Increase In Income Level Research Articles

P031 SPATIAL ASSOCIATION BETWEEN HYPERTENSION AND AIR POLLUTION IN ULAANBAATAR, MONGOLIA

Background and Objective: This study aims to assess the spatial association between hypertension prevalence and PM2.5 levels in Ulaanbaatar. Methods: To estimate the hypertension prevalence, we conducted a complex survey with a two-stage cluster sampling method in 2018. For PM2.5 level estimation, we used data collected during cold weather months (October to March) from 2015 to 2019. These estimates were used to predict PM2.5 levels across the entire city, using the Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation method. The same approach was applied to predict the hypertension prevalence. We fitted a multiple linear regression model to estimate the association between PM2.5 and hypertension prevalence with adjustment for income, a proxy of socioeconomic factors to examine effect modification. In exploratory analysis, we estimated the association between PM2.5 level and income level. We used RStudio 1.3.1093 and ArcMap 10.8.2 for data analysis. Results: A total of 4515 participants were included in the sample. The hypertension prevalence was 46.5% with a threshold of 130/80 mm Hg. Adjusting for other covariates, a 10-unit increase in PM2.5 level is associated with a 6.66 (95% CIs;[10.23,10.23]) point increase in hypertension prevalence (p<0.001). With each 100,000 (MNT) increase in income level, the impact of 10-unit increases in PM2.5 level on hypertension decreases by 2.98 (95% CIs;[-5.48,-0.47]) points (p=0.02). In the partial F-test, an increase in income level was associated with a lower hypertension prevalence (p=0.002). In the exploratory analysis, a 100,000 (MNT) increase in income level was associated with a 0.23 (95% CIs;[-0.41,-0.05]) point decrease in PM2.5 level (p=0.011). Figure 1. Spatial association between hypertension prevalence. A).Hypertension prevalence (%); B).Income level (MNT) PM2.5 level; C).PM 2.5 (μg/m3); D).Linear regression model. Note: Inverse Distance Weighted method is used for predictions. Green points indicate the PM2.5-measuring site locations. Conclusions: The people who live in lower-income areas experience a stronger influence of air pollution on hypertension prevalence compared to others in Ulaanbaatar.

Assessment of Indonesia’s Position on the Net Zero Emission

Abstract The research aims to answer the questions of Indonesia’s current position and condition concerning NZE compared to other countries globally. The research design employs a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) methodology, adhering to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) protocol, which shows Indonesia’s absence of a national NZE strategy in the face of international imperatives calling for country-specific strategies. While multiple NZE roadmaps exist in Indonesia, an official roadmap tailored for national purposes is imperative. Environmental degradation tends to intensify during the initial phases of economic development. However, as per capita income exceeds a certain threshold, this degradation tends to diminish with increasing income levels. It is crucial to recognize that low-income countries, including Indonesia, may face significant challenges during the transition. This underscores the importance of global and national collaboration to address these issues effectively. There is a pressing need for establishing or formalizing an institution specifically dedicated to charting the roadmap for achieving NZE in Indonesia. Ultimately, it is essential to prioritize both energy security and affordability as overarching goals while continuing to advance sustainable energy initiatives.

Consumption Attitude and Misconception on Protein Supplement among the Youths of Kathmandu Valley

This study examines the consumption attitude and misconception on protein supplement among the youths of Kathmandu Valley. Consumption attitude and misconception is the dependent variable. Need of good nutrition consumption, knowledge on nutritional protein, exercise type, brand awareness, income level, and product attributes are the selected independent variables. The primary source of data is used to assess the opinions of respondents regarding need of good nutrition consumption, knowledge on nutritional protein, exercise type, brand awareness, income level, and product attributes. The study is based on 123 respondents from youths of Kathmandu valley. To achieve the purpose of the study, structured questionnaire is prepared. The correlation and multiple regression models are estimated to test the significance and importance of consumption attitude and misconception on protein supplement among the youths of Kathmandu Valley. The result showed that need of good nutrition consumption has a positive relationship with consumption attitude and misconception. It indicates that increase in need of good nutrition consumption leads to change in consumption attitude and misconception. Likewise, knowledge on nutritional protein has a positive relationship with consumption attitude and misconception. It indicates that good knowledge on nutritional protein leads to change in consumption attitude and misconception. Similarly, exercise type has a positive relationship with consumption attitude and misconception. It indicates that proper exercise type leads to change in consumption attitude and misconception. Furthermore, brand awareness has a positive relationship with consumption attitude and misconception. It indicates that increase in brand awareness leads to increase in consumption attitude and misconception. Moreover, income level has a positive relationship with consumption attitude and misconception. It indicates that increase in income level leads to increase in consumption attitude and misconception. Similarly, product attribute has a positive relationship with consumption attitude and misconception. It indicates that change in product attributes leads to change in consumption attitude and misconception.

