International Journal of Sustainable Development (4 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Bike-sharing acceptance through the lens of the theory of routine mode choice decisions  
  by Siti Norida Wahab, Muhammad Iskandar Hamzah, Xiaoqiao Ye, Hareeah Vrindavaneshwaree 
  Abstract: This paper aims to provide insight into factors affecting bike-sharing acceptance among Malaysians. Through a quantitative survey, data were collected from 120 commuters residing in the Klang Valley. The findings indicated that safety, comfort, and enjoyment are the decisive determinants of bike-sharing acceptance. Meanwhile, availability and costs have no significant impact. Based on the findings, bicycle distributors and competent authorities in Malaysia should focus on improving the comfort of service, bicycle infrastructure, and a network that would support the growth of bicycle usage, especially in urban communities. The theory of routine mode choice decisions served as the underpinning theory to predict bike-sharing acceptance. Since limited studies have been carried out on the Kuala Lumpur public bicycle-sharing program, this study is among the first to contribute on the subject. The current study provides a platform for future empirical bike-sharing studies in Malaysia as a greenhouse-friendly and sustainable transportation mode.
  Keywords: bike-sharing; sustainable transport; low carbon mobility; theory of routine mode choice decisions.
  
  
• The willingness to pay for urban parks amenities: the economic value of Bois Sainte Anastasie in Yaound  
  by André Melachio Tameko, Laurent Ndjanyou 
  Abstract: This paper, through the contingent valuation method and the referendum format, values the preferences of the users of Bois Sainte Anastasie park in Yaound
  Keywords: urban green space; contingent valuation method; willingness to pay; certainty calibration; parametric approach; nonparametric approach.
  
  
• The role of governments in sustainable consumption: the perception of Brazilian experts  
  by Verônica Macário Oliveira, Carla Regina Pasa Gomez, Suzanne Érica Nobrega Correia 
  Abstract: The purpose of this article was to analyse the roles of governments to promote sustainable consumption in the perception of Brazilian specialists. In terms of methodological procedures, the research was carried out among 40 Brazilian specialists on the topic, using the Policy Delphi to identify the relevance of the papers identified in an extensive bibliographic survey of national and international basis. The results point out the concern of specialists when it comes to issues related to environmental regulation and inspection as being the main aspects associated with structuring. That context being favourable to the sustainability of consumer practices, elements that should be linked to instruments that promote greater consumer awareness and the use of public procurement as an example of sustainable practices for society. The technique was applied in two rounds, as the research participants maintained, in the second round, the relevance trend attributed to the sustainable consumption promotion papers obtained in the first round.
  Keywords: sustainable development; sustainable consumption; public policy; sustainable development goals; environmental issues; macrostructural changes; intersectoriality; market changes; producers and consumers.
  
  
• Weedy rice and the sustainability of alternative establishment methods  
  by Serge Svizzero 
  Abstract: Given its dependence and influence on the environment, and its importance for food security, several initiatives aim to improve the sustainability of rice cultivation. The most widespread recommendation is a switch from hand transplanting to direct-seeding. In the short term, direct-seeding presents social, economic and ecological advantages; however it induces in the longer term a major problem, the proliferation of weeds, in particular of weedy rice. The latter lowers grain yield and quality, and therefore farmers income. Since weedy rice is a conspecific of cultivated rice, then it is very difficult to control it by either traditional means or biotechnologically, because it promotes crop-weed hybridisation and the introgression of traits such as herbicide resistance. In addition to their low effectiveness, these weed management methods imply in the long term important economic and ecological costs that reduce, or even might cancel, the short-term benefits associated with the switch to direct-seeding.
  Keywords: Oryza sativa f. spontanea; red rice; direct-seeded rice; hand transplanting rice; integrated weed management; herbicide-resistant rice varieties.