Thematic Review of Trends in Inclusive Urban Development Studies (2000- 2020)

This study followed a chronological review of literature over the past 20 years. This was able to show relationship between inclusivity and physical development. A variety of discussions were looked into including dimension of inclusivity, definition of inclusivity, scales for measurement of inclusivity, methodology for appraising inclusivity, protagonists of inclusivity, and antagonists of inclusivity. The intricacy of the correlations between inclusive physical development and life expectations of residents are improved upon so as to show the similarities of these parameters. The analysis of the relevant literature indicated the process of enhancing the urban space and ensuring that all interest and strata of groups in the human composition are adequately cared for by employing the best parameters from the conceptualization of the city development, all the indicators of inclusiveness are well thought out.

The Role of Trade Policy in Sustainable Tourism Inclusivity in Africa

When local communities are allowed to participate fully in tourism trade activities either through supplying goods and services or direct employment in the tourism sector-inclusiveness of tourism, trade can be realized in a practical sense. Research indicates that, in most tourist destinations in Africa, the tourism trade continues to be characterized by environmental and social-cultural degradation and inadequate local community participation associated with revenue leakages and weak economic linkages. The mechanism on how tourism trade contributes inclusively on local communities' benefits such as inclusive growth and poverty alleviation remains unclear. Despite destination economies engaging in services liberalization, little evidence exists on how such trade policies have been beneficial at enhancing inclusive benefits of the tourism trade. Therefore, this chapter aims to clarify how trade policies can be employed to promote the inclusiveness of the tourism trade.

Financing Sustainable Development in Africa

Actualizing sustainable development in Africa will require enormous economic resources. This implies that there must be a clear balance of prioritization of financing options on what works best for development in this region without further escalating other societal problems. The authors argue in the chapter that though there has been some benefit from the traditional means of financing development in Africa, some drawbacks still exist considering the rising rate of inequality and poverty head-count in the region. On this note, this present study examines financing options that have previously been advocated for in financing development in the African region (i.e., taking stock), such as development assistance and foreign investment, by considering its implication on development outcomes like poverty, inequality, and aggregate human development indicator in the region.

Cycle of Poverty in Developing Countries

Poverty is no longer fashionable even in the less developed countries of the world. The world has deemed poverty-ridden regions of the world as ‘anathema', forbidden, and ignoble. At the same time ways to get out of the menace are regularly strategised over a period of time. The developed countries of the world had been able to nip poverty to the bud significantly, but the developing countries still have a lot to do so as to overcome the menace. Poverty in the developing countries operates in a cycle of repetitions. This makes it difficult to curtail. How can poverty be reduced in the developing countries? This study reveals the reason while poverty has become a domestic phenomenon in developing countries and the way forward. The theory on poverty is evaluated alongside the present economic situation in Africa. The cycle of poverty, which includes the social cycle of poverty (SCP), political cycle of poverty (PCP), and the economic cycle of poverty (ECP), are examined. This study analyses the strategies to break the cycle of poverty in Africa and other developing countries.

Neoliberal Reforms in Sub-Saharan Africa's Electricity Sector

Based on literature review and documents analyses, this contribution discusses the processes, implementation, experiences and impacts of the neoliberal electricity-sector reform in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The study generally finds poor implementation status and experiences as well as little improvement in the performance of the electricity sector as a result of the reforms, in the reviewed and analyzed SSA countries. The study identifies the reasons for the general poor outcomes of the reforms to be non-existence of truly independent electricity regulatory agencies, weak institutions and non-existence of unhampered competition among players in the electricity markets in most SSA context. The study suggests implementation of more tailored reform alternatives which suit existing political, social, and institutional characteristics and conditions of the SSA countries, namely: hybrid electricity markets and complementary regulatory measures.

Technological Innovations in Agriculture in Sub-Saharan Africa

The purpose of this chapter is to review the literature on technological innovations in general and more specifically on the use of information and communication technologies in agriculture. Emphasis was placed on two main tools, namely the telephone and the internet. The opportunities created by these two tools have been highlighted on the basis of previous studies supported by scientific arguments. Some stylized facts have also made it possible to highlight the level of these ICTs in 20 countries of sub-Saharan Africa. Some countries like Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Rwanda, and, to a lesser extent, Senegal are more advanced in this process of using ICT because they are relatively more economically stable. Finally, the constraints linked to the adoption of these ICTs as well as certain public policy recommendations were formulated.

Business Plan and Industrial Development

Writing of business plans ensures performance of a business and contributes to enabling countries to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs). The latter are intended, in part, to promote industrialization, and improved human living and working standards. This chapter identifies and analyses the importance of business plan for family-owned food processing small and medium enterprises (Fo-SMEs). It advocates for the establishment of an “integrated planning” strategy to link Fo-SMEs and government support system for business development. Business-planning forecasts industrial production based on consumers' demands. Integrated planning ensures sustainability of Fo-SMEs, farmers' economic growth, and consequent achievement of SDGs. Tanzania Fo-SMEs serve as a useful lesson for developing economies. Future studies should consider Fo-SMEs' succession planning framework.

Political Economy of Land Policy Reform and Governance in Nigeria

Land is the most important asset of farmers that plays an indispensable role in agricultural production. Nigerian land system has strong social and cultural attraction making it difficult to separate from political, social, cultural, and economic effects. Politics and the process of politicking influence the course and outcome of government decision on land policy. This study examines the political economy of agricultural land policy reforms and governance in Nigeria. The study used a combination of methods, such as expository, comparative, and case analysis. Findings showed that land issues are delicate, demanding careful attention to avoid social or political conflicts. Politicization of land is a major cause of land dispute but with good land governance, land policy reform become easier to implement. Political will of government is crucial for land policy to succeed. Transparent, fair, and equitable land policy is necessary to continue on the path of peace, stability, and increase agricultural productivity.

Institutional Settings, Renewable Energy Development, and Forest Cover Changes in Sub-Saharan Africa

This chapter explores the roles of institutional settings in renewable energy (RE) development in Sub-Saharan Africa, and the effects of RE development on forest cover changes in the region. The study finds that the slow but persistent growth in RE contribution to total energy bundles can be credited to the general improvements in institutional reforms and frameworks. It also finds that unlike biomass-based RE systems, the indirect deforestation effects associated with solar and wind energy systems, are largely offset by the environmental benefits that accrue from them. Based on these findings, the chapter recommends that coordinated institutional interventions should prioritize the deployment of more environmentally sustainable RE technologies such as solar and wind energies.

Participatory Exclusion in Community-Based Forest Management

The inherent benefits of community participation are sometimes used by local power holders as a façade to perpetuate non-participation in the management and use of forest resources. Guided by the concept of participatory exclusion, the study assessed the perceptions of inhabitants around the Wa Community Forest Reserve (WCFR), concerning the categories of people that benefit from the forest and the factors influencing community participation in the management of the forest reserve. Data was collected from 200 households in three communities and analysed using mainly descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. The study found that community participation in the forest reserve management is below average. Gender, age, and livelihood options of households were significant determinants of one's participation in forest reserve management. Lack of community cooperation and logistical challenges were impediments to the effective management of the forest reserve. Local authorities should therefore encourage women to co-manage the forest reserve with men and local authorities for its sustenance.