Implementation of the Community Development and Empowerment Programme PT Ifishdeco, Tbk in Roraya Village, Tinanggea District, South Konawe Regency

This research aims to find out the process of implementing community development and empowerment programs at PT. Ifishdeco, Tbk Roraya Village, Tinanggea District, South Konawe Regency, to find out the factors that affect the implementation of community development and empowerment programs at PT. Ifishdeco, Tbk Roraya Village, Tinanggea District, South Konawe Regency And to find out the impact of the community development and empowerment program at PT. Ifishdeco, Tbk Roraya Village, Tinanggea District, South Konawe Regency This type of research uses a qualitative approach. The research informant is the Site Manager of PT. Ifishdeco, Tbk, Staff PPM PT. Ifishdeco Tbk, Public Relations of PT. Ifishdeco Tbk, an employee of PT. Ifishdeco Tbk, and the Head of Roraya Village, as well as the community. The types and sources of data used in the research are primary data and secondary data. The data collection techniques used are observation, interviews, and documentation. Data analysis techniques use data reduction, data testing, and conclusions. The results of the study show that 1) The process of implementing the development and empowerment of the community of PT. Ifishdeco Tbk consists of three stages, namely the Planning Stage, the Implementation Stage and the Evaluation Stage. 2) factors that affect the implementation of the program, namely communication, resources, brocracy structure and disposition. 3) The impact of community development and empowerment programs is divided into two, namely positive impacts and negative impacts. The positive impact is the availability of social and public facilities, job opportunities and increased income levels. Negative impacts are Land Acquisition, Air Quality Degradation, and Social Conflicts

Digitalisation and its Impact on Social Protection Programmes Effectiveness: A Case from South Africa

The benefit of digitalisation, including the use of information management systems and electronic databases, in improving the effectiveness of social protection programmes is acknowledged by researchers and practitioners. However, concerns about digital- and financial exclusion stemming from increased reliance on digital technologies have also surfaced in recent studies. This study uses official data from South Africa's General Household Survey and the Global Findex database to explore these concerns. The potential gains of expanding social protection programmes through digitalisation are tested with simulations and distinct levels of income shocks. Additionally, two logistic regressions are employed to analyse relevant demographic variables for digital and financial inclusion. In combination with the quantitative approach, qualitative interviews were conducted with social protection experts from the South African Social Security Agency to gain insights into the impact of the digitalisation of social protection programmes. The results suggest that digitalising identification and delivery mechanisms in social protection improves equality through increased income levels. Digital access is associated with education, income, gender, population group, family size, and participation in the formal or informal sector. Financial access is linked to education level and gender. The study also identified perceived opportunities, including enhanced verification and streamlined application processes, which can improve programme effectiveness. However, integration, coordination, limited digital infrastructure, and digital illiteracy challenges may increase both digital- and financial exclusion.

