World Development Sustainability最新文献

{"title":"Predicting aquaponics adoption among smallholder fish farmers in Bhutan using machine learning","authors":"Namgay Dorji ,&nbsp;Satoshi Yamazaki ,&nbsp;Pema Thinley","doi":"10.1016/j.wds.2026.100272","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wds.2026.100272","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Aquaponics has significant potential as a circular economy technology for sustainable food production, particularly for resource-constrained smallholder farmers in developing countries. However, its adoption remains largely limited to a handful of developed countries. A major challenge is the lack of empirical insights needed to inform effective government policies and business development that can promote broader adoption. Using nationally representative survey data on smallholder fish farmers in Bhutan, this study developed a random forests classification model to identify personal, farm-level, and institutional factors that predict the propensity of farmers to adopt aquaponics. Results suggest that adoption propensity is strongly associated with farmers’ perception of its benefit, access to institutional support and markets, and existing fish production skills. These results provide practical guidance for policies and programs that aim to promote aquaponics as a sustainable food production technology. The findings highlight the need to raise awareness, expand training opportunities and support, and strengthen market linkages to make adoption more feasible and attractive for smallholder farmers. By addressing these areas, governments and development partners can design more effective interventions to accelerate the diffusion of aquaponics and promote sustainable food production systems in resource-constrained environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101285,"journal":{"name":"World Development Sustainability","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100272"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145978451","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Energy structure and investment efforts shaping green economic growth","authors":"Oleksii Lyulyov ,&nbsp;Tetyana Pimonenko","doi":"10.1016/j.wds.2025.100263","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wds.2025.100263","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Transitions toward greener patterns of economic development progress unevenly across countries, even when long-term sustainability goals are broadly aligned. These differences suggest that measurable improvements may emerge either gradually or only after specific structural conditions are reached. This study aims to identify the long-run drivers of green economic growth and to determine whether their effects emerge gradually or after specific structural thresholds are reached. The analysis covers 28 European countries, including Ukraine, from 2004 to 2023. Green economic growth is measured using adjusted net savings. The study estimates three long-run panel models that examine the effects of energy efficiency, renewable energy (including a nonlinear threshold specification), and green finance. The analysis employs panel cointegration tests, OLS with panel-corrected standard errors, fully modified OLS, feasible GLS, and nonlinear models that capture threshold behaviour. The results show that higher energy efficiency consistently strengthens long-term green economic growth across all countries. Renewable energy exhibits a nonlinear pattern: at early stages, limited renewable deployment generates transitional costs and infrastructure constraints, whereas after reaching a critical scale, further expansion strongly improves green economic performance. Green finance demonstrates a positive and lasting impact, indicating that a sustained financial commitment to low-carbon investments gradually translates into measurable economic and environmental benefits. Ukraine exhibits a greater sensitivity to energy inefficiency and limited benefits from renewables, largely due to insufficient deployment and institutional constraints. Policy implications highlight that green transition policies do not generate uniform outcomes across countries. Effective strategies require accelerating large-scale efficiency improvements, reaching the renewable deployment threshold where positive returns emerge, and strengthening governance to enhance the impact of green financial flows. For Ukraine, alignment with EU regulatory frameworks and targeted institutional capacity building are essential steps for narrowing the gap with EU member states.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101285,"journal":{"name":"World Development Sustainability","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100263"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145926909","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mapping poverty and food security: A spatial correlation analysis in central java","authors":"Shanty Oktavilia ,&nbsp;Firmansyah ,&nbsp;Zainur Hidayah ,&nbsp;Fauzul Adzim ,&nbsp;Sucihatiningsih Dian Wisika Prajanti ,&nbsp;Fafurida","doi":"10.1016/j.wds.2026.100284","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wds.2026.100284","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Poverty and food security are two closely interrelated global issues and are top priorities in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda, particularly SDG 1 (no poverty) and SDG 2 (no hunger). This study aims to analyze the spatial correlation between poverty and food security in Central Java in the 2023–2024 period. The research method used is a quantitative descriptive approach with spatial analysis using Moran's I and Local Indicator of Spatial Association (LISA). Secondary data were obtained from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the