Funding Gap Research Articles

Factors Affecting the Listing of Small Businesses on the Lusaka Securities Exchange Alternative Market in Zambia

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are vital to Zambia's economy, contributing significantly to GDP, employment, and business activity. Despite the launch of the Lusaka Securities Exchange Alternative Market (LuSE Alt-M) in 2015 to address SME financing gaps, no SMEs have listed on the platform. This study investigates the factors that hinder SME participation in LuSE Alt-M. The study employs a mixed-methods approach. Data was collected through questionnaires targeting key stakeholders, including regulators and financial institutions. Descriptive and thematic analyses revealed significant barriers to listing, with low awareness and inadequate financial literacy emerging as the most critical challenges. Although SMEs generally recognize the potential benefits of equity financing, misconceptions about ownership loss and procedural complexities deter participation. Key findings suggest that simplified listing processes, targeted financial literacy programs, and enhanced marketing efforts are essential to improve SME engagement with LuSE Alt-M. The study recommends initiatives such as mentorship programs, sector-specific incentives, and digital outreach to increase awareness and accessibility. Strengthening collaborations between stakeholders, such as regulators, financial institutions, and business incubators/accelerators, is also crucial to building a supportive ecosystem for SME growth and market participation.

A Qualitative Exploration of Moderating Factors Shaping Implementation Fidelity to Post-Abortion Care Guidelines in Chibombo District, Zambia

Abstract We sought to identify and describe modifying factors influencing adherence to the post-abortion care guidelines, as well as potential strategies to address them in rural health facilities of Chibombo District, Zambia. We used a qualitative descriptive approach, drawing on key informant interviews with program managers (n = 4) and in-depth interviews with post abortion care providers (n = 22). We adopted Carroll et al.‘s Framework for Implementation Fidelity which prescribes four categories of potential moderating factors that may shape adherence to post abortion care guidelines including comprehensiveness of policy description, facilitative implementation strategies, patient responsiveness, and quality of delivery. We analyzed the interview data using deductive thematic analysis. The study revealed shortcomings in the comprehensive description and dissemination of post abortion care guidelines, underscored by limited provider understanding and reference to them during practice, and delayed dissemination of any guideline changes or updates. Facilitative implementation strategies encompassed monitoring and supervision, technical and administrative support, documentation and audit, and community engagement. Inadequate provider training, inconsistent post abortion care drug supply, weak referral mechanisms and funding gaps affected the quality of delivery of post abortion care services. Lastly, patient responsiveness was affected by non-compliance to the guidelines and community reliance on self-treatment. There is a critical need for comprehensive training, supply chain improvements, and stronger health system support to ensure adherence to post-abortion care guidelines in rural settings. Such initiatives may have far-reaching implications for maternal health outcomes and general health equity.

Sustainable Development and Sovereign Debt: A Legal Perspective on Debt Sustainability for Africa

The World Bank’s 2023 Debt Sustainability Analysis (DSA) puts twelve low-income countries (LICs) in Africa at a high risk of debt distress while six are in debt distress. The recurring unsustainable debt in Sub-Saharan Africa has had a long-standing effect on the pace of development, as measures taken to accommodate debt resolution have often had a counter-effect on economic performance, as investment in development priorities and the social welfare of citizens have often taken a back seat to debt servicing. The United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and its implementation Action plans address unsustainable debt as a major obstacle to achieving sustainable development and therefore highlight the importance of supporting poverty eradication by filling the financial gap and encouraging coordinated assistance in developing countries to attain long-term debt sustainability through relief, restructuring, and financing. However, there is a need to clarify the norms underlying sustainability principles and ground them in law to create stronger frameworks for certainty, legitimacy, and effectiveness in their application to Africa’s sovereign debt problems. This research analyses the arguments for a sustainable development approach to improving debt sustainability in Africa, by relating the state responsibilities and obligations within the sustainable development norms in international law and those responsibilities accruing to creditors and sovereign debtors. It analyses these aspects with three emergent norms of international law, sustainable development, shared responsibility, and debt sustainability, and provides a correlation with the socio-economic, environmental, and governance dimensions of sustainable development. The research finds that neglecting the coherence of these aspects in African debt strategies not only increases vulnerability for debt crisis but also prolongs recovery, thereby slowing the progress towards sustainable development.

