DENOMINATIONAL AFFILIATION AND FERTILITY BEHAVIOUR IN AN AFRICAN CONTEXT: AN EXAMINATION OF COUPLE DATA FROM GHANA

2008 ◽  
Vol 40 (3) ◽  
pp. 445-458 ◽  
Author(s):  
STEPHEN OBENG GYIMAH ◽  
BAFFOUR TAKYI ◽  
ERIC YEBOAH TENKORANG
Keyword(s):  
Religious Affiliation ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Fertility Behaviour ◽  
Sample Data ◽  
African Context ◽  
Lower Fertility ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Religious Differences

SummaryAlthough studies have examined religious differences in fertility in sub-Saharan Africa, it is argued in this paper that using women-only sample data may be conceptually problematic in patriarchal African societies where the influence of husbands on their wives’ reproductive preferences is paramount. The present study contributes to this discourse by examining the relationship between religion and fertility behaviour using matched-couple data from Ghana. Guided by the ‘religious values’ and ‘characteristics’ hypotheses, the results indicate significant religious differences in fertility. Compared with Traditionalists, Christians and Muslims have lower fertility, albeit these differences diminish significantly after controlling for socioeconomic variables. The impact of wife’s religious denomination on marital fertility is attenuated after controlling for husband’s religious affiliation. Also, fertility was found to be higher if couples belong to the same faith compared with those of different faiths.

Innovation, institutions and economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa – an IV estimation of a panel threshold model

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Ato Forson ◽  
Rosemary Afrakomah Opoku ◽  
Michael Owusu Appiah ◽  
Evans Kyeremeh ◽  
Ibrahim Anyass Ahmed ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Innovation Policy ◽  
Threshold Model ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Panel Regressions ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThe significant impact of innovation in stimulating economic growth cannot be overemphasized, more importantly from policy perspective. For this reason, the relationship between innovation and economic growth in developing economies such as the ones in Africa has remained topical. Yet, innovation as a concept is multi-dimensional and cannot be measured by just one single variable. With hindsight of the traditional measures of innovation in literature, we augment it with the number of scientific journals published in the region to enrich this discourse.Design/methodology/approachWe focus on an approach that explores innovation policy qualitatively from various policy documents of selected countries in the region from three policy perspectives (i.e. institutional framework, financing and diffusion and interaction). We further investigate whether innovation as perceived differently is important for economic growth in 25 economies in sub-Saharan Africa over the period 1990–2016. Instrumental variable estimation of a threshold regression is used to capture the contributions of innovation as a multi-dimensional concept on economic growth, while dealing with endogeneity between the regressors and error term.FindingsThe results from both traditional panel regressions and IV panel threshold regressions show a positive relationship between innovation and economic growth, although the impact seems negligible. Institutional quality dampens innovation among low-regime economies, and the relation is persistent regardless of when the focus is on aggregate or decomposed institutional factors. The impact of innovation on economic growth in most regressions is robust to different dimensions of innovation. Yet, the coefficients of the innovation variables in the two regimes are quite dissimilar. While most countries in the region have offered financial support in the form of budgetary allocations to strengthen institutions, barriers to the design and implementation of innovation policies may be responsible for the sluggish contribution of innovation to the growth pattern of the region.Originality/valueSegregating economies of Africa into two distinct regimes based on a threshold of investment in education as a share of GDP in order to understand the relationship between innovation and economic growth is quite novel. This lends credence to the fact that innovation as a multifaceted concept does not take place by chance – it is carefully planned. We have enriched the discourse of innovation and thus helped in deepening understanding on this contentious subject.

African Biography and Historiography

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heather Hughes
Keyword(s):  
Southern Africa ◽  
Entry Point ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
African History ◽  
Political Biography ◽  
Biographical Dictionary ◽  
African Context ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Vast Range

Biography in the African context can take many forms, from brief entries in a biographical dictionary or obituary in a newspaper to multivolume studies of single individuals. It can encompass one or many subjects and serves both to celebrate the famous and illuminate obscure lives. Biographies can be instructional as well as inspirational. Sometimes, it is hard to draw a line between biography and autobiography because of the way a work has been compiled. An attempt is made to understand this vast range of forms, with reference to social and political biography. The main focus is on work produced since the 1970s, with examples drawn from all regions of sub-Saharan Africa (although Southern Africa is better represented than others, as is English-medium material). Matters that preoccupy biographers everywhere, such as the relationship between writer and subject and the larger relationship between biography and history, are raised. Biography can be an excellent entry point into the complexities of African history.