National Food Agency, and administrative maps in shapefile form. The analysis was conducted using GeoDa software, by examining univariate and bivariate spatial autocorrelation patterns, as well as mapping High-High, Low-Low, High-Low, and Low-High clusters. The results show that the distribution of poverty and food security indices in Central Java is not random, but rather forms a clustered pattern. Bivariate analysis shows a negative spatial correlation, where areas with high poverty rates tend to be associated with low food security. The LISA Bivariate Map identifies clusters of High-High areas concentrated in the southern and coastal regions, while urban areas tend to be in the Low-Low category with relatively better socio-economic conditions. The implication of these findings is the importance of spatially based development policies that integrate poverty alleviation programs with improving food security. Therefore, spatially integrated policy interventions are crucial. Local governments are recommended to prioritize targeted programs in High–High areas, including improving rural food logistics and distribution infrastructure, expanding community-based microfinance and agricultural innovation programs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101285,"journal":{"name":"World Development Sustainability","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100284"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147385012","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Brewing sustainability: Quantifying agricultural R&D investment gaps in the Global coffee sector","authors":"Mywish K. Maredia,&nbsp;Jose Maria Martinez","doi":"10.1016/j.wds.2025.100261","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wds.2025.100261","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The global coffee sector faces heightened risk, with production concentrated in a few countries, yields stagnating or declining, and climate change projected to shrink suitable growing areas. Using data from 41 major coffee-producing countries in the Global South, we develop scenario-based projections of demand growth, climate impacts, and shifts in market shares, and apply an economic model linking yield growth to research and development (R&amp;D) investments to estimate the investment gap. Current coffee R&amp;D spending—about $140 million annually (2020 USD)—is well below the level suggested by coffee’s share in agricultural output. Across six demand–climate scenarios and two supply diversity assumptions, we estimate that an additional $10–$225 million per year would be needed if production becomes more concentrated, and $126–$405 million to maintain current diversity. Most new investment would be required in historically underfunded regions—Asia (excluding Vietnam), Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean (excluding Brazil and Colombia)—where productivity gains are costlier but vital for sustaining supply. Closing this gap is both affordable and urgent: in a $200 billion industry, the cost is negligible for consumers yet critical for safeguarding diverse origins, protecting smallholder incomes, and averting deforestation. Achieving it will require coordinated financing—through producer/import levies, public–private partnerships, and regional research consortia—targeted to underfunded regions. Without such action, the future of coffee will be less diverse, less resilient, and more vulnerable to climate shocks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101285,"journal":{"name":"World Development Sustainability","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100261"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145712455","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Analysis of household water security attributes in Johor: A choice modeling approach","authors":"Ahmad Hakimi Abdul Halim,&nbsp;Zuraini Anang,&nbsp;Mahirah Kamaludin,&nbsp;Roseliza Mat Alipiah,&nbsp;Noorhaslinda Kulub Abdul Rashid","doi":"10.1016/j.wds.2025.100266","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wds.2025.100266","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Water security is emerging as a pressing global challenge that directly impacts the lives of billions of people. In Malaysia, this issue is particularly evident in Johor, where problems related to water scarcity and management have become increasingly concerning. The state is experiencing growing difficulties due to aging water infrastructure and frequent pipe bursts, highlighting the urgency of strengthening water security measures. This study aims to explore key aspects of household water security and determine the factors influencing it to support sustainable water management efforts. Additionally, it seeks to estimate households’ willingness to pay (WTP) for improvements in water-related attributes such as pipe bursts, water quantity, reliability, pressure, and pricing. The analysis is based on a Choice Modelling approach using data collected through a questionnaire survey involving 250 respondents. The findings presented are significant and beneficial for water service providers in the development of new projects. Additionally, policymakers can utilize this information to formulate policies that ensure the delivery of efficient services to consumers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101285,"journal":{"name":"World Development Sustainability","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100266"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145926913","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Livelihood vulnerability of urban waste pickers in Indonesia: Insights for inclusive circular economy transitions","authors":"Choirul Amin ,&nbsp;Umrotun ,&nbsp;Vidya N. Fikriyah ,&nbsp;Maxim