The magic bullet for rural development? Exploring the impacts of community telecenters in Bangladesh

2021 ◽  
pp. 026666692199750
Author(s):  
Noore Alam Siddiquee ◽  
Md Gofran Faroqi
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Rural Livelihoods ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Magic Bullet ◽  
Government Information ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Marginalized Groups

This paper explores the impacts of Bangladesh’s Union Digital Centers (UDCs) as government information and service delivery hubs in rural areas. Drawing on user-surveys and semi-structured individual interviews it demonstrates that the UDCs have produced generally positive yet modest impacts on governance of service delivery. It shows that the UDCs are at an early stage of development, and that they offer only a limited set of services. While they helped extend ICT-enabled services to sections of population that would otherwise have missed them, the UDCs do not have much to do with rural livelihoods and empowerment of the poor and marginalized groups. These findings point to current inadequacies and pitfalls of the UDC approach to development. We argue that enhanced viability and effectiveness of the UDC experiment would warrant embedding more value-added governmental services and further strengthening of their capacity, mandate, and connectivity with government agencies at various levels, among others.

scholarly journals Impact of regional water supply, sanitation et hygiene (WASH) program in Senegal on rural livelihoods and sustainable development

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ibrahima Sy ◽  
Ansoumana Bodian ◽  
Mamadou Abdoulaye Konté ◽  
Lamine Diop ◽  
Papa Malick Ndiaye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Water Supply ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Impact Analysis ◽  
Rural Livelihoods ◽  
Living Conditions ◽  
Average Treatment Effect ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Access Rate

Abstract In 2006, Senegal benefited from the African Development Bank's (AfDB) Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Initiative (RWSSI) a WASH sub-program for 17,100 households in rural areas in the regions of Louga, Ziguinchor and Kolda. A project results assessment was conducted in 2016 by the AfDB Independent Development Evaluation (IDEV) to measure the sub-program impacts on the living conditions of the communities. This approach allowed the measurement of project impacts based on comparative pre-and post-intervention data, as well as beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries' groups considering collected quantitative data (963 households, 38 schools, 23 health centres and 46 GPS points of infrastructures) and qualitative data (31 individual interviews and 4 focus group discussions). Several analysis (descriptive statistics, correlative analysis, effects and impact analysis with Average Treatment Effect (ATE) and cartographic treatment) were carried out to determine the project's results indicators as well as their overall effects. The results show an access rate of 73% for drinking water among beneficiaries against 6% among non-beneficiaries, and an access rate of 72% for sanitation (improved latrine) in the treatment areas against 33.7% in the control areas. In sub-program focus areas, it was observed an increase in the quantity of water used per household by 157 liters, a reduction in water price by 0.072 USD and in time taken to supply drinking water by 65 minutes. Also, it was noted a reduction in arduousness of carrying water by 2 km from the supply point, an increase in the schooling rate of children, especially girls, in income-generating activities, a decrease in the number of sick people avoided by 2 persons and gain in medical treatment avoided.The progress made by the project's achievements demonstrate that improvement in water access, sanitation and hygiene access is one of the main drivers and levers of change and transformation of the households living conditions in rural areas, often explaining the priority given to this area of intervention within the implementation of the MDGs and SDGs.

scholarly journals Physiotherapy managers’ views of musculoskeletal physiotherapy service provision in Ireland: a qualitative study

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (01) ◽  
pp. 77-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen P. French ◽  
Rose Galvin
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Service Delivery ◽  
Service Provision ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Resource Constraints ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Physiotherapy Service ◽  
Stage Of Development

Aim Integrated multidisciplinary primary healthcare is still in a relatively early stage of development in Ireland, with significant restructuring occurring in the past decade. Musculoskeletal physiotherapy services traditionally provided in acute hospital settings have been relocated into the primary care setting where the physiotherapist works as part of the multidisciplinary team. This study aimed to explore physiotherapy managers’ experiences of managing musculoskeletal physiotherapy services in primary care to gain an insight into the opportunities and challenges in service delivery, changing roles and ongoing professional development needs of staff. Participants Qualitative design using semi-structured interviews with primary care physiotherapy managers in the Republic of Ireland was employed. Results Five interviews took in a mix of rural and urban areas nationally. The relationship with the GP was an important one in musculoskeletal physiotherapy services in primary care. Physiotherapists were well skilled but opportunities for professional and career development were restricted. Methods of optimising resources in the face of staffing restrictions were identified. Whilst there were many examples of innovations in service delivery, various barriers negatively impacted on optimal service including resource constraints and national strategy. Conclusions A number of factors that impact on musculoskeletal service delivery in primary care from the perspective of physiotherapy managers were identified in this study. Future research should explore the views of other stakeholders to provide a more thorough understanding of the relevant issues affecting musculoskeletal physiotherapy service provision in primary care in Ireland.

scholarly journals Assessing the conditions of rural road networks in South Africa using visual observations and field-based manual measurements: A case study of four rural communities in Kwa-Zulu Natal

