Education Level Of Household Head Research Articles

Determinants of rural on-farm livelihoods diversification: the case of Intsika Yethu Local Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa

The purpose of this paper was to identify the factors influencing households to diversify rural on-farm livelihood activities in Intsika Yethu Local Municipality. This is against a background where literature suggests low livelihoods diversification among rural households despite several claimed benefits of diversification. Cross-sectional survey data was randomly collected for this study in October 2018 from 190 rural households in Intsika Yethu Local Municipality. A structured questionnaire was used for that purpose. Ordered logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the data. The results showed that diversification of on-farm livelihood activities was influenced by the gender of household head, education level of household head, household size, and number of livestock units owned. To promote on-farm livelihoods diversification in rural areas, the paper suggests targeting gender differential, informal education and awareness, labor dynamics associated with on-farm livelihood activities and household livestock units.

Progress in sanitation among poor households in Kenya: evidence from demographic and health surveys

BackgroundAn estimated 14% of Kenyans practice open defecation. Poverty has been associated with open defecation. Kenya aims to achieve 100% open defecation free status by 2030 in line with sustainable development goal number 6. Using data from 3 national household surveys, this study sought to explore progress made in attaining this at the household level with a focus on poor households.MethodsKenya demographic and health survey for 2003, 2008 and 2014 respectively were analysed. Descriptive analysis and bivariate logistic regression was done with open defecation status as the dependent variable. Independent variables were poverty status, place of residence, region where household was located, absence of farm animals, gender and educational level of household head.ResultsThe most common sanitation method nationally is a pit latrine without a slab. This ranged from 35.9–37.9%. Open defecation was 16.2, 12.1 and 9.9% in 2003, 2008 and 2014 respectively. Among households practicing open defecation, 81.8, 86 and 96% were classified as poor in 2003, 2008 and 2014 respectively. Poverty, educational level of household head and residing in a rural area were the most significant predictors of open defecation. Odds ratio for poverty was 9.4 (7–12.6 95% CI), 9.4(6.6–13.5 95% CI) and 29.2 (23.3–36.8 95% CI) for 2003, 2008 and 2014 respectively. The majority of richest households transitioned from using a pit latrine with a slab in 2003 to using a flush toilet connected to a sewer in 2008 and 2014. The majority of richer households transitioned from using a pit latrine without a slab in 2003 and 2008 to using a pit latrine with a slab in 2014. The majority of middle and poorer households stagnated at using a pit latrine without a slab across the similar period. The poorest households stagnated at the open defecation stage.ConclusionThe burden of open defecation has increased among poor households, more so among the poorest. This may be attributed to non-poor households exiting the open defecation stage at a higher rate compared to poor households. Poor households may need to be targeted more if Kenya is to attain open defecation free status by 2030.

English

The livelihood diversification increases sources of income and smoothens consumption by promoting rural food security. In Ethiopia little attention has been given to livelihood diversification and the numerous factors that determine the abilities of rural household‘s choice of different livelihood activities. Thus, the objective of this study is to generate location specific data regarding the livelihood diversification and its role in attaining household‘s food security. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 191 sample households, by undertaking structured questionnaire to obtain data pertaining to livelihood diversification and its implication to food security during the year of 2016. Additionally, key informant interview, focus group discussion and observation were the principal methods used to generate data. Descriptive statistics and ordered logit regression model were used to analyze quantitative data. The result of ordered logit model showed that education level of household-head, land size of household, annual income of household head, membership of households in the organization, credit utilization, and access of extension services were significant in determining the livelihood diversification of households in the study area. On the other hand, while age and family size of households were found to be negatively correlated (P<0.5) and related to household level of livelihood diversification. Moreover, the findings of this study gave insight into factors affecting livelihood diversification and its importance to food security. Therefore, government should promote livelihood diversification in order to promote food security in the area. Key words: Education level, household size, livelihood diversification, ordered logit model, rural households.

