Household Welfare Research Articles

The Impact of Covid-19 on Urban Planning of Port Harcourt City, Nigeria

Background: Coronavirus disease is a communicable and contagious respiratory disease that has not only affected human social lives, interactions and relationships but equally changed other significant patterns of people’s normal lives, and there is need for a robust urban planning to meet the emerging changes. This study sought to investigate how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the inhabitants of Port Harcourt City and its implications on urban planning in Port Harcourt City, Nigeria. This study examined how the COVID-19 pandemic affected human interactions and business activities, and its implication on urban planning in Port Harcourt city. Methods: The study adopted descriptive survey design with questionnaire used for data collection. Port Harcourt inhabitants aged 18 years and above were studied using four major clusters in Port Harcourt city. Purposive sampling technique was used to select participants from five most affected COVID-19 business areas in each cluster in the year 2020. A total of 400 participants assessed on people’s economic activities and welfare attributes using Likert-scale. Data were analysed using simple percentages, mean and standard deviation. Results: Major findings revealed that COVID-19 negatively affected the lives of people, closure of markets and other economic centres, lack of face-to-face communication and interaction, change in people’s social welfare and lifestyle, to halt in education and academic activities, restriction in movement and transportation, and household welfare challenges. It is suggested that policymakers should intensify efforts to ensure coronavirus is eradicated by providing COVID-19 drugs to all Nigerians. Conclusion: The study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to mitigate the multifaceted impacts of COVID-19 in Nigeria, emphasizing equitable access to essential medications as a crucial strategy for combating the pandemic's adverse effects on society. Novelty: This research offers novel insights into the broad-ranging impacts of COVID-19 on various aspects of life in Nigeria, highlighting the imperative of equitable access to medications as a pivotal solution.

Why does Marriage Improve the Well-Being of Some and Diminish that of others? A Gender Analysis in Togo

Marriage is considered in the literature as a means of pooling risks and improving the well-being of couples. Thus, this article aims to analyze the relationship between marriage and the well-being of couples in Togo. To do so, we apply the ordinary least squares (OLS) method. Using data from the Enquête Harmonisée sur les Conditions de Vie des Ménages (EHCVM) Togo 2018. We arrive at the results that, marriage positively affects the well-being of married women under monogamy and polygamy, but the well-being of women in common-law unions decreases. However, our results show that marriage negatively affects the well-being of married men in Togo, regardless of their marital status. Furthermore, we find that marriage is a decreasing function of education level in Togo, but that marriage contributes to improved household well-being in the Togolese context. Our results suggest that the provision of social assistance, such as affordable healthcare or employment assistance programs, could help improve the well-being of married men. Further policy implications are proposed in the light of our results

Improving household well‐being through entrepreneurship and inclusive finance in the context of the Next‐11 countries

AbstractScholarship brainstorming on household welfare enablers abounds in academic literature. Nonetheless, the perspective of entrepreneurship, particularly for the Next‐11 countries, is underreported. Likewise, prior literature failed to investigate the influence of categorical (gender‐specific) entrepreneurship on household welfare. Thus, this investigation covers this lacuna by examining the predictive effects of aggregate, male and female entrepreneurship and financial inclusiveness on household welfare. With panel series spanning 2004–2021, both the Westerlund and Banerjee & Carrion‐i‐Silvestre cointegration procedures confirmed long‐term convergence among the series. The estimates of the augmented mean group (AMG) and the cross‐sectional autoregressive distributed lag (CSARDL) techniques revealed that entrepreneurship enhances household well‐being. This outcome validates the self‐determination theory since entrepreneurial engagements enhance household welfare. By extension, policies targeting entrepreneurship empowerment are critical for economic prosperity in these countries. In terms of gender variations, it is established that female entrepreneurship, much more than male, enhances household well‐being significantly. Furthermore, although automated teller machine availability promotes subjective well‐being, the number of commercial bank branches enhances only objective well‐being. Meanwhile, commercial bank loans failed to enhance both aspects of welfare at all times. Hence, we have provided relevant policy options that would ensure the maximization of households’ well‐being in these countries and other emerging economies.

