ABSTRACT In this paper, we nuance the discourse on women's agency by situating women's agency within the constrained space of traditional governance in Ghana. Integrating intersectionality and decolonial feminist frameworks with primary data from personal interviews with 52 purposively selected participants, we unpack how differently positioned women navigate context-specific barriers. In the Ghanaian Kingdoms of Dagbon and Asante, we find that diverse categories of women employ varied strategies such as appropriating supernatural authority, establishing associational relations, maintaining lineage, and participating in community activities to exert influence despite social and cultural restrictions. We argue that the pathways to gender justice across Africa are nuanced and heterogeneous, as constraints and enablers of agency vary based on the context. We conclude that women's participation in traditional governance is complex, resisting any simplistic or fixed characterisation.

This paper proposes a novel technical architecture for university business software systems in the era of large language models focused on digital intelligence empowerment. The architecture addresses limitations in traditional university data governance frame-works by adopting a ”large platform + small applications” approach, implementing a design solution of “one support platform + three atomic component groups + one service portal.” The intelligent connection infrastructure platform serves as the architectural foundation, supporting the development of atomic data, atomic business, and atomic capability components. These components collaboratively deliver personalized services through an intelligent service portal. Based on this architecture, a complete software ecosystem featuring agile data governance and intelligent technology empowerment can be constructed. The expected application scenarios and analysis demonstrates that this architecture overcomes traditional data governance constraints while fully leveraging intelligent technology capabilities. It supports the sustainable evolution of intelligent business application ecosystems and delivers substantial technical infrastructure for the digital transformation and intelligence enhancement initiatives within higher education.

ABSTRACT Global educational reforms increasingly promote social-emotional learning and student autonomy, yet many primary teachers work in highly centralized systems with rigid curricula and limited teaching time. This qualitative study examines how Greek primary teachers manage this tension in their everyday classroom practice. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with 20 teachers, we explore their perceptions of classroom management, the challenges they encounter, and the strategies they develop. Thematic analysis reveals a persistent ‘double bind’: teachers must respond to behavioural and learning heterogeneity while complying with demanding curriculum pacing. To cope, they construct a pragmatic hybrid repertoire that combines clear rules and traditional authority with differentiated, relationship-based, and socio-emotional practices, and they treat home – school collaboration as an indispensable resource rather than an optional add-on. The study concludes with implications for teacher education and professional development in centralized systems, highlighting the need to prepare teachers for navigating competing expectations in complex classrooms.

This study aims to analyze strategies for the transformation and preservation of burayot as a model for creative economy development based on local wisdom in Kabuyutan Garut. The study employs a conceptual qualitative approach using a systematic literature review method through a synthesis of literature on the creative economy, cultural digitization, and gastronomic tourism. The results indicate that burayot holds potential as cultural capital that can be developed into a community-based creative economy without compromising its traditional authenticity. The threats of modernization, low artisan regeneration, and weak cultural documentation pose the main challenges to the sustainability of burayot. Relevant strategies include the digitization of cultural knowledge, strengthening the participation of the younger generation, digital promotion innovations, and the development of community-based gastronomic tourism to simultaneously strengthen the sustainability of local culture and the local economy.

Previous research indicates that traditional religious authority structures have not necessarily been replaced by the widespread growth of digital media but have been partially transformed and/or expanded to include a new group of religious content creators. These actors do not necessarily have religious expertise or a traditional Islamic education, but they offer their own religious interpretations to their followers as part of their digital practice. Our contribution to this special issue offers an analysis of social media content by German-speaking Muslim content creators, focusing on the question of how religious authority is claimed or manifested in this context. To this end, we first develop a systematisation of potential sources of religious authority based on various existing approaches. Our analysis identifies four models of attributing authority depending on whether a) religious roles and positions are claimed, b) religious and other knowledge is presented, c) certain personal characteristics are demonstrated, and/or d) a relationship or collective identity is established between the content creator and their followers. We examine in detail selected audiovisual material from Muslim content creators on Instagram and discuss their internal differences and where they fall within the categories presented above. This analysis reveals an affinity between, on the one hand, explicit claims to religious authority and an emphasis on clear dichotomies and, on the other hand, creators who present themselves as average Muslims and their offers of a rather non-committal identity.

