Volume 16, Issue 09

OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development
Open-access peer-reviewed journal 

Impact of budget allocation policy and fiscal decentralization towards economic growth

Ermi Yusfa 1, Muhammad Zilal Hamzah 2, Eleonora Sofilda 3
1,2,3 Universitas Trisakti, Indonesia.

Volume 16, Issue 09, Pg. 11-26, 2023.

Abstract: The government’s role in economic affairs is aimed at several objectives, one of which is redistribution. The most obvious contribution that can be seen from the government is through spending or the type of spending. Each level of government has its own share of expenditure, be it at the central or regional levels. This is one form of implementation of decentralization, especially in the fiscal sector. Fiscal decentralization itself is intended for various purposes, but one of the most frequently found is for reasons of reducing the central government’s financial burden, so that budget efficiency can be more affordable and able to impact output growth. In general, many studies have identified a related effect between fiscal decentralization and economic growth but have mixed results, especially between developed and developing countries. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to see how government spending influences economic growth at the district/city level in Indonesia. This research also wants to see how several additional variables (Regional Independence, Competitiveness Index, HDI, and poverty rate) influence economic growth at the district/city level.

This study uses a mixed approach. Quantitatively, the samples in this study are 415 districts/cities in Indonesia from 2016-2021 which will be estimated through the Panel Data Regression analysis technique. Furthermore, for the qualitative approach, a systematic literature review (Systematic Literature Review) will be used using PRISMA to filter articles up to the use of bibliometric (keyword) analysis to see the interrelationships between each node in each keyword.

The main findings in this study indicate that government budget allocations in certain fields significantly influence economic growth. Meanwhile, other variables such as (Regional Competitiveness Index, HDI, and Poverty Level) have a significant influence on economic growth in 415 Indonesian Regencies/Cities. The results of the systematic review (SLR) show that there is indeed a relationship between each independent variable and the dependent variable. In addition, each variable has a large density, which means that this study has been done a lot before.

The recommendation of this study is to further harmonize program and policy coordination between the Central Government and the Regional Governments up to the District/City Governments, so that monitoring/auditing is easier. In the end, this will increase the effectiveness and efficiency of governance in Indonesia.

Keywords: Fiscal Decentralization, Budget Allocation, Economics Growth, Panel, Data Regression, SLR

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How much does library and information science research contribute to research on sustainable development goals?

Omwoyo Bosire Onyancha
Department of Information Science, University of South Africa, South Africa.

Volume 16, Issue 09, Pg. 27-42, 2023.

Abstract: The call by the United Nations (UN) on the global community to support and contribute to the implementation of its sustainable development goals (SDGs) has ushered universities and their research units into the larger pool of stakeholders. This article examines the contribution of library and information science (LIS) to the SDGs’ research by scrutinising the scholarly outputs of LIS authors whose papers are linked to the development goals. Data were obtained from SciVal and analysed using a variety of tools and techniques. The analysed data were used to examine trends in LIS research outputs that are linked to SDGs, determine LIS outputs’ share of the world SDGs research outputs and impact, and assess the research focus areas of the LIS papers associated with SDGs. The findings showed that whereas LIS research pertaining to SDGs has increased over time, on average, the scholarly outputs account for less than one percent of all SDG-related publications (research). Given its multidisciplinary nature, LIS was found to contribute to all SDGs in terms of research and impact, albeit in a limited way, particularly in respect of topics associated with computer science, the decision sciences and the social sciences. Arguably, LIS has significant potential to contribute to sustainable development. To fully exploit this potential, LIS researchers should collaborate more with scholars in other disciplines and focus on developing integrated solutions that address the complex challenges confronting the world today. LIS researchers should continue to research and develop innovative solutions in areas that have the potential to contribute markedly to achieving the SDGs. These areas include, among others, information and knowledge access and sharing, digital literacy, and open government. Finally, the SDGs should be viewed as a framework that enables LIS researchers to make meaningful contributions to achieving the UN’s agenda by 2030.

Keywords: Library and information science, Research, Research impact, Sustainable development, Sustainable development goals

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The degree and determinants of smallholder commercialization in two rural provinces of South Africa

Siphe Zantsi 1, Abbyssinia Mushunje 2
1,2 Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa.

Volume 16, Issue 09, Pg. 43-56, 2023.

Abstract: The shift of smallholder agriculture from subsistence to commercial oriented farming manifest itself at various levels of production. Yet many existing studies in South Africa are biased. In these studies, commercialization is only assessed at one level, market output. In addition, in the marketed output dimension, focus is placed on crop production, ignoring livestock production despite its importance to rural households’ livelihoods. To expand this literature, this study takes a multifaceted approach and assesses smallholder commercialization at three levels, considering livestock production. Using the Crop Commercialization Index (CCI) and the Livestock Commercialization Index (LCI), we find that on average potential emerging farmers sell 30 per cent of their live animals and 70 per cent of their crops per season. This is an indication that smallholder farmers participate in informal output markets. However, output market participation is stronger on crops than in livestock. Results of the Tobit model shows that determinants of commercialization differ between livestock and crop activities. Participation in formal markets remains a challenge. The article ends with market integration and land redistribution recommendations.

Keywords: commercialization; market participation; Smallholder; South Africa

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Leveraging sports as a vehicle for youth employment and economic empowerment: A sports for Kenyan youth employment case study

Ronnie Murungu
International Youth Foundation, Zimbabwe.

Volume 16, Issue 09, Pg. 57-64, 2023.

Abstract: In recent years, sport has garnered significant attention as a potent vehicle for fostering positive youth development, driving employability, and stimulating economic growth. With its unparalleled ability to engage and empower young people, sport-based interventions have emerged as a viable solution to address the burgeoning global youth unemployment crisis. International Youth Foundation (IYF) has recognized this potential and implemented a series of sport-based initiatives aimed at nurturing critical life skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork. These competencies are universally sought by employers across a diverse range of sectors, rendering sport an effective means of facilitating workforce integration for young people. This paper presents an in-depth analysis of the transformative power of sport in promoting positive youth development and enhancing employability. Through a case study of the IYF’s sport-based initiative in Kenya, this research delves into the impact of such programs on skill development and the employment prospects of participating youth. Employing a rigorous methodological approach, the study draws upon a rich corpus of academic literature and practical experiences to elucidate the multifaceted benefits of sport as a catalyst for change. In addition to evaluating the effectiveness of IYF’s interventions, the paper identifies key success factors and potential challenges that may influence the scalability and sustainability of sport-based initiatives for youth employment. By doing so, the study offers valuable insights and strategic recommendations for policymakers, educators, and industry stakeholders, enabling them to optimize the impact of sport in nurturing a resilient and inclusive workforce.

Keywords: Employability, Positive Youth Development, Skill Development, Sport-based Initiatives

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