Journal of Economics and Development/Journal of economics and development, Jul 9, 2024
Purpose-Attaining the Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2) of zero hunger continues to be a chal... more Purpose-Attaining the Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2) of zero hunger continues to be a challenge in most parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. However, financial inclusion is seen as a potential pathway for reducing food insecurity among poor households. Mobile money is a financial inclusion instrument that is easily accessible to poor households and has the potential to increase the level of financial inclusion. This paper contributes to the literature by examining the determinants of mobile money adoption, its effects on household food security and the choice of coping strategies in Burundi, a post-conflict and fragile country. Design/methodology/approach-Using survey data that involved 860 households in Burundi, we adopted the Household Hunger Scale (HHS) developed under the Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance Project to measure household food security. We further employ the endogenous switching regression treatment effects model for ordered outcomes and the multivariate probit model to achieve our aims. Findings-The results of our study reveal that the adoption of mobile money is influenced by factors such as gender, marital status, age, formal education, membership in a social network, area of residence and access to a tarred road network. Additionally, the food security status of a household was determined by marital status, formal education, social network membership, access to tarred roads, off-farm income, access to credit and land tenure security. We confirm that mobile money adoption has a significantly positive effect on the food security status of households with heterogeneity in gender and area of residence. We also find that mobile money adoption reduces the likelihood of households adopting consumption-related coping strategies. Practical implications-The promotion of mobile money should, therefore, be included in Burundi's national food security policies. Originality/value-This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the effect of mobile money adoption on household food security and the choice of coping strategies in a post-conflict context.
Despite an improving financial inclusion situation across the developing world, there still exist... more Despite an improving financial inclusion situation across the developing world, there still exist wide gender gaps in financial inclusion, especially in fragile and post-conflict countries. In our study, we designed and implemented a survey consisting of 860 households across urban and rural Burundi to examine the effect of financial inclusion on household asset-based welfare from a gendered perspective. To address any endogeneity concerns, we apply the two-stage least squares (2SLS) regression method. We find that most Burundian households prefer to save their money at home rather than at a financial institution. Also, mobile money is mainly employed as a means of receiving and withdrawing cash. Our 2SLS regression results reveal that improved financial inclusion has a greater effect on the welfare of female-headed households than on male-headed households. We recommend the use of social networks as an avenue to promote financial inclusion and literacy. Additionally, the Government of Burundi can collaborate with the telecommunication operators to institute small loan schemes through the mobile money platform to enhance access to credit, especially for women.
Journal of Economics and Development/Journal of economics and development, Jul 9, 2024
Purpose-Attaining the Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2) of zero hunger continues to be a chal... more Purpose-Attaining the Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2) of zero hunger continues to be a challenge in most parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. However, financial inclusion is seen as a potential pathway for reducing food insecurity among poor households. Mobile money is a financial inclusion instrument that is easily accessible to poor households and has the potential to increase the level of financial inclusion. This paper contributes to the literature by examining the determinants of mobile money adoption, its effects on household food security and the choice of coping strategies in Burundi, a post-conflict and fragile country. Design/methodology/approach-Using survey data that involved 860 households in Burundi, we adopted the Household Hunger Scale (HHS) developed under the Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance Project to measure household food security. We further employ the endogenous switching regression treatment effects model for ordered outcomes and the multivariate probit model to achieve our aims. Findings-The results of our study reveal that the adoption of mobile money is influenced by factors such as gender, marital status, age, formal education, membership in a social network, area of residence and access to a tarred road network. Additionally, the food security status of a household was determined by marital status, formal education, social network membership, access to tarred roads, off-farm income, access to credit and land tenure security. We confirm that mobile money adoption has a significantly positive effect on the food security status of households with heterogeneity in gender and area of residence. We also find that mobile money adoption reduces the likelihood of households adopting consumption-related coping strategies. Practical implications-The promotion of mobile money should, therefore, be included in Burundi's national food security policies. Originality/value-This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the effect of mobile money adoption on household food security and the choice of coping strategies in a post-conflict context.
