Unpacking the Determinants of Coastal Village Development: A Systematic Review of Financial Inclusion and Sustainability

Abstract

Coastal villages possess immense geo-economic potential due to abundant marine resources, yet they persistently face chronic socio-economic disparities and intensifying ecological vulnerabilities. While macro-level sustainable development frameworks exist, their successful realization heavily hinges on localized, micro-level strategies. However, prior scientific inquiries often evaluate developmental determinants in isolation, leaving a critical empirical gap in understanding the synergistic effects between demographic shifts, financial architectures, physical connectivity, ecological preservation, fiscal governance, and social networks. To address this, this study aims to comprehensively evaluate the multi-dimensional determinants of coastal village development, emphasizing the role of financial inclusion. The research utilizes a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and bibliometric analysis guided by the PRISMA framework, analyzing 258 eligible peer-reviewed articles published between 2021 and 2026 retrieved from the Scopus database. Employing bibliometric mapping and keyword network clustering, the results reveal a significant paradigm shift in rural development discourse, transitioning from fundamental localized capacity building toward digitally integrated and sustainable regional planning. Key determinants driving coastal resilience include human capital (education), digital acceleration, and institutional frameworks, with empirical synthesis indicating a massive valuation gap between global ecological assets and local economic capacities. In conclusion, financial inclusion acts as a vital strategic catalyst for rural stability, and robust village-level institutions are necessary to internalize ecological values. Ultimately, this study contributes to policy development by demonstrating that securing long-term economic stability and climate resilience in vulnerable coastal frontiers requires targeted, place-based government interventions that synchronize financial accessibility, digital empowerment, and educational enhancement.