Search Results (477)

The right to development, an inherent human right for all, emphasizes that all individuals and communities have the right to participate in, contribute to, and benefit from development that ensures the full realization of human rights. In Kenya, where a significant portion of the population faces poverty and vulnerability to climate change, access to rights-based needs such as clean water, healthcare, and education still remains a critical challenge. This study explored the implementation of a Human Rights-Based approach to community development through a Public–Private Development Partnership model (PPDP), with a focus on alleviating poverty and improving access to rights-based services at the community level in Narok and Nakuru counties. The research aimed to identify critical success factors for scaling the PPDP model and explore its effects on socio-economic empowerment. The study employed a mixed-methods approach for data collection, using questionnaires to obtain quantitative data, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews with community members, local leaders, and stakeholders to gather qualitative data. We cleaned and analyzed all our data in R (version 4.4.3) and used the chi-square to establish the significance of differences between areas where the PPDP model was implemented and control areas where it was not. Results reveal that communities with the PPDP model experienced statistically significant improvements in employment, income levels, and access to rights-based services compared to control areas. The outcomes underscore the potential of the PPDP model to address inclusive and sustainable development. This study therefore proposes a scalable pathway beginning with access to rights-based needs, followed by improved service delivery, and culminating in economic empowerment. These findings offer valuable insights for governments, development practitioners, investment agencies, and researchers seeking community-driven developments in similar socio-economic contexts across Africa. For the first time, it can be adopted in the design and implementation of development projects in rural and local communities across Africa bringing into focus the need to integrate rights-based needs at the core of the project. Full article

This study developed an Energy Quadrilemma Index (EQI) for Latin American countries, analyzing data from six countries from 2014 to 2020. Using the Principal Component Analysis method, this work reduced the dimensionality of 20 indicators grouped into four dimensions: energy security, energy equity, sustainable development, and a new social context axis. The results reveal significant disparities among the countries in the study. For example, Uruguay shows robust indicators, Paraguay exhibits low utilization of the energy it produces, and Chile displays the poorest results in the sustainable development axis. Many countries’ widespread dependence on hydroelectricity makes them vulnerable to water crises. The results show that social, economic, and structural inequalities represent the main barriers to the energy transition, often marginalizing low-income populations. Ensuring a fair and inclusive transition requires implementing targeted policies and solutions adapted to each country’s specific context. Although Costa Rica leads in performance, it faces significant challenges in the field of sustainability. In contrast, Honduras has made some progress with sustainable development but still demonstrates weaknesses in other areas. These results highlight that standardized solutions can exacerbate regional inequalities, demanding approaches more tailored to local needs. This work’s novelty lies in the use of the social context dimension as a feature to assess energy poverty in selected countries. Full article

Energy poverty, resulting from poor energy efficiency and economic and social barriers to accessing appropriate, modern, and sustainable energy services, remains a critical issue in Jordan, a country facing growing climate pressures, particularly given its history of rapid urbanization. This study examines energy poverty through a multidimensional lens, considering its spatial and socio-demographic variations across Jordan. Drawing on data from 19,475 households, we apply a novel energy poverty index and binary logistic regression to analyze key determinants of energy poverty and discuss their intersection with climate vulnerability. The energy poverty index (EPI) is structured around four pillars: housing, fuel, cooling, and wealth. The results show that 51% of households in Jordan are affected by energy poverty. Contributing factors include geographic location, gender, age, education level, dwelling type, ownership of cooling appliances, and financial stability. The results indicate that energy poverty is both a socio-economic and infrastructural issue, with the highest concentrations in the northern and southern regions of the country, areas also vulnerable to climate risks such as drought and extreme heat. Our findings emphasize the need for integrated policy approaches that simultaneously address income inequality, infrastructure deficits, and environmental stressors. Targeted strategies are needed to align social and climate policies for effective energy poverty mitigation and climate resilience planning in Jordan. Full article

