Access To Credit Research Articles

Do government support correlates enhance financial performance? Rural microenterprises perspectives

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the determinants of financial performance of the rural microenterprises, with microcredit access as the mediating variable.Design/methodology/approachA survey using a self-administered questionnaire to the managers/owners of the rural microenterprises was adopted. The data was collected on the three study variables; financial literacy, credit access and financial performance. A total of 148 fully completed and useable questionnaires were used in the analysis. The researchers performed factor analysis, correlations, regression and mediation analysis to test the hypotheses.FindingsThe study revealed the existence of a statistically significant and positive relationship between financial literacy and microcredit access, microcredit access and financial performance. On the other hand the financial literacy had a significant but negative impact on the financial performance of the rural microenterprises. In the final analysis, financial literacy is only effective in impacting financial performance when mediated by microcredit access. We conclude that policies that emphasize financial literacy are ineffective in fostering the financial performance and growth of the microenterprises.Originality/valueThe study is original as it addresses the combined effect of credit rationing and resource based view theories to explain the financial performance of informal rural microenterprises that are the key livilihood business undertaking in many developing countries.

Factors Affecting Access to Agricultural Inputs among Smallholder Tobacco Farmers in Kahama District, Tanzania

Appropriate application of agricultural inputs plays a significant role in offsetting the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture including in tobacco production. Use of agricultural inputs has been reported to improve quantity, quality and market value of tobacco worldwide. In view of that, this study was undertaken to assess the factors affecting access to agricultural inputs among tobacco smallholder farmers in Kahama District. Additionally, the study determined the effects of inputs applications on tobacco production. The interview method using structured questionnaires was employed to collect primary data from a sample of 180 tobacco smallholder farmers obtained through random sampling. The data were analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings revealed that 77.2% of smallholder farmers had an access to agricultural inputs while 22.8% did not. Access to these agricultural inputs was through Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Societies (AMCOS) (100.0 %), fellow farmers (68.3%), and agro-input dealers (48.2%). Furthermore, findings showed that price (p=0.029), AMCOS membership (p=0.000), awareness (p=0.045), frequency of usage (p=0.000), credit accessibility (p=0.012) and farm size (p=0.048) were the significant factors that influenced smallholder farmers to access agricultural inputs. Moreover, the effects of agricultural inputs applications on tobacco production were; increase of tobacco leaf size (100.0%), resilience to pests and disease (97.3%), quality of produced tobacco (91.3%) and amount of produce (80.6%). The study concludes that most farmers have access to agricultural inputs, and that access is influenced by a number of important factors. There are several ways that inputs impact tobacco production. The study strongly suggests that in order to improve accessibility and input usage, farmers should be encouraged to join AMCOS and get access to credit.

Self-selection out of formal credit markets: evidence from rural Vietnam

PurposeThis paper examines why farmers self-select out of formal credit markets even though they need external funds.Design/methodology/approachWe use probit and Bayesian probit estimators to detect the determinants of self-selection behavior based on a primary dataset of 2,212 rice farmers in Vietnam. After that, we use the multinomial probit (MNP) and Bayesian MNP estimators to reveal the impact of relevant factors on the decision to self-select for farmers belonging to each self-selection category.FindingsThe probit and Bayesian probit estimators show that the decision to self-select depends on household head age, income per capita, farm size, whether or not to have relatives or friends working for banks, the number of previous borrowings, risks related to natural disasters, diseases, and rice price, and the number of banks with which the farmer has relationships. The MNP and Bayesian MNP estimators give further insights into the decision of farmers to self-select in that determinants of the self-selection behavior depend on the reasons to self-select. In concrete, farm size and the number of previous borrowings mitigate the self-selection of farmers who did not apply for loans due to having access to other preferred sources of credit. The self-selection of farmers not applying for loans because of unfavorable loan terms is conditional on household head age, farming experience, income, farm size, the number of previous borrowings, natural disaster risk, and the number of banks the farmer has relationships with. Several factors, including education, income, the distance to the nearest bank, whether or not having relatives or friends working for banks, the number of previous borrowings, risks, and the number of banks the farmer has relationships with, affect the self-selection of farmers not applying for loans because of high borrowing costs. The self-selection of farmers not applying for loans because of complex application procedures depends on income and the number of previous borrowings. Finally, the household head’s age, gender, experience, income, farm size, the amount of trade credit granted, the number of previous borrowings, natural disaster risk, and the number of banks the farmer has relationships with are the determinants of the self-selection of farmers not applying for loans because of a fear not being able to repay.Practical implicationsThis paper fills the knowledge gap by investigating why farmers self-select out of formal credit markets. It provides evidence of how the farmers’ subjective perceptions of rural credit markets contribute to their self-selection.Originality/valueThis paper shows that demand-side constraints are also vital for farmers’ access to bank credit. Improving credit access via easing supply-side constraints may not increase credit uptake without addressing demand-side factors. Given that finding, it recommends policies to improve access to bank credit for farmers regarding the demand side.