The Maram Naga tribe, indigenous to the Senapati district of Manipur, possesses a rich socio-cultural heritage heavily defined by agrarian traditions and deep-rooted customary laws. Despite women serving as the indispensable backbone of the community’s economic and domestic sustenance, they face systemic political disenfranchisement, most notably through their explicit exclusion from traditional village councils and the critical half-yearly and annual community discussions. This research paper explores the dichotomy between the high economic participation and low political agency of Maram women. Utilizing a qualitative, exploratory approach that synthesizes primary focus group discussions with secondary literature, such as The Place of Women in Naga Society. This study examines the traditional justifications for this exclusion, which are deeply rooted in patriarchal hegemony, patrilineal land ownership, and customary taboos. The findings reveal that the exclusion of women from formal decision-making severely impacts community welfare, manifesting in unaddressed socio-economic crises such as the rampant rise in alcoholism, gender-based violence, and stark disparities in health and educational investments. Furthermore, the psychological toll of this political exclusion stifles female agency and creates bottlenecks in sustainable community development. To rectify this imbalance, the paper proposes actionable pathways to inclusive governance. By leveraging the rising influence of women’s collectives like the Maram Women Union, celebrating female-centric cultural institutions such as the Mangkang festival, and capitalizing on the economic independence fostered by Self-Help Groups (SHGs), women are increasingly challenging the status quo. The study concludes by recommending a hybrid governance model that respects indigenous customary laws while integrating modern, democratic mandates for female representation, ensuring that the "silent half" becomes an active, institutionalized voice in the sustainable development of the tribe.

The rapid spread of artificial intelligence (AI) in all spheres of society has also affected the area of corporate governance. While foreign scholars are actively exploring the prospects and challenges of using algorithms in corporate management, this topic has not received sufficient attention in Russian-language legal literature. The aim of this study is to fill this gap. The author identifies and examines a number of problematic aspects arising from the implementation of AI systems in corporate governance, stemming both from the general characteristics of artificial intelligence (lack of transparency and explainability, possible algorithmic bias) and from traditional corporate governance issues (the agency problem, duties and responsibilities of governing bodies, the impact of corporate activities on stakeholders). Solutions to the main problems associated with the use of AI in corporate management are proposed.

Exposure to border violence erodes military trust: Mixed-methods evidence from Ghana

South Africa's coal-dependent energy system has struggled to meet national demand for nearly two decades, resulting in persistent loadshedding and an urgent push for renewable alternatives aligned with SDG 7. Although the country possesses significant solar and wind potential, expansion of utility-scale renewable energy is constrained by the availability of suitable land near existing grid infrastructure. Increasingly, developers are turning to land held under customary tenure, yet the social implications of this shift remain under-examined. This study investigates the Bolobedu solar farm in Limpopo Province to understand how local and regional traditional authorities perceive the conversion of agricultural land to a renewable energy facility. Drawing on interviews with both developers and tribal leaders, we find that while the project delivers notable benefits, including employment opportunities and revenue generation through land leasing, it also introduces challenges related to the loss of agricultural land, uneven information flows, and perceived imbalances in negotiation power. We introduce the framework “plot, power, promises” to conceptualise how land parcels, authority relations, and expectations of development shape community experiences during land-use transitions. As customary land is likely to play an increasingly central role in southern Africa's energy transition, our findings highlight the need for stronger procedural justice, more transparent benefit-sharing mechanisms, and improved community engagement.

