scholarly journals Evaluating a Regional Approach to a National Problem: The 'Pacific Plan' and Poverty Reduction in the Kingdom of Tonga

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Chesna Cocker
Keyword(s):  
Poverty Reduction ◽  
National Development ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Development Plan ◽  
Social Spending ◽  
Clear Indication ◽  
Regional Approach ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
The Government ◽  
Basic Infrastructure

<p>Many national governments today insist that poverty reduction is the central objective of all development initiatives and policies. Increasingly however, poverty reduction initiatives have shifted away from a people-centered approach towards a focus on macroeconomic growth via a neo-liberal agenda, often promoted through regional agreements, in an attempt to meet the development needs of nations. This research seeks to explore the effectiveness of a regional approach to poverty reduction within the Pacific, using the Pacific Plan and the Kingdom of Tonga's 'Strategic Development Plan Eight' (2006/7-2008/9) as a case study, to examine the extent to which regional initiatives meet national goals for poverty reduction and development. As an interpretive study, semistructured interviews, literature analysis and focus groups were utilized in the research process in which the contributions of policy-influencers in Nuku'Alofa, and youth and villagers in Vava'u were sought. This research found that Tonga's national development plan had been heavily influenced by the dominant approach to development as exercised by the Pacific Plan in adopting a neo-liberal framework for development, seeking economic growth via the liberalization of trade and markets. Additionally this research sought to examine the perceptions of living standards in Tonga by those interviewed and the extent to which the government addressed these. What emerged was a clear indication that while the villagers felt they were coping, basic infrastructure was lacking which would aid their ability to go about their daily livelihood activities and to offer further opportunities for livelihood diversification. The overriding theme of 'self-help' seemingly adopted by the citizens and perpetuated by the policy-influencers was a clear indication that the Tongan government saw solutions to the reduction of hardship as lying with the citizens themselves. This also pointed to a possible requirement for the government to utilize their resources towards meeting the restructuring efforts needed in facilitating the regional frameworks and processes of the Pacific Plan as well as adhering to donor requirements rather than in directing these towards much needed social spending. An awareness of Tonga's place in the world as a unique nation, but one experiencing change at a rapid pace, which at times resulted in hardship, was evident. The research also suggests that although a dominant neo-liberal approach is adopted in both the SDP8 and the Pacific Plan, it may not be a best fit to effectively address poverty alleviation and the reduction of hardship for Tonga. Key words: regionalism, Tonga, poverty, Pacific Plan, development.</p>

scholarly journals Evaluating a Regional Approach to a National Problem: The 'Pacific Plan' and Poverty Reduction in the Kingdom of Tonga

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Chesna Cocker
Keyword(s):  
Poverty Reduction ◽  
National Development ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Development Plan ◽  
Social Spending ◽  
Clear Indication ◽  
Regional Approach ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
The Government ◽  
Basic Infrastructure

<p>Many national governments today insist that poverty reduction is the central objective of all development initiatives and policies. Increasingly however, poverty reduction initiatives have shifted away from a people-centered approach towards a focus on macroeconomic growth via a neo-liberal agenda, often promoted through regional agreements, in an attempt to meet the development needs of nations. This research seeks to explore the effectiveness of a regional approach to poverty reduction within the Pacific, using the Pacific Plan and the Kingdom of Tonga's 'Strategic Development Plan Eight' (2006/7-2008/9) as a case study, to examine the extent to which regional initiatives meet national goals for poverty reduction and development. As an interpretive study, semistructured interviews, literature analysis and focus groups were utilized in the research process in which the contributions of policy-influencers in Nuku'Alofa, and youth and villagers in Vava'u were sought. This research found that Tonga's national development plan had been heavily influenced by the dominant approach to development as exercised by the Pacific Plan in adopting a neo-liberal framework for development, seeking economic growth via the liberalization of trade and markets. Additionally this research sought to examine the perceptions of living standards in Tonga by those interviewed and the extent to which the government addressed these. What emerged was a clear indication that while the villagers felt they were coping, basic infrastructure was lacking which would aid their ability to go about their daily livelihood activities and to offer further opportunities for livelihood diversification. The overriding theme of 'self-help' seemingly adopted by the citizens and perpetuated by the policy-influencers was a clear indication that the Tongan government saw solutions to the reduction of hardship as lying with the citizens themselves. This also pointed to a possible requirement for the government to utilize their resources towards meeting the restructuring efforts needed in facilitating the regional frameworks and processes of the Pacific Plan as well as adhering to donor requirements rather than in directing these towards much needed social spending. An awareness of Tonga's place in the world as a unique nation, but one experiencing change at a rapid pace, which at times resulted in hardship, was evident. The research also suggests that although a dominant neo-liberal approach is adopted in both the SDP8 and the Pacific Plan, it may not be a best fit to effectively address poverty alleviation and the reduction of hardship for Tonga. Key words: regionalism, Tonga, poverty, Pacific Plan, development.</p>

scholarly journals Empowering Women through Financial Inclusion in Zimbabwe Is the Gender Gap Not Encroaching This Noble Cause?

