Evans Otieku, Charles Godfred Ackah and David Forkuor
The purpose of this paper is to provide statistical and empirical evidence on the motivations, income determinants and livelihood vulnerabilities of female teenage head porters…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide statistical and empirical evidence on the motivations, income determinants and livelihood vulnerabilities of female teenage head porters. The paper draws from the motivational theory and the livelihood vulnerability approach to assess the motivations, livelihood vulnerabilities and income determinants of female teenage head porters in Kasoa, Ghana.
Design/methodology/approach
The mixed methods data collection instruments were used to collect primary data from 200 randomly sampled female teenage head porters in Kasoa. It includes both close and open-ended questionnaires, one case study and personal observation.
Findings
Based on the estimation, the study found that household poverty, unemployment, desire for regular income and quest for personal independence were significant motivational factors drawing teenage girls into head porting. Also, age of respondents and years of experience in the occupation were the significant determinants of income of respondents. Exposure to frequent malaria, stress and physical pains were common livelihood risk factors faced by the respondents. Majority of them were from the northern region of Ghana and less than 20 percent of them had formal education.
Practical implications
The paper proposed for extensive implementation of robust macroeconomic and specific social protection interventions to enhance equal job and income opportunities as well as to protect the vulnerable.
Originality/value
The study provides statistical and empirical results different from other related studies (Opare, 2003; Awumbila, 2007; Baah-Ennumh et al., 2012; Akanle and Chioma, 2013).
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John Coker Ayimah, John Kuada and Edward Kwame Ayimey
This paper reports results of an investigation into semi-urban Ghanaian university youths' attitude to digitized financial services (DFSs) and the determinants of their adoption…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper reports results of an investigation into semi-urban Ghanaian university youths' attitude to digitized financial services (DFSs) and the determinants of their adoption decisions.
Design/methodology/approach
Quantitative cross-sectional research approach was used. Three hundred and seventy-five (375) university students were randomly selected from a semi-urban town in Ghana to test the applicability of technology acceptance model (TAM) within such a context. Structural equation modeling was employed to assess stated hypotheses.
Findings
The results indicate a high penetration of digital financial services among the students, which confirms the applicability of TAM for such studies. The results further suggest that DFS provides a pathway to financial inclusion and can stimulate small enterprise development and job creation in Ghana's semi-urban communities.
Originality/value
Hitherto, little academic attention has been given to digitization of financial services in semi-urban African towns. The study contributes to filling this research gap.
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Abraham Emuron, D.P. van der Nest and Cephas Paa Kwasi Coffie
This paper employs data from the World Bank to examine the effect of traditional banks on FinTech and financial development in the Southern African Development Community (SADC…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper employs data from the World Bank to examine the effect of traditional banks on FinTech and financial development in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employs the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) as the primary data analysis method.
Findings
The findings of the study demonstrate a bi-directional relationship between traditional financial institutions and FinTech. Traditional financial institutions are observed to facilitate the adoption of FinTech solutions, whilst the disruptive effects of FinTech incentivize traditional banks to adapt to the changing financial landscape and tailor their service and product offerings to reflect recent technological advancements. Consequently, there exists a positive relationship between traditional financial institutions and financial development in the SADC region.
Practical implications
Our findings suggest the need for market liberalization and enhanced institutional quality controls for policymakers. Traditional banks must adapt their business models and incorporate FinTech solutions to remain competitive and relevant. Collaborative partnerships between traditional banks and FinTech firms have emerged as a practical approach to leverage the strengths of both sectors.
Originality/value
This is one of the first studies to examine the role of traditional financial institutions in FinTech and financial development using GMM in the SADC region.