Women, income use and nutrition quality: effects of women’s decision-making in rural households in Cameroon

BackgroundWomen remain central to household food and nutrition security. However, they continue to face several constraints with respect to access, control and use of credit and income. There is theoretical assertion that increasing women's decision-making authority over family income increases spending and leads to gains in nutrition. However, empirical evidence on the links between rural women's income control and household food and nutrition security is inadequate, especially for a developing country, such as Cameroon.MethodologyWe employ the food consumption score nutrition quality analysis, the income domain of the Abbreviated Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index and the Partial Least Square Structural Equations Modelling to examine data collected from 600 rural households in the West region of Cameroon to establish the effects of women’s control over income use on household nutrition quality. To ensure the reliability of our findings, additional tests such as the Confirmatory Tetrad Analysis, the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test with Lilliefors correction, and the Finite Mixture PLS approach are employed.ResultsFrom the analyses, we observed that a significant percentage of households have poor nutritional quality, particularly in terms of iron-rich food consumption. Women's control over income use remains low and varies based on the source of income. The analyses show that women's decision-making concerning income use and women's perception of their decision-making ability regarding income use and expenditure are positively associated with higher nutritional quality for the household. In addition, we establish that women's perceptions of their ability to make decisions about income use have a positive direct and total effect on nutrition quality, but a negative indirect effect on the latter, with the direct positive effect outweighing the indirect effect.ConclusionsInadequate consumption of iron-rich foods is pervasive for most households and there is limited control over income used for the majority of women in the study area. Enhancing women’s control over income use has significant implications for household nutrition quality. Hence, women should be empowered to fully exploit their potential at the household level to enhance food security at the community, regional and national levels.

Gender-based approaches for improving milk safety, value addition, and marketing among smallholder livestock farmers

In the context of Uganda, this study delves into gender-based strategies aimed at enhancing women’s engagement in milk safety, value addition, and marketing within smallholder livestock farming. The objectives were two-fold: first, to document the current practices of women in milk safety, value addition, and marketing channels; second, to examine the constraints, opportunities, and strategies related to the production of safe milk and milk products, along with accessing sustainable markets. Conducted in four sub-counties of the Kiruhura district, this research employed both qualitative participatory methods and structured questionnaires, including 12 focused group discussions and 20 key informant interviews with both women and men. Notably, 217 structured questionnaires were administered. The findings illuminate that women played a central role in milk processing, water provisioning, sanitation, and hygiene practices and were the primary contributors to milk value addition, particularly in the production of butter and ghee. Despite their active involvement, women face challenges in accessing adequate milk quantities, employ traditional labor-intensive procedures, and encounter difficulties in marketing their processed products. Men, often the household heads, held decision-making authority over milk consumption and controlled the selling of milk, contributing to gender disparities. Addressing these challenges necessitates comprehensive support, including training and capacity-building initiatives for both men and women in milk value addition, credit access, and market entry. The study underscores the potential for improved women’s access to milk quantities, particularly for butter and ghee production, to strengthen rural livelihoods and boost dairy production in Uganda.