G.M. Samson","doi":"10.1016/j.wds.2026.100268","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wds.2026.100268","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Rapid transitions toward circular economy and waste-to-energy (WtE) systems in Indonesia are reshaping urban waste economies, creating new risks for informal workers who rely on recyclables for their livelihoods. This study assesses the livelihood vulnerability of waste-picker households in Surakarta using the Livelihood Vulnerability Index (LVI), grounded in the IPCC’s exposure–sensitivity–adaptive capacity framework. Using cross-sectional data from 85 households complemented by qualitative interviews and participatory assessments, the analysis employs entropy-weighted indicators and regression models to identify the main determinants of vulnerability. Independent and seasonal waste pickers emerge as the most vulnerable, driven by high exposure, income dependence, and limited adaptive capacity. At the same time, aggregator-affiliated workers are relatively protected through informal institutional linkages—though such arrangements can reproduce dependency and unequal power relations. Education exerts only a modest effect, reflecting structural barriers that constrain mobility within informal labour markets. By extending the LVI to an urban context and embedding it within a just transition lens, the study advances theoretical understanding of vulnerability as a dynamic, relational process shaped by governance and technological change. Policy implications highlight the need for inclusive transition mechanisms—formal recognition, cooperative integration, and expanded social protection—to align environmental modernization with social equity and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 11 and SDG 12).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101285,"journal":{"name":"World Development Sustainability","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100268"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145926911","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Gendered time poverty in rice farming households: Evidence from the haor ecosystem of Bangladesh","authors":"Mou Rani Sarker ,&nbsp;Ranjitha Puskur ,&nbsp;Cesar B. Quicoy ,&nbsp;Merlyne M. Paunlagui ,&nbsp;Antonio Jesus A. Quilloy","doi":"10.1016/j.wds.2026.100269","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wds.2026.100269","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Gender equality in agricultural development is crucial for sustainable and climate-resilient growth. In Bangladesh’s climate-vulnerable haor region, women play significant roles in farming and household management, yet their contributions remain largely invisible. Time poverty, defined as limited discretionary time resulting from the dual burden of productive and unpaid care work, represents a critical but understudied dimension of gender inequality. We address this gap by analyzing intrahousehold labor allocation, seasonal variations, intersectionality, and determinants of gendered time poverty in rice farming households within the haor ecosystem of Bangladesh. Data were collected from 200 households in Netrokona district using a mixed-method approach. Results show that women are significantly more time poor than men, contributing 40% of labor in rice production and undertaking 75% of unpaid post-harvest operations without a corresponding shift in domestic responsibilities. Foster-Greer-Thorbecke estimates indicate that 53% of women are time poor compared to 20% of men. Climate variability further intensified these pressures, as recurrent floods and erratic rainfall increased women’s workload in both farm and household spheres. To balance work, women often juggled simultaneous tasks or made difficult trade-offs with leisure and personal care. We also found that time poverty marginalizes women across diverse social groups and identities, including class, farm size, religion, education level, age, and family structure. Probit model results shows that education, secondary employment, religion, income, household composition, farm size, access to information, and group membership were significant correlated with gendered time poverty. Policies should prioritize recognition of women’s unpaid contributions, promote labor-saving technologies, and integrate climate resilience strategies to reduce time poverty.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101285,"journal":{"name":"World Development Sustainability","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100269"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145926912","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unlocking SDG potentials through the synergy of public spending and governance: A district level analysis in Assam","authors":"Bhabesh Hazarika,&nbsp;Ankit Singh","doi":"10.1016/j.wds.2026.100276","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wds.2026.100276","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide a global framework to address critical issues such as poverty, inequality, and climate change by 2030. India has been adopting a localization strategy towards implementing SDGs with Assam emerging as one of pioneer states in articulating localized strategy. Despite its abundant natural resources, Assam faces considerable developmental challenges in health, education, poverty, gender inequalities and others due to limited fiscal capacity. The inter-district variations also raise concerns whether such disparities are due to inadequate resource allocation or underlying governance issues, or both? Based on district level data, the present paper analyses the intricate interplay between public spending and governance quality in shaping SDG outcomes specially in the social sector. Such understanding is crucial as districts are the implementing unit when it comes to public spending. Regression results show that a 1% increase in per capita social-sector spending raises the social-sector SDG index by about 8.2%. The positive and significant interaction with governance quality (elasticity = 0.075) indicates that districts with stronger institutions achieve substantially higher SDG gains from public expenditure. This study advances the existing literature by providing subnational evidence on the nexus between public spending, governance quality, and SDG outcomes at the district level in Assam, India. By analyzing the uneven distribution and effectiveness of public expenditure in critical sectors, it contributes to understanding the institutional and fiscal drivers of inter-district disparities in SDG achievements and underscores the need for a dual strategy of equitable financing and governance reform to accelerate progress.