The Impact of Smallholder Irrigation Scheme on Household Welfare in Farm-Managed Irrigation Scheme Communities in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

The Impact of Smallholder Irrigation Scheme on Household Welfare in Farm-Managed Irrigation Scheme Communities in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

Effects of government assistance programs on the well-being of urban low-income households during COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia

This study aims to investigate the effects of government assistance programs on the well-being of urban low-income households during the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on Malaysians’ well-being, affecting a variety of factors such as income, health, and standard of living. To address the repercussions of the pandemic, the government has implemented diverse economic stimulus packages. Household well-being is assessed using four indicators: income, health, cost of living, and social relations. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in six regions of Malaysia. Data from 706 respondents was analysed using the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The main findings reveal that government assistance programs enhance household well-being by reducing the cost of living, increasing income, improving health, and fostering social interactions. Specifically, among the four focused aspects, the programs have the most significant impact on improving the health of low-income households. These programs have the least effect on enhancing well-being through the reduction of the cost of living. Consequently, these findings provide valuable information to policymakers in understanding the effectiveness of government assistance programs during the crisis period. This nationwide evidence-based analysis will contribute additional insights to the formulation of future assistance programs aimed at improving the well-being of low-income households.

Analisis Pola Konsumsi di Indonesia sebagai Indikator Peningkatan Kesejahteraan Masyarakat

Household consumption expenditure is a key indicator that can describe the welfare of households in a region or country. Household welfare as measured by consumption is related to how the household meets its basic needs, both food and non-food. The higher the proportion of consumption expenditure for non-food, the better the standard of living or household welfare because theoretically food consumption has a maximum limit, while non-food consumption has no maximum limit (BPS, 2020).

Unraveling the dynamics of loneliness in the Baltic-Nordic region: a comparative analysis in the wake of COVID-19.

The primary aim of this study is to thoroughly investigate the prevalence and determinants of loneliness among older adults in the Baltic-Nordic region. Utilizing high-quality data sources and employing a methodologically rigorous approach, the study endeavors to enhance our understanding of how loneliness manifests and varies across different cultural and socio-economic contexts within these regions. By identifying key factors influencing loneliness, including demographic, social, and economic variables, the research seeks to contribute significantly to the existing body of knowledge on loneliness and inform targeted public health strategies and interventions tailored to the unique needs of older adults in the Baltic and Nordic countries. This research, centered on older adults aged 67 and above within the Baltic-Nordic region, draws upon data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), specifically its eighth wave conducted between June and August 2020. The demographic analysis of this study covers a diverse sample of 5,313 participants from the Baltic and Nordic regions. Specifically, the sample includes 2,377 participants from Nordic countries, namely Sweden, Denmark, and Finland, and 2,936 from the Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The investigation extends to the financial well-being of households, involving an analysis of 3,925 individuals, with 1,748 from Nordic countries and 2,177 from Baltic countries. Although Iceland is categorized as a Nordic country, the analysis within this study is conducted separately due to the unavailability of SHARE data for this region. Instead, the HL20 study, focusing on the health and well-being of the older adult population in Iceland, contributes data for 1,033 respondents. This methodological distinction allows for a comprehensive understanding of regional differences, highlighting the importance of specialized approaches to examine the intricate dynamics of loneliness and well-being across the Baltic-Nordic region. The study reveals significant regional variations in loneliness among older adults during the COVID-19 outbreak, with the Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) reporting a lower prevalence of loneliness compared to the Nordic countries (Sweden, Denmark, Finland). Iceland, while grouped with the Nordic countries, was analysed separately. Employment emerges as a key factor in reducing loneliness across all regions, suggesting the benefits of social interactions and structured routines. Gender and marital status significantly influence loneliness, with notable disparities in the Baltic region and smaller gaps in the Nordic countries, reflecting the impact of societal and cultural norms. Additionally, educational attainment and health status show varied associations with loneliness, highlighting the complex interplay of individual and societal factors in these regions.

