Sustainability In Sub-Saharan Africa Research Articles

An Empirical Analysis on Institutional Quality, Fiscal Policy and Debt Sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)

Many Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries are finding it difficult to fulfill their massive debt repayment obligations, which bilateral financial institutions have declared to be unmanageable. Government institutions are to blame for such disparities in the budgetary components, which have been empirically confirmed to be detrimental. Part of the reason for SSA's income generation and debt management problems is related to fiscal policy components where there has been an unwarranted exaggeration of government expenditure. Accordingly, the current study used a panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) to examine how fiscal policy and institutional quality affected the sustainability of debt in 48 SSA nations between 2008 and 2022. The study’s findings suggested that the elements of fiscal policy (expenditure and revenue) as well as indicators of institutional quality (governance), such as control of corruption, effectiveness of government, political stability, absence of violence, regulatory quality, the rule of law, voice, and accountability, were important in explaining the long-term sustainability of public debt. The speed of adjustment to the long-run equilibrium was slow, which may be related to the unstable governance in each of the cross-sectional nations. Hence, the study concluded that the interactive effects of institutional quality and fiscal policy significantly influenced debt sustainability in the long run. The study’s conclusions can be very helpful to policymakers, particularly in those nations where major fiscal and external imbalances are being generated by low ratings for key institutional quality indices.

Determinants of the operational performance of community-managed handpumps in rural Mozambique: An analysis of five years of cross-sectional sustainability assessments

Improving rural water supply sustainability in sub-Saharan Africa remains a major challenge. This study analysed five-years of cross-sectional sustainability check data collected annually between 2011 and 2016 (except 2015) to investigate factors influencing the operational performance of community-managed handpumps in rural Mozambique. Logistic and negative binomial regression was performed using multiple outcome measures of functionality, reliability and continuity. Average marginal effects (AMEs) were estimated to assess the effects of the predictors and mediation analysis was conducted to examine the role of women's participation.Higher levels of handpump performance were associated with financial records quality and update frequency, water committees with spare parts in stock, and committee annual revenue. The AME of high quality or recently updated financial records for non-functionality was estimated to be −0.40 (95% confidence interval [CI], −0.56 to −0.25), which is interpreted as a 40% lower probability of a water point being non-functional compared to the reference group. Water committees with a spare part stock exhibited a preventive effect on both non-functionality and breakdowns in the past 12 months, reducing their probability by 10% (AME, 95% CI, −0.17 to −0.03) and by 18% (AME, 95% CI, −0.30 to −0.05), respectively. Annual committee revenue up to 2,000 MZN (57 USD) reduced the probability of breakdowns by 25% (AME, 95% CI, −0.45 to 0.05). Handpumps were 10% (AME, 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.17) more likely to be non-functional when women were in the committee management positions. Conversely, female maintenance group members were associated with reduced breakdowns in the multivariate regression analysis (odds ratio, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.24 to 0.95).Increasing outreach of post-construction support on capacity building for water committees, particularly on user fee collection, maintaining financial records, replenishing spare parts, and increased participation of women in the maintenance group, may contribute to greater sustainability of rural water points.

Does fiscal burden impede green transition? Income, taxation, clean energy, and ecological sustainability in sub‐Saharan Africa

AbstractThis study examines the role of tax burden (TB) in the income–energy–environment nexus in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) using the ecological load capacity (ELC) factor as a sustainability indicator. Analyzing data from 1999 to 2021 using the method of moments quantile regression with the bootstrap variance algorithm, the results defy the load capacity curve hypothesis, revealing an inverted U‐shaped relationship between income and ELC. The turning point income is $3257.48 at the 10th quantile and $4317.23 at the 90th quantile. An increased renewable energy share in the consumption mix boosts ELC. Regarding TB, a U‐shaped curve exists between fiscal freedom and ELC, with significance at the 40th and 90th quantiles, with TB score turning points at 67.60 and 71.37, respectively. The Dumitrescu–Hurlin test uncovers bidirectional causality between ELC and the variables. TB affects income and renewable energy unidirectionally, while income and renewable energy have bidirectional causality. These findings suggest that higher taxes on households and businesses hinder the transition to a greener economy via income and energy consumption. An integrated policy approach is necessary to balance revenue generation with the preservation of ecological sustainability in SSA.

Mainstreaming traditional fruits, vegetables and pulses for nutrition, income, and sustainability in sub-Saharan Africa: the case for Kenya and Ethiopia.