Rural post-poverty alleviation areas are not on a solid developmental footing and therefore remain at risk of returning to poverty in the midst of rapid urbanization. Vulnerability assessment of socio-ecological systems is critical for identifying risks and enhancing resilience in rural areas transitioning out of poverty. Based on research data from 2012, 2017, and 2022 in the post-poverty alleviation areas of Hunan Province, this research establishes a Vulnerability-Scoping-Diagram (VSD) assessment framework for rural development vulnerability and Spatially-Explicit-Resilience-Vulnerability (SERV) analysis model from a socio-ecological system perspective. It comprehensively analyzes the spatial and temporal variations of the Rural Development Vulnerability Index (RDVI) in the study area. Geodetector is used to explore the main factors influencing the spatial and temporal variability of RDVI, and vulnerability type zones are classified by combining the dominant elements method. The findings indicate that: (1) The rural development vulnerability index of post-poverty alleviation areas in Hunan Province has obvious characteristics of spatial and temporal differentiation. The RDVI in western Hunan and southern Hunan is always high, while the RDVI in ChangZhuTan and Dongting Lake regions decreases year by year. (2) The RDVI of post-poverty alleviation areas in Hunan Province is determined by the three dimensions of exposure, sensitivity, and adaptability, exhibiting significant spatial and temporal variations. (3) Spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that areas with similar rural socio-ecological vulnerability in post-poverty alleviation areas of Hunan Province were significantly clustered spatially. (4) The core influencing factors of RDVI in Hunan’s post-poverty alleviation areas have shifted from natural disaster risk to multiple risk dimensions encompassing social resource load and ecological environment risk superimposition, resulting in more complex and diversified influencing factors. (5) By combining results from the RDVI assessment with the dominant elements method, the regions can be classified into multiple vulnerability type districts dominated by multiple elements or single-element dominance, leading to corresponding development suggestions. The study aims to examine the process of changes in vulnerability within rural development in post-poverty alleviation areas and its causal factors from a socio-ecological system perspective. This will provide a foundation for policy formulation to consolidate the results of post-poverty alleviation and promote the sustainable development of rural areas. Full article

Introduction: Humanitarian Corridors are part of Protected Entry Procedures (PEPs), which allow for the safe and legal arrival in Europe of refugees in need of protection (art. 25 of Regulation (CE) n.810/2009) and were implemented for the first time in Italy in 2015. They represent an alternative to dangerous journeys, and they also bring benefits to local communities. The National Institute for Health, Migration and Poverty (NIHMP) represents the first filter at entry with regard to health needs, as it guarantees an overall individual health assessment to verify the possible presence of ongoing infectious pathologies and of issues that may require management and medical investigation. The aim of this study is to expose the organizational activity and analyze the sociodemographic and health data relating to the Humanitarian Corridors implemented in Italy and in which the NIHMP has participated from 2018 to 2024. Materials and Methods: The organizational lists and health data of each corridor were collected. The analysis was carried out in relation to trend, sociodemographic characteristics of the sample, identification, reception and health. The p-value was considered statistically significant if less than 0.01. In all cases in which the p-value was found to be statistically significant, Cramer’s V was calculated to evaluate the strength of the individual correlation. Results: The NIHMP has participated in 14 Humanitarian Corridors, allowing 1250 refugees to enter Italy; a total of 174 unaccompanied foreign minors (UFMs) arrived, and there were 451 refugees reported as vulnerable (36.1%). Contagious infectious conditions were identified in 223 refugees (17.8%), and other health findings were identified in 414 refugees (33.1%). In the analysis by sex, there are statistically significant differences in the reports of vulnerability and in nationality and education. The inferential analysis carried out by age groups presents statistically significant differences in the reports of vulnerability and in sex and nationality. The analysis relating to the differences by nationality shows statistically significant results in the individual corridors in the reports of vulnerability and in schooling, skin manifestations and infectious diseases and the presence of other health findings. Conclusions: The data reported and analyzed in this work can be considered the first attempt at a complete and detailed analysis regarding the actual implementation and effectiveness of Humanitarian Corridors as programs for legal and safe entry into Italy. The significant gap in research is the reason why there are characteristics of our sample that have no counterpart in the literature. Despite this, for other characteristics, it is possible to find statistical significance and scientific value in line with the data reported both on the websites dedicated to the topic and on the limited scientific literature on the subject. Full article

Background Socioeconomic factors significantly influence access to kidney transplantation, with socially vulnerable populations experiencing delays in receiving transplants, resulting in prolonged dialysis duration and poorer post-transplant outcomes. This study evaluates the relationship between social vulnerability and disparities in preemptive kidney transplantation using the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), a composite measure developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Methods Utilizing data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR) from 2012 to 2020, we analyzed 155,424 adult kidney transplant recipients. The primary exposure was SVI, categorized into quartiles, while primary outcomes included preemptive transplant status and dialysis vintage. Multivariable regression models were adjusted for clinical covariates such as age, gender, BMI, diabetes, and peripheral vascular disease. Result Findings indicate that higher social vulnerability is significantly associated with a reduced likelihood of preemptive kidney transplantation (p < 0.0001) and an increased duration of dialysis prior to transplantation. Patients in the highest SVI quartile (0.75–1.00) were more than twice as likely to undergo dialysis before transplantation compared to those in the lowest quartile (OR = 2.21, 95% CI: 1.89–2.57). Similarly, increased SVI was strongly correlated with prolonged dialysis duration (OR = 3.43, 95% CI: 3.31–3.55, p < 0.0001). Conclusions These results highlight the impact of socioeconomic disparities on access to timely kidney transplantation. Addressing social vulnerability factors—such as poverty, education, and healthcare access—may help reduce inequities and improve transplantation outcomes. Future interventions should target high-SVI communities to facilitate earlier transplant access and reduce reliance on prolonged dialysis. Full article