The substantial impacts of carbon capture and storage technology policies on climate change mitigation pathways in China

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, considered as a pivotal tool in mitigating climate change within the fossil energy system, particularly in China, has experienced slower development than expected. The exploration of direct incentive policies to facilitate its growth remains relatively underdeveloped. This study developed a hybrid dynamic computable general equilibrium (CGE) model to simulate the substantial impacts of CCS incentive policies on China within the context of carbon neutrality target. Two potential incentive policies, carbon emission trading system (ETS) and 45Q tax credit, were simulated, with different sectoral coverage. The results indicate that CCS technologies can reduce carbon emissions by 960 ∼ 1,604 MtCO2 annually by 2060 through the strategic implementation of these incentive policies. The 45Q tax credit demonstrates its effectiveness in promoting early-stage research and development (R&D) and demonstration of CCS, while the ETS policy facilitates the commercial development of CCS in the later stage of development. By 2060, the implementation of CCS incentive policies could potentially result in 7.7 ∼ 17.4 % reduction in China’s primary energy consumption, 71.2 ∼ 82.7 % decrease in the carbon price of ETS and 5.64 ∼ 6.59 % increase in the GDP compared with the no-policy scenario. In addition, the sectoral output in various sectors and the welfare of urban and rural households also increase. This paper provides an important reference for the realization of China’s carbon neutrality goal and the model framework can be applied to other countries.

Impacts of demand and supply-side interventions on South Korea’s housing markets: a dynamic housing-CGE analysis

This paper examines the impacts of housing market policies in Korea by developing a dynamic computable general equilibrium model integrating regional housing markets and multiregional mobility. We compare simulation outcomes of demand- and/or supply-side approaches in housing market interventions and address how these various policy instruments affect housing prices, demand, and household welfare. Policy simulation results suggest that supply-based interventions would be more effective than housing tax policies for cooling down overheated housing markets without decreasing consumer welfare. Tax-based demand-side approaches result in a 1.8–2.2% housing price drop and a 1.1–1.2% welfare decline annually between 2021 and 2024. In the supply-side policy, investing in housing construction leads to 3.4–4.1% lower housing prices and 1.5–1.8% enhanced welfare.

Rural household vulnerability and COVID-19: Evidence from India.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected vulnerable households' livelihoods in developing countries. Using high-frequency phone survey data from the World Bank, we assess rural Indian households' vulnerability and poverty status during the pandemic. Results reveal that over three-fifths of Indian rural households are vulnerable to poverty in the context of COVID-19, despite India's evident progress in mitigating poverty in the pre-pandemic era. Poverty plays a major role in accounting for variations in household vulnerability; however, the impact of risks on household welfare is not negligible. On average, households with more members, older household heads, and more outmigrants are more vulnerable to poverty during the pandemic. The impacts of the gender of the household head, access to masks, consumption loans, and COVID-related information are nevertheless insignificant. Results stress the urgent necessity of deploying concerted interventions to strengthen household vulnerability in rural India.

Financial inclusion toward economic inclusion: empirical evidence from China’s rural household

PurposeFocusing on micro-level indicators, we investigate financial inclusion levels in rural China, examining its determinants and impact on household welfare. We construct a financial inclusion index of four essential financial services: savings, digital payments, credit and insurance. We identify factors influencing financial inclusion among Chinese rural households and assess the effects of financial inclusion on household welfare.Design/methodology/approachWith the entropy method, we use data from the 2019 China Household Finance Survey to assess financial inclusion levels in rural China. Determinants and their impact on welfare are analyzed through probit and ordinary least squares models, respectively. Propensity scoring matching is applied to address potential endogeneity.FindingsWe reveal that rural households exhibit limited usage of formal financial services, with notable regional disparities. The eastern region enjoys the highest financial inclusion and the central region lags behind. Household characteristics such as family size, education level of the household head, income, employment status and financial literacy significantly influence financial inclusion. Financial inclusion positively impacts household welfare as indicated by household consumption expenditure. The use of different types of financial services is crucial with varying but significant effects on household welfare.Originality/valueThis study offers valuable insights into China’s rural financial inclusion progress, highlighting potential barriers and guiding government actions.

