Top Read Articles

Published in last 1 year |

In last 2 years |

In last 3 years |

All

Please wait a minute...


For Selected: Download Citations EndNote Ris BibTeX Toggle Thumbnails

Select

Cost and benefit analysis of Climate-Smart Agriculture interventions in the dryland farming systems of northern Ghana Felix KPENEKUU, Philip ANTWI-AGYEI, Fred NIMOH, Andrew DOUGILL, Albert BANUNLE, Jonathan ATTA-AIDOO, Frank BAFFOUR-ATA, Thomas Peprah AGYEKUM, Godfred ADDAI, Lawrence GUODAAR Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (1): 100196-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100196 Abstract （544）   HTML （11）    PDF （611KB）（43）       Knowledge map    Save There is a need for more focus in understanding the economic benefits of Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) interventions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where extreme climate events are significantly affecting agriculture and rural livelihoods. This study used the Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR), and payback period to evaluate the economic viability of the adopted CSA interventions in the three villages (Doggoh, Jeffiri, and Wulling) of the dryland farming systems of northern Ghana, where CSA interventions were mostly practiced. Data were collected from 161 farm households by the questionnaire survey. The results showed that CSA interventions including livestock-crop integration, mixed cropping, crop rotation, nutrient integration, and tie ridging enhanced crop yield and the household income of smallholder farmers. The five CSA interventions selected by smallholders were in the following order of priority: livestock-crop integration (BCR=2.87), mixed cropping (BCR=2.54), crop rotation (BCR=2.24), nutrient integration (BCR=1.98), and tie ridging (BCR=1.42). Results further showed that livestock-crop integration was the most profitable CSA intervention even under a pessimistic assumption with a long payback period of 5.00 a. Moreover, this study indicated that the implementation of CSA interventions, on average, was relatively profitable and had a nominal financial risk for smallholder farmers. Understanding the economic viability of CSA interventions will help in decision-making process toward selecting the right CSA interventions for resilience development. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

Select

Sustainable smart city and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A review Z. R. M. Abdullah KAISER, Apu DEB Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (1): 100193-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100193 Abstract （295）   HTML （6）    PDF （3150KB）（512）       Knowledge map    Save The rapid urbanization and increasing challenges are faced by cities globally, including climate change, population growth, and resource constraints. Sustainable smart city (also referred to as “smart sustainable city”) can offer innovative solutions by integrating advanced technologies to build smarter, greener, and more livable urban environments with significant benefits. Using the Web of Science (WoS) database, this study examined: (i) the mainstream approaches and current research trends in the literature of sustainable smart city; (ii) the extent to which the research of sustainable smart city aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); (iii) the current topics and collaboration patterns in sustainable smart city research; and (iv) the potential opportunities for future research on the sustainable smart city field. The findings indicated that research on sustainable smart city began in 2010 and gained significant momentum in 2013, with China leading, followed by Italy and Spain. Moreover, 59.00% of the selected publications on the research of sustainable smart city focus on SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). Bibliometric analysis outcome revealed that artificial intelligence (AI), big data, machine learning, and deep learning are emerging research fields. The terms smart city, smart cities, and sustainability emerged as the top three co-occurring keywords with the highest link strength, followed by frequently co-occurring keywords such as AI, innovation, big data, urban governance, resilience, machine learning, and Internet of Things (IoT). The clustering results indicated that current studies explored the theoretical foundation, challenges, and future prospects of sustainable smart city, with an emphasis on sustainability. To further support urban sustainability and the attainment of SDGs, the future research of sustainable smart city should explore the application and implications of AI and big data on urban development including cybersecurity and governance challenges. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

Select

Livelihood vulnerability of indigenous people to climate change around the Kerinci Seblat National Park in Bengkulu, Indonesia Septri WIDIONO, Ekawati Sri WAHYUNI, Lala M. KOLOPAKING, Arif SATRIA Regional Sustainability    2024, 5 (4): 100181-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2024.100181 Abstract （246）   HTML （2）    PDF （612KB）（25）       Knowledge map    Save Indigenous people around the Kerinci Seblat National Park (KSNP), Indonesia, have a high dependence on forest resources as their main source of livelihood. This study addressed the vulnerability of Rejang indigenous people around the KSNP to climate change. The popular livelihood vulnerability index (LVI) model was adapted by adding and modifying subcomponents suitable for the study area. Primary data were collected through household surveys in two communities: Embong and Topos. In total, 146 samples were selected for this study using stratified random sampling. The results showed that Embong was more vulnerable to climate change than Topos. Embong exhibited a higher level of vulnerability to the effects of socio-demographic profile, social network, health, and natural disasters and climate variability, whereas Topos was more vulnerable to livelihood strategy, food, and water. Furthermore, Embong was more exposed to natural disasters and climate variability than Topos, but it demonstrated higher adaptive capacity and lower sensitivity than Topos. Nevertheless, socio-demographic profile influenced adaptive capacity in both communities. Sensitivity was influenced most by health in Embong, and sensitivity was influenced most by food in Topos. Although the vulnerability levels were not high in the two communities, several subcomponents must be specifically considered. Overall, this study can help the government make informed decisions to enhance adaptive capacity of the KSNP to climate change. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

