Instability

Economic activities in Mazandaran province have been focused on agricultural and ranch products for a long time. Farmers have always exploited water resources for their activities, but after the collapse of the traditional system, capital absorption, and changing the direction of investment, aiming a new type of production has been formed alongside this traditional method, which is based on gaining profit. The purpose of this research is to investigate and explain the role of investment growth in agriculture leading to instability in water resources in Mazandaran province. Using Schneiberg’s Treadmill of production theory, this study aims to respond to this basic question: “Why has the growth of investment in agriculture caused the instability of water resources in Mazandaran province?” In this research, a quantitative method and secondary data analysis strategy, as well as a comparative research method have been employed. The results of the study showed that investment in the main inputs of agricultural production and agricultural processing and services industries have been increased, and simultaneously, the amount of aquifers consumption in this province has increased from 791 million cubic meters in 2010 to 1377 million cubic meters in 2019. In addition, the results of the study indicate the growth in polluting water resources in Mazandaran. Overall, the results of the present study reveal that growth of investment affects the instability of water resources and therefore, Schneiberg's Production Cycle Theory is confirmed.

The paper’s purpose was to investigate the obstacles the Zimbabwean government faces as it works towards meeting Sustainable Development Goal 3, which speaks of health and well-being for all. Various obstacles were observed, such as political and economic issues, personnel leaving for greener pastures, dilapidated infrastructure, and a lack of monitoring and evaluation systems that allow tracking of the goals. The author used a qualitative method and adopted a document review for data collection. Three major documents were used: The Ministry of Health and Child Care’s national policy (2021-2025), the World Health Organization 2023 report, and UNDP’s 2020 Zimbabwe’s SDG Progress report. The researcher scanned through the documents and highlighted areas where they discussed the SDG 3 challenges faced. The results confirmed that Zimbabwe is facing numerous challenges, including a fragmented procurement system and political and economic issues. The study's practical implications are that this document may remind policymakers that the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 3, cannot be ignored, but effort is needed to ensure that all obstacles impeding the attainment of SDG 3 are addressed. Policymakers should provide a conducive environment that allows the ministries concerned to work towards the attainment of SDG 3. Healthy people are productive, and the focus will be on improving everyone's life, hence the need for SDG 3 to be fulfilled so no one is left behind. Significant progress is made when people are protected from illness, premature death is avoided, and the overall health of the population is improved. Issues such as inequalities and poverty are eradicated, and people enjoy prosperity and justice. The study is original and seeks to contribute to the body of knowledge regarding SDG 3, the challenges Zimbabwe is facing, and how they can be addressed to protect its citizens from diseases, improve prosperity, and enhance socio-economic factors.