Enhancing emotional resilience and community cohesion in Nigerian primary schools: the role of child-friendly school initiative

The Nigerian educational system faces persistent challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, socio-economic disparities, and cultural barriers, which impede holistic child development. The Child-Friendly School Initiative (CFSI), championed by UNICEF, offers a transformative approach emphasizing inclusivity, safety, health literacy, and participatory governance. This study evaluates the effectiveness of CFSI in Delta State, Nigeria, by comparing CFSI and non-CFSI schools across three dimensions: emotional health, health literacy, and community cohesion. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 1,229 participants, including pupils, teachers, and community leaders. Instruments were adapted from UNICEF’s evaluation framework, achieving reliability scores of 0.77 to 0.87. Statistical analyses, including Chi-square and ANOVA, were conducted at a significance level of 0.05. Results revealed that CFSI schools significantly outperformed non-CFSI schools in promoting emotional resilience (p < 0.01), implementing health education curricula (p < 0.01), and fostering community cohesion (p < 0.01). The findings underscore the critical role of CFSI in addressing health disparities, reducing absenteeism, and enhancing social integration. Barriers such as resource limitations, cultural resistance, and insufficient teacher training were identified as constraints to scaling up CFSI. Recommendations include targeted interventions to expand CFSI across Nigeria, addressing funding gaps, promoting community ownership, and integrating health literacy into educational frameworks. This study contributes to the discourse on sustainable educational reforms, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on quality education, health, and reduced inequalities.

Healthcare financialisation in the Global South: examining the role of the World Bank Group in promoting public private partnerships in health in Africa

Abstract In recent development policy discourse, an ambition to deliver comprehensive healthcare to all citizens in the Global South via publicly financed provisioning systems has been replaced by calls for universal health coverage (UHC). At the heart of today’s promotion of UHC in the Global South is a strategy to involve private actors as providers and financiers of healthcare. This is presented as an apt approach to overcome an acute financing gap to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3 on attaining UHC. As part of these efforts, public private partnerships (PPPs) are celebrated as an efficient way of mobilising private sector resources and expertise, including in Africa. The World Bank Group (WBG), as a lead actor in international development, is at the forefront of promoting such a policy solution, despite mounting evidence of the pernicious implications of the increased prevalence of health PPPs across both Global North and South. Our contribution to this Special Issue on healthcare financialisation is twofold. First, we demonstrate how health PPPs can act as vehicles of healthcare financialisation, posing significant threats to equitable healthcare delivery. Second, we examine the WBG’s role in promoting health PPPs in Africa. By doing so, we shed light on the ways in which health PPPs can serve as an important channel for the advancement of financial actors, instruments and practices in national healthcare systems. The WBG’s use of diverse tools in support of health PPPs significantly impacts African healthcare systems, highlighting the scope for ‘financialisation by development policies’.

Bridging Education Finance Inequality for Sustainable Development in India: Challenges and Policy Pathways

Education finance inequities remain a key barrier towards the attainment of sustainable development in India because funding gaps help to reinforce social and economic disparities. This paper aims to review the research literature on education with an understanding of the concept of educational inequity: equity in regards to both access to education and education quality and afterward with the focus on the consequences for different income levels. Some of the key problems are lack of sufficient funding, imbalance of the financing between regions, and poor utilization of the funding received. Also, increased costs of education serve to deepen the marginalization of other vulnerable groups making the disparities worse. The research examines the relations between the policy instruments, financial tools, and socio-economic factors to determine practical strategies. The paper outlines new policy directions including resources in access and parity models, partnership models, and community models to fill these gaps. These measures are designed to establish inclusive education technology use and data-driven governance to achieve this goal.