The Impact of Digital Infrastructure Development on the Consumption Upgrade of the Population

Building new infrastructure, which is embodied in digital infrastructure, has a major influence on China's economy's quality of development while also having a major effect on the upgrading of citizens' consumption. This paper uses the entropy weight method to synthesize the composite index of residents' consumption upgrading and the composite index of digital infrastructure construction based on panel data from 31 Chinese provinces from 2011 to 2020. Then, it applies the two-way fixed effect model to study and analyze the relationship between residents' consumption upgrading and the development of digital infrastructure. The results of the study show that, firstly, the construction of digital infrastructure is conducive to enhancing residents' consumption upgrading, and passes the stability test and endogeneity test. Second, the mediating effect analysis shows that digital infrastructure construction promotes residents' consumption upgrading through industrial structure upgrading and increasing income level. Third, the promoting effect of digital infrastructure construction on residents' consumption upgrading is more significant for residents with lower levels of population aging, higher levels of innovation, and residents in the western region. Given this, it is recommended that digital infrastructure development is further developed to optimize the impact of digital infrastructure development on residents' consumption upgrading and to promote residents' consumption upgrading.

Empowerment of Women through Entrepreneurship in Gorkha District, Nepal

Promoting women’s empowerment through entrepreneurship and income-generating activities is a crucial factor in advancing the development of both families and society. This study investigates the impact of women's entrepreneurship on their empowerment, focusing on decision-making roles, reduced dependency, increased income levels, shifts in social perception, and employment generation in Gorkah District, Nepal. A sample of 150 women entrepreneurs was purposively selected for primary data collection, employing research-administered questionnaires. In this study, partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to assess relationships between independent and dependent variables. The findings reveal that decision-making role, employment generation, and change in income levels significantly and positively influence women's empowerment, indicating that improvements in these areas are associated with increased women's empowerment. This research provides valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners and supports women’s entrepreneurship to promote women empowerment.

Keberadaan Objek Wisata Bahari Pulau Merak Kecil Dalam Menunjang Perekonomian Masyarakat Desa Mekarsari, Pulomerak Cilegon Banten

This research is motivated by the physical condition of Indonesia which offers its own advantages for tourists. Indonesia has abundant natural wealth. These natural resources are directly related to the way society uses them to generate wealth. The tourism business, which is currently developing rapidly and has established itself as a large industry in many countries, is a driving force that influences people's income and other economic factors. There will be many benefits for the local community if the tourist attractions there are managed in the right way. The role of the Merak Kecil Island tourist attraction in improving the standard of living of the residents of Mekarsari Village, Cilegon, Banten is the main subject of this research. The community around the popular tourist destination Merak Kecil Island was used as research subjects in this study, which used qualitative research methods. Interviews, observation and documentation are the methods used in data collection. To ensure that the data collected is beyond doubt, the researcher uses source, technical, and temporal triangulation to verify the authenticity of the data. Research findings show that this tourist destination is managed locally and in line with POAC principles (planning, organizing, mobilizing and controlling). The potential of Merak Kecil Island as a tourist destination lies in its stunning sea views. The presence of the Merak Kecil Island tourist attraction in Mekarsari Village is considered to have a significant influence in increasing income levels because it provides a platform for the community to carry out various economic activities.

Analysis of food carbon footprint and its socio-demographic disparities in China in 2018

To analyze food carbon footprint and its socio-demographic disparities among adults in China. A total of 12 777 adults aged 18 years and above from the China Health and Nutrition Survey in 2018 who have completed dietary and socio-demographic data were analyzed. The information of food intake were collected by 24 h recalls combined with the weighing of household seasonings. Food consumption was converted into energy intake by the China Food Composition Table. Carbon footprint of 26 food groups were calculated by the food carbon footprint database based on life-cycle assessment(LCA), multinomial logit model was used to analyze the association of socio-demographic factors and food carbon footprint. Average food carbon footprint were decreased with increasing age while increased with increasing income and education levels, and was higher among male than that among female, was higher among urban residents than that among rural residents, was higher in the south than that in the north. Multinomial logit analysis showed that compared with people aged 18-44, the likelihood of occurring high carbon footprint in 60y and above group were 29%(OR=0.71, 95%CI 0.61-0.83) lower than that occurring low carbon footprint. Women were 11%(OR=0.89, 95%CI 0.81-0.99) and 25%(OR=0.75, 95%CI 0.67-0.84) less likely to appear medium and high carbon footprint than low carbon footprint, compared with their male counterparts. In comparison to people living in cities, rural dwellers were 24%(OR=0.76, 95%CI 0.69-0.85) and 38%(OR=0.62, 95%CI 0.55-0.70) less likely to appear medium and high carbon footprint than low carbon footprint. People in the south were 3.89 times(95%CI 3.52-4.30) and 11.35 times(95%CI 10.01-12.88) more likely to occur medium and high carbon footprint than low carbon footprint, compared with people in the north. Participants were more likely to occur medium carbon footprint and high carbon footprint with the increasing income level(OR>1), and were more likely to occur high carbon footprint with the increasing education level(OR>1). The food carbon footprint of adults in China in 2018 show different socio-demographic disparities, gender, income and education level are significant factors.