Factors Determining Market Supply of Chickpea in Gondar Zuria Woreda, ANRS, Ethiopia

Chickpea is important for its contribution to enhance food security and as source of cash income for a large proportion of the rural households ever. Among the pulses growing in the Woreda, Chickpea is the major crop both in terms of volume of production and area cultivated. It is also the major source of cash income to the farmers among the crops grown in the area. However, enhancing chickpea farmers to reach markets is a key issue needed in the study area. This study was aimed to analyze factors determining market supply of chickpea at farm household level using the data collected from randomly selected 123 farmers. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Robust Ordinary Least Square regression model. The results of econometric analysis showed that productivity of chickpea, size of land allocated for chickpea production, lagged price, education level of household head and year of experience in chickpea production of the household head positively and significantly affected chickpea market supply at farm household level. Based on the study results, policy interventions like encouragement of the concerned body to increase the productivity of chickpea, strengthening access to education, strengthening trainings are required.

Land Cover Change and Its Socio-Economic Impact on the Residents of the Mara River, Kenya

Anthropogenic activities are increasingly catalyzing natural climatic factors that drive land cover change at different spatial scales. Available land cover data of the Mara River basin however give a broader picture of the entire basin regardless of the heterogeneity that exists at the sub-catchment level. This study sought to establish sub-catchment specific information on land cover changes through examination of satellite images of four Mara River sub-catchments (Amala, Nyangores, Talek and Sand River) for the period 1987-2017. The relationship between temperature, rainfall and land cover was also computed. In addition, a household survey and focus group discussions were conducted in each sub-catchments to establish the socio-economic impacts of land cover change on the community’s wellbeing. Forest cover was dominant in Amala (39.8%) and Nyangores (43.7%) sub-catchments in 1987 but by 2017 crop lands had surpassed forest cover in the two sub-catchments, accounting for 53.2% and 45.7%, respectively. However, in Talek (52.8%) and Sand River (47.4%) sub-catchments, grassland was the dominant land cover type in 1987 and after the 30 year period, grasslands remained dominant in Sand River, while shrub land became dominant in Talek sub-catchment. A weak positive correlation was observed between rainfall and forest cover, shrub land and cropland, while a negative correlation was observed between rainfall and bare land. Average temperature showed a positive moderate correlation with bare land and built up areas. Analysis of survey data revealed that livestock keeping, temperature increase, type of trees, education level of household head and weak environmental laws were the main drivers of land cover change (P ?0.587), beans (r = ?0.5459), sorghum (r = ?0.351), cow peas (r = ?0.544), and pigeon peas (r = ?0.337). Focus group discussions participants were supportive of environmental protective measures to reverse negative land cover changes, while planting drought resistant trees, crop diversification and awareness creation among community members were recommended as the most ideal environmental management strategies.

Phân tích hiệu quả kinh tế của nông hộ trồng lúa ở Đồng bằng sông Cửu Long

Economic efficiency of rice production at household level in the Mekong Delta is estimated through marginal profit function of Cobb-Douglas in association with one-step non-economic efficiency estimation. Primary data of 470 rice households were analysed by software of Frontier 4.1 version. Results shows that economic efficiency reached 77.9% and 82.8% in Summer-Autumn 2017 and Winter-Spring 2017-2018 seasons, respectively. Price of seeds (in Summer-Autumn season), fertilizer price (in Winter-Spring season) and pesticide expense in both seasons have causedprofits reduction. Rice household characteristics influencing profits are age of head, experience, education level of household head, technical training attendance and family labour force. In addition, the buyers who consume rice output as well as rice variety category selected for sowing also affect the economic efficiency. Hence, in order to improve economic efficiency of rice production in the Mekong Delta, appropriated use of inputs corresponding to their prices, selecting good channel for selling rice output as well as improving household characteristics must be taken into account.

What are the Drivers Influencing Smallholder Farmers Access to Formal Credit System? Empirical Evidence from Bangladesh

The smallholder farmers of Bangladesh are confronting numerous production, marketing and financial limitations, including access to inputs and output markets and new technology. Agricultural credit can play a significant role in overcoming these constraints. However, access to formal agricultural credit by smallholder farmers is still limited. This study employs the Logit model to examine the factors influencing smallholder farmers’ access to formal credit through survey data. Results reveal that more than half of the respondents have no access to formal credit which allows money lenders to function effectively in the rural economy. Econometric analysis shows that household head education level, land size, collateral requirement, lengthy application processes and the non-cooperation of staff in lending institutions are significant factors influencing smallholder farmers’ access to credit. Enabling credit policies along with proper implementation of policies that enable smallholder farmers’ to access credit are important in order to boost agricultural production and living standards.

