Influence Of Socio-economic Characteristics Research Articles

Socioeconomic Determinants of Fast Food Vending in Nnewi Metropolis, Anambra State, Nigeria

This study on the socioeconomic determinants of fast food vending in Nnewi metropolitan city, Anambra State, Nigeria specifically established the socioeconomic characteristics of fast food vendors, various fast food vending prevalence in the study area, profitability of fast food vending, socioeconomic characteristics of fast food vendors that influences net return and constraints to fast food vendors in the study area. Simple random techniques was used to select 120 vendors for the study. Findings from socioeconomic characteristics shows that majority of the vendors/marketers are within the age limit of 40-49 years. Findings from various fast food marketing prevalence in the study area shows that fried Akara and palp had (29.16%) which stands to be the highest fast food vending in the study area. Finding from estimated monthly profitability of fast food marketing shows that the transaction generated a gross margin of N1,720,909.83.00, net marketing income of N1,515,369.83 and net return on investment of 0.37. The implication of the net return on investment is that the marketers return 37 kobo for every 1 Naira invested in the business. Finding from influence of socioeconomic characteristics on net marketing income of fast food vending shows that out of the nine predictors included in the model, only four were significant namely gender, household, source of finance and marketing experience. Finding from constraints shows that that expensive tax (several collection from government) (M= 3.05) was perceived as the most serious challenge in fast food vending in the study area. Too much collection from government and its agency should be addressed by government and relevant stake holders and government should formulate a programs to train these vendors to align to world class vending were recommended. Keywords: Fast-food, determinants, vending, marketing, profitability.

The influence of socioeconomic characteristics on active travel in US metropolitan areas and the contribution to health inequity.

The prevalence of chronic disease in the US adult population varies across socioeconomic groups in the USA where approximately six in 10 adults have a chronic condition. Walking or cycling reduces the risk to many of these diseases and is influenced by the built environment, accessibility, and safety. We performed multivariate logistic and linear regression on the Health-Oriented Transportation model parameters using the 2009 and 2017 US National Household Transportation surveys, restricted to adults in major metropolitan areas. Model covariates included socioeconomic and environmental characteristics. Using odds ratios (OR) adjusted for model covariates, we observe several significant variables in 2009 and 2017. Residents of households with no cars were more likely to walk or cycle than those with two cars; OR=5.4 (4.8, 6.0). Residents of households in a census block with population density greater than 2,5000 persons/square mile were more likely to walk or cycle than those with a population density of 2000-3999; OR=2.6 (2.3, 2.8). Individuals with a graduate or professional degree were more likely to walk or cycle than those with a high school degree; OR=2.1 (1.9, 2.2). Individuals that self-report as Black or African American, or Asian are less likely to walk or cycle than White; OR=0.60 (0.56, 0.66), OR=0.70 (0.65, 0.75). The proportional increase in all-cause mortality from estimated reductions in physical activity for African American, Asian, and Hispanic populations were 1.0%, 0.7%, 0.8%, respectively. Access to automobiles and the surrounding population density are primary factors in the decision to walk or cycle. After adjusting for these and other factors, members of low-income, low-education, Black or African American, and Asian populations in US metropolitan areas are less likely to walk or cycle than high-income, high-education, or White populations and the discrepancy in physical activity is likely to contribute to health inequity.

Study of Gaps in Adoption of Improved Orange Production Technologies in Maharashtra, India