This study examines the role of traditional institutions in negotiating and sustaining community-based peace deals amid dynamic insecurity in Zamfara State, Nigeria. The state has experienced persistent rural violence, including armed banditry, farmer-herder conflicts, cattle rustling and communal clashes, which have strained formal security and governance structures. Using a qualitative case study approach, the research draws on key informant interviews, and thematic analysis to explore how traditional rulers, councils of elders, and community leaders engage in mediation, dialogue, reconciliation, and compensation to de-escalate conflicts and restore social order. The study guided by the Structural Functionalism to explain how traditional institutions function as stabilising mechanisms within rural social systems despite limited statutory authority. Findings indicate that traditional peace deals remain culturally legitimate, accessible, and effective in addressing local grievances, particularly where state institutions are weak or distant. However, their effectiveness is constrained by the proliferation of small arms, political interference, and erosion of traditional authority under conditions of insecurity.

Persistent eutrophication and harmful algal blooms (HABs) have raised substantial concerns regarding anthropogenic nutrient enrichment across China. Nonpoint source (NPS) nutrient fluxes, which account for a major proportion of nutrient loads nationwide, remain inadequately managed due to deficits in rural infrastructure. Lake Taihu, China's third-largest freshwater lake, exemplifies these governance challenges. A range of non-structural approaches has been successfully implemented to control nutrient release from the livestock and aquaculture sectors. However, control measures targeting cropland remain limited. This is primarily because China's agricultural sector is dominated by smallholder farms, which have constrained economic capacity to adopt pollution control technologies. Additionally, cropland conservation policies hinder the government from rapidly scaling down farmland areas. A key constraint is that traditional environmental governance frameworks often neglect tradeoffs between environmental protection and socioeconomic livelihoods. To address this gap, a multi-objective framework based on the NSGA-II method is explored to optimize the application of best management practices (BMPs). Nevertheless, the lack of clear numerical NPS nutrient load standards and data gaps in rural areas continue to undermine the utility of this smart watershed management tool. To enhance environmental governance effectiveness, sustainable fiscal mechanisms should be prioritized, paired with coordinated frameworks to facilitate farm consolidation and improve economic viability. Furthermore, we propose exploring a community participation mechanism to mitigate the socioeconomic pressures associated with NPS nutrient management policies.

This study investigates the pivotal role of customary law (hukum adat) in preserving ulayat (communal) land within the Baduy indigenous community of Indonesia, navigating the complexities of modern legal pluralism. Employing a qualitative socio-legal methodology, this research utilizes purposive sampling involving traditional authorities, specifically the Puun and Jaro. The findings reveal that Baduy land governance is a holistic integration of social, spiritual, and ecological dimensions, in which land is venerated as a sacred ancestral trust (karuhun) rather than a fungible economic commodity. Consequently, traditional norms strictly prohibit land alienation and individual certification. These protective mechanisms are enforced through a sophisticated hierarchical leadership structure in which the Jaro implements both preventive norms and restorative sanctions to maintain communal integrity. Despite formal recognition through regional regulations, this study identifies critical friction between national agrarian policies, external economic pressures, and indigenous autonomy. The research concludes that the Baduy model provides a resilient, sustainable paradigm for land governance. It advocates for a substantive harmonization between state legislation and customary frameworks to ensure the enduring protection of indigenous territorial rights against contemporary developmental encroachment.

Bridging worlds: polycentric collaboration and the integration of traditional governance in Samoa's disaster management.

The reception and settlement of refugees in Cameroon is often attributed primarily to administrative authorities, with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and its partners playing a secondary role. In practice, these actors are often perceived as the sole stakeholders involved in refugee management, while indigenous authorities are largely overlooked. Yet, although long neglected in in academic discourse, indigenous authorities play a central role in the reception and settlement of refugees. This situation raises a fundamental question: what role did indigenous authorities actually play in the process of welcoming and settling refugees in the border communes of the Adamawa and East Regions of Cameroon between 1960 and 2023? This study seeks to highlight, through concrete case studies, the role of traditional chieftaincy authorities in the reception and settlement of refugees in Cameroon, particularly in the Adamawa and East Regions. To address this question, the study adopts a qualitative research method, based on the collection and analysis of physical and digital documentary sources. Given the limitations of documentary analysis alone, this approach was complemented by interviews conducted with traditional chiefs, members of host communities, refugees, and administrative authorities. The triangulation of documentary sources, interviews, and comparative analysis reveals that, from 1960 to 2023, indigenous authorities have played a decisive role in the reception and settlement of refugees in municipalities located along the borders of the Adamawa and East Regions of Cameroon.

