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ABSTRACTHow to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a dilemma for policymakers. While the broad SDG framework provides a comprehensive blueprint for development, implementing the integrated SDGs remains a challenge in many contexts, especially where resources are limited. Moreover, employing selectivity and prioritization in implementation presents the risk of overlooking the most transformative goals. This paper examines whether local practitioners in Ghana employ grafting and pruning techniques in SDG implementation and how this selectivity and prioritization impacts SDG outcomes. We adopt a qualitative approach to analyse SDG prioritization decisions at the local government level, where essential services necessary to meet SDG targets are delivered. Local practitioners indicate that while they aspire to implement an integrated SDG framework, their implementation reality, including inadequate resources and political pressure, compels them to prioritize. Thus, practitioners prioritize basic social and economic needs and capitalize on the linkages between the SDGs to achieve multiple objectives.

To examine the relationship between pregnancy intention and gestational age at first antenatal visit in Namibia. This study uses secondary data from the 2013 Namibia Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). Log-normal survival models are used to examine the independent effect of pregnancy intention on gestational age at first antenatal visit while controlling for relevant sociodemographic and socioeconomic covariates. This study finds that those who indicated unwanted pregnancies were significantly more likely to delay initiating antenatal care (ANC). Other variables also associated with gestational age at first antenatal visit include contact with a health worker, health insurance, media exposure to safe motherhood messages, birth order, relationship with head of household, maternal education, and urban residence. Timely ANC is necessary to identify and mitigate risk factors in pregnancy but many mothers in Namibia do not receive such care. Reducing unwanted pregnancies through family planning may limit ANC delays. After unwanted pregnancies occur, women may benefit from further education and resources that empower them to pursue ANC promptly.

Purpose: Doing qualitative research with vulnerable urban populations such as street traders present significant methodological challenges, which many researchers may not be prepared to handle. This paper aims to provide a reflective account of the authors' fieldwork experiences while conducting a study with street traders in Harare, Zimbabwe. Design/methodology/approach: This paper draws data from a qualitative case study conducted with street traders in Harare's Central Business District (CBD). In this study, mixed qualitative methods were used including focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews and photovoice. Findings: The study’s findings suggest that researching street traders is a complex process that requires flexibility, adaptability and creativity of researchers across the following aspects: gaining access in unfamiliar research contexts, building rapport and trust with participants, managing ethical dilemmas and addressing power imbalances between researchers and participants. Originality/value: While there is a growing body of empirical research on street trading in the global south, there are limited studies that discusses the practical fieldwork experiences associated with conducting primary research with such vulnerable and dynamic urban populations. The authors highlight strategies and practical steps that can be taken to address these challenges. This paper emphasizes the need for flexibility and adaptability in researching street traders, as it is akin to exploring uncharted territories where conventional methodological templates may not be effective.

ABSTRACTWhat motivates Ghanaian migrants who return from Canada, with the intention to settle permanently in Ghana, to move back to Canada? This study answers this question by exploring the lived experiences of Ghanaian migrants involved in double return migration. Using semi-structured interviews with Ghanaian migrants residing in the Greater Toronto Area, the paper demonstrates the complexity of a double return (return to Ghana and second return to Canada). First, participants identified patriotism, attachment to their homeland, opportunity to contribute to the socio-economic development of their homeland, and employment challenges in Canada as reasons for returning home. Second, participants explained that poor business environment, children’s integration challenges, and social networks and familial ties in the receiving society informed their decision to return to Canada. The results demonstrate a need for sustainable reintegration policies in the receiving and sending societies to enable migrants and returnees to successfully integrate in both contexts.

ABSTRACTResearch suggests that in sub-Saharan Africa, independent transnational female migration is highly prevalent. Despite this prevalence, scholarship on those who are left behind in the migration process largely focuses on women, and there is little research focusing on transnational female migration and the families these women leave behind. Using a qualitative approach, with the push-pull theory and the new household economics of labour migration framework to examine female migration and its impact on left-behind families in Ghana, this study fills a valuable research gap in the migration literature. Twelve in-depth interviews were purposively held with men whose spouses were residing overseas. Findings from the thematic analysis revealed that independent female migration is a common occurrence in the Ghanaian context. Social, economic and cultural opportunities were some of the reasons the respondents identified for the prevalence of transnational female migration. While respondents associated transnational female migration with certain benefits, they explained that it has short-and long-term consequences, including reverse remittances, marital instability and effects on children’s subjective well-being. While the results corroborate the key arguments of the push-pull theory and the new household economics of labour migration framework, which suggest that multiple factors trigger migration, they demonstrate the need for effective planning and careful decision making among spouses in the migration process.

