and parental involvement directly within the educational framework. The study employs a systematic review methodology guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. This approach involves a comprehensive literature review to identify and analyze relevant studies. PRISMA guidelines were followed to ensure a rigorous and transparent reporting process, enhancing the reliability and validity of the findings in this study. The findings reveal the transformative impact of social capital on educational quality. Initiatives that effectively mobilize social networks and relationships lead to improved academic performance, social development, and emotional well-being of students. The study reveals the significance of stakeholder collaboration, supportive policies, and innovative pedagogies in sustaining and scaling these community-driven efforts. It is recommended by this study to strengthen stakeholder engagement, advocate for supportive policies, and integrate innovative teaching methods that will sustain and expand educational advancements. This study offers valuable insights into how social capital can address educational disparities and promote sustainable development in rural communities.

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

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

Creative Practice in a Sustainable Green Village? Connection of Service Design Identity and Pro-Environmental Behavior

Harmonious coexistence between human beings and nature is a priority for the sustainable development of rural communities in the global South, and the cultivation of pro-environmental behaviors in communities based on service design for green village construction is undoubtedly one of the most important initiatives. Starting from the perspective of service design identity of rural community residents, based on the research data of 380 rural community residents in Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Fujian Provinces, the structural equation method and hierarchical regression method were used to explore the factors influencing the pro-environmental behaviors of rural community residents and reveal the mechanism of cultivating pro-environmental behaviors of rural community residents. The results show that: design philosophy identity and design space identity have a significant positive effect on the pro-environmental behavior of rural community residents; Risk identity has a significant negative effect on the pro-environmental behavior of rural community residents; Value perception plays a mediating role in the influence of design philosophy identity, design space identity and risk identity on the pro-environmental behavior of rural community residents, and community interaction plays a moderating role in the influence process. Strengthening the value perception of pro-environmental behaviors among rural community residents is the key to fostering pro-environmental behaviors. This will contribute to the building of green villages where humans and nature coexist in harmony.

Analysis of Leadership Styles in Building Social Harmony in Rural Communities: A Systematic Review

This systematic review integrates findings from studies on leadership styles transformational, paternalistic, and participative and their influence on social harmony and community development within rural Indonesian contexts. Following the PRISMA methodology, 150 pertinent articles were initially identified, with 11 studies ultimately selected for rigorous in-depth analysis. The results reveal that transformational leadership fosters innovation and collective action, substantially enhancing social cohesion and community participation. However, its efficacy is often undermined by entrenched socio-cultural hierarchies and limited educational infrastructure in rural settings. Paternalistic leadership, while adept at maintaining social stability and moral order, constrains flexibility and impedes innovation, rendering it less adaptable to the exigencies of modernization. Participative leadership emphasizes inclusivity and shared decision-making, thereby strengthening community involvement, but it remains hampered by resource scarcity and temporal constraints. A recurring theme throughout the analysis highlights the necessity of aligning leadership practices with local cultural norms to build community trust and optimize the success of development initiatives. This review ultimately underscores the imperative for culturally attuned leadership that not only preserves indigenous wisdom but also navigates the challenges of modernization, fostering sustainable development in rural communities.

Indigenous Social Work Intervention Strategy for Sustainable Rural Community Development Initiative - A Case Study on Sri Vinayaka Self-Help-Group, Beechanahalli

Indigenous Social Work Intervention Strategy for Sustainable Rural Community Development Initiative - A Case Study on Sri Vinayaka Self-Help-Group, Beechanahalli

Features of Funding Rural Communities and Territories Development Financed by EU Common Budget