Orange is the second most important fruit crop of Maharashtra. However, the productivity of fruit is found to be dwindling which might be due to the gaps in adoption of recommended technical know-how. Therefore, the study was undertaken to assess the adoption gaps of recommended orange technologies and the influence of socio-economic characteristics on the adoption gaps. The average gap was to the tune of 31.89 per cent. As far as the association and influence of profile characteristic are concerned, it was found that size of land, source of credit, annual income, experience in farming and knowledge level of the orange growers, knowledge of GAP practices, mass media exposure and socio-economic status had negative correlation with adoption gaps (P= .01) whereas size of land holding and knowledge level, knowledge of GAP practices and annual income had negative influence on adoption gaps (P= .01). The study recommends that the proper extension and communication strategies should be developed for the dissemination of orange production technologies in state. Also, the public and private extension support systems are needed to be reoriented so that they can act more efficiently to provide necessary information about orange cultivation. The present study was conducted in Amravati and Nagpur districts of Maharashtra. An ‘ex post facto’ research design was used for the study. A sample of 200 orange growers was selected through stratified random sampling method for the study. The results of the study shows that most of the orange growers had gap in application of micro nutrient (44.76 %) followed by fruit drop measures (43.16 %) and plant protection measures (42.75%). The average gap was to the tune of 31.89 per cent. As far as the association and influence of profile characteristic are concerned, it was found that size of land, source of credit, annual income, experience in farming and knowledge level of the orange growers, knowledge of GAP practices, mass media exposure and socio-economic status had negative correlation with adoption gaps (P= .01) whereas size of land holding and knowledge level, knowledge of GAP practices and annual income had negative influence on adoption gaps (P= .01). The study recommends that the proper extension and communication strategies should be developed for the dissemination of orange production technologies in state. Also, the public and private extension support systems are needed to be reoriented so that they can act more efficiently to provide necessary information about orange cultivation.

The influence of socioeconomic characteristics on active travel in US metropolitan areas and the contribution to health inequity

Background: The prevalence of chronic disease in the US adult population varies across socioeconomic groups in the USA where approximately six in 10 adults have a chronic condition. Walking or cycling reduces the risk to many of these diseases and is influenced by the built environment, accessibility, and safety. Methods: We performed multivariate logistic and linear regression on the Health-Oriented Transportation model parameters using the 2009 and 2017 US National Household Transportation surveys, restricted to adults in major metropolitan areas. Model covariates included socioeconomic and environmental characteristics. Results: Using odds ratios (OR) adjusted for model covariates, we observe several significant variables in 2009 and 2017. Residents of households with no cars were more likely to walk or cycle than those with two cars; OR=5.4 (4.8, 6.0). Residents of households in a census block with population density greater than 2,5000 persons/square mile were more likely to walk or cycle than those with a population density of 2000–3999; OR=2.6 (2.3, 2.8). Individuals with a graduate or professional degree were more likely to walk or cycle than those with a high school degree; OR=2.1 (1.9, 2.2). Individuals that self-report as Black or African American, or Asian are less likely to walk or cycle than White; OR=0.60 (0.56, 0.66), OR=0.70 (0.65, 0.75). The proportional increase in all-cause mortality from estimated reductions in physical activity for African American, Asian, and Hispanic populations were 1.0%, 0.7%, 0.8%, respectively. Conclusions: Access to automobiles and the surrounding population density are primary factors in the decision to walk or cycle. After adjusting for these and other factors, members of low-income, low-education, Black or African American, and Asian populations in US metropolitan areas are less likely to walk or cycle than high-income, high-education, or White populations and the discrepancy in physical activity is likely to contribute to health inequity.

Explaining the Positioning of Agricultural Entrepreneurs on the Necessity-Opportunity Continuum in Sub-Saharan Africa: Insights from Benin