Political connections and credit access: evidence from small businesses and microenterprises in India

Abstract This paper examines the impact of political connections on credit access for small businesses and microenterprises (SBME) in India, utilizing data from the India Human Development Survey. While such connections can facilitate overcoming challenges like high transaction costs and incomplete credit markets, they may also impede equitable credit access. This study analyzes how political connections influence the loan amounts secured by households for business purposes in both rural and urban settings. It further dissects the broader impact of political connections, revealing their nuanced effects in relation to the nature of loan and income sources. Consequently, this research offers valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners, suggesting strategies that provide fair financial opportunities to ensure a level playing field for all SBMEs. Plain English Summary Empirical research shows political ties lead to inequitable loan opportunities for Indian small businesses. This research investigates the impact of political connections on securing loans for small businesses and microenterprises (SBMEs) in India. It finds that businesses with such ties are more likely to secure larger loans, creating an uneven playing field. It highlights the challenges in the credit markets of developing countries and emphasizes the importance of distributing loans equitably. The study calls for policies that ensure equal financial access for all SBMEs, promoting a balanced approach to overcome the complexities of political influence in credit access. It advocates for a fair and inclusive economic environment, supporting equitable growth and opportunity for all SBMEs.

Financial Literacy and Credit Accessibility for Small Scale Business Sustainable Growth

This study is based on financial literacy and credit accessibility for small scale business sustainable growth Owo, Ondo State. The specific objectives of this study were; to examine the impact of financial behaviour, financial attitudes on the performance of small and medium scale enterprises in Owo, Ondo state. The population of the study was 218 respondents of owners and employees of SMEs in Owo, Ondo state. The study used primary data which was collected using questionnaire which comprised of both open ended and close ended questions each addressing the study's objectives. 218 copies questionnaire were administered out of which 181 were retrieved and used for data analysis. Analysis on the demographic features of the respondents were carry out with multiple regression method was used to test for two hypotheses. The result of the study indicates that; financial behaviour has a positive significant on the performance of SMEs in Owo, Ondo State, that financial attitude has positive and significant relationship with the performance of SMEs in Owo, Ondo State. The findings led to the conclusion that financial behaviour and financial attitude have a significant effect on SMEs performance and can directly determine the organization growth and increase in business assets. The study therefore recommended that owners and employees of SMEs should take a conscious effort to improve upon their financial behaviour and financial attitude by attending workshops, conferences and short courses on financial literacy.

Tourism-driven livelihood dynamics: A comprehensive empirical study of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park communities in Tanzania

Tourism is pivotal for rural economic development; however, despite hosting a substantial number of tourists, many developing countries with rural landscapes face persistent poverty among local communities. This study aims to delve into the impact of tourism (geoheritage and national parks) on local livelihoods, examining drivers for livelihood portfolio and community decisions to engage in tourism activities. The Multivariate Probit and instrumental variable models (Instrumental Variable Probit, and Two Stage Least Squares) were employed on data from 582 respondents collected through cross-sectional questionnaires. Results highlight the significant influence of socioeconomic factors—sex, age, household size, credit access, market access, social membership, and education—on livelihood portfolio. Results show that specific tourism activities, such as accommodation services, handcrafts, catering and hospitality, and tour guiding, exert varying effects on household food security, income, and access to essential social services. Challenges hindering participation include education levels, information and awareness, service quality, cultural barriers, financial costs, government policies, competition, resource monopolisation, corruption, and infrastructure deficiencies. Recommendations include investments in skill development, infrastructure enhancement, cultural preservation, financial inclusion, regulatory frameworks, and community awareness programs. These strategies aim to facilitate household participation in tourism activities, promoting geotourism and enhancing the well-being of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park communities. Policymakers are urged to implement these measures to uplift local livelihoods and foster sustainable tourism in the region.