This publication substantiates European approaches to financial support for the sustainable development of rural communities and territories. The current state of financial support for the sustainable development of rural communities in the EU is identified using such methods as financial analysis, system analysis, content analysis, case studies, abstract and logical analysis, international policy analysis, etc. It is argued that budgetary policy is the main instrument of influence on the social and economic spheres of life of the EU member states, which determines their own resources (revenues) and influences the eligibility conditions and criteria for the allocation of funds for each expenditure programme. It is proved that by determining the directions of budgetary financing, the joint budget reflects the EU's political priorities. It is established that rural areas cover the majority of the EU territory, and a significant part of the EU population lives in rural areas. It is emphasised that the key challenges of rural settlements are demographic changes, insufficient access to transport and digital infrastructure, high unemployment, dependence of the economy on agricultural production, low income of rural residents, limited access to social services, etc. It is emphasised that structural funds and member states' national budgets actively finance rural communities' development. Funding depends on the type of territory, the direction of funding, and national development strategies. It is substantiated that the application of an integrated approach to solving the problems of rural communities in the EU, which involves cooperation at all levels - from the European to the local level, efficient use of financial resources, introduction of innovations, development of infrastructure and support for local initiatives, contributes to the creation of favourable conditions for sustainable development of rural communities and improvement of the quality of life of their residents.

Examining the Mediating Effect of the Rural Economic Dynamization between the Socio-Environmental Heritage and Sustainability of Protected Areas

This study examines the mediating effect of rural economic dynamization between socio-environmental heritage and the sustainability of protected areas in the buffer zone of the Serranía de las Quinchas Regional Natural Park, located in the municipality of Otanche, Boyacá Department, Colombia. The study population includes families that are part of the productive units in this area. The methodological approach of this study is based on partial least squares structural equation modeling. The working unit was established in the regional protected areas of Colombia, specifically in the Serranía de las Quinchas Regional Natural Park. A sample of 172 participants was selected using a non-probabilistic intentional sampling method, covering academics, company representatives, social leaders, local authorities, and representatives of non-governmental organizations. The study variables were measured using a scale with satisfactory psychometric properties, which included 12 items for socio-environmental heritage, 17 items for rural economic dynamization, and 11 items for the sustainability of protected areas. These were structured into subcategories based on the ecosystem services approach (factors that demonstrate social and economic dynamics). Responses were collected using a five-point Likert scale. The sample was analyzed using SmartPLS 3.3.3 software, applying a reflective–reflective hierarchical component model to evaluate the first- and second-order relationships among the variables. The results demonstrate the importance of socio-environmental heritage for local communities as a strategic component that facilitates the rural economic dynamization of protected areas based on sustainability. This research contributes to understanding the relationship between socio-environmental heritage and the sustainability of protected areas, mediated by rural economic dynamization, highlighting the relevance of in situ conservation strategies and prospective planning of these territories to implement sustainability dynamics. It is concluded that rural economic dynamization acts as a significant mediator in the relationship between socio-environmental heritage and the sustainability of protected areas, emphasizing the need to integrate these dynamics into the management of natural resources and the promotion of sustainable development in rural communities.

Water Sowing and Harvesting (WS&H) for Sustainable Management in Ecuador: A Review

Water Sowing and Harvesting (WS&H) is an ancestral knowledge widely used as a sustainable technique in water management. This study aims to analyse the importance, promotion, and cultural heritage of WS&H techniques through a literature review in Ecuador, considering applications of ancestral techniques by region (coastal, Andean and insular) with a strengths, opportunities, weaknesses, and threats (SWOTs) analysis and a focus group for a strategy proposal of the water supply. The methodology of this study includes the following: (i) an analysis of the evolution of WS&H studies in Ecuador; (ii) a presentation of WS&H techniques and their applications; and (iii) the contribution of WS&H to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), complemented by a SWOTs analysis. The results show that, in Ecuador, WS&H is a method of Nature-based Solutions (NbSs) applied to the problems of water scarcity and is affordable, ecological, and has high efficiency, improving agricultural productivity and guaranteeing water supply for human consumption. The Manglaralto coastal aquifer, a case study in the coastal region of Ecuador, involves WS&H management and artificial aquifer recharge. WS&H structures became a reference for the sustainable development of rural communities that can be replicated nationally and internationally as a resilient alternative to water scarcity and a global climate emergency, contributing to the SDGs of UNESCO.