ABSTRACT Despite the potential of agriculture to reduce unemployment in sub-Saharan Africa, research on agricultural entrepreneurship is scarce, especially regarding the entrepreneurs’ motivations. The aim of this research is to examine the intensity of necessity and opportunity motivations among agricultural entrepreneurs and the influence of socioeconomic characteristics, personality, and environmental factors. Hence, the study reports a survey of 819 agricultural entrepreneurs in Benin and uses multinomial logistic regressions. Most agricultural entrepreneurs are moderately necessity-driven (76%); the remainder includes highly necessity-driven entrepreneurs (4%), moderately opportunity-driven entrepreneurs (6%), and highly opportunity-driven entrepreneurs (14%). Those displaying higher intensity of necessity motivations can be at any education level, are former employees, are less proactive, less optimistic, and operate in the services sector. In contrast, highly opportunity-driven entrepreneurs are likely to have received a university education and agricultural professional training, operate in the services sector, and have better access to finance and technologies. This study advances the push-pull theory by revealing a richer set of entrepreneurial motivations beyond the simplistic dichotomic view. Hence, policymakers could devise entrepreneurship strategies and programs that consider the diverse motivations of entrepreneurs and the influencing factors to move them toward increased opportunity entrepreneurship.

Patients' preferences in dental care: A discrete-choice experiment and an analysis of willingness-to-pay.

Dental diseases are a major problem worldwide. Costs are a burden on healthcare systems and patients. Missed treatments can have health and financial consequences. Compared to other health services, dental treatments are only covered in parts by statutory health insurance (SHI). Using the example of dental crowns for a cost-intensive treatment, our study aims to investigate whether (1) certain treatment attributes determine patients' treatment choice, and (2) out-of-pocket payments represent a barrier to access dental care. We conducted a discrete-choice-experiment by mailing questionnaires to 10,752 people in Germany. In presented scenarios the participants could choose between treatment options (A, B, or none) composed of treatment attribute levels (e.g., color of teeth) for posterior (PT) and anterior teeth (AT). Considering interaction effects, we used a D-efficient fractional factorial design. Choice analysis was performed using different models. Furthermore, we analyzed willingness-to-pay (WTP), preference of choosing no and SHI standard care treatment, and influence of socioeconomic characteristics on individual WTP. Out of n = 762 returned questionnaires (response rate of r = 7.1), n = 380 were included in the analysis. Most of the participants are in age group "50 to 59 years" (n = 103, 27.1%) and female (n = 249, 65.5%). The participants' benefit allocations varied across treatment attributes. Aesthetics and durability of dental crowns play most important roles in decision-making. WTP regarding natural color teeth is higher than standard SHI out-of-pocket payment. Estimations for AT dominate. For both tooth areas, "no treatment" was a frequent choice (PT: 25.7%, AT: 37.2%). Especially for AT, treatment beyond SHI standard care was often chosen (49.8%, PT: 31.3%). Age, gender, and incentive measures (bonus booklet) influenced WTP per participant. This study provides important insights into patient preferences for dental crown treatment in Germany. For our participants, aesthetic for AT and PT as well as out-of-pocket payments for PT play an important role in decision-making. Overall, they are willing to pay more than the current out-of-pockt payments for what they consider to be better crown treatments. Findings may be valuable for policy makers in developing measures that better match patient preferences.

Особенности территориальной мобильности населения Якутии в условиях пандемии COVID-19

The article discusses the special characteristics of the territorial mobility of the population of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Changes in the migration situation, structure of migration and migration activity of the population in different social and economic zones of the region in the context of the coronavirus pandemic are analyzed. The analysis shows that the peculiarities of distribution of productive forces and human resources in the labor market retain a fairly high potential for labor migration to the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) from the CIS countries and far abroad in the context of a pandemic, the share of arriving migrants indicating work among the reasons for migration continues to grow. The influence of socio-economic characteristics and urgent problems of the republic on the formation of migration activity and migration intentions of the population is considered. The article is based on the results of a mass survey in Yakutia (n=200). Analysis of the survey results shows that the features of territorial mobility, migration intentions of the population and absence of migration plans depend on the socio-economic conditions of residence, various factors of individual social status and position, and mobility resources. With mostly satisfactory assessments of the socio-economic situation in the republic and most factors of social life in the region, the respondents’ migration intentions are conditioned by low incomes and territorial specifics — remoteness from the central regions of the country, the high cost of air fares and harsh climatic conditions. In the pandemic conditions, the spatial mobility of the population, as one of the most important social resources of society, is most characteristic of the part of young people who have financial resources, unmarried, seeking better socio-economic and climatic conditions, to regions with better infrastructure, where they can get a decent job, quality education, medical services, recreation and leisure.