ABSTRACTWest Ridge in Accra, Ghana, a residential enclave for colonial administrators is being produced again to serve as the financial center of the country. The area is identified after one building: World Trade Center, Accra (WTCA). We map the transformation of WTCA and situate its emergence within three frameworks. We argue that the continued peripheral linkage of Ghana and the unwillingness of global capital to bear the overhead cost of extracting wealth from the country have created a vacuum for semi-peripheral, peripheral, and state capital to serve the financial needs of global capital. Ghana’s financial structural adjustment facilitated these processes.

This paper examines how urban authorities in Harare respond to street trading and the implications of these interventions on street traders’ access to urban space. Drawing from focus groups, in-depth interviews with street traders and urban governance actors, we argue that as urban authorities in Harare become obsessed with defending modernity, they implement aggressive urban policies aimed at eradicating street traders’ livelihoods. These violent measures are often differentially experienced with ‘street vending mothers’, the elderly and those with disabilities bearing the brunt of Harare’s authoritarian spatial governance. Alternatively, the city has also experimented with what we call governing through ‘spatial containment’, aimed at ‘taming’ street traders and transforming them into formalized entities. We demonstrate that despite its noble intentions, such a policy approach has unintended outcomes for street traders since it undermines the organic attributes of their trade: operational flexibility, spatial mobility and proximity to customers. Despite the negative implications of policy interventions, street traders’ associations struggle to champion the collective voice of informal traders due to their organisational fragmentation, unfavourable political environment and existing structural constraints. This study contributes to the broader scholarly debate on urban informality, governance, and socio-economic justice in developing country contexts. Based on our findings, we call for a paradigm shift in policy and governance approaches, advocating for inclusive urban planning, dialogue, and recognition of the socio-economic contributions of street traders.

As global economies become increasingly interconnected, the movement of people across borders has intensified, generating significant debate on the implications for both sending and receiving countries. Amid this debate, studies continue to report the return of some migrants to out-sourcing countries. While extra-regional return migration (henceforth, return migration) to Africa has received scholarly attention, there is no periodic systematic literature review to establish emerging themes on this topic. In this paper, we use standard procedures to analyse twenty peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2022. From the findings, it emerged that return migration is a complex process shaped by multiple factors, such as family considerations and policies. The findings also highlight the differential experiences of returnees as they reintegrate into life in their home countries. Therefore, stakeholders should provide the necessary policy support to enhance the contributions of returnees to development.

Over the years, some scholars have not only written against the concept of immigrant integration but have called for its rejection and abandonment. Critics argue that the concept is normative, objectifies others, mirrors outmoded imaginary of society, orients towards methodological nationalism, and a narrow emphasis on immigrants in the forces defining integration progression. Nonetheless, the concept continues to receive academic and policy attention. Against the backdrop of this polarized view, this paper raises an important question relating to the benefit or otherwise of writing against the concept of integration in the field of integration studies. Specifically, the paper asks: Is it appropriate to write against and reject the concept of integration? The paper responds to this question from a provocative conceptual perspective. Here, the paper argues that when the concept is purged of its inherent criticisms and rather reconceptualize as a wicked concept, it still offers a unique analytical spectrum with which scholars can approach several substantive critical questions regarding immigrants’ integration.

ABSTRACTIn response to neoliberal policies and globalization pressures over the past three decades, urban governments in advanced economies have, with near-unanimity, adopted place branding as an approach to foster local economic growth. Framed as an outcome of multilevel neoliberal policymaking and local entrepreneurial governance, place branding has been adopted by urban places at all scales and geographic contexts with little regard for its efficacy. It is unclear, however, whether place branding represents a substantive approach, or is merely an emerging example of a neoliberal scripting. In many regards, the debate surrounding place branding is similar to the discourse on the Creative Class a decade ago. Consequently, uncertainty exists regarding whether place branding reflects practical and responsible urban governance or a superficial, fast policy with limited potential to foster local development. To date, little is known about how practitioners perceive place branding as a policy tool in the context of economic development. This study examines the perceptions of economic development practitioners regarding how place branding is being developed and implemented as a policy tool. The analysis is based on in-depth interviews with economic development practitioners (n = 25) from a wide range of municipalities in Ontario. Findings of this study indicate that while opportunity exists for place branding to represent in-depth and extensive local development policy, it is more generally an urban development script for creating a sense of place and fostering local economic development. Additionally, the majority of place branding policy represents superficial policy, emphasizing hegemonic approaches. Place branding can therefore be explained as an example of fast policy.