Select

Qualitative assessment of the impact of waste littering and dumping on surface water quality in Nigeria Gloria FAYOMI, Ednah ONYARI, Onyeka NKWONTA Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (1): 100194-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100194 Abstract （231）   HTML （6）    PDF （824KB）（260）       Knowledge map    Save Water resources are vital for all living beings and should be managed properly to ensure the safety and well-being of humankind. Surface water bodies are constantly faced with serious contamination risks generated primarily by human activities and urbanization. The problem of waste littering and dumping in developing countries like Nigeria is increasingly affecting environmental resources such as air and water. Several studies have revealed alarming levels of heavy metals that exceed the World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Plastic waste represents a substantial portion of litter, affecting water quality. Pollution results in the depletion of aquatic ecosystems and an increase in water-related diseases. This review aims to assess the impact of waste littering and dumping on surface water quality in Nigeria. In this review, the findings of various studies on surface water bodies in Nigeria, particularly those under the influence of urbanization and waste disposal, were compiled. This review compared numerous physical and chemical parameters like pH, dissolved oxygen, and heavy metals, and microbiological properties such as total coliforms. The water quality index (WQI) was also computed in these studies to ascertain the suitability of the water samples for human consumption. Review results showed that numerous water bodies in Nigeria have significantly diverse water quality levels, with some samples meeting or exceeding the WHO guidelines for microbiological, chemical, and physical characteristics. Notably, levels of heavy metals, turbidity, and pH frequently exceeded permissible limits, pointing to contamination from agricultural and industrial sources. The WQI results for multiple locations revealed that the majority of surface water sources were classified as “bad” to “very bad”, meaning they were unfit for human consumption. The results emphasized the critical need for immediate action to prevent further harm and deterioration of surface water bodies in Nigeria. Recommendations include strengthening waste management policies, promoting recycling initiatives, fostering collaborations among stakeholders, developing littering penalties and enforcing fines to curb the challenge, and raising educational awareness from the primary level. This review emphasizes the need for proactive measures to protect the environment and surface water quality in Nigeria. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

Select

Green hydrogen production from wind energy in Far Eastern Federal District (FEFD), the Russian Federation Mihail DEMIDIONOV Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (1): 100199-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100199 Abstract （230）   HTML （5）    PDF （1184KB）（35）       Knowledge map    Save There is a gradual increase in the proportion of renewable energy sources. Green hydrogen has the potential to become one of the major energy carriers in the future. The Russian Federation, in partnership with countries in the Asia-Pacific region and especially China, has the potential to play a significant role in green hydrogen market. This study assessed the potential of developing green hydrogen energy based on wind power in the Far Eastern Federal District (FEFD) of the Russian Federation. Empirical wind speed data were collected from 20 meteorological stations in 4 regions (Sakhalinskaya Oblast’, Primorskiy Krai, Khabarovskiy Krai, and Amurskaya Oblast’) of the FEFD. The Weibull distribution was used to predict the potential of green hydrogen production. Five different methods (Empirical Method of Justus (EMJ), Empirical Method of Lysen (EML), Maximum Likelihood Method (MLE), Power Density Method (PDM), and Median and Quartiles Method (MQM)) were used to determine the parameters (scape factor and scale factor) of the Weibull distribution. We calculated the total electricity generation potential based on the technical specifications of the three wind turbines: Senvion 6150 onshore, H165-4.0 MW, and Vestas V150-4.2 MW. The results showed that Vladivostok, Pogibi, Ilyinskiy, Yuzhno-Kuril’sk, Severo-Kuril’sk, Kholmsk, and Okha stations had the higher potential of green hydrogen production, of which Vladivostok exhibited the highest potential of green hydrogen production using the wind turbine of H165-4.0 MW, up to 2.56×105 kg/a. In terms of economic analysis, the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) values of lower than 4.00 USD/kg were obtained at Yuzhno-Kuril’sk, Ilyinskiy, Pogibi, and Vladivostok stations using the wind turbine of H165-4.0 MW, with the values of 3.54, 3.50, 3.24, and 2.55 USD/kg, respectively. This study concluded that the FEFD possesses significant potential in the production of green hydrogen and, with appropriate investment, has the potential to become a significant hub for green hydrogen trading in the Asia-Pacific region. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