Influence of socioeconomic characteristics on artisanal fishing in Andoni L. G. A. of Rivers State, Nigeria

Rivers State possesses abundant natural and ecological resources for sustainable fish production in Nigeria, but the overall output level implied that these resources had not been optimized. Therefore, research is needed to isolate the missing link in the artisanal fish production value chain. The study examined the impact of socioeconomic characteristics on artisanal fish production among fisher folks in Andoni Local Government Area, Rivers State, Nigeria. Thirty artisanal fisher folks randomly selected from four communities through structured questionnaires and interview schedules were used for the study. Descriptive statistics involving frequencies and percentages and regression equations were utilized in the analysis. Age, household size, educational level, Artisanal fishing experience and extension contact played significant roles in determining the output and gross income of artisanal fishermen folks in Andoni L.G.A. To change the direction of management of affairs towards increased artisanal fishery in Rivers State, Nigeria, the study recommended that relevant government agencies saddled with the responsibility of making and implementing decisions in the fishery sub-sector should give pride of place to variables such as age, household size, educational level, Artisanal fishing experience and extension contact.

The Influence of Socioeconomic Characteristics on Anthropometry, Nutrition Knowledge, and Attitude of People Living With HIV/AIDS Attending Special Treatment Center (STC) National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria

The work is on the influence of socioeconomic status of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) on their anthropometry, nutrition knowledge, and attitude, attending special treatment center (STC) in National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study design was carried out in the STC and a total of two hundred and seventy [270 (150 men and 120 women)] PLWHA were used for the study. The PLWHA attend STC once in 2 months and subjects were grouped into 16 giving 4 groups per week since the center runs Monday through Thursday weekly and by 2 months, there were altogether 32 groups. Socioeconomic characteristics, nutrition knowledge and attitude, and anthropometric data were collected. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square, and regression analysis. The study revealed that 41.1% of PLWHA had poor knowledge of nutrition, 29.1% had both fair and good knowledge while 0.7% had excellent knowledge. A total of 52.8% had a positive attitude toward nutrition. The skinfold status of the respondents showed that 56.0% were malnourished, while their body mass index (BMI) revealed that 49.3% were normal. Gender (being female) and age (being young) had a significant (P < 0.01) influence on the BMI of PLWHA, while being female significantly influenced their skinfold status. Self-employed and being female were strongest (P < 0.01) positive predictors of nutrition knowledge, while low education had a negative influence on their attitude toward nutrition. Good nutrition knowledge, attitude, and improved socioeconomic characteristics are important tools in the care process of PLWHA, for sustainable healthy PLWHA, leading to a healthy society at large.

Analysis of Small Scale Broiler Poultry Production in South East Nigeria, West Africa

The study analyzed the small scale broiler poultry production in South East Nigeria, West Africa. Specifically, the study examined the socio-economic characteristics of the farmers, the cost and returns of the enterprise, influence of socio-economic characteristics on Net income and challenges to production in the study area. Primary data used for the study was collected using well-structured questionnaire which was administered to 405 sampled broiler poultry farmers in the study area. Descriptive statistical tools (frequencies, percentages and means), enterprise budgeting techniques (Gross margin, Net return on investment, Gross Ratio) and Multiple Regression Analysis were used to analyze the data. Profitability Index (PI) was N0.26 which means that for every naira earned as revenue, 0.26kobo was returned to the farmer as net income. An R2 of .7770 explains 77.7% of the variability of the dependent variable. Four out of the ten parameters included in the model exerted statistic and significant influences on the amount of income realized. Major constraints to Broiler poultry production in the study area were high cost of feed, high cost of vaccines and high cost of day old chicks. Based on the study, the following recommendations are made; since broiler production is profitable, attention should be paid to the broiler farmers to ensure that best practices are adopted for sustainability in the agribusiness.