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
S'phumelele Lucky Nkomo ◽  
Sumaiya Desai ◽  
Kabir Peerbhay
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Road Networks ◽  
Visual Observation ◽  
Anthropogenic Factors ◽  
Drainage Systems ◽  
Physical Conditions ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Surface Distress

<p>The present study used visual observation and field-based measurements to assess the physical conditions of Minor roads (R3), Collector roads (R4) and Local roads (R5) in four rural communities in Kwa-Zulu Natal Province. The function of these road classes is to provide access from homesteads to main roads that connect rural areas to towns. The aim of this study was to assess the physical conditions of unpaved road networks, with the view to understand the physical, environmental and anthropogenic factors that influence the state of rural roads. Road classes of interest were traversed and a number of surface distresses (such as potholes, rutting, erosion channels, corrugations, loose material and stoniness) were identified and assessed in order to determine the surface conditions of each road class. Thereafter, two classification methods were used to rate the severity and extent of each surface distress on each road class. Results indicate that there was more than one surface distresses identified and assessed on each road class within the selected communities. It was noted that all the road classes had moderate to severe surface distress, except for the R3 road class in Emazabekweni community. The moderate to severe surface distresses reflected problems associated with poor drainage systems and maintenance. Visual observation and field-based methods are useful tools that can aid in identifying and assessing the physical conditions of unpaved roads as well as possible environmental, physical and anthropogenic factors at interplay, especially in resource limited regions. This study recommended that road authorities should ensure that proper drainage systems should be well designed, constructed and maintained on all gravel roads in order to reduce surface deterioration associated with runoff. In addition, road authorities should be carrying out regular monitoring procedures to ensure that surface distresses are identified and resolved during their early stage of development. </p>

scholarly journals Social accountability of Russian agribusiness

2020 ◽  
Vol 210 ◽  
pp. 13034
Author(s):  
Liliya Akhmetshina ◽  
Angela Mottaeva
Keyword(s):  
Rural Development ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Social Accountability ◽  
Social Orientation ◽  
Limiting Factors ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
The Government ◽  
Corporate Social Accountability ◽  
High Level

Social accountability of Russian agribusiness is currently at an early stage of development. Socially accountable agribusiness helps reducing social tension in rural areas and acts as a reliable ally to the government in executing social programs. The purpose of this research is to proof the necessity of social accountability popularization in agribusiness entities’ operation in order to provide high level of competitive capability and stable rural development. Through the research we established limiting factors in development of social accountability in functioning of the agribusiness entities and estimated the level of social accountability among biggest agribusiness holding companies as well as its impact on rural development. As a result of the study we developed measures for expanding corporate social accountability of agribusiness and enlarging its social orientation. The motives of the socially accountable agribusiness are as followed: employee development, working efficiency growth in the company, better company image, reputation growth, stable company growth in the long term, possibility of additional investments.

scholarly journals Rural Development in a Function of Local Economic Development: Case Study of Municipality of Krushevo

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 162
Author(s):  
Nikolche Jankulovski ◽  
Emiliana Silva ◽  
Katerina Bojkovska ◽  
Angjelka Jankulovska
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Rural Development ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Local Economic Development ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Business Climate ◽  
Global Trends ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
The Republic ◽  
National Programs

<p>The local economic development is a process in which the local authorities and partners from the business sector and the non-governmental sector work together to improve the business climate. Through positive financial results conditions for economic growth are created and the employment opportunities are increased. Most of the municipalities in the Republic of Macedonia are still at an early stage of development of the idea of local economic development, due to fact that the preparation of the municipal strategies and action plans are the only activities carried out in this direction so far.</p><p>The National Strategy for Agriculture and Rural Development for the period 2009-2013 stresses tourism and agriculture as priority areas for development of the country and analyzes the situation and the range of responsibilities of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management. Parallel, the national programs facilitating agriculture and rural development in Macedonia in favor of global trends for creation of sustainability in rural regions through the development of agriculture and additional activities for families living or returning to rural areas (villages). The rural development through the few authentic examples in Macedonia already shows the first interest although the contours of the branch are not defined yet.</p>The rural development is able to a greater extent to meet the needs of the modern man that the urban environment is not able to satisfy. To clarify what can be these unmet needs and to answer the question of interest due to demand for this type of tourism, it is necessary to analyze contained rural tourism.

scholarly journals What Hampers Implementation of Integrated Landscape Approaches in Rural Landscapes?

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 99-115
Author(s):  
Dorith A. Vermunt ◽  
Pita A. Verweij ◽  
René W. Verburg
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Landscape Management ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Literature Study ◽  
Rural Landscapes ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Conflicting Objectives