ABSTRACTHousing First (HF) is now an internationally promoted community housing model for long-term homeless individuals who have mental health difficulties including substance abuse issues. This study aimed to understand the perspectives and experiences of service providers and residents associated with the London CAReS program, an HF program currently operating in the city of London, Ontario, Canada. London CAReS was designed to transition homeless individuals off the street and into housing with consumer-driven supports. This empirical analysis is a response to the need to capture the perspectives and experiences of service providers and residents associated with HF projects, particularly as they reflect areas of policy intervention. Analysis of semi-structured qualitative interviews with five service providers suggests that London CAReS is a more effective approach to housing homeless individuals than previous Treatment First services. Service providers noted that key strengths of the project are access to stable housing, availability of ongoing support, community integration, and the opportunity to build sustained relationships with participants. Similarly, 65 residents interviewed for this study expressed a high level of satisfaction with the program. In contrast to the system that had “previously failed them,” residents noted that the CAReS program provided improvement in their health status, access to independent apartment, continuous support from London CAReS workers, choices in services, and the opportunity to build trusting relationships with support staff. Despite the positive experiences of service providers and residents, the interviews revealed several critical implementation challenges. The study points to relevant areas of policy intervention.

This article examines the association between sense of community belonging and unmet health-care needs among individuals in Ontario, Canada, after adjusting for predisposing, enabling, and need factors associated with health-service use. This study is based on data from Statistics Canada’s 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey. A sample of 21,257 individuals aged 12 and older was analyzed. Logistic regression was conducted to examine the association between sense of community belonging and unmet health-care needs. The study found that one in ten individuals reported having unmet health-care needs. Sense of community belonging had a significant independent effect on unmet health-care needs. Respondents with a weak sense of community belonging were 1.27 times more likely to report having unmet health-care needs. Respondents who were younger, were females, had a higher education, or were without a regular doctor were more likely to have unmet health-care needs. Other factors associated with unmet health-care needs included poor physical health, poor mental health, difficulties in carrying out instrumental activities of daily living, and chronic conditions. The findings of this study emphasize the need to develop health-care policies and programs that appropriate and meet the needs of individuals with different health-related problems alongside the need to increase sense of community belonging.

This paper examines the important place of food remittances in the context of household food security in the Upper West Region (UWR) of Ghana against a backdrop of rapid environmental change and accelerating rural poverty. Findings from in-depth interviews conducted in the UWR show a tendency toward increased dependence of rural poor families on food remittance as a strategy for coping with chronic household food insecurity amidst poverty, changing patterns of rainfall and declining soil fertility. In addition, the study also shows that while food remittance entailed spatial dispersion of the household in a context where certain household members migrate to distant agricultural-rich hinterlands, engage in migrant farming and remit agricultural produce back home, the strategy nonetheless leads to the strengthening of familial and kinship ties. The study concludes by making relevant policy recommendations that would improve household livelihood security.

Abstract: Aim: The present paper is an original research that explores housing satisfaction and residents’ ability to cope with day-to-day demands, taking into account other dimensions of housing and sociodemographic factors. Subjects and methods: A cross-sectional survey (n = 562) was randomly administered to residents in three neighbourhoods (Labone, Asylum Down and Nima) in Accra, Ghana. The association between the outcome variables and housing attributes were analysed using logistic regression. Results: The findings indicate that housing satisfaction was significantly predicted by age, with older people more likely to be dissatisfied with their housing arrangement. Respondents were dissatisfied with housing arrangements if they lived in Nima [odds ratio (OR) = 2.75, p < .001], Asylum Down (OR = 1.72, p < .01), crowded households (OR = 1.158, p < .05) or in compound houses (OR = 2.50, p < .001). In the context of housing attribute variables, respondent’s ability to cope with day-to-day demands was significantly associated to their income level. Odour annoyance as an indicator of housing condition emerged as a strong predictor of respondent’s inability to cope with daily demands with OR ranging from 1.68 to 2.33. Those who were dissatisfied with the location of their home as a place to live also reported poor coping abilities (OR = 1.86, p < .01). Discussion and conclusions: From the findings, government policy on housing should encourage the construction of more affordable housing units to ease the crowding situation in Accra. There is also a need for the Accra City Council to provide clearer guidelines for both tenants and landlords in response to increasing tenancy disputes in context.

Abstract: Should housing improvement be part of economic development strategies? Must housing improvement wait until high-economic growth is attained? How much priority should be given to housing in view of the limited resources in less-developed countries? What are housing benefits in economic development vis-à-vis other economic investments? These questions have generated heated debates, both in the literature on development problems and in planning and practice in the 1950s and 1960s. This paper draws on the accumulated body of knowledge resulting from past experiences in research and policy to revisit the earlier debates, survey the main lines of argument and reassess the economic potential of housing. It then attempts to generate broad policy considerations. The main contention of this paper is that in light of past and present evidence, the housing sector needs to be given serious consideration in economic growth strategies.