The Determinants of Household Spending on Alcohol and Tobacco in Tanzania

The increasing effects caused by alcohol and tobacco calls for necessary interventions. This is not only in developed countries, but also in developing countries which seems to be affected more by this problem. Studies show that 80% of smokers worldwide are living in developing countries where tobacco related diseases have become major factors contributing toward high morbidity. Moreover, excessive alcohol consumption has been among global public health problems, where it accounts for about 6% of mortality and 5% of disability in the world. In addition, the prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD) was reported at 4% globally while in Africa it was 3%. Tanzania being the developing country and located in Africa is also at risk to be affected more if the necessary measures to control this unhealthy behaviour are not taken. However, due to limited information about the structure and behaviour of people in spending and consumption of these addictive products in Tanzania, it will be difficult to prepare relevant measures to curb those problems. Therefore, by using Tobit regression model, this study examined the influence of socioeconomic characteristics on alcohol and tobacco spending. This study found factors such income, culture, and change in preference over time to have a significant relationship with spending on alcohol and tobacco. This study creates a base for alcohol and tobacco spending behaviour in Tanzania. After determining spending behaviour, further studies need to be conducted to examine consumption behaviour and its effects to prepare relevant measures to control the risks of alcohol and tobacco in Tanzania.

The nexus between poverty and socio-economic characteristics of the household and household head: Evidence from Sierra Leone

Household poverty is widespread in Sierra Leone, affecting about 6 out of every 10 persons, which calls for urgent policy action. This study used the 2018 Sierra Leone Integrated Household Survey (2018 SLIHS) and a logistic model to analyze the influence of socio-economic characteristics of the household and household head on poverty. The analysis has shown that living in rural areas, having no formal education, or being unemployed, significantly increases the probability of a household being in extreme poverty. Other factors contributing to household extreme poverty status were: have a large household size with many children below 10 years, being separated from a spouse (widowed or divorced), being disabled, and working in the agriculture sector. On the other hand, the characteristics that decrease the probability of a household being poor include being a female household head, having at least secondary school education (notably tertiary education), residing in urban areas or cities, working in the services sector, and being single or married. Therefore, enhancing service delivery through a viable decentralization process, and supporting easily accessible quality education programmes, especially tertiary education, are critical for meaningful poverty reduction across all sections of the population. Keywords: Poverty, household, socio-economic characteristics, logistics model.

Influence of Socio-Economic Factors on the Profitability of Fish Farming in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State

The study was carried out to examine the influence of socio-economic characteristics on profitability of fish farmers in Owerri North LGA of Imo State. The study considered cost incurred and returns accrued on fish production in the area. Also, the relationship between the revenue derived from fish farming and various factors affecting fish production were determined. Standard procedures were adopted in all experimental analyses. One hundred and ten (110) fish farmers were randomly selected within the study area and used for the work, and data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire. Collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as percentages and inferential statistics (multiple regression at p&lt;0.05) as well as cost and return analysis. Results showed that average annual income of a fish farmer was ₦6,269,886 while the profitability index was 1.89. Thus, indicating that, for every one-naira (₦1.00) investment made in fish farming in Owerri North LGA, ₦1.89 was returned to the farmer as net income. The study further showed that sex and years of farming experience were statistically significant and positively correlated (R2=0.8570; p&lt;0.05) with net farm returns. On the other hand, age of the farmer, education attainment and marital status were negatively correlated and not significant. It is therefore recommended that people should engage in fish farming in the area as it is a profitable venture.&#x0D; Keywords: Cost, returns, socio-economic factors, fish farming, Owerri North

Adoption of Improved Cassava Production Technologies Among Small-Scale Farmers in Anambra State, Nigeria