People living with HIV (PLHIV) in under-resourced rural regions face intersecting social and structural barriers that intensify their vulnerability. This pilot study explored how overlapping marginalized identities and socioeconomic hardship shape experiences of discrimination among PLHIV in Southern Illinois. Twenty-two participants completed a community-informed survey that captured racial, sexual, and gender identities alongside indicators of stigma across healthcare, housing, employment, and community settings. The findings reveal that most participants experienced at least one form of discrimination, with the highest burden concentrated among those identifying as Black, Nonbinary, Gay/Lesbian, or low-income. Discrimination was particularly prevalent in healthcare and housing environments. Importantly, poverty and housing instability were not just common but appeared to amplify the experience of stigma, compounding the effects of identity-based marginalization. These results highlight the urgent need for integrated, affirming, and structurally responsive interventions tailored to the realities of multiply marginalized PLHIV in rural areas. Future research and services must consider the interplay of identity and economic precarity in order to promote equitable care and support. Full article

The present study investigates Vietnam’s economic structural transformation from 2007 to 2023, identifying key sectors contributing to output growth and poverty reduction. The study is situated within the broader context of industrialization and sustainable development in emerging economies. It employs structural decomposition analysis using Vietnam’s national input–output tables for the years 2007, 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023. The analysis decomposes changes in total output into technical effects and final demand effects, allowing for an evaluation of the relative contributions of sectoral productivity and demand side factors. The findings of the study indicate that the manufacturing and services sectors have been the primary drivers of economic growth, with the electrical and optical equipment, food, beverages and tobacco, and basic metals sectors demonstrating particularly strong performance. The factor of final demand, which is derived from consumption, investment, and exports, has played a dominant role in driving output. Notably, export-led manufacturing has experienced significant benefits due to Vietnam’s engagement in free trade agreements. It is noteworthy that the agriculture sector demonstrated a period of recovery between 2019 and 2023, driven by an increase in final demand. This study underscores the pivotal function of sectoral adaptability, trade openness, and strategic policy in maintaining inclusive economic development. It is evident that the phenomenon under scrutiny is not only indicative of vulnerabilities and opportunities but also shaped by global shocks, for example, the coronavirus pandemic. Full article

Understanding the complex and multidimensional nature of poverty is essential for designing effective and targeted policy interventions in rural Ethiopia. This study examined the determinants of multidimensional poverty in Bilate River Basin in South Ethiopia, employing cross-sectional household survey data collected in 2024. A total of 359 households were selected using a multistage sampling technique, ensuring representation across agro-ecological and socio-economic zones. The analysis applied the Generalized Ordered Logit (GOLOGIT) model to categorize households into four mutually exclusive poverty statuses: non-poor, vulnerable, poor, and extremely poor. The results reveal that age, dependency ratio, education level, livestock and ox ownership, access to information and credit, health status, and grazing land access significantly influence poverty status. Higher dependency ratios and poor health substantially increase the likelihood of extreme poverty, while livestock ownership and access to grazing land reduce it. Notably, credit use and access to information typically considered poverty reducing were associated with increased extreme poverty risks, likely due to poor financial literacy and exposure to misinformation. These findings underscored the multidimensional and dynamic nature of poverty, driven by both structural and behavioral factors. Policy implications point to the importance of integrated interventions that promote education, health, financial literacy, and access to productive assets to ensure sustainable poverty reduction and improved rural livelihoods in Ethiopia. Full article

Energy and environmental policies in the sector of buildings aim to achieve climate targets while ensuring affordable energy services for households. This study uses the Greek residential sector as a case study and focuses on energy poverty, examining both established and novel energy poverty indicators for its measurement, analyzing the key determinants of energy poverty, and developing statistical models to identify energy-poor households. The same models are also used for assessing the effectiveness of policies and measures implemented or planned to address energy poverty with a view to develop synergies with policies aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Energy poverty levels in Greece ranged from 8.4% to 19.6% in 2021, depending on the energy poverty measure used. The evaluation of the policies aiming at tackling energy poverty showed that deep energy renovations, combined with space heating system upgrades, can reduce energy poverty by 69–99%. Shallow energy renovations and upgrades of space heating systems, implemented either individually or in combination, are less effective. Finally, while the various subsidy schemes for vulnerable households do not significantly affect energy poverty levels, they play a critical role in alleviating the depth of energy poverty and improving the quality of energy services provided to households. Full article