Despite an improving financial inclusion situation across the developing world, there still exist... more Despite an improving financial inclusion situation across the developing world, there still exist wide gender gaps in financial inclusion, especially in fragile and post-conflict countries. In our study, we designed and implemented a survey consisting of 860 households across urban and rural Burundi to examine the effect of financial inclusion on household asset-based welfare from a gendered perspective. To address any endogeneity concerns, we apply the two-stage least squares (2SLS) regression method. We find that most Burundian households prefer to save their money at home rather than at a financial institution. Also, mobile money is mainly employed as a means of receiving and withdrawing cash. Our 2SLS regression results reveal that improved financial inclusion has a greater effect on the welfare of female-headed households than on male-headed households. We recommend the use of social networks as an avenue to promote financial inclusion and literacy. Additionally, the Government of Burundi can collaborate with the telecommunication operators to institute small loan schemes through the mobile money platform to enhance access to credit, especially for women.
Purpose-Attaining the Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2) of zero hunger continues to be a chal... more Purpose-Attaining the Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2) of zero hunger continues to be a challenge in most parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. However, financial inclusion is seen as a potential pathway for reducing food insecurity among poor households. Mobile money is a financial inclusion instrument that is easily accessible to poor households and has the potential to increase the level of financial inclusion. This paper contributes to the literature by examining the determinants of mobile money adoption, its effects on household food security and the choice of coping strategies in Burundi, a post-conflict and fragile country. Design/methodology/approach-Using survey data that involved 860 households in Burundi, we adopted the Household Hunger Scale (HHS) developed under the Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance Project to measure household food security. We further employ the endogenous switching regression treatment effects model for ordered outcomes and the multivariate probit model to achieve our aims. Findings-The results of our study reveal that the adoption of mobile money is influenced by factors such as gender, marital status, age, formal education, membership in a social network, area of residence and access to a tarred road network. Additionally, the food security status of a household was determined by marital status, formal education, social network membership, access to tarred roads, off-farm income, access to credit and land tenure security. We confirm that mobile money adoption has a significantly positive effect on the food security status of households with heterogeneity in gender and area of residence. We also find that mobile money adoption reduces the likelihood of households adopting consumption-related coping strategies. Practical implications-The promotion of mobile money should, therefore, be included in Burundi's national food security policies. Originality/value-This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the effect of mobile money adoption on household food security and the choice of coping strategies in a post-conflict context.
Abstract: Financial inclusion has become an important goal of the global development agenda, part... more Abstract: Financial inclusion has become an important goal of the global development agenda, particularly for post-conflict and fragile states. Enhancing financial inclusion is vital for a country like Burundi which aims to achieve inclusive growth in its attempt to break free of its fragility. However, the adoption of instruments of financial inclusion such as bank accounts, microfinance account,s and mobile money account is low due to weak institutional capacity leading to high-risk exposure and a greater risk of economic instability. This study examines the factors that influence the adoption of these instruments of financial inclusion using the Multivariate Probit and Poisson regression models. The results show that there is a significant correlation between the instruments of financial inclusion, signifying that the adoption of these instruments is interrelated. The analysis also reveals that, factors such as receipt of government transfers, receipt of remittances, education, membership of a social network, access to electricity, employment status, and area of residence influence both the probability and intensity/extent of adoption of the instruments of financial inclusion. By implication, policymakers should enhance access to electricity, formalise employment and strengthen social networks to improve the adoption of financial inclusion instruments.