The study on the adoption of improved cassava production technologies among small-scale cassava famers in Anambra State, Nigeria, specifically; described the socioeconomic characteristics of small-scale cassava farmers, determine the adoption levels of improved cassava production technologies, examine the effects of socioeconomic variables on the adoption level and identified constraints to adoption of improved cassava production technologies in the area. A multi stage sampling technique was employed to randomly sample a cross section of 120 small-scale cassava farmers. Data were collected using a well-structured questionnaire. The data were analyze with a combination of tool like descriptive statistics, multiple regression and principal factor analysis. The study revealed that the average age of the cassava farmers was 44.08 out of which 51.67% are male. The average educational level (9.17), farming experience (14.89), household size (5.86), annual income (861.103 USD), farm size (0.15 ha) and extension contacts (3.59) were also revealed. The results further showed that out of the eleven (11) improved cassava production variables considered, the respondents have not fully adopted any of the technologies. Findings on influence of socioeconomic characteristics on adoption shows that F-statistic value of 4.05*** was significant at 1% level of significance, which implies that the predictor variables influenced adoption. Major constraints of the cassava farmers were rotated into three component factors which are institutional (25.4%), economic (17.7%) and managerial factors (12.6%) using principal factor analysis. A KMO of 0.580 and cumulative Eigen-value of 55.7% explained the variance of factors. We therefore encourage extension agents to sit up in disseminating recent innovation to farmers.

Assessing nutrient inadequacies and influence of socio-economic characteristics on diet quality of the Mbororo minority women in Northwest Cameroon

PurposeLimited data are available in facilitating nutritional interventions in developing countries. The objective of this study is to assess the mean dietary diversity score (DDS)of Mbororo minority women in the Northwest region of Cameroon.Design/methodology/approachThe study used the random sampling technique within the Mbororo minority communities (Adorates). A questionnaire on dietary diversity, including 461 Mbororo women, provided information on food consumed using the 24-h dietary recall method.FindingsVarious socio-cultural and economic characteristics of the Mbororo women affected the nutrient level of their diet. Moreover, starchy staples, vitamin-A rich vegetables and palm oil and milk and milk products were consumed by more than half of the Mbororo community. Family herd size showed a positive influence on the dietary habit of the Mbororo population. The mean DDS significantly increased (p = 0.001), as herd size increased from below 50 (3.9 ± 1.1) to above 100 (4.8 ± 1.2).Practical implicationsMost of the diet consumed by the Mbororo women were low in iron, making them susceptible to nutrition anemia. The diet of the Aku women was more deficient in micronutrients than their Jaafun counterpart. These results indicate suitable areas of intervention for any nutrition program that targets the Mbororo minority group of Northwest Cameron.Social implicationsDDS can be used in assessing and classifying the population in rural communities according to the deficiencies in micronutrients of their diet.Originality/valueThe use of DDS to assess the nutrient quality of diets is frequently used to evaluate the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies but has never been applied to Mbororo minority women.

The nexus between demographic correlates, career and organizational commitment: the case of real estate employees in Nigeria

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the influence of socioeconomic characteristics as well as organisational profile as predictors of the organisational and career commitments of real estate employees in the employment of private estate surveying and valuation firms.Design/methodology/approachA total of 333 closed-ended questionnaires were administered on estate surveyors and valuers practicing in private real estate firms in Lagos State, Nigeria, out of which 124 (37.2%) were retrieved and found suitable for analysis. The data were analysed using frequencies, percentage, mean rating, one samplet-test and ANOVA.FindingsThe findings showed that though the male real estate employees rated a higher level of organisational commitment than their female counterparts, the female employees showed a higher level of career commitment. Besides, the results showed that across both genders and on an overall basis, there was a significant relationship between career commitment and organisational commitment. Also, while demographic factors such as age, management level and professional qualification have a statistically significant relationship with career commitment, factors relating to marital status, academic qualification, management level and firms’ year of the establishment were statistically significant with employees’ organisational commitment.Practical implicationsThe study deepens the understanding of the influence of demographic and firms’ correlates in explaining the performance of real estate employees in Nigeria, an emerging African market, where issues of absenteeism, poor remuneration and low retention appear prevalent.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt at examining the influence of demographic variables on the organisational and career commitment of real estate employees in Nigeria.