Impact of Agriculture Growth on Poverty Reduction: A Case of Karnataka, India

Karnataka is one of the progressive states in the country even though it experiences the challenges of poverty and it has wide variation, depending on rural-urban disparities, region, caste, and religion. Agriculture as primary sector contribute notably to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and being main occupation for majority population acts as largest source of livelihood for the rural poor by creating enormous employment opportunities thus by increasing the income levels, agriculture play a key role in reducing poverty. The present study was conducted to analyse the impact of agriculture growth on poverty reduction in Karnataka state by using secondary data. The relationship between poverty, agriculture GDP per worker and non-agriculture GDP per worker was analysed using pooled panel regression analysis. The results of the study shows that contribution of agriculture sector was far more in decreasing poverty than the non-agricultural sector, as every one per cent increase in agriculture GDP per worker reduced poverty by 1.36 per cent as against 0.80 per cent in non-agriculture GDP per worker. As majority of people depends on agriculture for their livelihood, it is evident that the agriculture sector has a greater impact on alleviating poverty among rural population. However, it suggested that the balanced growth across all three sectors of the economy will help to reduce the poverty rates by increasing income level of the population.

Financial inclusion, digital finance and agricultural participation

PurposeFinancial inclusion and digital finance go side by side and help enhance agricultural activities; however, the magnitude of digital financial services varies across countries. In line with this argument, this study aims to examine whether financial inclusion enhances agricultural participation and decompose the significance of the difference in determinants of agricultural participation between financially included – not financially included households and digital finance – no digital finance households.Design/methodology/approachThis study uses Pakistan’s household integrated economic survey 2018/19 to test hypotheses. The logit model is used to examine the effect of financial inclusion on agriculture participation. Moreover, this study employs a nonlinear Fairlie Oaxaca Blinder technique to investigate the difference in determinants of agricultural participation.FindingsThis study reports that financial inclusion positively influences agricultural participation, meaning households may have access to financial services and participate in agricultural activities. The results suggest that the likelihood of participating in agriculture in households with mobiles and smartphones is higher. Moreover, household size, income, age, gender, education, urban, remittances from abroad, fertilizer, pesticides, wheat, cotton, sugarcane, fruits and vegetables are the significant determinants of agricultural participation. To distinguish the financially included – not financially included households’ gap, this study employs a nonlinear Fairlie Oaxaca Blinder decomposition and finds that differences in fertilizer explain the substantial gap in agricultural participation. Likewise, this study tests the digital finance – no digital finance gap and finds that the difference in fertilizer is a significant contributor, describing a considerable gap in agricultural participation.Research limitations/implicationsEmpirically identified that various factors cause agricultural participation including financial inclusion and digital finance. Regarding the research limitation, this study only considers a developing country to analyze the findings. However, for future research, scholars may consider some other countries to compare the results and identify their differences.Practical implicationsThe accessibility of fertilizer can reduce the agricultural participation gap. However, increased income level, education and cotton and sugar production can also overcome the differences in agriculture participation between digital finance and no digital finance households.Originality/valueThis is the first study to decompose the difference in determinants of agricultural participation between financially and not financially included households.