Influence of Socio-economic Factors of Rural Households on Fuelwood Consumption in Orlu Agricultural Zone of Imo State, Nigeria

The study analysed the influence of socio-economic factors of rural household on fuelwood consumption in Orlu Agricultural Zone of Imo State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study described the socio-economic characteristics of the households; determined the quantity (kg) of fuel wood consumed by household per week; identified coping measure in fuelwood scarcity among household and determined the influence of socio-economic characteristics of households on the quantity (kg) of fuelwood consumed. Data for the study were collected using structured questionnaire from 60 rural households through multi-stage sampling technique. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical tools and multiple regression analysis. Greater proportions (68.33%) were females. Mean age was 43.00 years. Majority (73.33%) were married with an average household size of 6 persons. The major occupation was farming (51.67%). Average farm size and farming experience of the rural household were 1.30 ha and 19 years respectively. Majority (56.67%) had primary education. Average fuelwood consumed by households weekly was 30.20 kg. The main coping measures for increasing fuelwood scarcity in the area were extinguish firewood after cooking (96.67%) and shifting to saw dust (88.33%). Estimated multiple regression analysis revealed that there was significant relationship between household heads socio-economic characteristic and quantity of fuelwood consumed weekly. The major determinants of the fuelwood collection and consumption in the area were age, sex, farm size, marital status, main occupation and educational level of household heads. The F-ratio was 5.125, indicating the overall significant of the regression model at 1% level of probability.

Factors Influencing Soil and Water Conservation Adoption in Basheri, Gheshnashm and Shmangus Laelai, Eritrea

&lt;p&gt;In response to widespread land degradation remarkable Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) interventions were carried out in Eritrea. Nonetheless, such interventions were not adopted by farmers and the problem still persists, hence this research was carried out from June 2015 to June 2016 to identify the factors affecting the SWC practices in Eritrea. Seventy two farm household heads were selected through quota simple random sampling and data was collected through group discussions, pair-wise problem ranking, participatory transect walks and semi-structured household questionnaire surveys. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression model were used for data analysis. The results indicated that only 23.61% of the respondents practice proper SWC in their farms. Moreover, the logistic regression analysis revealed that off-farm activities, land tenure insecurity, educational level of household head and household head being female had significant negative effects on SWC efforts, whereas slope of the farm showed significant positive effect. Land tenure insecurity, weak extension service and low agricultural production were also ranked by farmers as the first three constraints in SWC practices. As the legacy of the past food for work and cash for work programs, SWC is considered as a paid-work by local communities. Hence, appropriate agricultural extension, land tenure security and introduction of agroforestry farming systems are recommended in the study area.&lt;/p&gt;

English

This study aims to investigate determinants of adoption of the Dorper Black Head Somali (DBHS) Crossbred Sheep by the pastoralists in Yabello District, Ethiopia. Data from 123 sample respondents (pastoralists) were collected and analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. A binary logistic regression model was used to estimate the effects of hypothesized independent variables on the dependent variable (adoption of DBHS crossbred sheep) which is dichotomous. The result of descriptive statistics and focus group discussion showed that lack of sources for improved sheep breed (41.5%) and information on the breed (17%) were the major factors hindering pastoralists&rsquo; decision to adopt.&nbsp; The binary logistic regression model results revealed that number of livestock owned in Tropical Livestock Unit (TLU), access to credit, participation in training, total farm income and educational level of household heads positively and significantly affected adoption of DBHS crossbred sheep; while family labor/size of the household head and distance from water sources significantly and negatively influenced it as well. Therefore, all concerned sheep production bodies need to focus on those variables to maintain or enhance their positive influence and minimize or avoid their negative influences on the decision of pastoralists to adopt the newly introduced DBHS Sheep Crossbreeding to speed up the rate of adoption in the study area. Key words: Adoption, Dorper Black Head Somali (DBHS) crossbred sheep, binary logistic regression analysis, district. &nbsp