The impact of political liberalisation and democratisation on ethnic conflict in Africa: an empirical test of common assumptions

2000 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-39 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zeric Kay Smith
Keyword(s):  
Ethnic Conflict ◽  
Empirical Test ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Resource Base ◽  
Sensitive Data ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Conflict In Africa ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

This article provides an empirical test of a set of common theoretical assumptions concerning the relationship between political liberalisation, democratisation and ethnic conflict in Africa. The theory in question posits that liberalisation will result in short-term increases in ethnic conflict and that democratisation will be followed by a decrease in ethnic conflict. The article employs a cross-national and time sensitive data set to test this hypothesis in the context of contemporary sub-Saharan Africa. A compelling benefit of this methodology is that it allows for an explanation of variation in ethnic conflict both across states and over time.The results indicate that the relationship between political liberalisation and ethnic conflict is the reverse of what the common assumptions would predict. Liberalisation has had an inverse relationship to ethnic conflict in sub-Saharan Africa between 1988 and 1997. Democratisation does not have the hypothesised effect even when lagged variables are employed. Structural variables as represented by GDP per capita and infant mortality rates are also systematically related to ethnic conflict. The author concludes that policy makers and analysts should continue to pursue both liberalisation and democratisation but should not neglect the central role of an adequate resource base in reducing ethnic conflict in Africa. Political liberalisation and democratic institutions, while providing some measure of relief, are by no means silver bullets for the difficult challenges posed by ethnic conflict in Africa.

scholarly journals Economics & Religious Implications On Adult Literacy In Sub-Saharan Africa

2011 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amon O. Okpala ◽  
Comfort O. Okpala
Keyword(s):  
Adult Literacy ◽  
Urban Population ◽  
Religious Affiliation ◽  
Least Square ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Ordinary Least Square ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Impact

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Although literacy rates have improved somehow in recent years, there are still large numbers of people that are illiterates in developing countries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>This paper examines the impact of public education expenditures, the percentage of urban population and religious affiliation on adult literacy rate in Sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, a cross-sectional data of 34 Sub-Saharan African countries with adequate data information were analyzed. The results from the ANOVA and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression analysis are quite conclusive - that urban population, government expenditures on education and religious affiliations do have strong statistical impact on literacy.</span></span></p>

scholarly journals Remittances, institutions and human development in Sub-Saharan Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Umar Mohammed
Keyword(s):  
Human Development ◽  
Measurement Errors ◽  
Generalized Method Of Moments ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lagged Dependent Variable ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between remittances, institutions and human development (HD) in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries using data from 2004 to 2018. The study attempts to answer two critical questions: Do the increasing remittances inflow to the region have any effect on human capital development? and does the effect of remittances on human development vary depending on the level of institutional quality?Design/methodology/approachThe analysis uses a dynamic model; system Generalized Method of Moments (Sys-GMM) as this approach controls for the endogeneity of the lagged dependent variable; thus, when there is a correlation between the explanatory variable and the error term, which is normally associated with remittances, it also controls for omitted variable bias, unobserved panel heterogeneity and measurement errors in the estimation.FindingsThe findings indicate a positive and significant impact of remittances on HD in SSA. The results further reveal a substitutional relationship between institutions and remittances in stimulating HD. The estimations mean that remittances promote HD in countries with a weak institutional environment. The findings also establish that the marginal significance of remittances as a source of capital for HD falls in countries with well-developed institutions.Originality/valueMost empirical research on the impact of remittances on HD does not tackle the problem of endogeneity associated with remittances. This study, however, provides empirical evidence by using Sys-GMM that solves the problem. The current study also is the first work to examine the relationship between remittances, institutions and HD in SSA and provides a new guide for future research on the remittance and HD nexus.

scholarly journals MIGRATION-TRADE NEXUS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: EVIDENCE FROM A DYNAMIC PANEL STUDY

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 302-306
Author(s):  
SUNDAY ELIJAH ◽  
Hanny Zurina Hamzah ◽  
Law Siong Hook ◽  
Shivee Ranjanee Kaliappan
Keyword(s):  
Panel Study ◽  
Generalized Method Of Moments ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Large Numbers ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Watch List ◽  
Ssa Countries ◽  
Positive Population

This study examines the impact of migration on trade in SSA region. We used the system generalized method of moments (GMM) estimator with data for 45 sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries from the period 1981-2015 to examine the relationship between migration and trade. The econometric results of our model for migration is negative and significant, this vindicated and validated the Heckscher-Ohlin theory. Furthermore, the econometric results of this study for GDP showed it is significant and positive, population is negative and significant, and lastly exchange rate shows it is significant and positive. In general, the findings of this study supported the theories and previous studies. The robustness test showed similar results with the main results of this study. Our model has passed all the diagnostic tests that were conducted, that is, the Sargan, AR1 and AR2 tests, they were all consistent and are in line with the theory. Hence, we can conclude that our results from these estimations are valid and reliable. This study recommended that migration in SSA should be on control and watch list where this will aid in reducing migration in large numbers and some of the migration issues which trade is one of them.