Select

Encouraging circular economy and sustainable environmental practices by addressing waste management and biomass energy production Nazim Forid ISLAM, Bhoirob GOGOI, Rimon SAIKIA, Balal YOUSAF, Mahesh NARAYAN, Hemen SARMA Regional Sustainability    2024, 5 (4): 100174-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2024.100174 Abstract （223）   HTML （8）    PDF （942KB）（40）       Knowledge map    Save The current linear economy assumes abundant, easily accessible, and cost-effective natural resources. However, this assumption is unsustainable, especially considering the world’s current trajectory exceeding the Earth’s ecological limits. In contrast, circular economy (CE) reduces wastes and improves resource efficiency, making them a more sustainable alternative to the dominant linear model. Biomass energy generated from agricultural leftovers, forestry wastes, and municipal trash provides a renewable substitute for fossil fuels. This reduces greenhouse gas emissions and improves energy security. Proper waste management, including trash reduction, recycling, and innovative waste-to-energy technology, reduces the burden on landfills and incineration and creates renewable energy from materials that would otherwise go to waste. Although integrating these techniques is consistent with the CE’s resource efficiency and waste minimization principles, it requires addressing environmental, technical, and socioeconomic challenges. Given the pressing global issues, transitioning to a CE and implementing sustainable environmental practices are crucial to mitigate the current waste management crisis. The aim of this study is to emphasize the viability of biomass as a source of sustainable energy, the necessity of comprehensive strategies that prioritize ecological sustainability, community involvement, and innovation to achieve a circular principle based future, and the potential obstacles to the implementation of sustainable environmental practices. This study will aid in implementing CE practices to accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and landfill loads. Beyond environmental benefits, it can also bring economic, social, and health improvements. Furthermore, this study will assist societies in addressing global issues, such as resource scarcity, pollution, and climate change, as well as transitioning to a more sustainable and resilient future. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

Select

Relationship between drought and soil erosion based on the normalized differential water index (NDWI) and revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) model Muhammad RENDANA, Wan Mohd Razi IDRIS, Febrinasti ALIA, Supli Effendi RAHIM, Muhammad YAMIN, Muhammad IZZUDIN Regional Sustainability    2024, 5 (4): 100183-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2024.100183 Abstract （217）   HTML （7）    PDF （1408KB）（44）       Knowledge map    Save The Langat River Basin in Malaysia is vulnerable to soil erosion risks because of its exposure to intensive land use activities and its topography, which primarily consists of steep slopes and mountainous areas. Furthermore, climate change frequently exposes this basin to drought, which negatively affects soil and water conservation. However, recent studies have rarely shown how soil reacts to drought, such as soil erosion. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between drought and soil erosion in the Langat River Basin. We analyzed drought indices using Landsat 8 satellite images in November 2021, and created the normalized differential water index (NDWI) via Landsat 8 data to produce a drought map. We used the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) model to predict soil erosion. We verified an association between the NDWI and soil erosion data using a correlation analysis. The results revealed that the southern and northern regions of the study area experienced drought events. We predicted an average annual soil erosion of approximately 58.11 t/(hm2•a). Analysis of the association between the NDWI and soil erosion revealed a strong positive correlation, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.86. We assumed that the slope length and steepness factor was the primary contributor to soil erosion in the study area. As a result, these findings can help authorities plan effective measures to reduce the impacts of drought and soil erosion in the future. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

