Journal of Interdisciplinary Socio-Economic and Community Study

The Alternative Livelihood Practices Engaged by Artisanal Fishers for Household Improvements in Zanzibar Islands

2023-12-05T01:52:57+00:00

This paper outlines the alternative livelihood practices used by artisanal fishers for household improvement in five Zanzibar Islands fishing villages: Kizimkazi Dimbani, Chwaka, Unguja Ukuu Kaepwani, Tumbe Mashariki, and Michenzani. The cross-sectional research design was used to collect quantitative data via a questionnaire survey and qualitative data via Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews. Data were collected from a sample of 333 artisanal fishers drawn from the 1991 population using the Yamane formula. According to the findings of the study, approximately half of the artisanal fishers (53.45%) did not engage in any alternative livelihood practice to support the livelihood of their households and instead relied solely on artisanal fisheries. (23.12%) of the artisanal fishers were farmers, (9.91%) were seaweed farmers, and (5.41% were animal keepers. A small percentage of artisanal fishers (8.11%) engage in petty trade, tourism, and dagaa processing for sale. It is therefore recommended that the respective government, in collaboration with other fisheries stakeholders, establish the sustainability of alternative livelihood opportunities for artisanal fisher communities in order to improve their household livelihoods by diversifying their household survival and reducing the challenge of overexploitation of fishery resources.

Village Governance and Public Participation in Indonesia

2023-12-07T05:11:27+00:00

Village Law in Indonesia explicitly mandates village governments to fundamentally promote public participation and empowerment. This study aims to evaluate Village Fund Program from the perspective of community-led development. Based on Arnstein's ladder of participation and in-depth interview method, this research found out that village community participation in the government and development system was at the level of tokenism. Village governments do provide an opportunity for the public to participate in the development planning forum, but public aspirations were not guaranteed to be converted into concrete policies. In terms of community empowerment, village governments merely implemented one of the five main principles of community-led development.

A Conjoint Analysis of Cooperative Savings Product Preferences Among Generation Z College Students in Davao City

2023-09-24T18:52:07+00:00

Limited marketing hinders cooperatives' ability to attract and retain members, particularly younger generations like Generation Z. This study investigates the financial preferences of Gen Z students within the cooperative context, focusing on their preferred savings products. Using a conjoint analysis of 664 participants from three Davao City universities, this paper reveals insights into this demographic's financial decision-making processes. The data shows the paramount importance of promotion in influencing Gen Z's financial choices. Efficient social media campaigns emphasizing a positive and engaging cooperative identity significantly resonate with these young adults. While convenience, like proximity to public areas, is valued, it holds less weight compared to competitive interest rates and impactful promotional strategies. These findings offer actionable recommendations for cooperatives aiming to engage Gen Z. Aligning marketing strategies with their preferred channels and messages, tailoring product offerings to prioritize competitive rates and engaging social media presence, and fostering community engagement through educational partnerships are crucial steps toward success. The implications extend beyond Davao City, providing a framework for cooperatives in developing countries to effectively engage young adults. By understanding Gen Z's unique financial preferences and leveraging this knowledge to develop targeted marketing and product offerings, cooperatives can contribute to financial inclusion and position themselves as vital partners in building a financially empowered future for this generation. This study's multi-theoretical framework paves the way for future research and initiatives aimed at promoting financial literacy and community engagement programs tailored to resonate with Gen Z.

The Community Cultural Tourism: Linking Religious Tourism, Karawitan, and Local Business in Puhsarang, Kediri

2023-12-11T05:15:14+00:00

Puhsarang Village is one of the religious tourism destinations in Kediri District that has the uniqueness of inculturation (adaption of church values and culture) as well as a place for meditative encounters of religious people throughout the region. The pandemic has hit the existing tourism sector and resulted in a decrease in small business income around tourist attractions. Some of the businesses affected include souvenir shops, wood sculpture, food stalls, and ‘bumbu kacang’ peanut paste production. In an effort to support Puhsarang's economic potential, the community service team carried out two main activities, namely product improvement assistance and designing social media utilization and marketplace management for local businesses. Secondly, promoting the art of karawitan as a unique characteristic of the Puhsarang tourism village. The empowerment method is carried out collaboratively with the PALAR approach, starting from the process of discussing business problems to the stage of reflecting on the business going forward. The assistance provided by the CED Team is expected to be a forum to support Community Cultural Tourism through the participation of local communities in exploring the potential of religious tourism and cultural inculturation that characterizes Puhsarang and ultimately can foster economic stretching around the village of Puhsarang.

Unveiling Capital Structure Determinants, Business Characteristics and High-Growth Performance of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: Evidence from Nigeria

2023-12-07T10:16:11+00:00

Recent interest among both SME operators and academics/professionals in determining what factors influence the capital structure and performance of SMEs has increased. Possible cause includes increased focus on the role that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play in driving economic growth. This research evaluated the factors that influence small and medium-sized enterprises' capital structures, as well as their performance predictors, financial accessibility factors, firm characteristics that predict their capital structures, and the impact of capital structure on SMEs' profitability. It was decided to conduct a survey study, with the help of a properly designed questionnaire. The population included both small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) owners and operators in the study area (South-West, Nigeria). Four hundred small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) purposefully chosen using purposive and proportionate procedure from each state in the region and asked to fill out an online questionnaire (Google Form) to collect the data. This study found a significant relationship between capital structure and the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria's Southwest region. Formal strategic plans, consistent operational procedures, positive work relationships, and the presence of formal business plans were found to have a significant impact on the financial decisions of SMEs, thereby improving overall business performance. Furthermore, the factors influencing SMEs' capital structure decisions include both strategic and organisational components, emphasising the importance of formal strategic planning, consistent operational procedures, positive work relationships, and formal business plans.