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-64
Author(s):  
Lettiah Gumbo ◽  
Precious Dube ◽  
Muhammad Ridwan
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Gender Gap ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Poverty Reduction ◽  
National Development ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Financial Products ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
The Government ◽  
Financial Awareness

One of the most effective catalysts of economic growth of any nation is obviously financial inclusion. However, in developing countries such as Zimbabwe gender gap is still an impediment to the achievement of financial inclusion for all. Research findings for this paper show that, increasing women’s financial opportunities and financial awareness on how to access financial products and services will go a long way in reducing the gender gap. Furthermore, increasing access to and use of quality financial products and services is essential to inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction. Although the government of Zimbabwe is taking steps to increase women financial inclusiveness, research shows that women in Zimbabwe trail behind men in as far as access to financial services is concerned. Zimbabwean communities remain dominantly patriarchal and women are always lagging behind in developmental projects meant for their empowerment. This paper seeks to assess the implementation of women’s financial inclusion highlighting opportunities and barriers such as the gender gap and how this may be overcome. The study is qualitative in nature and therefore makes use of interviews and questionnaires for data collection. It is envisioned by the researchers that the research findings will be beneficial to women; their empowerment and development and national development. It is hoped to change the way in which the banking and financial sectors deal with women’s financial inclusion for the betterment of their livelihoods.  Furthermore, women’s financial empowerment will improve livelihoods of many families given the caring nature of mothers, sisters, aunts and grandmothers.

scholarly journals The role of Zambian civil society in evaluation

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. 158-184
Author(s):  
John Njovu
Keyword(s):  
Civil Society ◽  
Poverty Reduction ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
National Development ◽  
Monitoring And Evaluation ◽  
Aid Effectiveness ◽  
Cultural Groups ◽  
Paris Declaration ◽  
Reduction Strategies ◽  
The Government

Without active civil society and their evaluations, Zambia would still be a colonised nation. It is the welfare societies and cultural groups of indigenous Africans that were the foundation for the political movements that fought for its independence from the British. After political independence, civil society grew because of the 1970s global oil and financial crises. This was to mitigate the adverse effects on ordinary citizens of the conditionality of borrowing from the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, and developed nations. The increase in foreign development assistance led to an increase in development projects and programmes along with their associated internal management requirements for monitoring and evaluation (M&E). Government, during this time, also started to formulate plans and programmes that required components of M&E (for example, poverty reduction strategies). After the 2005 Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness, M&E rose to prominence in Zambia’s national development processes. Civil society played a major role in the return to multi-party democracy politics of Zambia in 1991. Post 1991, it began to also play a major role in M&E governance and ensuring that the democratic gains of 1991 were protected. Part of the demand for external M&E capacity development was to enhance its watchdog role over the Zambian government. Though the government recognises civil society as a partner in national democratic processes, it is sometimes mistrustful and hostile to evaluation revelations that are critical of government. There remains a need to strengthen this partnership to ensure that national evaluation capacities are developed. Improved capacities will in turn lead to good governance and public service delivery in Zambia. In this way, sustainable development goals will be attained, and no one will be left behind.

scholarly journals CONFLICTS AND THE RETROGRESSION OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: THE POLITICAL ECONOMY OF HERDERS-FARMERS’ CONFLICTS IN NIGERIA

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 624-633
Author(s):  
Kunle Awotokun ◽  
Agaptus Nwozor ◽  
John Shola Olanrewaju
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Food Security ◽  
Poverty Reduction ◽  
Agricultural Sector ◽  
National Development ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Major Player ◽  
The Government ◽  
Zero Hunger