The Impact and Opportunities of Digital Economy on Rural Revitalization

This study explores how the digital economy influences and provides opportunities for the rejuvenation of rural areas. Positioned as a crucial element in the contemporary global economy, the digital economy opens up fresh possibilities for the growth and revitalization of rural regions. The research reveals that the extensive application of digital technologies has transformed the operational methods in various sectors of rural economies, education, healthcare, finance, and agriculture. Digital technologies, such as rural e-commerce and smart agriculture, have provided rural residents with new economic opportunities, fostering economic growth and the sale of agricultural products. Remote education and digital skills training contribute to elevating the knowledge and skills of rural residents, thereby increasing employment prospects. Digital financial services enhance financial inclusivity in rural areas, aiding rural residents in better financial management. Furthermore, the development of digital healthcare services improves rural healthcare by providing opportunities for remote medical consultations and diagnoses. The digital economy's influence contributes to the enhancement of living standards among rural residents, fosters the development of rural infrastructure, and improves governance within rural communities. Digital technologies also contribute to enhancing the environmental sustainability of rural regions, reducing resource wastage and environmental pollution. These opportunities provide new impetus for rural revitalization and are expected to assist rural areas in achieving their sustainable development objectives. However, the digital economy also presents challenges, including the digital divide, privacy and security issues, barriers to technology adoption, knowledge and skill disparities, as well as social, cultural, navigating through these challenges demands thorough policies and strategies, aiming to optimize the digital economy's potential while guaranteeing that rural residents fully capitalize on the opportunities it offers. To sum up, the digital economy provides extensive possibilities for rejuvenating rural areas, enhancing living standards, fostering economic growth, and fostering sustainable development in rural communities. However, fully realizing these opportunities necessitates overcoming a series of challenges, devising appropriate policies, and enhancing the adoption and application of digital technologies. This will aid in attaining the objectives of rural rejuvenation and advancing sustainable development in rural areas.

Implication of Institutional Frameworks Governing Land Tenure Security in Social-Economic Dynamics: Experience from Iringa District in Tanzania

Purpose: The study aimed to examine the implication of institutional frameworks governing land tenure security in socioeconomic dynamics in the Iringa district. The study used the case of the Iringa district to investigate the institutional framework that provides implications for the governance of land tenure security in Tanzania. Methodology: The study employed phenomenography by collecting primary data from 16 key informants selected from village and district levels. Data from key informants were complemented by documentary review with perception considered deductively. Findings: Findings confirmed the existence of two principal institutional frameworks; the Land Act No. 5 of 1999 and the Village Land Act No. 4 of 1999. Nonetheless, bureaucracy, inadequate policy dissemination, and poverty emerged as primary causes of deviations in land policy implementation in the study area. This study concludes that the successful implementation of Tanzania's land policy in the Iringa District Council has significantly facilitated land tenure security through the issuance of a Certificate of Customary Right of Occupancy. Establishing a robust institutional framework and clear land use rules has been central to this success. However, challenges such as complex Certificate of Customary Right of Occupancy acquisition procedures, bureaucracy, inadequate policy dissemination, and prevalent poverty in rural areas have been identified as impediments. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study was guided by Institutional Theory which describes the interaction of human beings with existing natural resources, the institution involves the regulation of formal rules from constitutions, status laws, and other legal frameworks controlling the interaction and relationship of human behavior. The study contributed to the theory by establishing the relationship between the organization and enforcement of policy and regulatory framework that governs land tenure. Also, the study recommends expanding the Certificate of Customary Right of Occupancy issuance, strengthening local land administration, simplifying land use regulations, facilitating easier access to Certificate of Customary Right of Occupancy especially for impoverished households, and implementing strategies to reduce bureaucracy and enhancing policy understanding at the grassroots level. These measures aim to enhance land tenure security and support sustainable development in rural communities.