Low-income households face severe energy affordability issues due to poor housing quality. To fight this problem, Spanish public administrations and NGOs have collaborated with the Naturgy Foundation’s Energy Rehabilitation Solidarity Fund to improve the energy efficiency of vulnerable households through quick and low-cost interventions. This paper evaluates the impact of shallow renovation and micro-efficiency measures implemented within this program on energy poverty across various Spanish provinces. The analysis includes data from 416 households in 10 provinces, examining sociodemographic factors, housing conditions, energy bills, and thermal comfort perceptions. The methodology involved collecting data through two questionnaires and energy bills provided by collaborating entities. The study found that shallow renovation measures reduced the energy poverty gap by 14.51%, from EUR 554/year to EUR 483/year. Despite these gains, many households remain in severe hidden energy poverty, spending less than a quarter of their theoretical energy expenditure. The findings highlight the diversity among different provinces and measures and the need for more extensive structural measures to reduce energy poverty significantly. Eventually, the study underscores the effectiveness of energy renovations carried out by non-profit organizations. Thus, scaling these efforts nationally might help meet the goals of the public energy poverty plans. Full article

The COVID-19 pandemic intensified existing structural challenges in Africa, including poverty, weak healthcare systems, and fragile agricultural supply chains. Consequently, examining its effects remains a critical area of study. This research investigates the effect of food prices on the prevalence of malnutrition in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa. The findings indicate a significant long-term relationship between the number of COVID-19 cases, food prices, and the prevalence of undernourishment. Specifically, increases in food prices are associated with a rise in undernourishment rates over the long term. These results are corroborated by estimations using Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS). To mitigate malnutrition in the face of potential future health shocks, governments could create and operationalize food price stabilization funds to cushion against sharp increases in food prices. These funds can be used to subsidize key staples during periods of price volatility, ensuring affordability for vulnerable populations. Full article

This paper investigates the dynamics of energy poverty across EU Member States from 2015 to 2023, a period characterized by economic recovery, the COVID-19 pandemic, and a significant energy crisis. Utilizing Eurostat EU-SILC data, the study analyzes trends in four key indicators: the inability to keep homes adequately warm, arrears on utility bills, housing cost overburden rate, and the at-risk-of-poverty rate. Data processing and trend analysis were performed using R and RStudio, while a k-means cluster analysis, executed in Python via Visual Studio Code, identified and compared distinct country groupings based on their energy poverty profiles in 2015 and 2023. The findings reveal a general improvement in energy poverty indicators across the EU until 2019, followed by a marked deterioration, particularly in energy affordability metrics post-2021 due to the energy crisis. This impact was observed to be distinct from general income poverty trends. While significant geographical disparities persist, with Southern and Eastern European countries often more vulnerable, the analysis also points to notable improvements in several Central and Eastern European nations. The cluster analysis, which identified eight clusters in 2015 and seven in 2023, suggests a degree of partial convergence. Key shifts include Poland’s transition to a lower-risk cluster and Spain’s move to a higher-risk group, while Southern Europe generally remains highly susceptible. This research underscores the dynamic and multifaceted nature of energy poverty, highlighting the necessity for targeted, context-specific policies. Addressing energy poverty is crucial for enhancing household resilience and achieving truly comprehensive energy security throughout the EU, especially amid the ongoing energy transition and potential future socio-economic shocks. Full article

This study integrates socio-demographic factors and local sustainability indicators to assess their implications for public health and social vulnerability in the Henequén neighborhood of Cartagena, Colombia. This historically marginalized community, primarily composed of women and displaced families, faces chronic exposure to environmental contaminants due to its past as a municipal landfill. Poor housing conditions, overcrowding, and inadequate access to water and sanitation services exacerbate health risks. Additionally, low educational attainment and limited economic opportunities contribute to cycles of poverty and illicit activities, disproportionately affecting children’s development. Using a cross-sectional and correlational approach, the study identifies key variables, such as housing conditions, access to basic services, and marital status, that shape social vulnerability. The findings are analyzed in the context of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The study highlights critical gaps in sustainability efforts and provides a framework for assessing local progress toward achieving these global development objectives. Full article

Climate risk has emerged as a pressing global challenge, significantly undermining livelihood capital, income stability, and living standards among vulnerable populations. Leveraging balanced panel data from the China Household Finance Survey (CHFS) spanning 2013–2019, this study employs a binary Logit fixed-effects model to examine how climate change risk affects farm households’ multidimensional relative poverty, with particular attention to the moderating role of digital financial inclusion. The findings demonstrate that climate change risk significantly exacerbates multidimensional relative poverty among farm households, while digital inclusive finance effectively mitigates these adverse impacts. Notably, subdimensional analysis reveals that the depth of digital financial usage exerts the strongest influence. In addition, there is heterogeneity in this moderating effect, with digital inclusive finance having a more significant mitigating effect on multidimensional relative poverty in rural households in the central region, with middle and higher incomes, as well as with high digital literacy. This study provides valuable insights into the use of financial instruments to mitigate climate risks, improve the climate resilience of rural populations, and strengthen multidimensional approaches to poverty governance. Full article