Abstract
This document provides a commentary of 11 publications that fall under one of three themes related to sustainability policy issues in developing countries: (1) pollution; (2) viral epidemics; and (3) natural resources. These three themes have pertinent policy challenges in developing countries which often impedes the country in meeting their sustainable development goals (SDGs).Theme 1 analysed pollution policy issues for Guyana and Nigeria, two countries with very similar economic trajectories and resources. Paper 1A implemented a probability model showing that older used vehicles are less likely to comply with emission standards. Papers 1B, 1C, and 1D explored the impacts of COVID-19 on waste management with results showing the pandemic increased the probability of self-dumping, changed household waste composition and outlined medical waste as a potential contagion. Papers 1E and 1F assessed the national waste policy for Guyana and found the prevalence of illegal landfills, potential for recycling and the need for more analytical assessments to improve the policy.
Theme 2 demonstrated COVID-19 spread models across Latin America and the Caribbean. Papers 2A and 2B employed spatio-temporal modelling for COVID-19 with results showing viral spread perpetuated due to movement across land and sea bridges and viral deaths linked to health care capacity. The papers have implications on using viral pathways to shape regional epidemiology policies.
Theme 3 explored resource policy issues for mining and agriculture. Paper 3A used the SDGs to assess sustainability issues for mining in Guyana highlighting where policies are needed to improve the sector to meet SDG targets. Paper 3B demonstrated that farmers are computer literate and agriculture extension programmes in Trinidad should incorporate more online tools. Paper 3C reviewed literature on climate information services (CIS) for agriculture and identified community characteristics, programme design flaws and resource issues that CIS programmers should consider in improving programme effectiveness.
Keywords: Developing Countries, Policy Evaluation, Sustainability Policies, Sustainable Development Goals
| Date of Award | 17 Sept 2024 |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Awarding Institution |
|
| Supervisor | Andy Thorpe (Supervisor) & Scott Mahadeo (Supervisor) |