Agricultural Extension Model based on Local Wisdom in Creating Household Welfare in the Dayak Tunjung Tribe Community, West Kutai Regency

Agricultural extension is non-formal education for farmers which includes extension activities, knowledge and skills for farmers and their families which takes place through a teaching and learning process. Agricultural instructors must be able to guide farmers, instructors also provide motivation, provide information and increase farmers' awareness so that they can encourage their interest in learning in facing problems in the field. Local wisdom is a view of life and knowledge as well as various life strategies in the form of activities carried out by local communities in responding to various problems in meeting their needs. The traditional culture of the Dayak Tunjung Tribe in West Kutai is rich in various local wisdom and plays an active role in preserving the environment. Local wisdom is the noble values that apply in community life to, among other things, protect and manage the environment sustainably. Local wisdom not only understands the knowledge of indigenous/local communities between humans and how good relations between humans are, but also concerns knowledge, understanding and customs about humans, nature, and the relationship between all, where all knowledge is lived, practiced, taught and passed on from one generation to generation. The Dayak community as local farmers have local wisdom in farming and opening farms. The Dayak community does not burn forests except for farming, and this is also done through traditional calculations that have been taught from generation to generation. The aim of this research is to analyze the factors that influence changes in farmer behavior towards household welfare in the local wisdom of shifting cultivation. This research approach uses a mixed method approach. In this research, it uses a sequential explanatory design where the first sequence uses quantitative methods, and the second sequence uses qualitative methods. The number of samples (n) in this study was 110 farmers. The data analysis used is GSCA, which is an analysis that combines the characteristics found in PLS-SEM with Covariance Based Structural Equation Modeling (CB-SEM). Based on the research results, it was found that factors influence changes in farmer behavior in improving the welfare of farmer households, namely: (1) internal factors of farmers which have a significant influence on changes in farmer behavior in farming. Factors that do not influence changes in farmer behaviour are: (1) external factors of farmers and (2) the role of extension workers does not have a real influence on the farming activities of the local Dayak Tunjung Tribe community. Changes in farmer behaviour in the shifting agricultural activities of the Dayak Tunjung community, namely knowledge (Y1.1), attitudes (Y1.2), and skills (Y1.3), all of these indicators have a real and large influence on improving farmer welfare. farmer household. This means that in order to improve the welfare of farming households, farmers must change the behaviour of farmers in carrying out shifting cultivation activities in Barong Tongkok District

Do Long Commutes Discourage Fertility Intentions Among Young Public Housing Renters in Guangzhou, China?

There are longstanding international housing policy concerns about the well-being and satisfaction of public housing residents and other low-income households. However, little is known about whether the location of public housing requires such lengthy commutes that it retards their fertility intentions. As a result, this study aims to examine the relationship between long commutes and the fertility intentions of young public housing residents and the underlying mechanism linking them. Based on data from the 2022 Public Housing Survey in Guangzhou, China, the results show that long commutes can weaken the intention to have children among young public housing residents. However, this effect is only found to be significant for the self-employed, part-time workers, and those working in the private sector, not for those working in the public sector. Moreover, the effects turn out to be more pronounced for those who commute by private car and active transportation than those who take public transportation. Finally, this study reveals that residential satisfaction mediates the nexus between long commutes and fertility intentions. This study makes an important step in advancing the scholarly understanding of the differential fertility intentions as a result of the spatial mismatch.