Purpose: The study draws attention to the negative impacts that the conflicts between Fulani herders and farmers have had on Nigeria’s national development, especially on its quest to achieve food security while repositioning agriculture as a major player in the economy. It further draws attention to the serious danger these conflicts pose to the country’s socio-economic and political sustainability. The study attempts to illuminate the disconnect between these conflicts and the actualization of the twin goals of “no poverty” and “zero hunger” as encapsulated in the Sustainable Development Goals 1 and 2. Methodology: This study generated both primary and secondary data to evaluate the socio-economic and political implications of the herders-farmers conflicts in Nigeria. While the primary data were generated through the instrumentality of key informant interviews (KIIs), the secondary data were obtained from archival materials and other published works. Main findings: The study found that herders-farmers conflicts have inflicted serious costs on the Nigerian economy in terms of loss of resources and human lives. It also found that these conflicts have jeopardized the prospects of meeting the global goals of poverty eradication and zero hunger. The study equally found that the government has no specific set of strategies to contain the conflicts and that its equivocation and unwillingness to prosecute the architects and perpetrators of the conflicts has emboldened them. Social Implications: The herders-farmers conflicts have had serious impacts on the people. These impacts include human fatalities, social dislocations, especially displacement and disruption of people’s livelihood patterns and the exacerbation of poverty. Originality/Novelty: The originality of the study derives from its successful establishment of wider links between the Fulani herders-farmers conflicts and the prospects of the country derailing in repositioning the agricultural sector and meeting the global goals of poverty reduction and food security.

scholarly journals Small-scale fishermen: Poverty as a challenge to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Sunda Strait

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 81
Author(s):  
Yonvitner Yonvitner ◽  
Hanif Wafi ◽  
Gatot Yulianto ◽  
Mennofatria Boer ◽  
Rahmat Kurnia
Keyword(s):  
Poverty Reduction ◽  
Sustainable Development Goals ◽  
National Development ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Household Expenditure ◽  
Operational Cost ◽  
Small Scale Fisheries ◽  
Poverty Status ◽  
Development Goals ◽  
The Government

The poverty reduction indicator in SDGs also includes small-scale fisheries community groups. Small-scale fisheries’ poverty can be measured by income, expenditure, and income, converted to minimum living consumption and village welfare standards. These research aims to study of fisherman income, and welfare level as an indicator of poverty status. The research was conducted at the fisheries landing port in the Sunda Strait during 2019 to collect fisheries data covering production, operational cost, and household expenditure costs. The results showed that most ship crew fishers and ship captains (74%) were poor. Only 26% of the fishermen lived in no poverty status; however, all fishermen classified as high and medium welfare levels from the welfare indicator. Reducing poverty status (period 2020-2030) to be null (zero poverty) should be gradual with a yearly target. According to SDGs target, it needs comprehensive efforts to reduce poverty within ten years, with an average reduction of 7% per year until 2030. It means the government should implement the fishermen’s poverty reduction as part of the national development target.

scholarly journals Industrialisasi Berbasis Pertanian sebagai Grand Stratedy Pembangunan Ekonomi Nasional

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Pantjar Simatupang ◽  
Nizwar Syafa'at
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
National Development ◽  
Development Plan ◽  
Grand Strategy ◽  
New Order ◽  
Government Accountability ◽  
New Era ◽  
Development Plans ◽  
The Government

<p><strong>English<br /></strong>As a developing economy Indonesia, should have a comprehensive integrated long-term development plan which may be used as the guideline in implementing its national economic development as well as an instrument for evaluating government accountability and credibility. The New Order regime had prepared its first and second long-term development plan for 1969-1993 and 1993-2018 successively. The twin plans, however, has led Indonesia to the 1997-1999 multi dimensions crises and is considered in appropriate in the existing new era of total reformation. It must be totally reconstructed. For this, public discussions on the need for the government to formulated the new grand strategy of national development have emerged, but up and down, in the last two years. As an active contribution to the public debase, this paper reviews previous, Indonesia development plans, others' countries experiences as well as grand theories of economic development. Then it is suggested that the agricultural based industrialization may be the most suitable one for Indonesia. The new grand strategy should be decided based on a national concensus in order to avoid the practice of just for political rhetoric's as was during the New Order regime.</p><p> </p><p><strong>Indonesian<br /></strong>Bagi negara berkembang seperti indonesia, rencana pembangunan jangka panjang komprehensif-integratif sangat di perlukan sebagai acuan pelaksanaan pembangunan dan sebagai salah satu instrumen akuntabilitas dan kredibilitas pemerintah. Pemerintahaan Orde Baru telah menyusun rancangan pembangunan jangka panjang tahap I dan II masing-masing untuk peiode 1969-1993 dan 1993-2018. Rencana jangka panjang yang disusun rejim Orde Baru tersebut terbukti membawa Indonesia kedalam krisis tahun 1997-1999 dan sudah tidak sesuai dalam era Reformasi sehingga perlu dirancang ulang. Dalam dua tahun terakhir sesungguhnya telah muncul wacana publik yang menuntut agar pemerintah segera menyusun grand strategy ( strategi besar ) pembangunan nasional. Sebagai bagian dari wacana tersebut, tulisan ini mereview tentang konsepsi strategi pembangunan selama Orde Baru, pengalaman beberapa negara lain pemikiran teoritis tentang strategi pembangunan ekonomi. Berdasarkan hasil review tersebut, disarankan agar industrialisasi berbasis pertanian (agricultural based industrialization) dijadikan sebagai strategi besar (grand strategy) pembangunan nasional. Strategi tersebut haruslah dijadikan sebagai konsensus nasional, sehingga tidak sekedar retorika politik seperti pada masa Orde Baru.</p>