МІЖНАРОДНИЙ ДОСВІД ПОВОЄННОГО ВІДНОВЛЕННЯ: ТРИГЕРИ СОЦІАЛЬНО-ЕКОНОМІЧНОГО РОЗВИТКУ В УМОВАХ ДЕЦЕНТРАЛІЗАЦІЇ

The purpose of the article is to study the international experience of post-war reconstruction, which will allow identifying sources and forms of financial support for socio-economic development, taking into account the specifics of decentralization. When developing recovery projects and forecasting specific results, conceptual differences between short-term and long-term approaches to development should be taken into account. In the strategic management of investment projects, the categories of “risk” and “vulnerability”, which were developed without taking into account the threats of military invasion, should be rethought. At the center of strategizing should be an approach based on the criterion of “resilience”, which indicates the ability of the analyzed system after a disturbance (endogenous or exogenous in nature) to acquire the specified/desired characteristics that meet the criteria of “system productivity” and “system strength”. If it does not recover after a shock, the system is at risk of collapse. If the shock, due to its duration or intensity, cannot be absorbed by the system, then the stability of the system can be restored (return to the equilibrium that preceded the disturbance) in the medium and long term. What is important here is the "system robustness" - the system's ability to maintain productivity during a crisis, as well as the "system's absorptive capacity" - the ability to return to equilibrium after a shock in the short term. Participatory approaches to managing the financial provision of sustainable development of rural communities contribute to achieving positive results in the implementation of these tasks. They promote the active participation of the population in decision-making, which increases the transparency of activities and accountability of local self-government bodies, allows for better consideration of the real needs and priorities of the community, attracts additional resources and investments, and strengthens trust between residents and the authorities. Participatory approaches involve the involvement of all stakeholders in making management decisions in the financial sphere. European experience proves the high efficiency of the functioning of communities that use participatory management in their activities and shows that it contributes to their long-term economic development, social cohesion and environmental sustainability. Participatory management of community financial resources consists in the fact that the population, involved in developing a development strategy for their community, mobilizes more efforts to obtain the desired result. In addition to residents of the relevant community, various types of public organizations, business structures, regional political parties, local leaders, etc. can participate in management. Waste collection should be carried out in accordance with the waste hierarchy and should aim for maximum recycling and reuse using methods and technologies that make circularity efficient and cost-effective. Conversely, approaches that do not promote circularity or create incentives to restrict collection-sorting-recycling practices should be avoided.

FACTORS AFFECTING SUSTAINABLE POVERTY REDUCTION LIVELIHOODS IN RURAL AREAS IN THE MEKONG DELTA, VIETNAM

Sustainable poverty reduction livelihoods in rural areas is a comprehensive process to solve current problems and build sustainability for the future. Sustainable Poverty Reduction Livelihoods in Rural Areas aims at solutions to reduce poverty and ensure complete and sustainable development of rural communities. The research seeks to discover factors affecting sustainable poverty reduction livelihoods in rural areas. Research data was collected in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. In the survey with the questionnaire, 750 people responded directly to the questionnaire. SPSS 20 and AMOS 24 software are used to analyze data. The data collection process takes place from August to October 2023. Implementation methods include data descriptive statistics, testing scales, analyzing factors' suitability, and testing research structure. The research results show that six factors affect sustainable livelihoods and poverty reduction in rural areas in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam, including local government policies, infrastructure, education and training, labour market, community involvement, and finance and banking services. From the study's findings, several contents are discussed and suggested to help understand the relationship between factors affecting sustainable poverty reduction livelihoods in rural areas.

Adaptive Reuse of Historic Rural School Buildings in Ukraine in the Poltava Region

The actual problem of adaptive reuse of historic buildings of rural schools in Ukraine is discussed in the article using the example of Poltava region. The history of the construction of Zemstvo schools in Ukraine is researched, the historical and cultural value of school buildings is determined, and their current condition is analyzed. Zemstvo schools of the architect O. Slastion in the Ukrainian architectural style have the greatest historical, cultural and social value. Factors affecting the choice of a new function of former school buildings are identified. For the first time, possible approaches to the adaptive reuse of historic rural school buildings are proposed: strategy of memorialization of buildings, strategy of social integration, strategy of active transformation of buildings. Adaptive reuse of historic school buildings is considered as one of the means of ensuring the sustainable development of rural communities.