Economic Empowerment: The Role of Digital Financial Inclusion in Boosting Gross National Income in Upper-Income Countries

The objective of this study is to examine the impact of the digital financial inclusion index on Gross National Income per Capita in upper-income countries. Using the Principal Components Analysis (PCA) method, the study has constructed a digital financial inclusion index with the data collected from the World Development Indicator for the years 2011–2021. Further, utilizing the Generalized Moments of Method (GMM) technique, the findings reveal a significant positive effect of the digital financial inclusion index on income levels, emphasizing the importance of inclusive financial systems for broader economic participation. Additionally, bank branches remain important, highlighting their complementary role alongside digital services. Moreover, savings significantly contribute to economic growth and stability. Lastly, ATMs play a positively significant role in raising economic development and increasing income levels. Policymakers should prioritise initiatives that enhance digital financial inclusion, strengthen traditional banking infrastructure, and encourage savings. Additionally, investments in accessible banking services, such as ATMs, can significantly contribute to advancing economic development and increasing income levels.

THE ROLE OF ENTREPRENEURSHİP İN ECONOMİC DEVELOPMENT AND PROBLEMS OF UNİVERSİTY YOUTH İN THE FİELD OF ENTREPRENEURSHİP

Economic development refers to the sustained, concerted actions of policymakers and communities aimed at improving the economic well-being and quality of life for a region's inhabitants. It encompasses various aspects such as increasing income levels, reducing poverty, creating job opportunities, and enhancing infrastructure and institutional capacity. Key components of economic development strategies often include fostering entrepreneurship and innovation, attracting investments, improving education and healthcare systems, and promoting sustainable development practices. Additionally, economic development efforts frequently focus on addressing inequalities and promoting inclusive growth to ensure that benefits are shared equitably across society. Successful economic development requires collaboration among government agencies, private sector entities, civil society organizations, and local communities. It involves setting clear goals, implementing targeted policies and programs, and continuously monitoring and evaluating progress. Moreover, economic development initiatives must be tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of each region, taking into account factors such as natural resources, demographic trends, and global economic dynamics. Entrepreneurship plays a critical role in economic development, driving innovation, job creation and sustainable growth. Entrepreneurs not only form new companies, but also develop and implement new ideas, technologies and management methods, which contribute to increased efficiency and competitiveness. Their activities help expand markets, stimulate competition and create favorable conditions for economic recovery. Entrepreneurship is also a key source of new jobs. The creation of enterprises leads to an increase in the need for labor, which in turn helps to reduce unemployment and increase the level of employment in society. Small and medium enterprises, often started by entrepreneurs, are particularly important in this context as they are catalysts for the growth and development of local economies. Moreover, entrepreneurship contributes to the distribution of wealth and social mobility. Self-employed entrepreneurs can act as drivers of social change by supporting community and charitable initiatives. Thus, they influence not only the economic landscape, but also social and cultural aspects, contributing to the diversity and development of society as a whole. However, despite the importance of entrepreneurship, young people, especially university students, face a number of challenges when trying to get involved in this field. One of the main problems is the lack of information and understanding of the processes of creating and running a business. University curricula do not always cover entrepreneurship sufficiently, which can create a barrier for students wanting to start their own business. Financial constraints also play a role in limiting entrepreneurial opportunities for university youth. Young entrepreneurs often find it difficult to obtain financing for their projects, as banks and investors may view them as high-risk clients. Additionally, students may lack the experience and professional skills necessary to successfully manage a business. Lack of practical experience and skills in marketing, human resources and finance can be a barrier in the path of young entrepreneurs. To solve these problems, it is necessary to make changes to university curricula, including teaching entrepreneurial skills, as well as creating special programs and support measures for students who want to engage in entrepreneurship. Networking with successful entrepreneurs, providing access to financial resources and creating infrastructure for start-ups can also help promote entrepreneurship among university youth. Overall, youth entrepreneurship development is an important factor for sustainable economic growth. Supporting and stimulating young entrepreneurs can lead to the emergence of innovative projects, new jobs and enrichment of society as a whole. Keywords: economic development, entrepreneurship, university, student entrepreneurship

Do medical spending and income reduce the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus and tuberculosis? A study on Sub-Saharan Africa

Several countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) suffer from economic hardship and high unemployment rates; furthermore, this region has higher rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB). This study examined the relationships between HIV and TB, income, and total medical spending and its components, private and public healthcare expenditure, for 41 SSA countries. Random and fixed-effects models were utilized in this study to explore relationships by studying time series and cross-sectional panel data obtained from the World Bank. Results demonstrated that there is a positive relationship between HIV and unemployment and a negative relationship with income and medical spending. We also observed that, when private and public medical expenditures are compared, private medical expenditures alleviate the HIV epidemic. Considering the association with TB, income, total, and its components, private and public medical expenditures are negatively related. Since prevention of such life-threatening diseases as HIV and TB becomes vital to find remedies for, there is a need for more government initiatives, including job creation, increased productivity, and increased income levels, which can be seen as preconditions in fighting and controlling HIV and TB.