Climate resilience and sustainability, May 30, 2023
A major limiting factor affecting the uptake of conservation agriculture practices in smallholder... more A major limiting factor affecting the uptake of conservation agriculture practices in smallholder farming systems in sub‐Saharan Africa is the limited availability of sufficient crop residues for use as surface mulch. This paper assesses the trade‐offs in crop residue utilization among smallholder farmers and its implications for soil management in the face of climate change risks in northern Ghana. The paper triangulated data from 350 household surveys with participatory key informant interviews from seven selected communities in three districts of northern Ghana. The problem confrontation index (PCI) was adopted to identify and rank the challenges associated with farmers’ decision to use crop residues, while a multivariate probit model was used to analyse and predict the factors that influence farmers’ choice of crop residue management practices. Results showed that crop residues were used as cooking fuel in households (21%), livestock feed (21%), left on the farm to decompose as mulch (34%) or burned to clear the land (24%). Key challenges identified included high labour cost (PCI = 404), high labour intensity (PCI = 388), the cost and transport for collection and storage of externally sourced crop residue (PCI = 383) and the low benefit from crop residue to farm output/soil fertility (PCI = 339). Results from the multivariate probit model revealed that household and farm variables, institutional and socio‐psychological factors, and experience of some climate shocks all influence farmers’ choice of crop residue management practices. Crop residue use and management practices adopted were determined by factors including the crops being grown, challenges faced by farmers and the management options available. The study recommends the need for the Government of Ghana to empower farmers through the provision of technical knowledge and machinery for the sustainable utilization of crop residues due to the high labour intensity and cost associated with such practices.
Despite an improving financial inclusion situation across the developing world, there still exist... more Despite an improving financial inclusion situation across the developing world, there still exist wide gender gaps in financial inclusion, especially in fragile and post-conflict countries. In our study, we designed and implemented a survey consisting of 860 households across urban and rural Burundi to examine the effect of financial inclusion on household asset-based welfare from a gendered perspective. To address any endogeneity concerns, we apply the two-stage least squares (2SLS) regression method. We find that most Burundian households prefer to save their money at home rather than at a financial institution. Also, mobile money is mainly employed as a means of receiving and withdrawing cash. Our 2SLS regression results reveal that improved financial inclusion has a greater effect on the welfare of female-headed households than on male-headed households. We recommend the use of social networks as an avenue to promote financial inclusion and literacy. Additionally, the Government of Burundi can collaborate with the telecommunication operators to institute small loan schemes through the mobile money platform to enhance access to credit, especially for women.
Abstract: Financial inclusion has become an important goal of the global development agenda, part... more Abstract: Financial inclusion has become an important goal of the global development agenda, particularly for post-conflict and fragile states. Enhancing financial inclusion is vital for a country like Burundi which aims to achieve inclusive growth in its attempt to break free of its fragility. However, the adoption of instruments of financial inclusion such as bank accounts, microfinance account,s and mobile money account is low due to weak institutional capacity leading to high-risk exposure and a greater risk of economic instability. This study examines the factors that influence the adoption of these instruments of financial inclusion using the Multivariate Probit and Poisson regression models. The results show that there is a significant correlation between the instruments of financial inclusion, signifying that the adoption of these instruments is interrelated. The analysis also reveals that, factors such as receipt of government transfers, receipt of remittances, education, membership of a social network, access to electricity, employment status, and area of residence influence both the probability and intensity/extent of adoption of the instruments of financial inclusion. By implication, policymakers should enhance access to electricity, formalise employment and strengthen social networks to improve the adoption of financial inclusion instruments.
Abstract: Financial inclusion has become an important goal of the global development agenda, part... more Abstract: Financial inclusion has become an important goal of the global development agenda, particularly for post-conflict and fragile states. Enhancing financial inclusion is vital for a country like Burundi which aims to achieve inclusive growth in its attempt to break free of its fragility. However, the adoption of instruments of financial inclusion such as bank accounts, microfinance account,s and mobile money account is low due to weak institutional capacity leading to high-risk exposure and a greater risk of economic instability. This study examines the factors that influence the adoption of these instruments of financial inclusion using the Multivariate Probit and Poisson regression models. The results show that there is a significant correlation between the instruments of financial inclusion, signifying that the adoption of these instruments is interrelated. The analysis also reveals that, factors such as receipt of government transfers, receipt of remittances, education, membership of a social network, access to electricity, employment status, and area of residence influence both the probability and intensity/extent of adoption of the instruments of financial inclusion. By implication, policymakers should enhance access to electricity, formalise employment and strengthen social networks to improve the adoption of financial inclusion instruments.