Effectiveness of Rural Centers in Enhancing Community Empowerment and Social Well-Being: A Conceptual Framework

Rural Transformation Centers (RTCs) have been established to significantly enhance the social well-being and community empowerment of rural dwellers, ultimately aiming to improve their overall quality of life. Given the pivotal role these centers play, it is crucial to assess their effectiveness in achieving these objectives. Despite their importance, the current literature lacks comprehensive studies on the specific dimensions that determine the effectiveness of rural centers like RTCs. This paper seeks to fill this gap by exploring and proposing a framework for evaluating the effectiveness of rural centers in enhancing community empowerment and social well-being. The proposed framework identifies four key dimensions of effectiveness: access and infrastructure, service provision, community engagement and empowerment, and economic impact and sustainability. Access and infrastructure examine the accessibility of essential facilities such as public transportation and connectivity to nearby communities. Service provision evaluates the range and quality of services offered by RTCs, including types of services provided, health and wellbeing as well as education and skill development. Meanwhile, community engagement and empowerment focus on the involvement of community members, social cohesion, empowerment and capacity building. Economic impact and sustainability assess the economic benefits generated by RTCs on local economy such as job creation, income generation, and the long-term viability of these benefits. By understanding and harnessing these dimensions, policymakers, practitioners, and researchers can formulate effective strategies and interventions to maximize the impact of rural centers. This holistic approach ensures that RTCs can fulfil their mandate and contribute to the sustainable development of rural communities.

Міжнародні імперативи фінансового забезпечення сталого розвитку сільських громад

The aim of the article is the theoretical and methodological substantiation of the international imperatives of sustainable development of rural communities. The study was carried out on the basis of a systematic approach to the cognition of economic phenomena and processes. To solve certain problems, the following methods were used: system analysis – for contentualization of the evolution of international imperatives of sustainable development; comparative analysis – for the study and adaptation of foreign experience; induction and deduction – to formulate conclusions and recommendations on the issues under study. The synthesis of the works of foreign and domestic scholars made it possible to determine that the definition of «international imperative» is a multifaceted concept that combines political, economic, social and institutional aspects of society, aimed at achieving high European standards and ensuring sustainable development, at the same time it should promote the national idea and identity. It is determined that the international imperatives of sustainable development of rural territorial communities are formed on the basis of global initiatives and agreements aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), taking into account the economic, social and environmental needs of society. A contentualization of the key imperatives of the formation of global views on the Sustainable Development Goals is performed. Emphasis is placed on the EU’s priorities for the implementation of the SDGs, the following such priorities are recognized as key ones: climate change and carbon neutrality, biodiversity conservation initiatives, measures to combat social inequality, to ensure gender equality, improving working conditions, involving all segments of the population in decision-making processes. The importance of intensifying international cooperation to solve global problems, strengthen the institutional foundations and financial mechanisms for responding to pandemics, natural disasters and other global crises is emphasized.

Harnessing Hydroelectric Energy from Water Irrigation Pumps: A Sustainable Lighting Solution for Agricultural Fields and Fishponds

This study examines the potential for repurposing water irrigation pumps as a sustainable energy source to generate electricity for the electrification and illuminating of agricultural fields and fishponds. Irrigation pumps are critical for maintaining sufficient water supply for farming operations, particularly during vital activities like harvesting. Conversely, the absence of a reliable nighttime lighting source exhibits challenges for farmers who often resort to flashlights/emergency lights. This research’s objective is to design a water wheel that can be tapped to an adapted water irrigation pump system assembly that can efficiently produce electricity, safeguarding safety and requiring minimal maintenance for farmers. This offers reliable and cost-effective source of electricity, reducing the need for external lighting devices and reducing operational costs for farmers. The research design adopts an experimental approach, evaluating the performance of the modified water irrigation pump system. Data collection includes measuring electricity output, electrical load assessment, and gathering user feedback through interviews and surveys. Statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate the system's effectiveness and practical significance. Overall, the research seeks to contribute to the sustainable development of rural communities by offering a viable solution to farmers' lighting needs and promoting the adoption of renewable energy practices in agricultural settings.