English

Food insecurity is a major challenge facing the rapidly growing population in the sub-Saharan Africa and it is a common feature in the northern region of Burkina Faso. The focus of this study was to investigate the prevalence of food insecurity in the northern region of Burkina Faso after many years of implementation of water and soil conservation techniques. A survey was carried out in six villages in the Northern Region of Burkina Faso involving 300 households to assess water and soil conservation techniques, and to examine the prevalence of food insecurity. The study was conducted between June and July 2015. Data collected was analyzed using logistic regression to identify factors influencing food insecurity in the study areas. The results also showed a high level of food insecurity affecting a large proportion of the population even during the post-harvest period when food was supposed to be available. Results showed that water and soil conservation techniques and household head education level were important factors in determining household food insecurity status. Despite the application of these techniques, food insecurity is still persistent, which raised questions about the efficiency of current agricultural production systems. In addressing food insecurity in the study area, it is necessary to reinforce the practice of combining stone bunds and inter-row ridges techniques along with proper use of fertilizer and manure. Given the persistent problem of water scarcity in Burkina Faso, and the relationship between water and food security, there is need to increase investment in water management infrastructures. Key words: Mixed crop-livestock systems, water and soil conservation techniques, food security, Burkina Faso, Sahel.

The Significance of Private Tutoring in Improving English Language Literacy: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach

&lt;p&gt;&lt;span&gt;Low quality of primary education demonstrated by low academic achievement has persisted as a challenge to Uganda’s education sector. Although the country has progressed in improving other education indicators, this hasn’t translated into better schooling outcomes. Therefore, this study sought to determine the significance of private tutoring on English literacy levels. The study utilized secondary data from the Uwezo Uganda National Learning Assessment 2014 survey and generalized structural equation modelling to determine significant predictors. The variables that had a direct effect included private tutoring, child’s age and gender, pre-school attendance, school type, household size, household head gender and education level. The variables that had an indirect effect through private tutoring were region of residence, school type and household head education level. The study observed a need for the government through the Ministry of Education to come up with a regulatory framework to manage and control the practice of conducting private.&lt;/span&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Exploring the development of a household cholera-focused health literacy scale in James Town, Accra.

Foodborne diseases are significant reasons for in-patient and out-patient morbidity in Ghana. Of the foodborne illnesses reported in the country, cholera incidence and outbreaks have resulted in food-related mortality since the disease was first reported in the 1970s. Cholera is now endemic in the country. This study attempts to develop and pilot a tool to measure household health literacy among the urban poor in James Town, a cholera endemic neighborhood. A survey questionnaire was developed based on four of the World Health Organization's (WHO) recommendations on issues for measurement of health literacy in low- and middle-income countries. The instrument was administered to 401 households in the community. We undertook reliability and validity analyses. T-test, Kruskal Wallis test, and Mann-Whitney test were used to examine the association between the health literacy scores of the scale and subscales and the demographic characteristics of households. The reliability analyses showed that the instrument was internally consistent (Cronbach alpha=0.762). All the subscales were reliable except the beliefs about health and healthcare subscale. Based on content and construct validity analyses, 13 items were used for further examination of health literacy. We found that majority of households know about the information, education, and communication materials and 52% of households indicated that these materials remind them about the dangers of cholera. About 39% of the households decide together as a unit on steps to avoid getting cholera during an outbreak. Overall health literacy scores and the subscales were significantly associated with sex, age, marital status, and educational level of household head. Specifically, females, being married, increasing age and higher household income had a significant association with higher health literacy scores. Household units in James Town impacts individual health literacy through: family discussions; access to information, education, and communication materials on cholera; and intentional efforts made to get information on cholera risk factors.

Adoption and kitchen performance test of improved cook stove in the Bale Eco-Region of Ethiopia

This study was conducted to assess the determinants of households' decision for adoption of improved cook stoves (ICS), the performance of the stoves under real kitchen conditions and their potential in the reduction of greenhouse gas emission in Bale Eco-region, Southeastern Ethiopia. Data for this study were collected from 342 household heads that were randomly selected from four rural kebeles. For Kitchen Performance Test (KPT), 25 ICS and 30 traditional cook stove (TCS) user households were selected using stratified random sampling. The data gathered through questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression. The data gathered from KPT were analyzed using independent t-test. Accordingly, the regression result revealed that higher education level of household head, larger family size and presence of separate kitchen house were significantly and positively related to the adoption of ICS. On the other hand, having men-headed household was related negatively to the decision of households adopting ICS in a significant manner. The KPT result showed that an average of 1.12 (SD = 0.3) kg of firewood is consumed per day for each Standard Adult Equivalent (SAE) for TCS users while an average of 0.79 (SD = 0.2) kg of firewood is consumed per day for each SAE for ICS. The KPT result also showed that using an ICS results in an annual emission reduction of 0.494 tons of CO2 equivalent.