This study documented existing knowledge on traditional fruits, vegetables and pulses in Kenya and Ethiopia. The aim was to identify neglected and underutilized species with high potential for food security, for their economic value and contribution to sustainable agriculture, based on a literature review and confirmation of existing data by local experts. In order of priority, the top 5 fruit species in Kenya are Tamarindus indica L., Adansonia digitata L., Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst, Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile, and Ziziphus mauritiana Lam., for vegetables are Amaranthus spp., Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp., Solanum spp., and Cleome gynandra L. Top fruits in Ethiopia are Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Delile, Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Desf., Cordeauxia edulis Hemsl., Cordia africana Lam., and Mimusops kummel A. DC., for vegetables are Brassica carinata A. Braun, Cucurbita pepo L., and Amaranthus spp. In both countries, priority pulse species (no ranking) are Phaseolus lunatus L., Sphenostylis stenocarpa (A.Rich.) Harms, Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC., Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet, and Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. Generally, these priority species are good sources of key nutrients known for their inadequate dietary intakes in sub-Saharan Africa, represent a safety net for household income, and contribute positively to ecosystem resilience in existing agricultural systems. Complete, accurate and reliable nutrient composition data are needed to raise consumer awareness about their nutritional and health benefits. Since women play a central role in traditional food systems, their empowerment, and hence resilience, increase the positive impact they can have on the households' dietary diversity. In particular, introducing small-scale processing techniques and marketing strategies could enhance their supply and consumption.

Why Small-Scale Circular Agriculture Is Central to Food Security and Environmental Sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa? The Case of Ghana

Why Small-Scale Circular Agriculture Is Central to Food Security and Environmental Sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa? The Case of Ghana

Economic Growth, Globalization, and Governance as Determinants of Environmental Quality in Sub-Saharan Africa

Even though Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is experiencing unsustainable environmental degradation just like the rest of the world, most environmental health studies have focused mainly on the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries and other emerging markets. Unimpeded environmental degradation portends many environmental problems with enormous economic and social costs. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the impact of socio-economic, global, and governance factors on environmental sustainability in SSA. Understanding the interaction of these factors will be of immense assistance to policymakers and other officials charged with mitigating environmental degradation in SSA. Utilizing data from 42 countries in SSA covering 1970 - 2018, our empirical estimations using the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) technique revealed that the primary determinant of environmental performance in SSA is the level of economic activities. The results show a statistically significant positive relationship between economic activities (GDP) and environmental performance. This result does not support the existence of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) in SSA. Surprisingly, the level of public debt had a statistically significant positive impact on environmental performance. The governance variables signifying the impact of government showed mixed results as political stability, control of corruption, and regulatory quality were not statistically significant, whereas the rule of law, government effectiveness, and institutional strength showed a statistically significant positive impact on environmental performance. Trade openness and population density did not have any statistically significant impact on environmental performance. Mitigating environmental degradation in SSA requires policies that promote income growth and debt forgiveness.

Thresholds of external flows in financial development for environmental sustainability in sub-Saharan Africa

PurposeThe study aims to complement extant literature by assessing linkages between financial development, external flows and CO2 emissions in 27 sub-Saharan African countries for the period 2002 to 2018.Design/methodology/approachThe empirical evidence is based on interactive quantile regressions and external flows consist of remittances, foreign aid, trade openness and foreign investment.FindingsThe findings show minimum levels of external flows that should be reached in order for the interaction between external flows and financial development to promote environmental sustainability in terms of reducing CO2 emissions. The minimum thresholds are critical levels of external flows that should be reached before financial development promotes environmental sustainability.Research limitations/implicationsPolicy implications – The disclosed external flow (i.e. FDI, foreign aid, trade and remittances) thresholds are actionable policy thresholds that the government can act upon in order to influence environmental sustainability by means of financial development. Theoretical implications – The findings below the external flow thresholds are consistent with the dependency theory in that external flows are harmful to socio-economic progress and environmental sustainability. When external flows are consolidated to the established critical masses or thresholds in the long run, the corresponding findings are in line with the extant neoclassical and endogenous growth theories, not least, because in the long run, external flows are associated with technological progress and adoption of stronger environmental legislation at the domestic level which are worthwhile in promoting environmental performance.Practical implicationsTo reach the minimum trade and FDI levels that are worthwhile for the promotion of environmental sustainability, corporations should set targets on exports and imports as well as foreign investment levels that they have to attain in contributing to the national target of external flows needed to reduce CO2 emissions. Such trade and FDI targets should be set in industries of various economic sectors.Originality/valueThe study complements the extant literature by assessing how external flows interact with financial development to influence CO2 emissions.