Design and Techno-economic Analysis of an Improved Multipurpose Cooker Stove

In response to the growing concerns surrounding the adverse health and environmental impacts of inefficient and hazardous traditional cooking fuels and stoves, this research aims to design and assess the performance of an improved multipurpose cooker stove. The study focuses on Zambia, a country deeply affected by air pollution and deforestation due to charcoal and firewood production using inefficient cooking stoves called Mbaula. The primary objective is to create an economically viable and environmentally friendly cooking stove that addresses the sustainability challenges of traditional cooking practices. The research is guided by key objectives. The study outlines the design process of the improved multipurpose cooker stove, emphasizing the incorporation of sustainable design principles. The improved multipurpose cooker stove demonstrated a thermal efficiency of 87.49%, significantly higher than the 11.88% thermal efficiency of traditional stoves. This improvement in efficiency is crucial for reducing fuel consumption and maximizing heat transfer during cooking processes. In addition, the research findings showed that the improved multipurpose cooker stove consumed 0.3643 kg/L less fuel compared to traditional stoves. This fuel savings not only reduces the cost of raw materials but also contributes to environmental sustainability by lowering deforestation rates and air pollution. Despite the initial investment cost of the improved cooker stove, the long-term operation costs are lower due to reduced fuel consumption and maintenance expenses. The study's findings and recommendations hold promise for addressing critical challenges related to clean cooking solutions, environmental preservation, and the well-being of households in Zambia and similar contexts.

Subjective Well-Being, Willingness to Accept COVID Policies, and Vulnerability: Evidence from China

China has experienced dramatic economic growth and poverty reduction over the last two decades, leading the country to declare victory in eradicating extreme poverty in 2021. While the country’s track record in poverty reduction is certainly respectable, income poverty is only one dimension of broader wellbeing. Increasingly, the notions of vulnerability and subjective well-being (SWB) have been noted by researchers and practitioners worldwide. However, the widespread outbreak of COVID-19 pressed hard on people’s livelihoods, potentially impacting SWB or tipping vulnerable households into a state of poverty. These states may impact households’ support for China’s strict measures to control the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19. To date, however, few studies have rigorously assessed household welfare and its relationship with SWB and subjective acceptance of aggressive COVID-related policies during the pandemic. Our results suggest that vulnerable households, on average, were less happy, experienced depression more frequently, and were subject to negative emotions impeding their ability to complete their work during the early period of the pandemic. Analysis also suggests that the vulnerable are less willing to accept the closure of work places, and became less confident in the government and the health system. The relationships between vulnerability, SWB, and acceptance of COVID-related policies are heterogenous and are conditional on the source of vulnerability. To enhance pre-pandemic progress in poverty elimination in China, the findings of this study suggest that interventions that can stabilize income variability also needs to be prioritized alongside raising income levels in the policy agenda.

Impact of tree planting on household well-being: evidence from the central highlands of Vietnam

Household land use decisions in the tropics have a wide range of outcomes and impacts on economic development, environmental conservation, and social development. This study seeks to contribute to this debate by examining the effects of tree planting on poverty alleviation and welfare improvement in Vietnam. We employ a combination of multinomial endogenous treatment effect and propensity score matching, using survey data collected from 239 households in 11 communes in Vietnam’s Central Highlands region. We find that households engaged in tree planting can increase their income and alleviate poverty compared to non-engaging households. Specifically, long-term cashew plantations provide early harvests and have proven to be a preferred crop for households dealing with immediate livelihood needs. However, short-term acacia timber crops contribute insignificantly to poverty reduction and may be more suitable for households with greater financial resources. The policy implication underscores the importance of interventions tailored to support impoverished households with urgent livelihood needs. Prioritizing immediate necessities is crucial before households can invest in long-term tree planting.

Dynamics of household welfare change and analysis of coping strategies during floods: an empirical investigation

PurposeThis study aims to understand the socioeconomic impact of flood events on households, especially household welfare in terms of changes in consumption and coping strategies to deal with flood risk. This study is based on Bihar, one of the most frequently flood-affected, most populous and economically backward states in India.Design/methodology/approachPrimary data were collected from 700 households in the seven most frequently flood-affected districts in Bihar. A total of 100 individuals from each district were randomly selected from flood-affected villages. Based on a detailed literature review, an econometric (probit) model was developed to test the null hypothesis of the availability of consumption insurance, and the multivariate probability approach was used to analyze the various coping strategies of these households.FindingsThe results of this study suggest that flood-affected households maintain their consumption by overcoming various losses, including income, house damage and livestock loss. Households depend on financial transfers, borrowings and relief, and migrate to overcome losses. Borrowing could be an extra burden as the government compensates for house damage and crop loss late to the affected households. Again, there is no compensation to overcome livelihood loss and deal with occurrences of post-flood diseases, which further emphasizes the policy implications of strengthening the health infrastructure in the state and generating alternative livelihood opportunities.Originality/valueThis study discusses flood risk in terms of changes in household welfare, identifies the most effective risk-coping capabilities of rural communities and contributes to the shortcomings of the government insurance and relief model.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-07-2023-0569