The influence of fintech and financial knowledge on sustainable business success: exploring the mediating effect of financial accessibility in Indian

PurposeThe present study aims to investigate the effects of sector 4.0 technologies, particularly Financial Technology (Fintech), on Sustainable Business Success (SBS) within the Indian garment sector. It aims to analyse the impact of Fintech Integration (IF) and Extent of Financial Knowledge (EFK) on sustainability performance, with a focus on understanding the mediating effect of Financial Accessibility (FA) in this relationship.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilizes covariance-based structural equation modelling (CB-SEM) to analyse data collected from 683 enterprises in the Indian garment sector. The theoretical frameworks of Ecological Modernization Theory (EMT) and the Resource-Based View are employed to guide the research.FindingsThe investigation reveals that Fintech Integration (IF) and environmental friendliness knowledge significantly impact the promotion and maintenance of sustainability within the Indian garment sector. Moreover, the study highlights the moderating influence of financial Accessibility (FA) on the associations among fintech integration, Extent of Financial Knowledge, and sustainability attainment. Furthermore, sensitivity studies demonstrate that improved financial access positively affects a firm’s sustainability performance.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the existing literature by addressing significant knowledge gaps and offering practical insights for managers and policymakers in the Ready-Made Garments (RMG) industry. It provides a comprehensive approach that integrates fintech and financial expertise to enhance credit accessibility and foster long-term viability for enterprises within the Indian garment sector. The originality lies in its holistic perspective, combining technological integration with the Extent of Financial Knowledge to drive sustainability in a specific industrial context, thus providing valuable guidance for industry stakeholders.

Assessing The Role Of Environmental Innovation, Credit Access, And Governance In Shaping The Financial Sustainability Of Indonesian MSMEs

This study looks into how Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in Indonesia interact with environmental innovation, governance, credit availability, and financial sustainability. Data were gathered from 145 MSMEs working in different industries through the use of a quantitative technique. The proposed relationships were tested using Structural Equation Modeling with Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) analysis. The findings show that among Indonesian MSMEs, financial sustainability is positively impacted by environmental innovation, loan availability, and governance. In particular, environmental innovation has become a major force behind financial sustainability, emphasizing how crucial it is to implement eco-friendly methods. Financial sustainability was also found to be positively impacted by enhanced loan availability and robust governance frameworks, highlighting the necessity of encouraging regulatory environments and financial resources for MSME development. Mediation analysis revealed intricate correlations between the variables, clarifying indirect effects further. Policymakers, practitioners, and MSME stakeholders can benefit from these findings, which highlight the significance of holistic approaches to MSME development and offer strategies for improving financial sustainability and resilience

Market concentration and efficiency’s determinants of tomato production in Oyo State, Nigeria

The study assessed the efficiency of tomato production and market concentration among farmers in Orire Local Government, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria, employing a multi-stage sampling technique, resulting in a sample size of 120 respondents. A structured questionnaire developed by the researcher was utilized as the research instrument. Analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, budgetary techniques, the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI), and the Cobb-Douglas production model. Findings revealed that 76.7% of respondents were male, with an average age of 52.6 years. Additionally, 89.2% were married, and 69.2% had formal education. The average household size was 5.4, with an average farm size of 4.3 hectares. Respondents had an average of 16.4 years of experience in tomato production. The cost and return analysis indicated that tomato production is profitable in the study area, with a return on investment of N1.71, meaning every 1 naira invested yields a return of N1.71 kobo. The market concentration index was 1325, suggesting competitive market conditions. The Cobb-Douglas model identified key factors influencing production efficiency: education, household size, farm size, farming experience, credit access, seeds, fertilizer, pesticides, and herbicides. The study recommends that financial institutions offer affordable credit facilities and that agricultural extension services and post-harvest practice workshops be provided to enhance farmer incomes and reduce tomato waste. Keywords: Tomato, Production, Efficiency, Price Competitiveness, Farmers,