Select

What are the underlying causes and dynamics of land use conflicts in metropolitan junction areas? A case study of the central Chengdu- Chongqing region in China TIAN Junfeng, WANG Binyan, QIU Cheng, WANG Shijun Regional Sustainability    2024, 5 (3): 100161-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2024.100161 Abstract （211）   HTML （8）    PDF （2088KB）（219）       Knowledge map    Save Land use conflicts (LUCs), as a spatial manifestation of the conflicts in the human-land relationships, have a profound impact on regional sustainable development. For China’s metropolitan junction areas (MJAs), the existence of “administrative district economies” has made the issue of LUCs more prominent. Based on a case study of the central Chengdu-Chongqing region, we conducted an exploratory spatial data analysis of the evolutionary process of regional LUCs. Furthermore, structural equation modeling was utilized to analyze the dynamic mechanism of LUCs in MJAs, with a particular emphasis on exploring the influences of administrative boundary. The results showed that from 2010 to 2020, LUCs in the central Chengdu-Chongqing region continued to worsen, and the spatial process conflict and spatial structure conflict indices increased by more than 30.0%. The intensification of LUCs in the central Chengdu-Chongqing region from 2010 to 2020 was mainly the result of the deterioration of conflicts in evaluation units with low conflict levels. LUCs in China’s metropolitan areas generally presented a circular gradient distribution, weakening from the core to the periphery, but there were some strong isolated conflict zones in the outer regions. LUCs in China’s MJAs were the result of interactions among multiple factors, e.g., natural environment, socio-economic development, policy and institutional processes, and administrative boundary effects. Administrative boundary affected the flow of socio-economic elements, changing the supply-and-demand competition of stakeholders for land resources, consequently exerting an indirect influence on LUCs. This study advances the theory of the dynamic mechanism of LUCs, and provides theoretical support for the governance of these conflicts in transboundary areas. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

Select

Promoting sustainable mangrove tourism through payments for ecosystem services: Insights from Tongke-Tongke Village, South Sulawesi, Indonesia Abdul MALIK, Muhammad Ichsan ALI, Abdul Rasyid JALIL, Abdul MANNAN, Rahma MUSYAWARAH Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (2): 100213-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100213 Abstract （209）   HTML （2）    PDF （776KB）（26）       Knowledge map    Save Mangrove ecosystems support biodiversity, protect coastal areas, and provide sustainable livelihoods. However, they face significant threats from deforestation and unsustainable land use practices. This study examines the viability of the payments for ecosystem services (PES) programs in promoting sustainable mangrove tourism in Tongke-Tongke Village, Sinjai District, South Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. We collected data through household surveys, semi-structured stakeholder interviews, and tourist questionnaires to evaluate the economic value of mangrove tourism and tourists’ willingness to pay (WTP) for conservation. Analytical methods included quantitative descriptive analysis, thematic analysis, travel cost analysis, and contingent valuation method. The results indicated strong community support, with 70.00% of respondents acknowledging sustainable mangrove tourism’s economic, environmental, and cultural benefits. Economic estimates revealed that mangrove tourism generated 943.00 USD/(hm²•a), while tourists’ WTP for conservation ranged from 0.21 to 0.56 USD/(person•month), contributing approximately 11.39 USD/(hm²•a). Despite challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, socioeconomic disparities, and land privatization, this study advocates for integrating the PES programs, enhancing governance frameworks, and fostering local community engagement to ensure equitable benefit distribution and maximize the potential of mangrove tourism. These strategies aim to bolster conservation efforts, improve local livelihoods, and strengthen the resilience of mangrove ecosystems. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

Select

Assessing the impact of climate change on agricultural production in central Afghanistan Homayoon RAOUFI, Hamidreza JAFARI, Wakil Ahmad SARHADI, Esmail SALEHI Regional Sustainability    2024, 5 (3): 100156-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2024.100156 Abstract （204）   HTML （4）    PDF （702KB）（35）       Knowledge map    Save Afghanistan has faced extreme climatic crises such as drought, rising temperature, and scarce precipitation, and these crises will likely worsen in the future. Reduction in crop yield can affect food security in Afghanistan, where the majority of population and economy are completely dependent on agriculture. This study assessed the interaction between climate change and crop yield in Kabul of Afghanistan during the reference (1990-2020) and future (2025-2100) periods. Climate data (1990-2020) were collected from four meteorological stations and three local organizations, and wheat yield data (1990-2020) were acquired from the United States Agriculture Department. Data during the reference period (1990-2020) were used for the validation and calibration of the statistical downscaling models such as the Statistical Downscaling Model (SDSM) and Long Ashton Research Station Weather Generator (LARS-WG). Furthermore, the auto-regression model was used for trend analysis. The results showed that an increase in the average annual temperature of 2.15°C, 2.89°C, and 4.13°C will lead to a reduction in the wheat yield of 9.14%, 10.20%, and 12.00% under Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP)2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5 during the future period (2025-2100), respectively. Moreover, an increase in the annual maximum temperature of 1.79°C, 2.48°C, and 3.74°C also causes a significant reduction in the wheat yield of 2.60%, 3.60%, and 10.50% under RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5, respectively. Furthermore, an increase in the annual minimum temperature of 2.98°C, 2.23°C, and 4.30°C can result in an increase in the wheat yield of 6.50%, 4.80%, and 9.30% under RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5, respectively. According to the SDSM, the decrease of the average monthly precipitation of 4.34%, 4.10%, and 5.13% results in a decrease in the wheat yield of 2.60%, 2.36%, and 3.18% under RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5, respectively. This study suggests that adaptation strategies can be applied to minimize the consequences of climate change on agricultural production. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

