Economic empowerment as a result of achieving SDGs with resource access: A comparative research between Gaza Strip and Hungary

Abstract

Donors, development agencies, and international non-governmental organizations are currently shaping a large part of the development and humanitarian agenda of sustainable developmen, especially regarding the first and second Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to ending poverty and hunger worldwide. Thus, an increasing number of development interventions are aimed at protecting the planet and ensuring prosperity for everyone by strengthening the resilience of vulnerable households and communities. The research implemented a quantitative methodology approach that relied on distributing a survey based on the research variables. Data were collected in both the Gaza Strip and Hungary using google forms over a sample of 700 respondents, however, only 616 respondents filled out the survey. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical tool to research the impact of no poverty and zero hunger on economic empowerment and how resource access mediates this relationship. The research results were reported using descriptive and regression analysis, while mediation analysis was based on the method of Barron and Kenney. Most of the world's poor live in rural regions, and if we want to help them, we need to concentrate on developing agriculture in a modern and sustainable manner to create employment, increase farmers' incomes and consumption, and decrease food costs. Governments need to learn more about their strengths and challenges to aid communities in expanding. While primary agriculture may provide a viable income for those living in different regions, there is always the potential for diversification. Recognizing and capitalizing on other areas' variety or growth might significantly lower poverty levels. There is an urgent need to address the issue of food security, which requires a renewed commitment from governments, farmers, national policymakers, and international donors.