ANALYZING THE ROLE OF VARIOUS POLICY INITIATIVES IN ENHANCING FINANCIAL INCLUSION IN GHANA

The concept of financial inclusion has caught the attention of global multilateral institutions such as the World Bank, and International Monetary Fund, as well as other developmental partners across the globe. The key highlights of financial inclusion are to provide unimpeded access to quality finance at a relatively cheaper cost by way of creating opportunities for access and usage of formal financial services among vulnerable groups such as the aged, women, immigrants, and People with Disability (PWD). Despite the introduction of sound policies to attract these segments of society, the majority of people still have difficulties accessing formal finance. This paper analyzed two critical policy initiatives adopted by the government of Ghana to achieve a proposed 85% increment in the number of adults with formal accounts by the end of 2023. We found out that despite improved account penetration levels driven by the mobile money platforms and Rural Banks, a significant level of Ghanaian society continues to struggle to access credit due to the limited availability of collaterals. While gender, education, geographical location, and absence of proper ID/address were crucial barriers that could inhibit people from getting included in the financial system in Ghana.

Financial and Credit Regulation as a Tool for Attracting Investments in Tourism and the Hotel and Restaurant Business of Ukraine

This research investigates into the significant role of financial and credit regulations in promoting investments within Ukraine's tourism sector, with a specific emphasis on the hotel and restaurant industry. By integrating mathematical modelling and empirical data analysis, the study uncovers how regulatory environments and credit accessibility jointly influence investment decisions. The development of a differential equation model quantitatively reveals that measures aimed at regulatory simplification and enhancing credit conditions are closely linked with increased investment levels. It identifies critical thresholds for regulatory simplification and credit availability, where indices exceeding 0.45 and 0.55, respectively, are associated with substantial growth in investment rates. This assertion is substantiated by empirical evidence from a survey of 250 industry stakeholders, highlighting the significant positive effects of these regulatory and financial adjustments on investment intentions. The findings highlight the necessity of precise financial and credit regulatory reforms to improve Ukraine's tourism investment climate. The practical significance of this research lies in its potential to guide policy formulation aimed at unlocking the investment potential of Ukraine's tourism sector, ensuring its growth and sustainability in the global context.

Determinants of the adoption of climate smart agriculture practices by smallholder wheat farmers in northwestern Ethiopia

Frequent climate variability and change had the strongest direct influences on the availability and accessibility of food through reducing agricultural productivity and cropping patterns. Despite the Ethiopian government having made substantial efforts to boost production and productivity through the introduction of Climate Smart Agriculture Practices (CSAPs), the implementation of these practices by smallholder wheat farmers has remained low. This study, therefore, tried to investigate the determinants of the adoption of CSAPs in Northwestern Ethiopia. The primary data were gathered from 385 randomly selected wheat producers (including 702 plot-level observations). The CSAPs considered in this investigation were wheat row planting, crop rotation, and improved wheat varieties. The factors that influence the adoption of CSAPs were determined using a multivariate probit (MVP) model. The results revealed that the age of the sampled wheat producer farmers, education level of sampled wheat farmers, livestock holding, contact with development agents, credit access, off-farm activities participation, distance to input supply institution, slope of the plot, and soil fertility status of the plot were the major determinants of the adoption of CSAPs. The study suggested that policy-makers and stakeholders should strengthen farmers’ skills by providing sufficient and effective short-term training. Moreover, encouraging mixed crop-livestock production systems, strengthening credit access, development agents, and access to near-input supply institutions are required to scale-up the adoption of CSAPs.