Select

Preserving environmental quality of ecotourism sites through community participation in Purulia District of West Bengal, India Piyall CHATTERJEE, Soumyendra Kishore DATTA Regional Sustainability    2024, 5 (3): 100163-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2024.100163 Abstract （200）   HTML （7）    PDF （440KB）（26）       Knowledge map    Save The importance of valuing environmental resources, especially in ecotourism sites, has become increasingly important over the last two decades. Ecotourism is now considered as an important source of livelihood of local stakeholders in backward regions. Therefore, the preservation of ecotourism sites through community participation seems very important to maintain continued flow of tourists. This study aimed at recognizing the importance of community participation for the preservation of ecotourism sites. For this, this study executed a survey based on non-probability sampling in two ecotourism sites (Garpanchkot and Baranti) covering 100 respondents in Purulia District, West Bengal of India. The central issue of this study was to assess the tendency of community participation for the conservation of ecotourism sites and find the optimum condition for offering participatory labour time. This study showed that the participation of young people is high, and the majority of respondents are aware of the importance in protecting ecotourism sites. Because respondents were too poor to offer money, the contingent valuation method (CVM) was used to elicit their willingness to pay (WTP) participatory labour time for the conservation of ecotourism sites. Respondents’ age, income, education level, caste, and their perceived environmental quality had significant relationship with their WTP participatory labour time by applying the ordinary least square (OLS) model. It was found that the mean WTP participatory labour time of each respondent in a month is approximately 3.64 h. The significance of this study is that community participation can improve the sense of belonging, trust, and credibility of ecotourism sites, making them more appreciative of the value and protection of these sites. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

Select

Renewable energy and its impact on agricultural and economic development in the Netherlands and South Africa Saul NGARAVA, Alois Aldridge MUGADZA Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (2): 100209-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100209 Abstract （198）   HTML （6）    PDF （1081KB）（45）       Knowledge map    Save The use of renewable energy is an important way to achieve sustainable agricultural and economic development. However, there are differences in access to renewable energy between the Global North and Global South. This study utilised an autoregressive distributed lag-error correction model and the data spanning from 1991 to 2021 to comparatively analyse the dynamic relationship among renewable energy consumption, the value of agricultural production, gross domestic product (GDP), economic diversification index, urban population, the total water extraction for agricultural withdrawal, and trade balance in the Netherlands and South Africa. In the short run, renewable energy consumption was increased by the value of agricultural production but decreased by GDP in South Africa. In the long run, renewable energy consumption and GDP increased the value of agricultural production, while the value of agricultural production also increased GDP in South Africa. However, in the Netherlands, there was no short- and long-run relationship between renewable energy consumption and agricultural and economic development. The results revealed that there was a short- and long-run relationship in South Africa. Moreover, in the Netherlands, the adjustment speed was -1.46 for renewable energy consumption with an error correction of 0.68 a (8.22 months). In South Africa, the adjustment speed was -1.28 for renewable energy consumption with an error correction of 0.78 a (9.38 months). Therefore, compared to South Africa, renewable energy consumption in the Netherlands takes less time to return to balance after a shock. These findings signify different trajectories on sectoral and economic transition initiatives spurred using renewable energy between the Netherlands and South Africa. Policy relating to initiatives such as “agro-energy communities” in Global South countries such as South Africa should be emphasised to promote the use of renewable energy in the agricultural sector. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