Strategic green marketing orientation and environmental sustainability in sub-Saharan Africa: Does green absorptive capacity moderate? Evidence from Tanzania

Small and medium-sized enterprises are increasingly promoting environmental sustainability, a trend that has raised environmental awareness and inspired individuals and organizations to work together to create a more sustainable and greener future by implementing environmentally friendly practices. This study examines the influence of strategic green marketing orientation on environmental sustainability. Also, the study examines the moderating effect of green absorptive capacity on the relationship between strategic green marketing orientation and environmental sustainability. We used partial least squares structural equation modelling to test hypotheses with data obtained from 391 manufacturing enterprises in Tanzania via structured questionnaires. Our study's main findings show that strategic green marketing orientation has a significant and positive influence on environmental sustainability, and green absorptive capacity strengthens the positive effect of strategic green marketing orientation on environmental sustainability. Although there is scholarly interest in incorporating environmental considerations into business endeavors, there is little evidence on ways that a strategic green marketing orientation promotes environmental sustainability in a manufacturing context. Thus, our findings add to the literature on understanding environmental sustainability for manufacturing enterprises by revealing the role of strategic green marketing orientation and green absorptive capacity in explaining environmental sustainability. The study suggests that manufacturing enterprises should integrate environmental considerations into their strategic resources and endeavors to improve eco-friendly outcomes.

The role of environmental regulatory quality in the relationship between natural resources and environmental sustainability in sub-Saharan Africa

Natural resources benefit economies through economic growth and development. However, continuing unsustainable exploitation of these resources tend to harm the sustainability of the environment. Therefore, this paper explores the role of environmental regulatory quality (ERQ) in the relationship between natural resources (NR) and environmental sustainability (ES). The study covered 28 sub-Saharan African countries (SSA) from 2005-2017. Regarding the estimations, we utilized cross-sectional dependence, first-and second-generation unit root, and cointegration tests for preliminary checks. Finally, we used the system-GMM estimation for the analysis. We found that environmental regulatory quality improves environmental sustainability in SSA. We also observed that natural resources degrade environmental sustainability. Furthermore, we noticed that natural resources complemented environmental regulatory quality to reduce environmental sustainability in SSA. Therefore, we establish that ERQ in SSA does not complement NR to induce environmental sustainability. Based on the findings, we appeal for effective and rigorous implementation of environmental policies and regulations in SSA.

Natural resource abundance, environmental sustainability, and policies and institutions for environmental sustainability in sub-Saharan Africa

This paper examines the effect of natural resource abundance on environmental sustainability while considering the mediation role of policies and institutions for environmental sustainability (PIES). We used 29 sub-Saharan African countries, further disaggregated into 11 resource-rich and 18 resource-poor countries over the period 2005–2017. We find that natural resource abundance improves environmental sustainability by utilizing the System-Generalized Method of Moments (system-GMM) and Panel-Corrected Standard Error (PCSE). We further find that resource-rich countries deteriorate environmental sustainability more than resource-poor economies in SSA. Lastly, we find PIES improve environmental quality or sustainability. We conclude that SSA's natural resource abundance enhances environmental sustainability if PIES are strengthened. We call for stringent and appropriate environmental policies and measures toward environmental sustainability.

Sub‐Saharan Africa's rising public debt stock: Is there a cause for concern?

AbstractThe study investigated public debt sustainability in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) by testing the reaction of the primary balance to positive and negative shocks in public debts in a panel of 45 SSA countries. The study adopts the innovative nonlinear fiscal reaction function and the dynamic panel threshold model to account for the potential asymmetric phenomenon in the public debt series. In line with extant studies, the study found that public debts in SSA are weakly sustainable and there is a highly procyclical fiscal policy bias in SSA countries, particularly in resource‐rich countries, indicating that governments' fiscal policy responses are expansionary during economic upturns and contractionary during recessions, which may aggravate recessions and worsen debt situations across SSA. For robustness, the study compares the results with emerging and developed economies. The results indicate that in advanced economies, public debt is sustainable and that fiscal policy response is countercyclical. The research and policy implications are discussed.

Environmental sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa: Does information and communication technology (ICT) matter?

Environmental sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa: Does information and communication technology (ICT) matter?

Climate Change Governance and Ecosystem Sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa

This study assesses whether climate change governance has improved ecosystem sustainability in Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) from 2012 to 2021. It relied on the African Strategy on Climate Change (ASCC), May 2014 for the assessment and adopted the ecosystem approach (EA) for analysis. The study discovered that the ASCC May 2014 was quite elaborate, yet does not explicitly, address the issues bothering ecosystem sustainability (ES). Rather, efforts and considerations were organized around climate change mitigation financing and development, which motive was to perpetuate the exploitation of the continent’s natural resources. It also discovered that many of the policies and frameworks intended to mitigate climate change and adaptation have not been adequately implemented due to bad governance. The study, therefore, recommends that future African strategic policies and frameworks on the environment cum engagements with climate change governance actors such as development partners, regulators, and other stakeholders either on the global, regional, or national levels should be properly directed to enhance ecosystem sustainability. In addition, such outcomes should be implemented adequately to safeguard the livelihoods of the millions of indigenous people in the SSA.

