Urban mobility in Grand Lomé is affected by several negative externalities, including road congestion, insecurity and environmental pollution. Traffic jams cause considerable economic losses, estimated at more than 13,000 CFA francs per month for some public officials, and represent a financial drain of several million CFA francs per day on the Togolese economy. These challenges are accentuated by rapid urbanization and a dizzying increase in the number of vehicles, especially motorcycle taxis. These factors not only cause economic losses, but also to the deterioration of the quality of life of the inhabitants. On average, motorists lose up to 49.5 min per day in traffic jams, with fuel and time costs estimated at hundreds of thousands of CFA francs per year for each user of the main boulevards. Through an in-depth analysis of the impacts of these negative externalities on mobility and sustainable development, this study reveals that traffic congestion, combined with the lack of road infrastructure, generates considerable economic and environmental costs. These traffic jams also worsen air pollution, making the transport sector responsible for 80% of greenhouse gas emissions. These proposed solutions include: 1) The modernization of road infrastructure, culminating in the construction of new lanes entirely dedicated to public and non-motorized transport. 2) The regulation of motorcycle taxis, inspired by regional examples, to improve safety and efficiency. 3) The introduction of rapid transit systems, such as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), to make travel more fluid. 4) The implementation of strict environmental standards and regular technical controls to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These proposals aim to reduce social and economic costs, while promoting sustainable mobility and a better quality of life for residents.

This review paper delves into the intricate landscape of the digital economy, focusing on the multifaceted interplay between innovation, competition, and consumer dynamics. It investigates the transformative impact of digital technologies on market structures and consumer behaviors, spanning areas such as e-commerce, online publishing, taxation, and big data challenges. By analyzing network effects, market concentration, and the influence of key players like Google and Amazon, this study draws on insights from previous research. Furthermore, it examines evolving regulations with an emphasis on consumer protection, competition law, and privacy concerns. Through a comprehensive exploration of the digital ecosystem, this paper offers a nuanced understanding of how businesses, consumers, and policymakers navigate the complexities of the digital marketplace.

Leisure education has an impact not only on individuals but also on the environment and society. The present study aimed to explore and describe experts’ knowledge and experience about leisure education to develop leadership among youth with physical disabilities. The present study used a qualitative research approach through an exploratory design to answer the research question. Five participants were purposefully recruited and selected based on their expertise in the topic of interest. Participants’ expertise ranged from leisure, recreation, youth and leadership. The participants had experience working in higher education institutions, and community projects, held doctorate qualifications, and have over ten years in this field. Data was collected online using Google Meet software using semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions. Data was analyzed using a thematic analysis framework and guidelines. The findings of this study suggest that youth with physical disabilities can develop personal capacity through leisure education programmes. Leisure education programmes can be meaningful to youth with physical disabilities and have a developmental impact, including leadership. Youth with physical disabilities’ capacities and abilities should be nurtured and protected to allow growth and independence. The implications are that leisure education programmes for leadership development must be intentional to achieve the intended outcome.

This study explores the feminization of poverty and the dynamics of the care economy in rural areas, focusing on the municipality of Génova, Quindío, Colombia. The novelty of this study lies in its analysis of the compounded effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on women’s economic participation and care responsibilities in a rural context, offering insights relevant to Latin America. This study addresses the critical problem of how increased caregiving responsibilities and labor informality during the pandemic have disproportionately impacted economically active women, exacerbating gender inequalities. The objective is to analyze the relationship between the care economy and feminization of poverty, providing policy recommendations for post-pandemic recovery in rural settings. The methodology consisted of a two-stage approach. In the first stage, a probabilistic stratified sampling design was applied using data from the Colombian National Population and Housing Census and the Génova, Quindío, and Colombia Municipal Panel. In the second stage, fieldwork was conducted with a sample of 347 women using the RedCap application for data collection. The results indicate a significant increase in unpaid domestic and caregiving work during the pandemic, particularly for the elderly, disabled, and children. Additionally, labor informality increased, further limiting economic opportunities for women. The key conclusion is that public policies aimed at reducing gender disparities in rural labor markets must prioritize caregiving support and formal employment opportunities for women. These findings suggest that addressing the care economy is crucial for closing gender gaps and fostering equitable economic recovery in rural Latin American areas.

Our study is based on the premise that every crisis has historical precedents and antecedents. First, we analyze past crises, beginning with the experiences of the Dutch tulip bulb crisis. Then, we review major cataclysms, such as World War I, the Spanish flu crisis, the Great Depression of 1929–1933, World War II and the subsequent transition to socialism, the 1973 oil shock, the regime change of 1989, and the 2008–2009 global financial crisis from both general and corporate perspectives. Throughout history, periods of crisis have alternated with phases of development. During times of crisis, people’s behavior changes as they search for solutions and support. This pattern is evident across all levels of economic activity, where governments, organizations, and individuals do their utmost to achieve a quick recovery. Sometimes, they look to external aid, forgetting that lessons from the past may provide guidance for crisis management. Without claiming to be exhaustive, we have identified points worthy of consideration. Our goal is to offer guidance for business organizations, complemented by thoughts addressed to individuals and governments alike. Organizations must pay attention to the first signs of crises and either proceed according to a pre-developed fitting strategy or revise it according to specific circumstances. They cannot avoid the consequences, but they can mitigate the negative effects.

Tourism stands as a cornerstone industry, experiencing continual expansion within the global economy, and is increasingly acknowledged for its crucial role as an economic catalyst. The convergence of the tourism sector with the film culture industry amplifies the economic advantages of regions and enriches cultural narratives while bolstering the international resonance of regional brands. This study examines the promotional efficacy of adapted films in fostering the development of local tourism sectors. It investigates the impact of adapted films on the development of local tourism economy and provides a new analytical perspective to describe their specific contribution to the tourism economy. Empirical findings underscore that adapted films imbued with regional nuances substantially augment local tourism revenue, catalyzing the growth of the tourism sector. This highlights the capacity of adapted films to amplify regional exposure, nurturing the expansion of the local tourism economy. The findings of the study reveal that the promotional impact of adapted films on local tourism sectors is more pronounced in less developed regions than in more developed regions. Moreover, areas with limited transportation infrastructure witness a heightened promotional effect from the film industry. Rigorous robustness and endogeneity tests corroborate the reliability of these findings.