Select

Would resettlement be better? Understanding how poverty alleviation resettlement influences the well-being of poverty alleviation migrants in China LIU Bingsheng, YIN Yimeng, MA Li Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (3): 100228-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100228 Abstract （196）   HTML （3）    PDF （566KB）（20）       Knowledge map    Save Poverty remains one of the most pressing global challenges of this era, affecting millions of people across both developing and developed countries. The poverty alleviation resettlement (PAR) is a policy with Chinese characteristics for eradicating poverty. By integrating the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach, this study developed a theoretical framework to analyze the factors influencing the well-being of poverty alleviation migrants (PAMs). A telephone survey conducted between July and August 2022 in Hubei Province, Guizhou Province, Shaanxi Province, and Chongqing Municipality of China yielded 259 valid questionnaires. Using the partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), this study revealed that financial accessibility, health level, living conditions, and social networks significantly enhanced the well-being of PAMs, with living conditions having the strongest impact on the well-being of PAMs. Furthermore, the factors affecting well-being varied across age groups. Social networks played a more significant role in the elderly group, whereas health level had a greater impact on the young and middle-aged group. These findings deepen the understanding of the PAR and its effects on the well-being of PAMs, offering valuable insights for policy-makers and practitioners to refine poverty alleviation strategies and enhance social welfare. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

Select

Spatiotemporal characteristics and driving factors of the fractional vegetation coverage in the Ertix River Basin LIU Yixuan, Alim SAMAT, LI Wenbo, Jilili ABUDUWAILI Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (3): 100227-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100227 Abstract （189）   HTML （4）    PDF （3219KB）（29）       Knowledge map    Save The rapid acceleration of global warming and intensifying human activities have exacerbated the fragility and climate sensitivity of ecosystems worldwide, particularly in arid regions. Vegetation, a key component of ecosystems, is critical in enhancing the ecological environment. The Ertix River Basin (ERB) is a transboundary watershed that spans multiple countries, mostly in arid regions. However, research on the fractional vegetation coverage (FVC) and its driving factors in the ERB remains limited. Investigating the spatiotemporal changes in the FVC and its relationship with various factors in the ERB can offer scientific support for optimizing regional vegetation restoration policies and promoting the coordinated development of human-environment interactions. The Moderate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) MYD13Q1 V6 data were obtained via the Google Earth Engine platform, and methods including the pixel dichotomy method, Theil-Sen median trend analysis, and Mann‒Kendall test were employed to examine the spatiotemporal dynamics of the FVC in the ERB from 2003 to 2023, with future trend forecast using the Hurst index. The impacts of natural and socioeconomic factors on the FVC were evaluated through the partial least squares-structural equation model (PLS-SEM). The results indicated that the FVC in the ERB showed a slight degradation trend with an average annual decrease of 0.046% during 2003-2023, with significant changes occurring in 2004, 2010, and 2019. Spatially, 53.380% of the study area was degraded, and the change in the FVC increased gradually from southeast to northwest. The FVC in 63.000% of the study area was highly stable and displayed long-term persistence; and the direct impact of natural factors (path coefficient of 0.617) on the FVC was significantly higher than that of socioeconomic factors (0.167). Among the natural factors, precipitation (0.999) was the most significant. This study reveals the significant impacts of natural and socioeconomic factors on vegetation dynamics in arid regions, and provides a scientific basis for transnational ecological conservation. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

Select

Exploring the influence of trade openness, energy consumption, natural resource rents, and human capital in achieving carbon neutrality Olani Bekele SAKILU, CHEN Haibo Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (4): 100247-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100247 Abstract （187）   HTML （2）    PDF （1037KB）（18）       Knowledge map    Save Addressing the pressing challenges of climate change and global warming requires a strong commitment to reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and achieving carbon neutrality. Efficient energy use and international trade play crucial roles in promoting sustainable development and enhancing environmental quality. This study investigated the relationships of CO2 emissions with trade openness (export and import), energy consumption (renewable energy consumption and fossil fuel consumption), natural resource rents, and human capital across 20 developing countries (Brazil, Iran, Russia, China, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Colombia, Mexico, South Africa, Costa Rica, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Pakistan, Türkiye, India, Peru, Viet Nam, Indonesia, and Philippines) from 1990 to 2022 using the augmented mean group (AMG) and common correlated effects mean group (CCEMG) methods. The findings revealed that export, renewable energy consumption, and human capital significantly reduce CO2 emissions, while import, fossil fuel consumption, and natural resource rents increase CO2 emissions, although the effect of natural resource rents is statistically insignificant. Causality tests indicated the bidirectional relationship of CO2 emissions with export, import, renewable energy consumption, and fossil fuel consumption, and the unidirectional causality from human capital to CO2 emissions. CO2 emissions drive the greenhouse effect, thereby raising global temperature and accelerating climate change. As reducing CO2 emissions becomes an urgent global priority, this study provides actionable insights by identifying key variables that mitigate emissions and enhance sustainability. By bridging research and policy, this study offers targeted recommendations to accelerate progress toward a low-carbon future. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