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101285,"journal":{"name":"World Development Sustainability","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100276"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077905","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring household forest dependency: Socio-economic drivers, resource utilisation, and conservation challenges in eastern Cameroon","authors":"André Paul Ebanga ,&nbsp;Jules Christian Zekeng ,&nbsp;Cédric Djomo Chimi ,&nbsp;Jean Louis Fobane ,&nbsp;Laurent Florent Etoundi Menyene ,&nbsp;Stephen Syampungani ,&nbsp;Marguerite Marie Mbolo","doi":"10.1016/j.wds.2026.100275","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wds.2026.100275","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Tropical forests play a vital role in sustaining rural livelihoods while providing essential ecosystem services at global, regional, and local scales. However, increasing human pressure and changing socio-economic dynamics threaten the balance between conservation goals and community subsistence needs. In tropical regions, household dependence on forest resources is influenced by complex socioeconomic and demographic factors. This study, conducted in 10 villages adjacent to the Angossas Community Forest (ACF) in eastern Cameroon, assessed how socioeconomic and demographic factors shape forest dependence and local sustainability strategies. Using stratified random sampling, 223 households were surveyed using semi-structured questionnaires, which captured demographic, cultural, and socio-economic variables through both closed- and open-ended recall questions. The methodology integrated descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis), binary logistic regressions, and interdependence tests. The Dependency Index (EDI) was estimated at 0.15, indicating that 78.38% of households were dependent on forest resources. Dependence levels varied significantly across forest product categories (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05), particularly for timber (15.42%), traditional medicine (16.14%), food (14.22%), cultural practices (13.98%), and handicrafts (12.53%). Regression analysis revealed that education level significantly influenced subsistence use (β = -0.165; <em>p</em> = 0.015) and medicinal plant collection (β = 1.605; <em>p</em> = 0.030). Gender (β = 1.860; <em>p</em> = 0.001) and age (β = 0.624; <em>p</em> = 0.028) were identified as key determinants for timber extraction and agricultural practices. Tree felling was the most prevalent activity (64.04%), while 82.09% of the population engaged in slash-and-burn agriculture. Intensive exploitation affected 41.75% of resources, resulting in species depletion.</div><div>Our study findings highlight the need to integrate socio-economic factors into forest management policies. Community-based strategies should be strengthened with targeted support and rigorous monitoring to ensure sustainable use of forest resources while safeguarding rural livelihoods.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101285,"journal":{"name":"World Development Sustainability","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100275"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146173198","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Profitability structure of tourist companies during and after crises","authors":"Felicetta Iovino","doi":"10.1016/j.wds.2026.100281","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.wds.2026.100281","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The aim of this paper is to analyse the financial performance of tourism companies, tour operators and travel agencies on one hand and hotels on the other hand during and after the period of the financial crisis (2008).</div><div><strong>W</strong>e have used secondary data from AIDA database about the Italian tourism companies. The profitability has been analysed using the main profitability ratios, ROA and ROE. A trend analysis have been employed for the period 2008-2017.</div><div>The crisis hasn’t had strong impacts on these companies. In fact, there has been only a small decrease in profitability ratios in 2009. The type of business is the main factor that affects these types of businesses, instead the geographical localization doesn’t show relevant effects.</div><div>The paper is one of the first to use an historical prospective to analyse the effects of a major crisis such as the financial crisis of 2008 in a country like Italy where tourism is a very significant part of the GDP. Furthermore, this analysis has been carried out using profitability ratios and in particular ROE that expresses the overall profitability of a company.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101285,"journal":{"name":"World Development Sustainability","volume":"8 ","pages":"Article 100281"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147385014","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}