Tourism in India: The role of MFIs in India’s tourism

The present study tries to identify the role of micro finance in the changing tourism development scenario as it is one of the option for the inclusive growth. Many developing countries consider promoting tourism as a main strategy for achieving economic growth. The tourism sector is mainly organized through micro and small-scale enterprises. In developing countries due to lack of access to credit and other finance, do not consider them as clients and government support is only aimed at attracting foreign direct investments (FDI), and not oriented towards expansion of domestic business in tourism. Financial sector modernization in some developing countries has been pushed in recent years through Microfinance Institutions (MFIs). They deliver credit to micro and small enterprises and contribute to poverty reduction by providing poor people to access financial services. Micro Finance Institutions have an ability to create a positive impact on the development of tourism industry, particularly in emerging countries. Over the years, micro-finance as well as tourism sectors have been promoted independently. Till now, in tourism destinations, these MFIs are unable to close finance gap in supply and demand for finance.

Are PPPs the Solution to Kenya’s Water Sector Financing Gap?

Are PPPs the Solution to Kenya’s Water Sector Financing Gap?

Improving Financial Technology-Based Financial Behavior Capabilities in Jayapura City and Jayapura Regency MSMEs

This study assesses how financial technology (fintech) has helped MSMEs in Jayapura City and Jayapura Regency improve their financial behavior. This study used a quantitative methodology with associative and moderation techniques to gather data via questionnaires, which WarpPLS was then used to analyze. The study's findings demonstrate that financial behavior, which aids in cash flow management and guards against mistakes that could result in bankruptcy, is significantly influenced by financial literacy. Furthermore, MSME entrepreneurs' good financial behavior is positively influenced by personality traits like thoroughness and openness, particularly regarding capital management and investment decisions. Fintech, however, cannot moderate the relationship between financial behavior and financial literacy because these digital tools cannot close the knowledge gaps in finance that must be addressed to make wise financial decisions. Similarly, personality traits like neuroticism and extroversion influence an individual's financial behavior more than technology use. Therefore, fintech cannot moderate the association between financial personality and behavior. These results can guide local governments and universities in offering financial management and digital training to MSME actors, boosting regional financial inclusion

The mobilisers: private climate finance, legal expertise, and the limits of innovation

ABSTRACT This article explores the emerging field of private climate finance mobilised through public resources. These mechanisms aim to leverage financial resources to close the ‘finance gap’ between needed and available funds for climate adaptation and mitigation. Innovative forms of climate finance require new contracts and legal frameworks to govern transactions in a manner satisfactory to both the public and private actors involved. This article examines the knowledge practices at the technical and bureaucratic ‘back end’ of this type of climate finance. Drawing on narrative interviews and participant observation, I show that the public efforts to mobilise private resources have been accompanied by three points of tension within financial legal practice: (1) Differences between the legal work of ‘innovative’ climate finance and its more conventional counterpart, such as grants and loans to sovereigns; (2) ‘boundary work’ undertaken internally between legal experts, and (3) externally between legal and non-legal experts, as actors seek to create and lay claim to expertise and authority over novel practices. These tensions constitute a social space in flux, and challenge the confident rhetoric of ‘closing the finance gap’.

Financial Literacy in India :Bridging the gap between Awareness and Action

This paper explores the financial literacy gap in India, highlighting the disparity between awareness and practical action. Despite increased efforts in financial education, many individuals struggle due to insufficient knowledge, skills, and application of financial concepts