Public Sector Banks and the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM): Assessing their Role in Rural Financial Inclusion in Sagar District of Madhya Pradesh

The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission (DAY-NRLM) stands as a significant initiative aimed at alleviating poverty and fostering sustainable livelihoods in rural India. Central to the success of DAY-NRLM is the collaboration with different sectors banks, which play a pivotal role in providing financial services and support to the rural poor. This research seeks to evaluate the role of public sector banks in the implementation of DAY-NRLM, examining their contributions to rural financial inclusion and the challenges they encounter in effectively supporting the mission's objectives. The study analyses the total disbursement amount and total outstanding amount (loans due with Banks) by the public sectors banks in Sagar district under DAY-NRLM scheme. The study utilized mixed method includes qualitative data from stakeholders of DAY-NRLM and secondary data available on official websites. To analyse data descriptive as well as inferential statistical tools were used in this study. To compare the total disbursement amount and total outstanding uses paired t- test has been conducted with the help of SPSS version 27. The study will explore the experiences of public sector banks in DAY-NRLM implementation, identify key success factors, and propose recommendations to enhance their impact in driving inclusive growth and sustainable development in rural communities.

An Empirical Test of the Influence of Rural Leadership on the Willingness to Participate in Public Affairs from the Perspective of Leadership Identification

The participation of villagers in rural public affairs is vital for the sustainable development of rural communities and the improvement of villagers’ quality of life. Various factors, including individual characteristics, village environment, social forces, and national policies, influence villagers’ willingness to participate. However, empirical research on the determinants of villagers’ participation in public affairs often overlooks the role of grassroots leadership. To address this gap, this study proposes a theoretical model examining the relationship between transformational leadership and villagers’ willingness to participate in public affairs. Using a sample of 438 villagers from Jiangsu Province in eastern China, structural equation modeling and regression are employed to analyze the data. The findings indicate that moral modeling, leadership charm, and personalized care directly impact villagers’ willingness to participate in public affairs or indirectly influence it through leadership identification, which acts as a mediator. Furthermore, shared vision enhances the positive relationship between leadership identification and villagers’ awareness of public affairs participation. These findings provide valuable insights for village cadres seeking to promote active participation in public affairs among villagers. Specifically, gaining recognition through virtuous conduct, capabilities, and strong cadre–villager relationships serves as a foundation for influencing villagers’ willingness to participate in public affairs, while shared vision plays a strategic role in mobilizing villagers based on their identification with leaders.

Subject Embedding, Relationship Interaction, and Resource Integration: The Value Co-Creation Mechanism in Rural Communities

Globalization and urbanization have reshaped the way that service ecosystem subjects interact with each other in rural communities, providing conditions and possibilities for realizing value co-creation in rural communities. Therefore, this study selected rural communities in Guiyang City, China, as research subjects and explored the value co-creation mechanism in rural communities from the perspective of service ecosystems. The authors construct a theoretical framework encompassing “value co-creation conditions, value co-creation processes, and value co-creation results”. The study found that the core mechanism in the process of value co-creation is “subject embedding, relationship interaction, and resource integration”. At the macro level, resource sharing is achieved through complex and heterogeneous interactions among multiple subjects, under the influence of institutions, policies, and cultures. At the meso level, organizations complement each other’s resources through the cooperation and empowerment of other actors horizontally, under the influence of structure, function, and rules. At the micro level, individuals optimize resources through cooperative and empowering interactions, under the influence of motivations and value preferences. Finally, the integration of individual, organizational, and overall values constitutes public values, under the joint cross-level action of institutional and cultural elements. This study provides a new theoretical perspective for exploring the value co-creation mechanism in rural communities and provides important practical insights for promoting the sustainable development of rural communities.