scholarly journals Examining the Impact of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on Offshore CO2 in the Sub-Sahara

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Josiah Chukwuma Ngonadi ◽  
Sun Huaping ◽  
Joy Okere ◽  
Chuks Oguegbu
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Direct Investment ◽  
Co2 Emissions ◽  
Direct Investment ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Foreign Direct Investments ◽  
Method Of Moment ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Sustainable Economic Growth ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

This study examined the relationship between Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and the emission of CO2 in the Sub Saharan Africa. The literature focuses on foreign direct investments and C02 emission studies in various countries. Data was obtained for the World Bank database from 2004 to 2015, the general method of moment (GMM) model was used for estimating parameters with endogenous regressions in the panel data model to analyze our data. We found out that FDI has significantly influenced the emission of CO2 in the Sub Saharan Africa. The results demonstrated the heterogeneity of the effects of foreign direct investment on CO2 emissions, the impact of foreign direct investment on CO2 emissions is negative and significant. However, the general environmental impact of foreign direct investment is determined by indirect effects and appears to be positive. Moreover, natural resources endowment seemed not to play a key role in this relationship. Recommendations were given to ensure the usage of renewable energy by ensuring a sustainable economic growth.

10. Population policies and future challenges

2018 ◽  
pp. 100-114
Author(s):  
Sarah Harper
Keyword(s):  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Population Policies ◽  
Key Population ◽  
The World ◽  
Future Challenges ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
And Migration ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Different Parts

Population policies aim to modify the growth rate, composition, or distribution of a population. In practice, they can be explicit or implicit. The two main areas in which governments attempt to control or influence through population polices are fertility and migration. ‘Population policies and future challenges’ also considers some key population challenges of the 21st century. Will fertility rates fall to replacement in sub-Saharan Africa? What is the relationship between environment, population, and consumption in different parts of the world? How will we feed and provide water for the projected 9 or 10 billion of us by 2050? What will be the impact of the ageing of the world’s population and of technological change?

The relationship between corporate governance, corruption and forward-looking information disclosure: a comparative study

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 284-304 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ben Kwame Agyei-Mensah
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Governance ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Listed Firms ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Forward Looking

Purpose This paper aims to examine the relationship between corporate governance, corruption and disclosure of forward-looking information in listed firms in two African countries, Botswana and Ghana. Design/methodology/approach The study uses 174 firm-year observations between the period of 2011-2013 for listed firms in the two countries. Each annual report was individually examined and coded to obtain the disclosure of forward-looking information index. Descriptive analysis was performed to provide the background statistics of the variables examined. This was followed by regression analysis which forms the main data analysis. Findings The findings show that firms in the least corrupt country, Botswana, disclose more forward-looking information than firms in Ghana, one of the most corrupt countries in sub-Saharan Africa. This confirms the relationship between the transparency level of a country and the transparency level of the listed firms in that country. Originality/value This is one of the few studies in sub-Saharan Africa that considered the impact of corporate governance factors on transparency and disclosure of forward-looking information. This study contributes to the literature on the relationship between corporate governance and disclosure by showing that disclosure of forward-looking information in Ghana is associated with the proportion of independent board members. The disclosure of forward-looking information in Botswana on the other hand is influenced by board ownership concentration. The findings of this study will help market regulators in Ghana, Botswana and sub-Saharan Africa, Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Sub-Sahara African Exchanges in evaluating the adequacy of the current disclosure regulations in their countries.

Financial freedom, market power and bank margins in sub-Saharan Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 283-299 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Sarpong-Kumankoma ◽  
Joshua Abor ◽  
Anthony Quame Q. Aboagye ◽  
Mohammed Amidu
Keyword(s):  
Market Power ◽  
Generalized Method Of Moments ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Interest Margins ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper examines the effect of financial (banking) freedom and market power on bank net interest margins (NIM). Design/methodology/approach The study uses data from 11 sub-Saharan African countries over the period, 2006-2012, and the system generalized method of moments to assess how financial freedom affects the relationship between market power and bank NIM. Findings The authors find that both financial freedom and market power have positive relationships with bank NIM. However, there is some indication that the impact of market power on bank margins is sensitive to the level of financial freedom prevailing in an economy. It appears that as competition intensifies, margins of banks in freer countries are likely to reduce faster than those in areas with more restrictions. Practical implications Competition policies could be guided by the insight on how financial freedom moderates the effect of market power on bank margins. Originality/value This study provides new empirical evidence on how the level of financial freedom affects bank margins and the market power-bank margins relationship.

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