TECHNICAL EFFICIENCY OF LAYER FARMERS IN AKWA IBOM

This study analyzed the technical efficiency of layer farmers in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. A multistage random sampling technique was employed to select a total of 100-layer farmers across three agricultural zones in Akwa Ibom State. Relevant data was collected with the aid of a questionnaire. Data collated from the field was analyzed using descriptive statistics, stochastic production frontier, and maximum likelihood estimates. The result showed that most of the farmers were female, with mean age of 36.68 years for layer farmers. The production function estimate showed that hired labour, feeds, capital depreciation, pen size, and saw dust use positively influenced output of layer birds, while family labour and medication had a negative impact on output. The technical efficiency distribution showed a mean efficiency of 66%. The determinants of technical inefficiency showed that education, family size, market share, farming experience, extension visits, trainings, farm size and membership in social groups had negative influence of technical inefficiency of layer production, and farmers age and access to credit had a positive effect on the technical inefficiency of layer production. The study recommends the government and relevant stakeholders should make efforts to subsidize the cost of essential poultry inputs, and develop a workable system to enable poultry farmers access credit. Also, extension training should be intensified as it is shown to improve the technical efficiency of layer farmers.

From intention to action: Understanding bank credit access through the lens of the theory of planned behavior

Research background: Bank credit access plays a determining role in enterprises’ financial growth, competitiveness, and internationalization. However, most entrepreneurs are afraid of being rejected from their credit applications due to financial disadvantages that reduce their probability of receiving credits. To minimize credit access concerns, their entrepreneurial behaviors that are included in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), such as personal attitude (PA), perceived behavioral control (PBC), and subjective norm (SN), might be a good solution. However, depending on cultural differences, their attitudes regarding these factors might change, which also causes changes in firms’ probability of receiving credit. Purpose of the article: This research aims to examine whether the impact of PA, PBC, and SN on credit access of enterprises differ depending on the countries where they do their business. Methods: The researchers investigate 1367 enterprises from different countries. These firms are selected using a purposive sampling method, and then an online questionnaire is sent to the survey respondents. Binary Logistic Regression analyses are performed for analysis purposes. Findings & value added: The results indicate that while the impact of PA on bank credit access does not differ depending on the countries where firms are located, international differences exist in the impacts of PBC and SN on the credit access of enterprises. This paper finds international differences in the impact of RBV’s intangible assets (PA, PBC, SN) on a tangible asset of RBV (financial capability) and explains these results with the factors (economic, political, legal systems) included in Institution-based View, and brings all components of both theories RBV and Institution-based View in a unique research. Financial and educational support from governments and universities for fresh graduate individuals can stimulate entrepreneurial attitudes and financing abilities of prospective entrepreneurs to overcome credit access obstacles.

Pursuing circular economics through the integrated crop-livestock systems: An integrative review on practices, strategies and challenges post Green Revolution in Indonesia

The Green Revolution, driven by advanced technology, substantially increased food production in Asian developing countries, including Indonesia. Nevertheless, it also resulted in environmental consequences, notably soil fertility degradation, threatening future agricultural productivity. As an alternative approach, the Integrated Crops-Livestock System (ICLS) holds promise for simultaneously enhancing crop and livestock yields while upholding environmental sustainability. This article investigates the significance of ICLS as a sustainable agricultural solution in the context of circular economics post Green Revolution era in Indonesia. This study employs an integrative literature review, encompassing secondary data analysis, research findings, and publications, to underscore the potential of ICLS in Indonesia and beyond. Despite its potential, the limited adoption of ICLS among Indonesian farmers is attributed to factors such as inadequate knowledge and skills, insufficient policy support, and inadequate dissemination and promotion efforts. To promote widespread ICLS implementation, robust dissemination strategies are imperative, encompassing technical guidance, counseling, training, and on-farm demonstrations. In addition, policy support, including accessible credit and price incentives, is essential to incentivize farmers to embrace ICLS practices. This article underscores the relevance of circular economics within the context of integrated farming and provides insights for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to promote sustainable agriculture in Indonesia's post Green Revolution era.