scholarly journals Performance, poverty and urban development: Kigali’s motari and the spectacle city

Afrika Focus ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 9-29
Author(s):  
William Rollason
Keyword(s):  
Urban Development ◽  
Poverty Reduction ◽  
National Development ◽  
Taxi Drivers ◽  
Political Resources ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Aesthetic ◽  
Motorcycle Taxi ◽  
The City

In this paper I explore tensions and conflicts over poverty reduction and urban development in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital in terms of theories of performativity. On one hand, motorcycle taxis offer large numbers of young men good livelihoods – reflecting the government of Rwanda’s stated commitment to poverty reduction, especially amongst youth; on the other, motorcycle taxi drivers suffer harassment at the hands of city authorities and police, who are keen to eradicate motorcycle taxis from the urban scene altogether. I interpret this tension as a conflict over the appropriate performance of development in the city; I argue that in pursuit of urban development, the city itself becomes an image, projected in order to attract the investment which will give body to the simulated spectacle that Kigali present. Conflicts between the city and motorcycle taxi drivers erupt because motorcycle taxis cannot perform to the aesthetic standards of the new Kigali. In conclusion, I suggest that the rendition of Kigali’s development as image has broader lessons for studies of development in general. Specifically, these conflicts expose the operation of images and their performance as political resources, conferring intelligibility and legitimacy in the spectacle of national development.

Indonesia reforms slightly boost infrastructure plan

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
East Asia ◽  
National Development ◽  
Development Plan ◽  
South East Asia ◽  
Infrastructure Development ◽  
Infrastructure Projects ◽  
Public Infrastructure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Government ◽  
Private Investors

Subject Indonesia's infrastructure plans. Significance Indonesia will need over 416 billion dollars for infrastructure development between 2015 and 2019, according to the National Development Board's mid-term development plan published late last year. To that end, President Joko 'Jokowi' Widodo's government is planning to treble public infrastructure spending to 26 billion dollars in 2016, from about 9 billion dollars in 2015. For 2016, the government has pledged to streamline further the planning and funding systems of infrastructure projects, offering increasingly better regulatory and financial terms to private investors. Impacts Cancellation of the Bandung-Jakarta rail project has hit Chinese-Indonesian infrastructure cooperation, but only temporarily. A repeat of such a political debacle, however, could have a more lasting impact on Chinese and Japanese investors' appetite. To make 'new friends' in South-east Asia, Russia will probably invest in Indonesian infrastructure, especially in the energy sector.

scholarly journals Village Based Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Activities Development in Indonesia: Challenges and Opportunities

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 72
Author(s):  
Lala M. Kolopaking
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Climate Change Adaptation ◽  
National Policy ◽  
National Development ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Development Plan ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Green Seaweed ◽  
The Government ◽  
Adaptation And Mitigation

Government funds which are distributed to village government in Indonesia by Law No. 6 Year 2014 on Village is a national policy alternative to finance development of climate change adaptation and mitigation activities. According to pilot development in several regions on agro-forestry, bio-energy development, green seaweed industry, and restoration of reservoir; they were designed on development plan in the village and regional level which interconnected to national development plan. Adaption and mitigation activities should strengthening community based green social enterprises and engaging inter-village cooperation development programs for starting up or up-scaling green businesses. It managed as activity of social enterprise, so-called Village Organization Owned Enterprise called Badan Usaha Milik Desa (<em>BUMDes</em>) or Joint Villages Organization Owned Enterprise (<em>BUMDes Bersama</em>), or as the co-operative. The government funds could be blended in such a way with other funds sources (blending finance) for developing adaptation and mitigation of climate change activities.

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