Abstract Purpose of Review In rural areas, frameworks of integrated landscape approaches are increasingly being used to reconcile conflicting objectives of stakeholders and sectors, such as agriculture and conservation. In accommodating multiple land uses, social, economic, and environmental trade-offs need to be balanced. Different social processes underly integrated landscape approaches. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the barriers described in peer-reviewed case studies to better understand what hampers the implementation of integrated landscape approaches. To this purpose, we conducted a systematic literature study. We clustered the barriers into the following barriers groups: (1) participation problems, (2) interaction problems, (3) resource problems, and (4) institutional problems, and analyzed how these barriers hindered implementation of the following key landscape processes: planning and visioning, developing and implementing practices, establishing good governance, and monitoring and evaluation. Recent Findings We analyzed barriers described in 56 peer-reviewed papers that document 76 cases of integrated landscape approaches in 35 countries worldwide. Main stakeholder problems were related to absence of specific stakeholder groups, varying levels of engagement, or lack of stakeholder experience and skills. Interaction problems included a lack of communication, collaboration, or coordination, a lack of agreement due to different stakeholder visions, and power relations. Institutional problems were related to incompatible (national) policies and institutional structures hindering integration, and resource problems included limited availability of financial resources and a lack of data. These barriers hampered the implementation of the key processes needed to transition towards integrated landscape approaches in different ways. This paper provides an overview of the main barriers found for each landscape process. Summary Rural landscapes are often characterized by a variety of stakeholders and land use sectors, such as agriculture and natural resource conservation. Landscape approaches aim to integrate different goals such as conservation, production, and livelihoods simultaneously, but their implementation appears to be challenging. In this study, we take stock of the barriers described in the literature and analyze how different types of challenges related to stakeholder engagement, interaction between stakeholders, resources, and institutions hinder implementation of landscape approaches. According to this analysis, we demonstrate why particular problems pose challenges to the implementation of specific elements of landscape approaches. Few barriers were related to testing and implementing sustainable business practices since business stakeholders were often not involved. Most approaches were still in an early stage of development. The continuity of approaches is mostly not secured and calls for better institutionalization of landscape approaches. The set of identified barriers and their relations to key processes can be used as a diagnostic tool to enhance learning and improve the performance of landscape approaches in the transition towards integrated landscape management.

scholarly journals The role and impact of Local Action Groups in Rural Development of Kosovo. Nol Krasniqi

2020 ◽  
Vol 55 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nol Krasniqi
Keyword(s):  
Rural Development ◽  
International Organizations ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Early Stage ◽  
Main Tool ◽  
Local Action ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Action Groups

This research aims to present and analyze Local Action Groups and their role in Kosovo. Improving national wealth and reducing migration, especially from rural areas, is one of the biggest challenges. The LEADER program is considered to be a very successful rural development initiative of the European Union. Hence, this study examined the role of Local Action Groups as a main tool in implementing the LEADER approach. Focus was placed on how they work in Kosovo, their structure and organization, projects implemented, operation and characteristics of LAGs in Kosovo in the context of seven features of LEADER. The research concentrates on four municipalities where LAGs were examined, and the role of international organizations in training them. Descriptive statistics methods were used for the analysis. The study found that the LEADER approach in Kosovo is implemented more in theory and less in practice. Since they have been created, Local Action Groups in Kosovo have remained at an early stage of development. They need support from policymakers and international organizations.

Statistical analysis of trends in the role of agriculture in the Russian economy in the context of digital transformations

2020 ◽  
pp. 49-57
Author(s):  
Maria Vyacheslavovna Kagirova
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Agricultural Production ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Domestic Markets ◽  
Modern Agriculture ◽  
Russian Economy ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas ◽  
Social Divide

The multifunctionality of modern agriculture defines this industry as the base for both the traditional and digital economy. At the same time, the need for overall use of digital technologies creates for agricultural production a number of promising opportunities for increasing the efficiency of activities and transition to a new stage of development, but also a number of threats and risks of increasing disparity in relation to the industry in the distribution of incomes and the digital social divide of urban and rural areas, as well as a decrease in the competitiveness of the industry in the global and domestic markets. The paper analyzes changes in the position of agriculture in the country’s economy in various qualitatively unique periods from 2002 to 2018 for a number of characteristics, including ensuring food independence, employment, value added production, participation in building the country’s export potential using methods of mechanical and analytical alignment of time series. The directions of specifying the system of indicators for monitoring digitalization processes in agriculture are given.

scholarly journals Cassava production as a climate change adaptation strategy in Chilonga Ward, Chiredzi District, Zimbabwe

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tambudzai Mupakati ◽  
Vincent I. Tanyanyiwa
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Climate Change Adaptation ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Smallholder Farmers ◽  
Rural Livelihoods ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Adaptation Strategy ◽  
Adaptation Measures ◽  
Cassava Production ◽  
The Impact

This study sought to pilot a range of long-term adaptation measures in the agriculture sector because of climate change shocks. Past droughts in Zimbabwe have had devastating environmental and socio-economic impacts in rural areas where livelihoods mainly depend on agriculture. Over the past few years, many parts of Zimbabwe have been experiencing extreme events. The study sought to address the following objectives to describe smallholder farmers’ knowledge of climate change variability and change in Chilonga Ward and to explore the potential of cassava production as a climate change adaptation strategy in Chiredzi. An assessment of the impact of cassava production on rural livelihoods as a climate change adaptation strategy was also done. Focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, desk research and observation were the tools used to collect data. The results show that cassava has an extensive root system that can penetrate poor soils which may not support crops like maize. Zimbabwe has to increase cassava production as its tubers can be value added to produce a range of products that include livestock feed and porridge.

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