Effect of the Socioeconomic Characteristics of Borrowers on Microcredit Repayment Behaviour: An Application to a Category II Microfinance Institution in Cameroon

The purpose of this study is to determine the influence of socioeconomic characteristics of borrowers on microcredit repayment behaviour. The results of Probit regression statistical analysis using a database of 1805 individual loan contracts, credit records and follow-up files from 2007 to 2014 period by Community Credit of Africa (CCA) in Cameroon, reveal that educational level, awareness about the location of business and/or home of borrowers by the lender, sector of activities, availability of collateral, income stability, and personal wealth of borrowers have a statistically significant influence on microcredit repayment behaviour of borrowers. The outcome of the results shows that microfinance institutions should not only rely on financial indicators to assess the creditworthiness of borrowers. Other factors belonging to the social and economic characteristics of the borrowers are supposed to be integrated in credit risk models. These factors are sought to influence significantly microcredit repayment behaviour of borrowers.

The influence of socioeconomic characteristics and family support on the quality of life and well-being of the elderly in Jambi Province, Indonesia

This study aims to analyze: 1) family support for the elderly in Jambi Province; 2) the quality of life and subjective well-being of the elderly; 3) the influence of socio-economic factors and family support on the quality of life and welfare of the elderly in Jambi Province.The data used is primary data based on interviews with selected elderly respondents. Family support, quality of life and subjective well-being of the elderly were measured quantitatively using a Likert scale and they were analyzed descriptively. The influence of socioeconomic factors and family support on the quality of life and welfare of the elderly were analyzed using structural equation modeling partial least square (SEM-PLS). The study found that: 1) Family support for elderly people in Jambi Province is relatively good. The dominant type of support is appreciation/recognition support while the lowest support is financial support; 2) The quality of life of the elderly in Jambi Province is relatively good. Social relationships quality has the highest quality score, while psychological quality has the lowest quality score; 3) Socio-economic characteristics of elderly families and the characteristics of elderly individuals have a significant effect on family support for the elderly. The quality of life of the elderly is directly influenced by family support. Furthermore, the elderly welfare is directly influenced by the quality of life of the elderly, family support and dan characteristics of elderly individuals.&#x0D; Int. J. Soc. Sc. Manage. Vol. 6, Issue-3: 63-74

Analysis of marketing efficiency of processed sardine products of Lake Victoria: Case of Tanzania

The paper tested the marketing efficiency of Lake Victoria processed sardines using structure-performance and efficient-structure hypotheses and the influence of socioeconomic characteristics on marketing efficiency. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaires from randomly selected 249 respondents. The conceptual framework showed the influence of market structure, performance and socioeconomic characteristics on marketing efficiency. Multiple regression and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the information. The Gini coefficients for traders and processors were 0.59 and 0.64; the Lorenz curves showed 80% of monthly income was accounted for by 50% of marketers indicating that the market was concentrated with high level of income and market shares inequalities. Empirical findings revealed that access to market information and formal business loans, selling price, net returns, and quantity traded significantly increase marketing efficiency. Marketing costs and margins significantly reduce marketing efficiency. Higher income and market share inequalities, poor access to business loans, markets and market information imply the market was imperfectly competitive and inefficient with greater likelihood of domination as economic and game theories suggests. The findings call for collective marketing in order to reduce marketing cost, increase the quantity traded and fishers’ bargaining power in order to increase their net returns.

Influence of socio-economic characteristics on rural farmers’ food consumption in Ogun state

Influence of socio-economic characteristics on rural farmers’ food consumption in Ogun state