Journal of Economics and Development/Journal of economics and development, Jul 9, 2024
Purpose-Attaining the Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2) of zero hunger continues to be a chal... more Purpose-Attaining the Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2) of zero hunger continues to be a challenge in most parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. However, financial inclusion is seen as a potential pathway for reducing food insecurity among poor households. Mobile money is a financial inclusion instrument that is easily accessible to poor households and has the potential to increase the level of financial inclusion. This paper contributes to the literature by examining the determinants of mobile money adoption, its effects on household food security and the choice of coping strategies in Burundi, a post-conflict and fragile country. Design/methodology/approach-Using survey data that involved 860 households in Burundi, we adopted the Household Hunger Scale (HHS) developed under the Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance Project to measure household food security. We further employ the endogenous switching regression treatment effects model for ordered outcomes and the multivariate probit model to achieve our aims. Findings-The results of our study reveal that the adoption of mobile money is influenced by factors such as gender, marital status, age, formal education, membership in a social network, area of residence and access to a tarred road network. Additionally, the food security status of a household was determined by marital status, formal education, social network membership, access to tarred roads, off-farm income, access to credit and land tenure security. We confirm that mobile money adoption has a significantly positive effect on the food security status of households with heterogeneity in gender and area of residence. We also find that mobile money adoption reduces the likelihood of households adopting consumption-related coping strategies. Practical implications-The promotion of mobile money should, therefore, be included in Burundi's national food security policies. Originality/value-This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the effect of mobile money adoption on household food security and the choice of coping strategies in a post-conflict context.
Despite an improving financial inclusion situation across the developing world, there still exist... more Despite an improving financial inclusion situation across the developing world, there still exist wide gender gaps in financial inclusion, especially in fragile and post-conflict countries. In our study, we designed and implemented a survey consisting of 860 households across urban and rural Burundi to examine the effect of financial inclusion on household asset-based welfare from a gendered perspective. To address any endogeneity concerns, we apply the two-stage least squares (2SLS) regression method. We find that most Burundian households prefer to save their money at home rather than at a financial institution. Also, mobile money is mainly employed as a means of receiving and withdrawing cash. Our 2SLS regression results reveal that improved financial inclusion has a greater effect on the welfare of female-headed households than on male-headed households. We recommend the use of social networks as an avenue to promote financial inclusion and literacy. Additionally, the Government of Burundi can collaborate with the telecommunication operators to institute small loan schemes through the mobile money platform to enhance access to credit, especially for women.
Journal of Economics and Development/Journal of economics and development, Jul 9, 2024
Purpose-Attaining the Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2) of zero hunger continues to be a chal... more Purpose-Attaining the Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2) of zero hunger continues to be a challenge in most parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. However, financial inclusion is seen as a potential pathway for reducing food insecurity among poor households. Mobile money is a financial inclusion instrument that is easily accessible to poor households and has the potential to increase the level of financial inclusion. This paper contributes to the literature by examining the determinants of mobile money adoption, its effects on household food security and the choice of coping strategies in Burundi, a post-conflict and fragile country. Design/methodology/approach-Using survey data that involved 860 households in Burundi, we adopted the Household Hunger Scale (HHS) developed under the Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance Project to measure household food security. We further employ the endogenous switching regression treatment effects model for ordered outcomes and the multivariate probit model to achieve our aims. Findings-The results of our study reveal that the adoption of mobile money is influenced by factors such as gender, marital status, age, formal education, membership in a social network, area of residence and access to a tarred road network. Additionally, the food security status of a household was determined by marital status, formal education, social network membership, access to tarred roads, off-farm income, access to credit and land tenure security. We confirm that mobile money adoption has a significantly positive effect on the food security status of households with heterogeneity in gender and area of residence. We also find that mobile money adoption reduces the likelihood of households adopting consumption-related coping strategies. Practical implications-The promotion of mobile money should, therefore, be included in Burundi's national food security policies. Originality/value-This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the effect of mobile money adoption on household food security and the choice of coping strategies in a post-conflict context.