Determinants of Household Poverty: Identification Using Logistic Regression

The fight against poverty is considered one of the most critical tasks in achieving sustainable development goals. This study aims to identify the key determinants of household poverty in Algeria. The information base is data from the Sixth Cluster Survey (MICS 6) conducted by the National Statistics Office during 2018-2019 with a sample of 31,325 households in each province, which are divided into three groups (poorest, poor, non-poor) using a well-being index, which is based on the data about household assets and living conditions. Polynomial logistic regression was used to model the correlation between the poverty status of households and various demographic (household size, gender, age and education level of the head of the household), socio-economic (employment of the head of the household) and spatial (place of residence (urban/rural), region) characteristics. The results showed that a higher level of education of the head of the household significantly increased the probability of households moving from the “poorest” to the “poor” or “non-poor”. As the age of the household head increases, the likelihood that the household will be non-poor increases. The gender of the head of the household was not a statistically significant factor. The increase in the number of dependents as a factor of creating additional financial pressure and falling into poverty is essential only in a situation of a very drastic change in status – when moving from the status of “non-poor” to “the poorest”. In contrast, a slight change in well-being (a shift from “poor” to “poorest”) is not associated with an increase in the number of household members. Modeling showed that extreme poverty is more common in rural areas than in cities. Regional differences are also revealed, as the poverty level is higher in the southern regions than in the northern ones. The slight increase in household welfare (transition from the category of “poorest” to “poor”) in Algeria is not due to the economic activity of the head of the household. Still, it may be related to the nature of the analyzed data (only the fact of employment was considered without specifying the nature and type of activity). Instead, a significant change in welfare (moving from the category of “non-poor” to “poorest” households) directly depends on whether the head of the household is employed or unemployed. The results of the study are essential in the context of the development of a targeted policy to reduce the poverty risks of Algerian households: increasing the level of education and skills should be a priority, especially for young people and in disadvantaged regions, targeted programs for the development of rural areas and mechanisms for the fair distribution of public investments between provinces are needed to overcome regional disproportions.

Enhancing household rice farmers’ welfare under climate change conditions using loop diagrams of causality: A system thinking approach

Climate change has hurt several sectors, but agriculture has been a tough hit. Small farmers are the people most affected by climate change because they have less access to resources and information. Their household welfare is lowered as a result, and they are unable to avoid the effects of climate change. To lessen the negative effects of climate change, farmers have to figure out how to adapt to it. This study uses a household economic model to examine the relationship between livelihood assets and strategic adaptation using the framework of systems thinking. This research has created causal loop diagrams (CLDs) based on a literature review to capture crucial variables in farmer households’ economic behavior under climate change conditions. By using these CLDs, more studies can be conducted to enhance the welfare of rice farmers through multiple policy simulations.

Removing Price Subsidies and Impacts on Consumption and Production Patterns: Evidence From a Systematic Literature Review

Due to the increasing trend in prices for food and energy products in global markets, subsidy removal and complementary policies have received significant attention in recent years. Critics of subsidy removal express concerns about the potential negative effects on the economy, including impacts on GDP, employment, household welfare, and production sectors. This has led to worries among majority economic policy-making bodies regarding potential social unrest, particularly its impact on low-income households. Therefore, there exists a debate in the literature on the potential impacts of subsidy removal. This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the impacts of subsidy removal policies and related subjects using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The main research question is, ‘Do subsidy removal schemes necessarily lead to economic distortions?’ The results indicate that impacts on the economy and household indicators are more explored than the influences on government and industry. The magnitude of these impacts varies depending on the types of subsidies and the extent of subsidy reduction. Considerable attention has been given to the impact of energy subsidy removal in Asian developing countries, while there is a lack of studies on other subsidized products and developed countries. Governments are advised to investigate their unique internal policy dynamics while considering external environments.