The intensification of global green economy agendas has generated structural pressures on local economic systems that depend on natural resources, particularly in regions where community-based governance remains the primary foundation of resource management. This study aims to analyze the dynamics of community-based natural resource economic governance in Bali, Indonesia, with a focus on institutional transformation and adaptive strategies in response to global green economy pressures. The research employs a qualitative approach using a single case study design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 10 purposively selected informants and were complemented by field observations and document analysis, including customary regulations, village bylaws, and green economy-related policies. The data were analyzed thematically using Institutional Analysis and Adaptive Governance frameworks to identify patterns of institutional change, actor interaction, and collective adaptive capacity. The findings reveal that global sustainability standards and green tourism policies have encouraged the emergence of hybrid governance arrangements that integrate formal regulatory adjustments with strengthened customary norms. Local institutions demonstrate adaptive capacity through rule modification, economic diversification, and collaborative network building, although tensions persist between market-oriented sustainability demands and socio-cultural values. The study concludes that community-based governance in Bali exhibits institutional resilience by harmonizing traditional authority structures with contemporary environmental-economic imperatives, contributing to the advancement of adaptive governance theory and informing inclusive green transition policies.

Uncontrolled urban population growth in Bamenda III Sub-Division, coupled with the human activities has led to escalating wetland degradation which manifests in the form of reclamation, settlement and construction with consequence on wetland ecosystem services. This study sought to examine the socio-economic and environmental implications of wetland dynamics in Bamenda III subdivision. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating spatial analysis of Landsat imagery (2007-2025) to quantify land use change. One hundred and fifty - three (153) questionnaires were administered to the population around wetland areas. This was complimented by interviews with the following municipal and community stakeholders. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques such as frequencies, percentages and averages with the aid of Microsoft Office (2016) and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Data was presented using maps, tables, bar graphs, histograms and pie charts and shape files were displayed in ArcGIS 10.8. Secondary data sources were also consulted to complement the primary sources. Results revealed that while majority of the population (35.71%) in the SE Zone of Bamenda III are faced with land use conflicts linked to wetland dynamics, those of the NW Zone are characterized by displacement and poverty (7.40%). Pollution and loss of water resources have the highest percentage of 33.33% in the NW Zone of Bamenda III and 7.41% attested to increased flooding. The study therefore recommends that the Bamenda III council should adopt effective land use and zoning control measures to ameliorate the impact of land use change and wetland impacts in the study area. The council should work with the traditional authorities to ensure the protection and sustainable management of the wetlands. The population of Bamenda III should be involved in decisions concerning wetland management and be sensitized on their importance.

Yoga tourism has emerged as a significant dimension of global wellness travel, attracting individuals seeking holistic well-being, spiritual growth, and cultural immersion. India, recognized as the birthplace of yoga, has become a leading destination for yoga tourists who aspire to experience authentic traditions, rigorous training, and transformative journeys. Despite the growing popularity of yoga tourism, there remains a lack of standardized tools to systematically assess the psycho-sociological experiences of participants. This study addresses that gap by developing and validating the Yoga Tourism Experience Questionnaire (YTEQ), a comprehensive instrument designed to capture motivations, sociological interactions, training satisfaction, perceived outcomes, and challenges faced by yoga tourists in India. The questionnaire was formulated through a multi-step process involving literature review, expert validation, and pilot testing to ensure clarity, cultural sensitivity, and methodological rigor. Reliability testing using Cronbach's Alpha demonstrated strong internal consistency across all sections, with values ranging from acceptable to excellent. Exploratory Factor Analysis further confirmed construct validity, revealing coherent factor structures aligned with psychological motivations, sociological experiences, training quality, and perceived outcomes. The YTEQ thus provides a robust framework for both academic research and practical application in yoga tourism. By systematically measuring the psycho-sociological dimensions of yoga tourism, this tool contributes to advancing scholarly inquiry, enhancing program design, and informing wellness tourism policies. The findings underscore the transformative potential of yoga tourism and highlight the importance of culturally authentic, participant-centered approaches in shaping meaningful experiences for global yoga seekers.

