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The purpose of this study is to examine linkages between information and communication technology (ICT) use, the ICT regulatory environment and economic development. Businesses and individuals worldwide are increasingly depending on ICTs to facilitate trade and enhance their standard of living. This trend has sparked the argument that ICTs play a crucial role in driving economic development. However, the rise of ICTs has also led to challenges, including cybercrime, intellectual property violations and cyberwarfare, prompting questions about the need for regulation. In spite of these pressing issues, there is a notable lack of empirical research on the relationship between the use of ICTs (by businesses and individuals), their regulation and economic development.

Because of the limited empirical evidence regarding the connections between ICT use, ICT regulations, and economic development, this study aims to explore these relationships. The authors specifically examine the mediating role of ICT regulations in the impact of ICT use on economic development, as well as the direct effects of ICT use on economic development. To achieve this, the authors develop a hypothesised model that is validated using the technology–organisation–environment framework and capability theory. Additionally, the authors analyse secondary data from 130 countries using partial least squares-structural equation modelling.

The findings of this study show that both business and individual use of ICTs positively influences economic development. Furthermore, the authors discovered that ICT regulation plays a positive and partial mediating role in the relationship between ICT use and economic development. To encourage users to continue leveraging ICTs to enhance their livelihoods and foster economic growth, it is essential for governments and policymakers to implement effective ICT regulations that protect users’ information resources from illegal access.

The study’s primary contribution to research is its examination of the relationship between ICT usage by businesses and individuals, ICT regulation, and economic development on a global scale. By using secondary data sources, the study delivers rich, comprehensive, and generalisable findings on how the use of ICTs drives economic development. Additionally, through mediation analysis, the authors demonstrate that the presence of ICT regulations aimed at ensuring online privacy and security enhances both business and individual utilisation of ICTs, thereby promoting economic development.

This paper aims to draw the attention of the academic scholars to how marketing of horti-tourism can take action to contribute to tourism agenda 2030.

Reviewing literature on tourism, this paper builds a case for marketing horti-tourism based on the research gaps in literature, and future research directions are proposed to aid in the achievement of tourism agenda 2030.

Scholarly research on horti-tourism remains scarce, and more research attention is suggested on this subject matter. The tourism sector produced varied forms of tourism where horti-tourism is associated with horticulture farms, vegetable gardens and flower gardens which provide direct gains such as employment creation, foreign currency earnings, income generation source, poverty reduction and other gainful commercial activities. Despite the importance attached to this form of tourism in literature, less research has been conducted to market its relevance to nations and businesses. Much academic studies are needed to project this form of tourism.

This perspective paper serves as a call for tourism firms, governments and other stakeholders within and outside to make theoretical and practical contributions by marketing horti-tourism destinations to visitors which aid in the UN Tourism Agenda of 2030.

这篇文章提出观点和视角, 旨在引起学术界学者对 2030 年旅游议程的关注, 通过园艺旅游营销, 如何采取行动为推动 2030 年旅游议程做出贡献。

本文回顾了旅游业的相关文献, 根据文献中的研究空白构建了营销园艺旅游的案例, 并提出了未来的研究方向, 以帮助实现 2030 年旅游议程。

关于园艺旅游的学术研究仍然很少, 建议对该主题进行更多的研究关注。旅游业产生了多种旅游形态, 其中园艺旅游与园艺农场、菜园和花园相关, 提供直接收益：如创造就业、外汇收入、拓展收入来源、减贫和其他有收益的商业活动。尽管在众多文献中都很重视这种旅游形态, 但很少研究其与国家和企业的相关性, 需要大量的学术研究来预测这种形式的旅游。

这篇观点文章呼吁国内外的旅游公司、政府和其他利益相关者通过向游客营销园艺旅游目的地来进一步取得理论和实践成果, 以帮助推动联合国 2030 年旅游议程。

Este documento tiene como meta analizar cómo el marketing de Horti-turismo puede contribuir al desarrollo de la agenda del turismo 2030.

Se ha realizado una revisión de la literatura en bases de datos científicas de impacto a nivel internacional sobre la comercialización del horti-turismo.

La investigación prospectiva sobre horti-turismo sigue siendo escasa y se sugiere más atención científica sobre este tema. El sector turístico produjo variadas formas de turismo donde el horti-turismo está asociado con granjas de horticultura, jardines vegetales y jardines de flores que proporcionan beneficios directos como la creación de empleo, ganancias en divisas extranjeras, fuente de generación de ingresos, reducción de la pobreza y otras actividades comerciales lucrativas. A pesar de la importancia atribuida a esta forma de turismo en la literatura, se ha prestado menos atención en la comercialización a las naciones y las empresas. Se ha puesto de manifiesto la necesidad de desarrollar más estudios para formentar esta forma de turismo.

Este artículo exploratorio permite a las empresas de turismo, los gobiernos y otras partes interesadas dentro y fuera realizar contribuciones teóricas y prácticas a fin de comercializar sus productos en destinos de horti-turismo y, con ello, fomentar el desarrollo Agenda de Turismo de las Naciones Unidas de 2030.