Dependency on common property water resources of nearby community people in Mymensingh and Kishorgang district of Bangladesh

The research was conducted to assess the dependency on common property water resource of nearby community people in two selected areas of greater Mymensingh. A total of 60 farmers were surveyed from Char Nilokkhiya of Mymensingh district and Char Koromshi of Kishoreganj for collecting necessary data and information using random sampling method during December 2016 to March 2017. It was seen that around 73 percent respondents were engaged in fishing in Char Nilokkhiya and 37 percent respondents were engaged in fishing in Char Koromshi. In Char Nilokkhiya the significant variables were amount of land, religion, and alternate sources of income. In Char Koromshi significant variables were educational level of household head, distance of beel from home, power of relatives, and relation with local government. Gini coefficients show that more inequality prevails in Kishoreganj than Mymensingh in terms of income and land holding. This is because some common water resources are underutilized and some are dominated by elite people. Considering the research findings, some crucial policy recommendations have been arisen which are: necessary steps which may be useful for the farmers to achieve social equity should be properly implemented and initiative for supporting true fishers by institutional credit and arranging technical training to enrich the knowledge of the farmers on fish catching.Progressive Agriculture 29 (1): 45-52, 2018

Extreme Energy Poverty Incidence and Determinants in Nigeria: A Multidimensional Approach

Energy poverty has emerged in recent times as a crucial aspect of poverty, afflicting the developing world in general and Nigeria in particular. Drawing from some of the recent literature on energy poverty measurement, this study measures and discusses the incidence and determinants of extreme energy poverty in Nigeria based on a robust multidimensional energy poverty index that covers five major dimensions and six indicators of deprivation in basic energy services. The study uses the 2010 Harmonised Nigeria Living Standard Survey—obtained from the National Bureau of Statistics, Abuja, Nigeria—for its analysis. The results of the study show, among other things, that over a fifth of the Nigerian population are afflicted by extreme energy poverty and the phenomenon is more pronounced in the rural areas than in the urban areas as well as in Northern Nigeria than in Southern Nigeria. The results also indicate that the determinants of extreme energy poverty include region of residence, household composition as well as age, gender and educational level of household head. The Nigerian government should take urgent and adequate steps to eradicate extreme energy poverty in the country in order to pave the way for rapid and sustainable development in the country.

Estimating Inequality of Opportunities in Punjab (Pakistan): A Non Parametric Approach

This paper attempts to estimate inequality of opportunities in Punjab, Pakistan by using non-parametric approach. Household level data of Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2014 has been analyzed for this purpose. Household head’s income has been taken as an outcome. Three parental characteristics of household head have been used as circumstances. These characteristics include region of residence (rural/urban), wealth status and education level of household head’s father. Equalization of circumstances has been done by dividing our sample into different groups on the basis of above mentioned circumstances. Then within-group and among-groups inequality of income has been calculated. Within-group inequality has been attributed to the differences in the efforts of household heads. Among-group inequality has been attributed to the difference of circumstances and has been termed as inequality of opportunities. Our results indicate that up to 28% variation in income is due to the differences of circumstances. Among different circumstances, father’s education has the most significant contribution in explaining the variation of income of household heads. The study highlights the significance and need of compensatory government policies to cope with the problem of inequality of opportunities in Punjab (Pakistan). Provision of equal access to educational opportunities for all segments of the society is recommended as an important public policy measure to mitigate inequality of opportunities.