PERAN PEER TO PEERLENDING SYARIAH SEBAGAI ALTERNATIF PENDANAAN UMKM

The function of Sharia Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending as an alternative funding source to expand capital access for MSMEs in Indonesia is the main topic of this study. The main issue of this study is the need to provide effective, easily accessible, and sharia-compliant funding options to help expand MSMEs, especially those considered unworthy of banking services. The purpose of this study is to investigate how Sharia P2P Lending helps MSMEs obtain funding and offers sharia-compliant investment opportunities. This study uses a literature review method and a review of related laws, such as those issued by the National Sharia Council (DSN-MUI) and the Financial Services Authority (OJK). The findings of this study indicate that Sharia P2P Lending can offer effective, affordable, and easily accessible funding, helping MSMEs develop their businesses and enter new markets. Furthermore, this website provides sharia-based investment alternatives for investors. Taking all of these things into consideration, while still adhering to the principles of Islamic finance, Sharia P2P Lending has the potential to close the funding gap for MSMEs, support the real sector, and advance the country's economy. This study emphasizes how important this financial innovation is in driving the inclusiveness of the Indonesian economy.

Enhancing the Sustainability of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through Islamic FinTech: A Comprehensive Review of Emerging Trends (2018-2024)

This research explores the role of Sharia Financial Technology (Sharia FinTech) in enhancing SME financing and sustainability, aligning with the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by integrating sustainable finance principles and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) aspects. Using a systematic literature review of 12 articles published between 2018 and 2023, the study analyzes the effectiveness of Sharia FinTech in overcoming financing barriers faced by SMEs in Indonesia and Malaysia. The findings highlight that Sharia FinTech fosters financial inclusion, supports sustainable entrepreneurship, and aids in achieving SDG targets, particularly in sectors like agriculture. However, challenges such as financial mismanagement and limited digital literacy remain. This research emphasizes the need for stronger financial ecosystem partnerships and the promotion of digital literacy to maximize the potential of Sharia FinTech in contributing to sustainable economic growth. The study's implications suggest that advancing Islamic FinTech could play a pivotal role in bridging financing gaps and fostering long-term SME resilience, crucial for economic and environmental sustainability in both nations.

Research on the Green and Low-Carbon Transformation Path of the Coal Power Industry Empowered by Transition Finance

Under the dual carbon targets, despite the continuous emergence of new energy sources, coal power remains the primary source of electricity in China. The transformation and upgrade of coal-fired power units towards green development is a challenging task. However, the transformation of coal power units in China faces numerous difficulties. As a cutting-edge tool for supporting the green and low-carbon transformation of high-carbon industries, transition finance plays a crucial role in empowering the low-carbon transformation of the coal power industry. This paper examines the current development status, industry challenges, and policy support paths for the green and low-carbon transformation of Chinas coal power industry from the perspective of innovation in transition finance. The research finds that the pressure on carbon reduction in Chinas coal power industry remains significant, with a substantial funding gap for the industrys low-carbon transformation. Enterprises generally face losses, and the stability of the industrys low-carbon transformation is affected. The paper suggests that it is urgent to establish a transition finance framework and standards tailored for the coal power industry, optimize the incentive and constraint mechanisms of transition finance for coal power enterprises undergoing transformation, and accelerate the innovation of transition finance products and their implementation.

A roadmap toward promoting and improving brain health in Europe and closing the awareness and funding gap.

The global burden of neurological diseases exceeds 43.1%, imposing a significant burden on patients, caregivers and society. This paper presents a roadmap to reduce this burden and improve brain health (BH) in Europe. The roadmap is based on the European Academy of Neurology's (EAN) five-pillar BH strategy: advancing a global BH approach (P1), supporting policymaking (P2), fostering research (P3), promoting education (P4), and raising awareness of prevention and treatment (P5). It reviews current efforts, collaborations and future directions aligned with the WHO Intersectoral Global Action Plan (iGAP) for Neurological Disorders and suggests future initiatives and call for action. P1: Support WHO-iGAP through defined action points, international collaborations, in particular, the WHO BH Unit, and the EAN Brain Health Mission. P2: Collaborate with 48 national neurological societies to promote National Brain Plans (NBPs), addressing local needs, and improving access to care. P3: Advocate for more research funding; identify determinants of BH; develop preventive measures. P4: Provide educational opportunities for neurologists, public education programs, and advocacy training, including tools to educate the public. P5: Spearhead global awareness campaigns, organize public educational activities, and train BH advocates to contribute toward sustainable and long-term public health campaigns and policy engagement. The paper highlights the importance of a unified approach, integrating international collaborations and local initiatives, to improve BH outcomes based on the WHO-iGAP, and support sustainable development goals, in particular SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 4: Quality Education.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of One Health and zoonotic diseases among multisectoral collaborators in Bhutan: Results from a nationwide survey.