Clean energy, institutional quality and environmental sustainability in sub-Saharan Africa

This study examines the impact of clean energy and institutional quality on environmental sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa. System generalized method of moments (GMM) is used as the estimation strategy. A sample of 45 countries is considered from 2008 to 2020. The result reveals a negative and significant relationship between renewable energy consumption and CO2 emissions. This implies that clean energy improves environmental sustainability. Furthermore, the initial result of the link between most indicators of institutional quality and CO2 emissions is not significant. However, the finding of the interaction of renewable energy and institutional quality indicators reveals a positive relationship between institutional quality indicators and CO2 emissions, suggesting that complementing renewable energy with institutional quality will increase CO2 emissions. The implication of this finding is that further strengthening of institutional quality will be required as a useful policy instrument to mitigate long-run environmental degradation in the region

The impact of financial development and foreign direct investment on environmental sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa: using PMG-ARDL approach

This study is aimed at establishing the impact of foreign direct investment and financial development on carbon dioxide emission and clean energy using 44 countries in sub-Saharan Africa ranging from 1998 to 2017. Employing a second generation unit root test in conjunction with Pooled Mean Group, the study established that financial development have significant positive impact on clean energy consumption in sub-Saharan Africa. This was found to be consistent in both low-income and middle-income countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Financial development is however found to be significantly negative with carbon dioxide in sub-Saharan Africa and middle-income countries. This relationship is only positive in the low-income countries. Foreign direct investment does not have any significant impact on clean energy consumption in sub-Saharan Africa. A significant impact is noted after the decomposition of the sample into low-income and high-income countries. In low-income countries, foreign direct investment inflows impact positively on clean energy consumption. This relationship is however negative with middle-income countries. The link between foreign direct investment and carbon dioxide is significantly positive in the whole sample and also in low-income countries. These long-run relationships have been confirmed by the causality test.

Roadmap for achieving energy sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa: The mediating role of energy use efficiency

The core objective of this study is to evaluate whether improving energy use efficiency can help Sub-Saharan African nations to attain their energy sustainability objectives. As opposed to the conventional approaches, the multidimensional aspects of energy sustainability are captured in this study by predicting an energy sustainability index using data related to four key targets mentioned under the seventh sustainable development goal declared by the United Nations. Overall, for the entire panel, the findings reveal that a 1% rise in the energy efficiency level increases the energy sustainability index by around 11% in the long run. Thus, energy efficiency improvements can be expected to complement the energy sustainability agenda of the Sub-Saharan African nations. In contrast, economic growth is witnessed to impede energy sustainability within these nations. However, the results also certify that energy efficiency improvement performs a mediating role in neutralizing the energy sustainability-inhibiting effects of economic growth. In addition, higher emissions of carbon dioxide found to encourage the Sub-Saharan African nations to implement policies related to attainment of energy sustainability. Besides, trade and financial globalization are also witnessed to impede and stimulate energy sustainability, respectively. Furthermore, the results reveal that financial development facilitates energy sustainability attainment while higher population growth inflicts opposite impacts. Finally, implementation of the Kyoto Protocol is evidenced to be contributing to the attainment of energy sustainability in the selected Sub-Saharan African nations. In light of these findings, several energy sustainability-related policies are recommended.

Establishing Surgical Care Sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa for Global Child Health: Insights From Pediatric Cardiac Surgical Capacity-Building Programs in Ethiopia and Côte d'Ivoire.

The global surgery research team of the JW LEE Center for Global Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, introduced team-based health workforce training programs for pediatric cardiac surgery in Ethiopia and Côte d'Ivoire. A team-based collaborative capacity-building model was implemented in both countries, and details of the program design and delivery were documented. The research team shared their experiences and identified achievements, lessons, and challenges for cardiac surgical interventions in Sub-Saharan Africa. Future directions were put forward to advance and strengthen the low-and middle-income countries “Safe Surgery.”

Thresholds of external flows in financial development for environmental sustainability in sub-Saharan Africa

Thresholds of external flows in financial development for environmental sustainability in sub-Saharan Africa

Epidemiology and management of asthma and atopic dermatitis in Sub-Saharan Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is currently undergoing a transformation process of unprecedented magnitude owing to economic development and urbanization. This process is paralleled by a dramatic increase in prevalence and incidence of noncommunicable diseases. In this article we analyze the current situation with regard to 1 group of the earliest noncommunicable diseases in a person's life, namely, allergies and asthma. This article provides an update on the epidemiology, availability, and access to management strategies by patients experiencing bronchial asthma or atopic dermatitis in SSA. Despite all of the progress, there is still a tremendous need to support education and training, transfer of resources, and cooperation with pharmaceutical and diagnostic companies to achieve adequate treatment and sustainability in SSA with regard to allergy, asthma, and eczema management.

Environmental Sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa: the Case of Production and Consumption Activities

Environmental Sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa: the Case of Production and Consumption Activities