Introduction Mopane woodlands are shifting, and it is important to understand the social impacts of shifting Mopane woodlands on rural communities. This study examined the governance structure of Mopane woodlands management to assess whether existing approaches enable communities to respond to these changes and explored how shifting Mopane woodlands affect relationships between community members and woodland ecosystem managers in Ward 12 of Musina Local Municipality in the Vhembe District Municipality in the Limpopo province of South Africa. Methods A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining semi-structured interviews and qualitative focus group discussion (FGD). A pilot study was conducted in August 2022, followed by the main data collection from 14 to 17 October 2022. Questionnaires were distributed to 200 people across five villages, with 137 responses obtained, and a focus group discussion involving 13 community members was held in Bende Mutale village. Results The findings reveal a fragmented and ambiguous governance system characterised by overlapping authorities, weak coordination, and limited community participation, with multiple actors involved in management, including traditional authorities, government departments, municipal authorities, and nature reserve officials, although traditional authorities appear to dominate. The study villages are largely composed of middle-aged populations, predominantly female (55.5%), with low levels of formal education (73.1% had only primary or secondary education), large household sizes (32.8% lived in households of five or more members), and high unemployment (38% of respondents were unemployed), which together exert demographic and socio-economic pressures on Mopane woodland resources. The multiplicity of management actors has created confusion among community members who perceive current management practices as unfavourable, and has contributed to emerging conflicts both between community members and management authorities and, but among community members themselves. Discussion These findings underscore the urgent need for participatory governance, livelihood support, ecological restoration, and cleared institutional arrangements. They also demonstrate that an integrated socio-ecological approach is essential for achieving equitable and sustainable management of Mopane woodlands in Ward 12.

This paper traces the historical development of Theravada Buddhism in the Yunnan region, examining the evolution of its spatial structure since its introduction in the seventh century. By combining this with contemporary practices in the reform of monastic governance systems, it analyses the relationship between the two. Historically, Theravada Buddhism, drawing on cross-border cultural exchanges, local power structures and ethnic networks, gradually formed a multi-nodal spatial pattern centred on Xishuangbanna and extending to areas such as Dehong and Lincang. In the contemporary era, with the increase in the number of religious venues, the acceleration of monastic mobility, and the polycentric development of religious networks, the traditional governance model—based on village-level support and master-disciple transmission—has gradually revealed its inadequacy. The institutional framework established around the certification of monastic qualifications and the assessment of monastic ranks provides a relatively unified system for cross-regional religious activities and the hierarchical management of the monastic community. The author contends that the expansion of Theravada Buddhism's spatial structure is not entirely unrelated to the standardisation of its governance system; on the contrary, the two actually interact and adapt to one another, jointly constituting the key conditions for the stable operation of Theravada Buddhism within multi-ethnic regional societies.

In the digital economy, the creative industry demands agile governance yet often encounters rigid regulatory frameworks. Estonia, a global digital pioneer, offers a "Smart Policy" paradigm that successfully disrupts traditional governance. This study analyzes Estonia's strategy as a model for accelerating creative industry growth. Employing a qualitative literature review, the research synthesizes data from scientific journals and policy papers to map critical success variables. Findings reveal that Estonia's effectiveness rests on three pillars: the X-Road integrated infrastructure, the e-Residency program which removes geographical barriers, and drastic administrative deregulation. This synergy fosters a transparent and efficient business climate. The study concludes that adopting the "Estonia Model" requires more than technology transfer; it necessitates a structural transformation in the bureaucratic mindset. Consequently, this research recommends an adaptive framework for policymakers to establish a sustainable ecosystem for the creative economy