City-level livestock methane emissions in China from 2010 to 2020

Livestock constitute the world’s largest anthropogenic source of methane (CH4), providing high-protein food to humans but also causing notable climate risks. With rapid urbanization and increasing income levels in China, the livestock sector will face even higher emission pressures, which could jeopardize China’s carbon neutrality target. To formulate targeted methane reduction measures, it is crucial to estimate historical and current emissions on fine geographical scales, considering the high spatial heterogeneity and temporal variability of livestock emissions. However, there is currently a lack of time-series data on city-level livestock methane emissions in China, despite the flourishing livestock industry and large amount of meat consumed. In this study, we constructed a city-level livestock methane emission inventory with dynamic spatial-temporal emission factors considering biological, management, and environmental factors from 2010 to 2020 in China. This inventory could serve as a basic database for related research and future methane mitigation policy formulation, given the population boom and dietary changes.

Peranan Kredit Usaha Rakyat (KUR) Terhadap Pengembangan UMKM Di Kabupaten Sinjai

MSMEs in Sinjai Regency face capital-related challenges hindering their business development and growth. Consequently, government intervention is imperative to address these issues. Kredit Usaha Rakyat (KUR) is a government program aimed at empowering MSMEs. This research aims to investigate the distribution procedures and the role of KUR in fostering MSME development in Sinjai Regency, utilizing a qualitative approach with a focus on fieldwork. The findings reveal a two-stage process for obtaining KUR: initial application and subsequent repayment. Mandiri Bank offers tailored credit limits to match the needs and business types of MSMEs, thereby preventing default risks. Moreover, KUR significantly contributes to enhancing MSME profitability, increasing income levels, and improving overall performance. These outcomes underscore the crucial role of KUR in advancing MSMEs in Sinjai Regency, thereby facilitating economic growth and sustainability at the local level.

О социально-экономических факторах демографических процессов в регионах современной России: смертность О социально-экономических факторах демографических процессов в регионах современной России: смертность

The work attempts to identify the influence of regional socio-economic factors on demographic processes in modern Russia. The influence of these factors on mortality in the regions assessed. The possible influence of regional factors on mortality assessed by identifying the correlation between overall mortality rates in the region and regional economic and socio-economic indicators. The results obtained indicate that it is unlikely that income from business activities, social payments, and the spread of basic general education among the employed population will influence mortality in the regions. It is likely and possible that mortality will decrease under the influence of the growth of average per capita monetary income, median per capita monetary income of the population, and other monetary receipts. A decrease in mortality is possible under the influence of income growth in the fifth group (20% of the population with the highest incomes), under the influence of an increase in the level of education of the employed, the spread of higher and secondary general education among the employed population, and under the influence of the availability of medical care. Income from property and income in all groups of 20% of the population, except for the group with the highest incomes, can contribute to the increase in mortality; the spread of secondary vocational education among the employed population can also contribute to the increase in mortality. The obvious confirmed — policies to increase income levels, levels of education and access to medical care can help reduce mortality.