Despite an improving financial inclusion situation across the developing world, there still exist... more Despite an improving financial inclusion situation across the developing world, there still exist wide gender gaps in financial inclusion, especially in fragile and post-conflict countries. In our study, we designed and implemented a survey consisting of 860 households across urban and rural Burundi to examine the effect of financial inclusion on household asset-based welfare from a gendered perspective. To address any endogeneity concerns, we apply the two-stage least squares (2SLS) regression method. We find that most Burundian households prefer to save their money at home rather than at a financial institution. Also, mobile money is mainly employed as a means of receiving and withdrawing cash. Our 2SLS regression results reveal that improved financial inclusion has a greater effect on the welfare of female-headed households than on male-headed households. We recommend the use of social networks as an avenue to promote financial inclusion and literacy. Additionally, the Government of Burundi can collaborate with the telecommunication operators to institute small loan schemes through the mobile money platform to enhance access to credit, especially for women.
Purpose-Attaining the Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2) of zero hunger continues to be a chal... more Purpose-Attaining the Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2) of zero hunger continues to be a challenge in most parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. However, financial inclusion is seen as a potential pathway for reducing food insecurity among poor households. Mobile money is a financial inclusion instrument that is easily accessible to poor households and has the potential to increase the level of financial inclusion. This paper contributes to the literature by examining the determinants of mobile money adoption, its effects on household food security and the choice of coping strategies in Burundi, a post-conflict and fragile country. Design/methodology/approach-Using survey data that involved 860 households in Burundi, we adopted the Household Hunger Scale (HHS) developed under the Food and Nutrition Technical Assistance Project to measure household food security. We further employ the endogenous switching regression treatment effects model for ordered outcomes and the multivariate probit model to achieve our aims. Findings-The results of our study reveal that the adoption of mobile money is influenced by factors such as gender, marital status, age, formal education, membership in a social network, area of residence and access to a tarred road network. Additionally, the food security status of a household was determined by marital status, formal education, social network membership, access to tarred roads, off-farm income, access to credit and land tenure security. We confirm that mobile money adoption has a significantly positive effect on the food security status of households with heterogeneity in gender and area of residence. We also find that mobile money adoption reduces the likelihood of households adopting consumption-related coping strategies. Practical implications-The promotion of mobile money should, therefore, be included in Burundi's national food security policies. Originality/value-This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the effect of mobile money adoption on household food security and the choice of coping strategies in a post-conflict context.
Abstract: Financial inclusion has become an important goal of the global development agenda, part... more Abstract: Financial inclusion has become an important goal of the global development agenda, particularly for post-conflict and fragile states. Enhancing financial inclusion is vital for a country like Burundi which aims to achieve inclusive growth in its attempt to break free of its fragility. However, the adoption of instruments of financial inclusion such as bank accounts, microfinance account,s and mobile money account is low due to weak institutional capacity leading to high-risk exposure and a greater risk of economic instability. This study examines the factors that influence the adoption of these instruments of financial inclusion using the Multivariate Probit and Poisson regression models. The results show that there is a significant correlation between the instruments of financial inclusion, signifying that the adoption of these instruments is interrelated. The analysis also reveals that, factors such as receipt of government transfers, receipt of remittances, education, membership of a social network, access to electricity, employment status, and area of residence influence both the probability and intensity/extent of adoption of the instruments of financial inclusion. By implication, policymakers should enhance access to electricity, formalise employment and strengthen social networks to improve the adoption of financial inclusion instruments.