Using the transportation theory, and the brand equity model, this study aims to examine how short video narratives from a tourist perspective increased brand equity dimensions which could lead to intention to patronise. Further, the study tested the moderating role of real-world video between the brand equity dimensions and intention to patronise.

A sequential explanatory mixed method is adopted for this study. An empirical study was conducted in the first phase with 1,119 participants. In the second phase, the quantitative results were used to develop a semi-structured interview guide for in-depth interviews with 9 respondents to validate the quantitative outcomes. The structural equation modelling technique was utilised to analyse the quantitative data, whereas content analysis was used for the qualitative data.

The results revealed that short video narratives lead to horti-awareness, image and value. Additionally, horti-awareness, and value had a significant impact on intention to patronise horti-tourism destinations. Another interesting observation is that the negative perceived quality might be as a result of the short video emanating from a tourist perspective. Importantly, potential tourists perceived the real-world video to be authentic, thus strengthening the relationship between the brand equity dimensions and intention to patronise.

This research provided valuable insights for marketers/management and stakeholders within the tourism and hospitality sector to achieve benefits derived from the findings of the study.

To the best of the authors knowledge, this study is the first attempt to embed the theory of transportation and the brand equity model in understanding horti-tourism destinations, which can rarely be found in extant literature.

This paper sought to examine the factors that influence intention to recommend, focussing on the extension of the theory of planned behaviour in halal tourism, with additional instruments such as halal safety and security, and trustworthiness of halal information.

Guided by a quantitative approach, cross-sectional data were collected using 394 Muslim diaspora tourists. The analysis technique used in this study is the partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).

The results suggest that halal planned behaviour may account for the intention to recommend. Halal attitude, subjective norm, halal image, halal value, halal safety and security, and trustworthiness of halal information positively and significantly affect intention to recommend.

Muslim diaspora tourists are identified to have halal planned behaviour on intention to recommend. Hence, destination managers and practitioners are suggested to develop proactive halal products and services that appeal to tourists' intention to recommend.

This study has developed two new constructs: halal safety and security, and the trustworthiness of halal information grounded on the theory of planned behaviour in halal tourism. Specifically, the focus is on Muslim diasporic tourists' perspective in a non-Islamic context.

Utilising brand equity dimensions, this study aims to enhance the literature by conceptualising and testing heritage brand equity dimensions (i.e. awareness, image, quality and value) and the intentions of international tourists to revisit moderated by safety and security within the tourism sector.

The study was cross-sectional in nature and used the quantitative research approach with questionnaires for the collection of data. In total, 392 international tourists were purposively sampled from the departure hall of Kotoka International Airport. The data gathered were analysed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM).

The findings revealed that heritage brand image, perceived quality and value had positive significant effects on the intentions of tourists to revisit. Nevertheless, heritage brand awareness had a negative insignificant impact on intentions to revisit. Safety and security significantly moderate the relationship between heritage brand equity and the intentions of international tourists to revisit.

The Ghana tourism industry should increase the activities that will create more awareness, to generate the interest of potential tourists within the international community. Such initiatives can increase the likelihood of the destination being visited. In addition, policymakers must guarantee that associated government entities, as well as other stakeholders, work together within the tourism industry to promote safety and security.

This study adds to the ongoing discussions in the hospitality and tourism industry by providing a comprehensive overview of brand equity in heritage tourism, operationalised as heritage brand equity dimensions.

The purpose of this study is to test consumer xenocentric tendencies on foreign goods purchase intention and to examine the mediating role of cultural openness on the relationship.

A total number of 204 respondents participated in the study. Web-based sampling technique was employed to select a cross-section of consumers. Structural equation modelling technique of AMOS 21 version was used to test the nature of relationships in the research hypotheses.

The results suggest that except country image and interpersonal influence, all other constructs had a positive significant relationship with the intention to purchase. Country of origin, self-confidence and self-esteem had impact on consumer intention to purchase foreign products, though exposure of consumers to other cultures did not endear them to the products of those foreign markets.

From a managerial perspective, management awareness of xenocentrism tendencies is the surest way to make prudent decisions with respect to stocking and distributing foreign and local products or services.

The current study brings newness to the phenomenon as it tests consumer xenocentric (C-XEN) constructs in an emerging economy, and cultural openness as a mediating variable.

Using data from the sixth round of the Ghana Living Standards Survey, this paper aims to take a critical look at issues relating to the demand for education in Ghana.

In doing this, the paper develops a model for the determinants of household’s educational expenditure using the full sample of data and an income-quintile disaggregated model of the determinants of household’s educational expenditures. The study adopts robust empirical estimation techniques to estimate the model.