Select

Understanding factors affecting non-participants’ interest in community-supported agriculture Maula Fadhilata RAHMATIKA, Agus SUMAN, Wildan SYAFITRI, Sri MULJANINGSIH Regional Sustainability    2024, 5 (3): 100160-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2024.100160 Abstract （185）   HTML （3）    PDF （409KB）（21）       Knowledge map    Save Community-supported agriculture (CSA) has emerged as a viable solution for addressing the agricultural challenges faced by countries like Indonesia. This study uses the well-established unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT2) model to examine the interest in CSA of potential customers in Indonesia. A standardized questionnaire was distributed to 1200 respondents, and the data were analyzed using structural equation model-partial least square (SEM-PLS) in SmartPLS 4.0 software. The results capture potential CSA consumer interest and will help to improve CSA development strategies in Indonesia. The model explains 44.4% of customers’ intentions, and identifies performance expectancy as the decisive factor in customers’ willingness to participate in CSA. Performance expectancy (0.292), hedonic motivation (0.262), social influence (0.259), and facilitating conditions (0.086) positively influence customers’ interest in participating in a CSA program. The adoption of CSA programs by both farmers and customers could be increased by implementing regulations that provide tax incentives and subsidies, offering training on sustainable farming practices, facilitating the establishment of distribution channels, and establishing guidelines for fair price and quality standards. This study shows the high potential for the implementation of CSA in Indonesia. It could also be used as a foundation for the development of new policies regarding sustainable agriculture markets in Indonesia. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

Select

Green transformation paths of resource-based cities in China from the configuration perspective GONG Qunxi Regional Sustainability    2024, 5 (3): 100158-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2024.100158 Abstract （184）   HTML （8）    PDF （575KB）（303）       Knowledge map    Save Green transformation is an unavoidable choice for resource-based cities (RBCs) that face resource depletion and environmental pollution. Existing research has focused primarily on specific RBCs, making it challenging to apply green transformation strategies universally across cities. The fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) is a combination of qualitative and quantitative analyses that can handle multiple concurrent causality problems and determine how different conditions combine into configurations and generate an outcome. Thus, to address this gap, in this study, we established a research framework for green transformation and utilized the fsQCA to examine the configurations of 113 RBCs in China. By incorporating the element of time, this study explored the dynamic evolution of solutions in 2013, 2016, and 2019. The main findings indicate that individual elements do not constitute the necessary conditions for improving the green transformation efficiency (GTE), and the systematic combination of multiple conditions is an effective path for realizing the improvement of the GTE in RBCs. Green transformation paths of RBCs exhibit the same destination through different paths. Additionally, the combination of system environment elements and system structure elements is both complementary and alternative. Differences in RBCs have led to various factor combinations and development paths, but there are some similarities in the key elements of the factor combinations at different stages. Economic environment, government support, and technological innovation are key factors that universally enhance the GTE in RBCs. These insights can assist city managers in formulating policies to drive green transformation and contribute to a better theoretical understanding of green transformation paths in RBCs. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

Select

Innovation in two contrasting value chains: Constraints and opportunities for adopting alternative crop production in the Vietnamese Mekong River Delta Sang Thanh LE, Nhu Huynh MAO, Paul KRISTIANSEN, Michael COLEMAN Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (1): 100198-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100198 Abstract （183）   HTML （9）    PDF （499KB）（31）       Knowledge map    Save Agricultural production (especially intensive rice production) is a primary income source for over 2.0×107 people in the Vietnamese Mekong River Delta. However, adverse climate change impacts, socio-economic change, and high dependence on farm inputs for intensive production constrain the longer-term sustainability of rice systems. Government and agribusiness actors are encouraging more farmers to grow non-rice crops and supporting the upscaling of alternative crops to paddy rice. We used a qualitative approach to investigate the value chain characteristics, as well as constraints and opportunities of alternative crops via two case studies (baby corn and honeydew melon) in An Giang and Hau Giang provinces, Vietnam. Data collection involved focus group discussions with local farmers and interviews with farmers and industry experts. Thematic analysis was used to compile the findings, and the results were validated with local government staff. The baby corn value chain featured on-going and stable market demand (including value-addition) and better vertical coordination (e.g., written contracts and financial support). The honeydew melon value chain featured positive relationships between farmers and traders despite less-developed vertical coordination. There are opportunities for value chain engagement through product quality certification, value-addition, and accessing high-value domestic and export markets. However, farmers require crop-specific and generic support from private and public sectors. Increased labour requirements and limited access to finance and credit limit value chain participation. Upscaling and marketing alternative crops can enhance farmer profitability and support non-farming agricultural business establishment, economic growth, and community development. Efficient value chains will be critical to ensure the adoption of alternative crops and development of crop-specific agribusiness models. These findings can inform policy-makers and change facilitators in designing targeted interventions to support the adoption of alternative crops in the study area as well as in Vietnam and globally. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

