Vol. 1 No. 1 (2024)

Articles

• Open Access Article

  7 Pages Download PDF: Exploring Advancing Social Equity through Sustainable Development: Challenges and Opportunities

  Exploring Advancing Social Equity through Sustainable Development: Challenges and Opportunities

  Israr Ahmad

  https://doi.org/10.36923/SQ.v1i1.237

  This study investigates the integration of social equity considerations into sustainable development initiatives within the United Kingdom using a quantitative research methodology. Data were collected through a structured survey administered to 500 policymakers, practitioners, and community members involved in sustainability projects. The analysis reveals a significant positive relationship between social equity integration and the perceived effectiveness of these initiatives. Key findings indicate that initiatives incorporating social equity considerations are more effective in addressing social inequalities, although challenges such as funding constraints, inadequate policy support, and stakeholder resistance persist. Additionally, successful initiatives often involve inclusive decision-making processes that engage marginalized communities. The study underscores the need for comprehensive evaluations of the long-term impacts of equity-focused sustainability initiatives, the development of inclusive processes that integrate traditional and local knowledge with modern practices, and context-specific solutions tailored to different socio-economic and environmental conditions. These insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers and practitioners aiming to promote both environmental sustainability and social equity in their efforts.

  pp. 1-07 Abstract views:1600 Downloads:1346

• Open Access Article

  12 Pages Download PDF: Financial Digital Inclusion and Women’s Empowerment in the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Evidence from Nigeria

  Financial Digital Inclusion and Women’s Empowerment in the Fourth Industrial Revolution: Evidence from Nigeria

  Akeju Kemi Funlayo, Oluwayemisi Kadijat Adeleke, Ani, Judith Ifunanya, Chisaa Onyekachi Igbolekwu

  https://doi.org/10.36923/SQ.v1i1.240

  The limited influence of African women on resources and decision-making has posed significant challenges to their capabilities and empowerment for decades. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of financial inclusion in advancing women’s economic empowerment within the Nigerian context, drawing on data from the 2018 Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey (DHS). The analysis focuses on women’s empowerment in terms of their participation in decision-making related to their own earnings and healthcare. Key financial inclusion variables include the use of mobile money and account ownership. The findings reveal that the odds of women making decisions regarding their earnings and healthcare are approximately 36% and 25% higher, respectively, for those who use mobile phones for financial transactions compared to those who do not. Additionally, women without an account in a financial institution exhibit approximately 42% and 32% lower odds of making decisions about their earnings and healthcare, respectively. This research contributes to the literature on digital financial inclusion and highlights its pivotal role in enhancing women's empowerment and promoting gender equality in Nigeria.

  pp. 1-12 Abstract views:1213 Downloads:1426

• Open Access Article

  9 Pages Download PDF: Integrating Renewable Energy Systems into Urban Planning: A Pathway to Sustainable Cities

  Integrating Renewable Energy Systems into Urban Planning: A Pathway to Sustainable Cities

  Christopher Preece

  https://doi.org/10.36923/SQ.v1i1.238

  This study aims to investigate the integration of renewable energy systems into urban planning, a crucial strategy for sustainable urban development. Employing a mixed-methods research design, the study combines quantitative analysis of data from ten cities and qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews and case studies of Copenhagen, Freiburg, and Masdar City. The quantitative analysis reveals a significant positive relationship between policy support and renewable energy adoption, indicating that cities with robust policy frameworks are more likely to achieve higher shares of renewable energy. Technological advancements and community engagement emerged as critical enablers, with innovative renewable energy technologies and active public participation contributing to the successful implementation of renewable energy projects. The case studies provide in-depth examples of best practices and innovative approaches to integrating renewable energy systems. Challenges such as high upfront costs, variability of renewable energy sources, and regulatory barriers are identified, alongside recommendations for addressing these issues through supportive policies, financial incentives, and technological innovations. The findings highlight the importance of coordinated efforts across technological, economic, policy, and social dimensions to promote renewable energy integration in urban areas. This study offers valuable insights for policymakers and urban planners, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies to achieve sustainable and resilient urban development through the integration of renewable energy systems.

  pp. 1-09 Abstract views:2518 Downloads:2326

• Open Access Article

  10 Pages Download PDF: Sustainable Agriculture Practices for Enhancing Food Security and Reducing Environmental Impact

  Sustainable Agriculture Practices for Enhancing Food Security and Reducing Environmental Impact

  Bushra Alam

  https://doi.org/10.36923/SQ.v1i1.250

  This study explores the impact of sustainable agricultural practices, specifically precision farming, agroforestry, and organic farming, on food security and environmental sustainability. Utilizing a qualitative research approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews, case studies, and document analysis. The findings indicate that these practices significantly enhance crop yields, improve soil health, increase biodiversity, and reduce water usage, thereby contributing to both food security and environmental sustainability. However, the adoption of these practices faces challenges such as high initial costs, technical knowledge requirements, and inadequate infrastructure. The study underscores the importance of supportive policies, financial incentives, and robust extension services to overcome these barriers. The insights provided are valuable for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers aiming to advance sustainable agriculture and promote a resilient agricultural future.

  pp. 1-10 Abstract views:1001 Downloads:961

• Open Access Article

  14 Pages Download PDF: Off-Grid Dreams: How Solar Energy Is Lighting Up The Forgotten Villages of Zimbabwe

  Off-Grid Dreams: How Solar Energy Is Lighting Up The Forgotten Villages of Zimbabwe

  Victor Madziyauswa

  https://doi.org/10.36923/SQ.v1i2.251

  This study aims to identify how solar adoption can alleviate energy poverty and sustain development in rural Zimbabwe, Chivi District. The research was qualitative, consisting of semi-structured interviews with locals, government officials and stakeholders, and secondary data collection. These results indicate large socioeconomic upsides, such as increased study time with solar lighting, better storage and healthcare provision through solar-powered refrigeration, and greater agricultural yields through solar irrigation. Despite these advantages, major impediments like the high initial cost of installing solar systems and the lack of technical support in-country hinder widespread deployment. Those outcomes require specific interventions, such as subsidies, capacity building to raise technical knowledge, and new forms of financing to improve affordability. Addressing these challenges allows governments, NGOs and the private sector to scale solar technologies for energy equity, economic empowerment and environmental sustainability, as defined by SDGs 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and 13 (Climate Action).

  pp. 1-14 Abstract views:902 Downloads:386