The paper finds that household resources importantly influence children’s educational expenditures with wealthier households spending proportionately more in educating their children than poorer households; large-sized households spend more in terms of educational expenses than small-sized households reflecting largely the quantity of education purchased, given that quality and contextual factors matters for educational investments. Strikingly, the findings show that female headship is a significant positive predictor of households’ demand for education. These findings provide valuable policy options relating to the goal of ensuring inclusive and quality education for all and promoting a lifelong learning by 2030.

While literature on the determinants of households’ educational expenditures abound, very few of this literature focuses on sub-Saharan Africa. Consequently, this study makes an important contribution to the literature by providing evidence on the determinants of households’ educational expenditure in the context of sub-Saharan Africa.

This study explores the socioeconomic benefits and challenges of smock dealership in Tamale. Despite the relevance of the African traditional garment sector in the socio-cultural and economic development of local and national economies, the industry is bedeviled with a plethora of challenges. Empirical evidence also confirms that African management practices have been largely dependent on western ideologies without taking cognisance of the unique features of indigenous practices. This case study provides an account of successful indigenous business practices among smock dealers in the Tamale Metropolis of Ghana, employing mainly qualitative descriptive research methods. Manual thematic analysis was utilised on the qualitative data. Findings showed that smock businesses offer economic/financial benefits such as income generation, family up-keep, trade, serves as wedding attires, social networks, projects northern cultures, sources of income and livelihood. We also found various advantages of deploying technology in smock business and these include efficiency, productivity, fraud prevention, financial benefits to the producers, competitiveness and globalisation via social media, and customer relationship building. It is recommended that the government make wearing made-in-Ghana clothing a policy and enforce its use. Also, the Ghanaian government and NGOs should make industrial sewing machines available to encourage the business, thereby increasing smock production.

Even though many studies identify positive effects of contract farming (CF) on the livelihood of farmers, the use of CF as a tool to increase farm performance is unsettled debate. Information on CF is relatively not available in staple food chains. Theoretical considerations have shown that there are challenges in employing CF in staple food chains such as rice. With the increasing trend of rice CF in Ghana, it is very critical to establish its performance in rice production in Ghana. It is therefore imperative to analyse the impact of CF on the performance of smallholder rice farmers.

A survey was conducted where 350 rice farmers selected through a stratified sampling technique using structured questionnaires were interviewed. Descriptive and inferential statistics including stochastic frontier analyses and endogenous treatment effect regression were used to analyse the data.

The results from the endogenous treatment effect regression model show that CF improves rice farmers' technical, allocative and economic efficiencies by 21, 23 and 26%, respectively. Farm size and CF were identified as common factors influencing technical, allocative and economic efficiency measures of the farmers positively. It further identified age of farmer, educational level and household labour as factors influencing farmers' participation in CF positively.

It is recommended that CF is a good tool to enhance rice production efficiency, and hence, farmers should be encouraged to participate in CF as strategy to enhance the local rice production in Ghana.

The outcome of this study has the potential to influence rice production in the country. The country is a net importer of rice and just about 35% self-sufficient in rice production.

This study is the first to assess performance of CF in rice crop production in Ghana and also one of the few to use efficiency as a performance measure.

The purpose of this paper is twofold: to determine the factors contributing to farm income in the Transitional and Savanna zones of Ghana and to ascertain variations between in the same and across the two locations; and to determine the impact of credit on farm income in each of the two zones and to ascertain the variation in impact of credit across the two locations.

In order to address endogeneity and sample selection bias, the authors draw from the theory of impact evaluation in nonrandom experiment, employing the endogenous switching regression (ESR) while using the propensity score matching (PSM) to check for robustness of the results.

The results show significant mean differences between some characteristics of households that have access to credit and those that did not have access. Further, the results revealed farm size, labor; gender, age, literacy, wealth and group membership as the significant determinants of both credit access and income in the two zones. With the ESR, credit access increases households farm income by GH¢206.56/ha and GH¢39.74/ha in the Transitional and Savanna zones, respectively, but with the PSM, credit increases farm income by GH¢201.50 and GH¢45.69 and in the Transitional and Savanna, respectively.

The mean differences in characteristics of the households revealed the presence of selection bias in the distribution of household’s covariates in the two zones. The results further indicate the importance of productive resources, information and household characteristics in improved access to credit and farm income. Also, the results from both methods indicate that credit access leads to significant gains in farm income for households in both zones. However, differences exist in the results of PSM and that of the ESR results.

The presence of selection bias in the samples suggests that the use of ESR and PSM techniques is appropriate. Further, the results suggesting that enhanced credit access and farm income could be attained through improved access to household resources and information. The results also suggest the need for establishing and expanding credit programs to cover more households in both zones. The differential impact of credit between the two methods employed in each zone revealed the weakness of each model. The low values from PSM could indicate the presence of selection bias resulting from unobservable factors whiles the high values from the ESR could stem from the restrictive assumption of the model. This reinforces the importance of combining mixed methods to check robustness of results and to explore the weakness of each method employed.

The novelty of this study lies in the use of a very extensive and unique data set to decompose the determinants of credit access and farm income and as well as the impacts of credit into zones.