Select

Enhancing climate-smart coastal farming system through agriculture extension and advisory services towards the avenues of farm sustainability Md Maruf BILLAH, Mohammad Mahmudur RAHMAN, Santiago MAHIMAIRAJA, Alvin LAL, Asadi SRINIVASULU, Ravi NAIDU Regional Sustainability    2025, 6 (4): 100243-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100243 Abstract （180）   HTML （8）    PDF （914KB）（111）       Knowledge map    Save Agriculture extension and advisory services (AEAS) are integral to smart agricultural systems and play a pivotal role in supporting sustainable agricultural development. The study aimed to assess the role of AEAS in strengthening climate-smart coastal farming system to enhance coastal agricultural sustainability. A mixed-methods study was conducted in the southwestern coastal region of Bangladesh in 2023, which involved administering a structured questionnaire and conducing face-to-face interviews with 390 farmers. Perceived role index (PRI) was employed to assess the potential role of AEAS. To forecast the perceived role outcomes, the machine learning model was undertaken by utilizing suitable algorithms. Additionally, feature importance was calculated to underpin the significant factors of perceived role outcomes. The findings showed that coastal farming communities held a comprehensive understanding of the role of AEAS. Key roles included diffusion of agricultural innovations, acting as a bridge between farmers and research organizations, using demonstration techniques to educate farmers, training farmers on food storage, processing, and utilization, and promoting awareness and adoption of best practices. The machine learning model exposed a significant relationship between farmers’ socio-economic characteristics and their perception behavior. The results identified that factors like innovativeness, awareness, training exposure, access to AEAS, and access to information significantly influenced how farmers perceived the efficacy of AEAS in promoting a smart coastal farming system. However, farmers confronted multiple constraints in receiving demand-driven services and maintaining coastal farm sustainability. These insights can guide concerned authorities and policy-makers in providing AEAS for the purpose of strengthening climate-smart coastal farming system, particularly with a special focus on capacity building programs and machine learning application. Moreover, the outcomes of this study can assist the authorities of similar coastal systems throughout the world to initiate potential strategies for enhancing region-specific agricultural sustainability. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）

Select

Driving factors of CO2 emissions in South American countries: An application of Seemingly Unrelated Regression model Gadir BAYRAMLI, Turan KARIMLI Regional Sustainability    2024, 5 (4): 100182-.   DOI: 10.1016/j.regsus.2024.100182 Abstract （178）   HTML （2）    PDF （795KB）（93）       Knowledge map    Save Carbon emissions have become a critical concern in the global effort to combat climate change, with each country or region contributing differently based on its economic structures, energy sources, and industrial activities. The factors influencing carbon emissions vary across countries and sectors. This study examined the factors influencing CO2 emissions in the 7 South American countries including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. We used the Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) model to analyse the relationship of CO2 emissions with gross domestic product (GDP), renewable energy use, urbanization, industrialization, international tourism, agricultural productivity, and forest area based on data from 2000 to 2022. According to the SUR model, we found that GDP and industrialization had a moderate positive effect on CO2 emissions, whereas renewable energy use had a moderate negative effect on CO2 emissions. International tourism generally had a positive impact on CO2 emissions, while forest area tended to decrease CO2 emissions. Different variables had different effects on CO2 emissions in the 7 South American countries. In Argentina and Venezuela, GDP, international tourism, and agricultural productivity significantly affected CO2 emissions. In Colombia, GDP and international tourism had a negative impact on CO2 emissions. In Brazil, CO2 emissions were primarily driven by GDP, while in Chile, Ecuador, and Peru, international tourism had a negative effect on CO2 emissions. Overall, this study highlights the importance of country-specific strategies for reducing CO2 emissions and emphasizes the varying roles of these driving factors in shaping environmental quality in the 7 South American countries. Table and Figures | Reference | Related Articles | Metrics | Comments（0）