The One Health concept is increasingly employed to combat zoonotic diseases. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding One Health and zoonotic diseases among key sector professionals to identify gaps and opportunities for enhancing One Health strategies in Bhutan. A cross-sectional, facility-based study was used to conduct a nationwide online questionnaire survey using a validated and pre-tested questionnaire among professionals from the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, and universities. Descriptive and summary statistics were calculated. Respondents were categorised into binary groups based on their knowledge, attitude, and practice scores relative to the mean. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify the demographic factors associated with knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding One Health and zoonotic diseases. The survey achieved a 35% response rate, with 964 responses. The majority of respondents demonstrated above-average knowledge (63%), attitudes (50%), and practices (66%) regarding One Health. Professionals with master's degree or higher (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 2.39; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] = 1.16-5.12) were more likely to have above-average knowledge. Regarding zoonotic diseases, approximately half of the respondents had above-average knowledge (51%), attitudes (52%), and two-thirds (66%) had above-average practices. Professionals with mid-level job experience (6-10 years; AOR = 2.13; 95% CI = 1.37-3.30 and 11 to 15 years; AOR = 2.11; 95% CI = 1.31-3.40) were more likely to possess above-average knowledge. Gaps in training, communication, funding, research, and collaborations were identified. Targeted educational interventions, enhanced communication, strengthened collaboration, expanded research, and improved funding are essential for improving One Health approaches and zoonotic disease prevention and control in Bhutan. Our study findings provide valuable insights that can inform global efforts to enhance One Health systems, particularly in regions where resources are limited but disease risks are significant.

A Pilot Project to Create Awareness of Clinical Research Funding Streams Among Nurses and Allied Health Professionals in England

Background: A culturally diverse research workforce benefits patients, the community and the population as patients see health and care professionals who are like them and can build trusting relationships. From our experience, ethnic minority group nurses are less likely to attend research‐related workshops and have significantly less awareness about clinical research funding and career pathways. This pilot project aimed to create awareness of clinical research terminology, methods and funding streams among ethnic minorities cardiothoracic nurses and allied health professionals (NAHPs) across specific geographical locations in England.Methods: Participants were invited using social media platforms to attend a research masterclass at various locations across England and 211 were registered but 92 attended. They were also invited to complete a pre‐ and postworkshop questionnaire to determine their understanding of the topics being taught during the masterclass. Data were collected and then compared before and after the masterclass.Results: A total of 63 out of 92 participants completed the workshop evaluation. There were 88% female and 11% male participants, aged 18 to 60+ years with different educational backgrounds. The participant’s pre‐ and postresearch theory and skills knowledge demonstrated some significant changes after attending the Masterclass on understanding research terminologies (p < 0.001), how study aims, and objectives determine the study methodology (p < 0.001) and the difference between qualitative and quantitative research (p = 0.012). We also asked about the overall experience (98% said 10 out of 10), structure of the workshop (98% said 9 out of 10), venue, food and drinks (95% said 8 out of 10), communication/organisation (98% said 10 out of 10) and relevance of the workshops (100% said 10 out 10).Conclusions: Our study findings suggest that raising awareness about research careers, local/national funding opportunities and research masterclasses can improve NAHPs awareness of opportunities to gain skills and confidence in leading their own research to answer pertinent clinical and care questions related to their practice and ultimately improve patient care. In addition, this study identifies the gap in clinical research and funding among clinical staff, which is crucial for advancing evidence‐based practice. Encouraging clinical healthcare staff to engage in clinical research will help foster an evidence‐based culture.