Understanding vehicle demand dynamics in Indian road transport: A qualitative framework

AbstractThe demand for vehicles in India is on a continuous rise, primarily attributed to increasing income levels. The Indian government has initiated steps to decarbonize the transport sector, offering incentives for alternate vehicles' adoption. This study introduces a qualitative framework, employing a causal structure to comprehend the dynamics of vehicle demand. The framework takes into account critical feedback loops that influence the demand for alternate vehicles and, consequently, the overall vehicle demand. The causal loop diagram for vehicle demand encompasses five key domains: socio‐economic development, infrastructure development, environmental awareness, fuel supply market and alternate vehicle technology. Notably, economic activity, urban sprawl, vehicle demand, alternate vehicle technology improvement, and the sustainability and fuel constraints linked with internal combustion engine vehicles emerge as the critical aspects governing the dynamics of the model. The leverage and intervention points influencing the vehicle demand are also identified. Further, based on the evolving interaction of the various reinforcing and balancing loops, this work identifies three distinct phases of the evolution of vehicle demand dynamics in India, namely, the emerging phase (2020–2040), the growth phase (2040–2060) and the stagnation phase (2060–2080). The paper discusses the crucial features of these phases.

Farmers’ Awareness of and Attitude towards Diversified Legumes Production in Singida Region, Tanzania

For an extended period, legumes have served as nutritional sources in the diets of both humans and animals. Efforts have been made to increase the yield of the legume crops in Tanzania, but there is still low awareness of and unfavourable attitudes towards legume crop diversification among farmers. The study, on which this paper is based, aimed at investigating farmers’ awareness of and attitude towards diversified legumes, specifically to analyze socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents, assess awareness of and attitude towards diversified legumes production, and determine effects of awareness of and attitude towards diversified legumes production on management practices of diversified legumes production. A cross-sectional survey was employed whereby primary data were collected from 204 legume farmers using a semi-structured questionnaire. Content analysis was conducted using Nvivo software to analyze qualitative data. For quantitative data, Likert scale analysis was employed as a method for descriptive statistics, and Principal Component Analysis was used as a method for inferential analysis. These analyses were performed using Smart PLS software. The findings of the study revealed that several factors significantly influenced smallholder farmers' awareness and perception of diversified legumes. These factors included ease of cultivation, fair distribution of seeds, food availability, increase in income level, high legume harvest, and higher profitability of legumes (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the statement "enough of information" did not show statistical significance (p > 0.05). However, it exhibited a positive association. Conclusively, criteria like "easy cultivation" and "fair seed distribution" had a big impact on how smallholder farmers perceived and knew about diverse legumes. However, "enough information" did not appear to have a major significance. In addition, it was found that major influences on farmers' attitudes and understanding of diversified legumes included the availability of food, rising income levels, high yields of legumes, and perceived profitability. The paper recommends for the improvement of farmers' awareness and perception of diversified legumes, fair seed distribution methods must be established that provide equal access to high-quality seeds with the help of government organizations, non-profit organizations, and seed businesses.

Willingness to pay for National Health Insurance Services and Associated Factors in Africa and Asia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Universal health coverage (UHC) is crucial for public health, poverty eradication, and economic growth. However, 97% of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly Africa and Asia, lack it, relying on out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditure. National Health Insurance (NHI) guarantees equity and priorities aligned with medical needs, for which we aimed to determine the pooled willingness to pay (WTP) and its influencing factors from the available literature in Africa and Asia. Database searches were conducted on Scopus, HINARI, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Semantic Scholar from March 31 to April 4, 2023. The Joanna Briggs Institute's (JBI's) tools and the "preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement" were used to evaluate bias and frame the review, respectively. The data were analyzed using Stata 17. To assess heterogeneity, we conducted sensitivity and subgroup analyses, calculated the Luis Furuya-Kanamori (LFK) index, and used a random model to determine the effect estimates (proportions and odds ratios) with a p value less than 0.05 and a 95% CI. Nineteen studies were included in the review. The pooled WTP on the continents was 66.0% (95% CI, 54.0-77.0%) before outlier studies were not excluded, but increased to 71.0% (95% CI, 68-75%) after excluding them. The factors influencing the WTP were categorized as socio-demographic factors, income and economic issues, information level and sources, illness and illness expenditure, health service factors, factors related to financing schemes, as well as social capital and solidarity. Age has been found to be consistently and negatively related to the WTP for NHI, while income level was an almost consistent positive predictor of it. The WTP for NHI was moderate, while it was slightly higher in Africa than Asia and was found to be affected by various factors, with age being reported to be consistently and negatively related to it, while an increase in income level was almost a positive determinant of it.