Climate smart agriculture practices by crop farmers: Evidence from south east Nigeria

Climate change has severely impacted African countries, particularly Nigeria, affecting farmers' productivity due to adverse weather conditions. Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) has emerged as a crucial approach to ensure sustainable agricultural growth and food security. This study aims to identify the sources of awareness, prevalent innovative agricultural practices, determinants of CSA adoption, and the intensity of CSA practices among crop farmers in Southeast Nigeria. A two-stage multi-random sampling technique was employed to collect data from 270 farmers across various locations in Southeast Nigeria through questionnaires. The analysis used descriptive statistics and Heckman's two-stage selection model to evaluate the sources of awareness, the extent of CSA practice, and factors influencing CSA adoption and its intensity. Results indicate that cooperative societies and extension workers are the primary sources of CSA awareness in the region. Key determinants of CSA adoption identified in the study include gender, household size, farming experience, education level, labor force size, income, extension exposure, credit access, risk orientation, and cooperative membership. The Heckman model revealed that cooperative membership significantly increases the probability of CSA adoption, while risk-averse farmers are less likely to adopt CSA practices. The study concludes that while CSA practices are recognized and adopted to some extent, their implementation is insufficient to comprehensively combat the effects of climate change. Enhanced efforts to promote and integrate CSA practices more widely are critically needed. To improve CSA adoption and effectiveness, it is recommended to provide increased support for cooperative societies and extension services, better access to credit, and targeted education and training programs for farmers. Additionally, policies should focus on reducing risk aversion among farmers by providing insurance schemes and other risk management tools.

ASSESSMENT OF AGRICULTURAL INFORMATION NEEDS OF FARMERS: TRIANGULATING RELIABILITY OF STANDARDIZED INFORMATION NEED INDEX

Agriculture, pivotal to India's economy, hinges on timely and relevant information for sustainable practices and rural livelihoods. This study delves into the intricate fabric of farmers' information needs across diverse demographics and regions to craft targeted strategies for information dissemination and capacity building. Employing an ex-post facto research design, this study surveyed 90 respondents from Sitapur district, Uttar Pradesh. Utilizing a structured interview schedule, respondents' information needs were assessed using a modified information need index. Reliability testing via reliability triangulation using Spearman-Brown, Guttman split-half coefficients and Cronbach's alpha affirming the robustness standardised information need index (SINI). The prioritized information needs unveiled Integrated Disease/Pest Management as paramount (SINI = 91.94), reflecting concerns about crop health and yield preservation. Market-related information (SINI = 87.22) and credit accessibility (SINI = 84.44) followed closely, underscoring the importance of profitability and financial support. Weather forecasting and government schemes, placed at fourth and fifth ranks with the SINI score 78.61 and 73.33 respectively, signifying risk mitigation and support avenues for farmers. These findings offer critical insights for policymakers and extension services to tailor interventions, enabling informed decision-making, fostering sustainable agricultural practices, and advancing rural development.

Navigating Credit Access: Uncovering The Dynamics Within Poor Households in Vietnam

In the context of Vietnam's dynamic but uneven economic landscape, the challenge of credit access for poor households signifies a critical disparity in financial inclusion. This research identifies and addresses a gap in understanding the influence of socioeconomic factors on credit accessibility for economically disadvantaged populations. To explore the impacts of household income stability, financial literacy, social norms, credit history, formal financial identity, and asset ownership, our study employs multivariate linear regression analysis to uncover the nuanced relationships between these factors and credit access. The findings reveal significant positive correlations, highlighting the complex interplay of economic and social elements in facilitating financial inclusion. These results offer valuable insights for policymakers, financial service providers, and development practitioners, suggesting targeted interventions in financial education, income stabilization, and adapting financial services to cultural contexts. Ultimately, this study provides a roadmap for enhancing financial accessibility for Vietnam's poor households, contributing to the broader goal of bridging the gap in financial inclusion within the country.