Barriers to Research Faced by High-Income Versus Low- and Middle-Income Country Otolaryngologists and Otolaryngology Residents.

This study aims to compare research productivity and barriers to research between high-income countries (HICs) and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) otolaryngologists. Cross-sectional survey. International survey. A survey developed by members of the Lebanese Otolaryngology Research and Awareness Group was disseminated globally to otolaryngologists and otolaryngology residents. The survey assessed research efficiency, funding, and perceived barriers. Data were analyzed using t tests and χ 2 tests. A total of 82 responses from 21 countries were recorded, with 33 from HICs (40.2%) and 49 from LMICs (59.8%). LMIC respondents reported significantly less research funding (84.4% vs 60.6%, P = .013) and fewer publications (24.4% vs 3.1%, P = .001) compared to HIC respondents. LMICs faced unique individual barriers like elderly care responsibilities (17.8% vs 0%, P = .035). Organizational challenges in LMICs included limited access to information sources (35.7% vs 15.6%, P = .017) and financial resources (85.7% vs 40.6%, P < .001). Institutional challenges such as lack of funding (83.3% vs 34.4%, P < .001) and protected research time (71.4% vs 56.3%, P = .047) were more prominent in LMICs. Governmental barriers were also greater in LMICs, including demotivating government policies (59.0% vs 9.4%, P < .001). Additionally, covering article processing charges was a significant challenge for 76.2% of LMIC respondents compared to 31.3% in HICs (P = .001). Otolaryngologists in LMICs encounter substantial barriers to research productivity compared to those in HICs, primarily due to funding gaps, lack of institutional support, and unfavorable governmental policies. Addressing these disparities is essential for fostering equitable global research contributions.

Climate Diplomacy: Unlocking International Cooperation for a Sustainable Future

Climate diplomacy has become an essential mechanism for fostering international cooperation to combat the global crisis of climate change. This study explores its growth, successes, and challenges, offering understandings into its transformative journey from fragmented environmental determinations to a more cohesive and inclusive global context. Landmark agreements such as the Kyoto Protocol, Paris Agreement, and Glasgow Climate Pact have marked important milestones, driving progress toward global climate goals. However, modern experiments geopolitical tensions, economic disparities, and implementation gaps threaten the efficiency of these initiatives. The research highlights the essential role of international association in addressing transboundary climate issues. It postulates the need for just mechanisms of climate finance to enable the developing nations, and integrates science and technology for policy orientation and innovation. The study provides actionable strategies that tackle persistent barriers such as increasing transparency and trust through independent assessments, equitable technology sharing, and building on regional and subnational initiatives. It concludes that climate diplomacy has made considerable strides but needs sustained commitment and inclusive approaches to bridge the gaps in finance, trust, and implementation.

EFFECT OF FINANCING OPTIONS ON PERFORMANCE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY ABUJA, NIGERIA

Small and Medium Enterprises play a vital role in Nigeria's economic growth. However, in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, the performance of some of the small and medium enterprises and hindered by a severe financing gap, limiting expansion, technological adoption, and productivity improvement. Therefore, this study examined the effect of financing options on performance of small and medium enterprises in Federal Capital Territory Abuja Nigeria. This study adopted a survey research design, with population of 22,861 registered small and medium enterprises and sample size of 432 which was purposively selected. The study used questionnaire as instrument for data collection and Multiple regression analysis was employed to analyze the data collected. The study found that both bank loan and venture capital financing have positive but insignificant effect on performance of small and medium enterprises in Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Nigeria at 5% level of significant. The study conclude that financing options of bank loan and venture capital influence the performance of small and medium enterprises. The study thus recommended that SMEs operators in FCT Abuja, Nigeria, are advised to position their businesses to attract venture capitalists by improving their business models, enhancing their market competitiveness, and demonstrating scalability and innovation. This can be achieved through engaging in capacity-building programs on venture capital financing, as this will help them better understand investor expectations, negotiate favorable equity terms, and secure strategic partnerships.