Exploring the determinants of open defecation in Nigeria using demographic and health survey data

There is increasing global attention to the threats of open defecation (OD) to human health and dignity, and the environment. With at least a quarter of Nigerians (25.1%) or 46 million people practicing OD in 2015, Nigeria ranks third in the world in OD prevalence after India and China. This study explores the socio-economic, demographic and geographic factors that influence and determine the practice of OD among Nigerian households. Data was obtained from 2013 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results indicate that about 32% of Nigerian households, 8% in urban areas and 24% in rural areas, practiced OD in 2013. The practice is significantly influenced (p < 0.001) by households' place of residence (χ2 (1) = 2126.2), geo-political region (χ2 (5) = 1962.6) and wealth index (χ2 (4) = 4622.7), as well as by household head's education level (χ2 (3) = 1253.3), ethnicity (χ2 (3) = 1926.2) and gender (t = −7.1992). The article also discusses the implications of the findings for environmental and public health and recommends that facilitating ownership of latrines by households and communities, and behavioral change interventions are necessary towards substantially reducing or eliminating OD in Nigeria.

Disentangling determinants of insecticide use to manage production, food security, and health risks in Cambodia and Vietnam: evidence from household surveys and risk-assessment experiments

BackgroundInsect pest problems are among the main causes of crop yield losses in global agriculture. Insecticides protect households from food-security and income shocks, but can induce human health and environmental risks. Semi-subsistence farm households (SSFHs), which farm for both consumption and market, make decisions about crop management and output allocation to maximise food consumption, income, and health outcomes, depending on their risk preferences and other household and community characteristics. In this study, we aimed to disentangle the determinants of insecticide use by SSFHs and identify whether health consideration has had any effect on insecticide use. MethodsIn this econometric analysis, we used field data collected from household surveys and risk-assessment experiments in 2014 in Cambodia and Vietnam to analyse insecticide use among more than 1000 SSFHs. FindingsWe found that crops (except for rice) whose outputs were used to a greater degree for consumption were less likely to be sprayed with insecticides or were sprayed fewer times. Health-conscious households (as indicated by the use of modern-fuel cooking stoves and reported concern over food safety as a main reason for maintaining home gardens) consistently refrained from spraying, but this tendency diminished as output allocation shifted toward commercial use, suggesting a possible moral-hazard phenomenon. Farmers were more likely to apply insecticides to crops of high food security or dietary importance, such as rice, although the difference between fresh produce and grain produce in risk of insecticide residue exposure might also have contributed to the difference in insecticide use between rice and non-rice crops. The two samples from Cambodia and Vietnam had similarities regarding the deterring effect of health consideration and differences in other factors affecting insecticide use, such as risk preference, landholding size, household head's education level, and land tenure security. InterpretationWe identified both push and deterring factors for use of insecticides at household, plot, and crop levels. These factors varied between the samples from Cambodia and Vietnam, indicating the importance of addressing specific contexts. Although the extent of crop output used for consumption was negatively correlated with insecticide use, caution needs to be taken when drawing causal interpretation from this correlation because of the complexity in SSFH decision making. Improved understanding of these issues is essential to inform policies that address multiple sustainable development objectives cutting across poverty reduction, food security, health, and the environment. FundingCGIAR Fund Donors.

Determinants of Health Service Utilization by Urban Households in India

In this article, an attempt has been made to examine the factors associated with the utilization of health care services among the urban households in India based on NSS case-level data of 42nd (1986–1987) and 60th round (2004–2005). The result of multivariate logistic regression analysis reveals that the education level of household head is not only an important positive predictor in the utilization of health services in general but is also found as a negative predictor to determine the utilization of public facilities in particular (National Sample Survey, 1998). It is also found that the weaker social class like scheduled caste (SC) is less likely to use curative health care facilities but the chances of using public facilities are much higher compared to non-SC households (National Sample Survey, 2006). It is found that the influence of household income for accessing health care services has been sharpened over the period. The study also reveals that the utilization of public health facilities is much higher in low-income states but the rate of improvement of public health care utilization is much higher in case of outpatient care services. The size of town has shown a significant impact on the utilization of health services. The chances of using public facilities have increased in small- and medium-sized town compared to metro cities. The level of intra-household disparities in access to health facilities with respect to age and gender has increased in urban India. Significant gender disparities are found in case of public health service utilization both for inpatient and outpatient care services in urban India.