Climate resilience and sustainability, May 30, 2023
A major limiting factor affecting the uptake of conservation agriculture practices in smallholder... more A major limiting factor affecting the uptake of conservation agriculture practices in smallholder farming systems in sub‐Saharan Africa is the limited availability of sufficient crop residues for use as surface mulch. This paper assesses the trade‐offs in crop residue utilization among smallholder farmers and its implications for soil management in the face of climate change risks in northern Ghana. The paper triangulated data from 350 household surveys with participatory key informant interviews from seven selected communities in three districts of northern Ghana. The problem confrontation index (PCI) was adopted to identify and rank the challenges associated with farmers’ decision to use crop residues, while a multivariate probit model was used to analyse and predict the factors that influence farmers’ choice of crop residue management practices. Results showed that crop residues were used as cooking fuel in households (21%), livestock feed (21%), left on the farm to decompose as mulch (34%) or burned to clear the land (24%). Key challenges identified included high labour cost (PCI = 404), high labour intensity (PCI = 388), the cost and transport for collection and storage of externally sourced crop residue (PCI = 383) and the low benefit from crop residue to farm output/soil fertility (PCI = 339). Results from the multivariate probit model revealed that household and farm variables, institutional and socio‐psychological factors, and experience of some climate shocks all influence farmers’ choice of crop residue management practices. Crop residue use and management practices adopted were determined by factors including the crops being grown, challenges faced by farmers and the management options available. The study recommends the need for the Government of Ghana to empower farmers through the provision of technical knowledge and machinery for the sustainable utilization of crop residues due to the high labour intensity and cost associated with such practices.
Despite an improving financial inclusion situation across the developing world, there still exist... more Despite an improving financial inclusion situation across the developing world, there still exist wide gender gaps in financial inclusion, especially in fragile and post-conflict countries. In our study, we designed and implemented a survey consisting of 860 households across urban and rural Burundi to examine the effect of financial inclusion on household asset-based welfare from a gendered perspective. To address any endogeneity concerns, we apply the two-stage least squares (2SLS) regression method. We find that most Burundian households prefer to save their money at home rather than at a financial institution. Also, mobile money is mainly employed as a means of receiving and withdrawing cash. Our 2SLS regression results reveal that improved financial inclusion has a greater effect on the welfare of female-headed households than on male-headed households. We recommend the use of social networks as an avenue to promote financial inclusion and literacy. Additionally, the Government of Burundi can collaborate with the telecommunication operators to institute small loan schemes through the mobile money platform to enhance access to credit, especially for women.
Abstract: Financial inclusion has become an important goal of the global development agenda, part... more Abstract: Financial inclusion has become an important goal of the global development agenda, particularly for post-conflict and fragile states. Enhancing financial inclusion is vital for a country like Burundi which aims to achieve inclusive growth in its attempt to break free of its fragility. However, the adoption of instruments of financial inclusion such as bank accounts, microfinance account,s and mobile money account is low due to weak institutional capacity leading to high-risk exposure and a greater risk of economic instability. This study examines the factors that influence the adoption of these instruments of financial inclusion using the Multivariate Probit and Poisson regression models. The results show that there is a significant correlation between the instruments of financial inclusion, signifying that the adoption of these instruments is interrelated. The analysis also reveals that, factors such as receipt of government transfers, receipt of remittances, education, membership of a social network, access to electricity, employment status, and area of residence influence both the probability and intensity/extent of adoption of the instruments of financial inclusion. By implication, policymakers should enhance access to electricity, formalise employment and strengthen social networks to improve the adoption of financial inclusion instruments.
Abstract: Financial inclusion has become an important goal of the global development agenda, part... more Abstract: Financial inclusion has become an important goal of the global development agenda, particularly for post-conflict and fragile states. Enhancing financial inclusion is vital for a country like Burundi which aims to achieve inclusive growth in its attempt to break free of its fragility. However, the adoption of instruments of financial inclusion such as bank accounts, microfinance account,s and mobile money account is low due to weak institutional capacity leading to high-risk exposure and a greater risk of economic instability. This study examines the factors that influence the adoption of these instruments of financial inclusion using the Multivariate Probit and Poisson regression models. The results show that there is a significant correlation between the instruments of financial inclusion, signifying that the adoption of these instruments is interrelated. The analysis also reveals that, factors such as receipt of government transfers, receipt of remittances, education, membership of a social network, access to electricity, employment status, and area of residence influence both the probability and intensity/extent of adoption of the instruments of financial inclusion. By implication, policymakers should enhance access to electricity, formalise employment and strengthen social networks to improve the adoption of financial inclusion instruments.
Uploads
Papers by Jonathan Atta-Aidoo