Who could have seen this coming? The Kenya red cross society and the drought appeal of 2019

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Ben Otieno Ngoye ◽  
Halima Saado ◽  
Caroline Wambui Gachari
Keyword(s):  
Public Management ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Red Cross ◽  
Crisis Communications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Academic Level ◽  
Dry Spell ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Government

Learning outcomes The case will be useful in helping learners: to appreciate concepts in and develop the necessary understanding to apply relevant theories in crisis communications; to identify communications issues along with the evolution of a crisis; to understand the importance and role of a crisis communications team; and to develop skills in writing a crisis communications plan. Case overview/synopsis The case is a narration of the experiences of the Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS) as it launched the Kenya drought appeal in March 2019, and the unexpected media and public backlash that ensued. The background is that of an unusual-yet-previously-predicted dry spell, consequent drought and famine, alleged famine-related deaths, mixed signals from the national and county government and a hitherto well-regarded institution (the KRCS) coming in to launch an appeal aimed at raising funds to help alleviate the effects of the prolonged drought and consequent famine in the northern parts of the country. Unfortunately, a major media and public backlash that was not foreseen by KRCS ensued, and it threatened the reputation and very existence of the organization. Drawing on interviews and secondary material in the public domain, the case focuses on how the KRCS navigates the media and public backlash that ensued following the funding appeal. The case is interesting because of the type of organization involved (a not-for-profit institution set up as auxiliary to the government and of good repute), the nature of the problem (reputational crisis and attendant risk management), the setting (a LMIC in sub-Saharan Africa) and the level of analysis (organizational rather than individual decision-making).[AQ1] Complexity academic level Masters level – MBA, Executive MBA, Master’s in Public Management, Master’s in Communication and/or similar courses. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 11: Strategy.

Factors limiting the adoption of hemp as an alternative sustainable material for green building delivery in Ghana

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kofi Agyekum ◽  
Emmanuel Adinyira ◽  
James Anthony Oppon
Keyword(s):  
Building Materials ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainable Material ◽  
Environmental Threats ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Comparative Review ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Government

PurposeThe increased awareness of global environmental threats like climate change has created an upsurge of interest in low embodied carbon building materials for green building delivery. Though the literature advocates for the use of hemp-based building materials, there is no evidence of studies to explore its potential use in Ghana. Therefore, this study explores the potential factors that limit the adoption of hemp as an alternative sustainable material for green building delivery in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachA structured questionnaire was used to solicit the views of built environment professionals operating in construction, consulting and developer firms. The questions were developed through a comparative review of the related literature and complemented with a pilot review. Data were analysed via descriptive and inferential statistics.FindingsOn the average, the majority of the respondents showed a moderate level of awareness of hemp and its related uses in the construction industry. Also, certain key factors like the perceived association of hemp with marijuana, lack of expertise in the production of hemp-related building materials, farmers not getting the needed clearance for the cultivation of hemp, lack of legislation by the government in the legalisation of hemp and the inadequate knowledge of consumers on the benefits of hemp-based building materials were identified as potential limitations to the adoption of hemp as an alternative sustainable material for green building delivery.Originality/valueThe findings from this study provide insights into a less investigated area in sub-Saharan Africa and further provide new and additional information to the current state-of-the-art on the potential for the use of hemp in the building construction sector.

Local dynamics exacerbate Africa copper sector woes

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Copper Production ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Safety Requirements ◽  
The Face ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Government ◽  
Slight Rise ◽  
Current Slump ◽  
Unemployment Problem

Subject Outlook for the copper sector in sub-Saharan Africa. Significance Africa's copper production is forecast to be marginally lower in 2016 at 1.823 million tonnes, compared to 1.895 million tonnes in 2015. This is due to production cutbacks implemented in the face of continued weakness in international -- especially Chinese -- demand. A slight rise in prices earlier in the year was not sustained, dampening the economic prospects for major exporting countries. Impacts The deaths of several miners at a Glencore mine in Zambia may push the government to enforce tougher safety requirements. Miners are unlikely to restore all the jobs shed during the current slump, extending the region's unemployment problem. Divisions within the Congolese opposition on whether to negotiate with Kabila on the delayed polls will exacerbate political tensions.

scholarly journals Strategic accountability for sustainability of natural resources – public discharge and optimism in sub-Saharan Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Tetteh Asare ◽  
Bruce Burton ◽  
Theresa Dunne
Keyword(s):  
Natural Resources ◽  
Institutional Theory ◽  
Natural Resource ◽  
Single Point ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Institutional Legitimacy ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Government ◽  
Accountability Practices

Purpose This study aims to explore individual perceptions about how the government, as the main architect of policies and regulations, discharges strategic accountability in Ghana’s oil and gas sector and, in so doing, promotes resource sustainability. Design/methodology/approach The study reports on a series of interviews with key actors using institutional theory as a lens for discussion and interpretation of results. This approach forms the basis for a number of specific contributions to knowledge regarding strategic accountability around natural resource discoveries. Findings Whilst many deeply-set problems appear to persist, the paper reports some favourable movement in public perceptions regarding institutional accountability that has not been identified previously. The empirical findings demonstrate how the three elements of institutional theory work together in an emerging country’s natural resource industry to drive a potentially holistic strategic institutional legitimacy, contrary to the existing pervasive picture of detrimental regulative, normative and cognitive institutionalism found within the region. Practical implications The findings suggest that, contrary to existing regional evidence regarding institutional financial accountability practices around natural resources, Ghana has made favourable strides in terms of strategic accountability discharge. This discovery implies that with persistence and commitment, a meaningful degree of intelligent strategic accountability can be achieved and, with appropriate empirical methodology, identified and rationalised. Social implications The persistent coercive pressure from the Ghanaian society that caused the government to listen to overtime and take positive steps in the institutionalisation of their strategic accountability process which translated into a holistic institutional legitimacy that has eluded the sub-region for decades, is a glimmer of hope for other societies within the sub-Saharan region that all is not lost. Originality/value The paper suggests an empirically driven approach to understanding the institutionalisation of strategic accountability practices and their impact on sustainability around natural resources in sub-Saharan Africa. The focus on the strategic aspect of accountability – rather than the financial as in most prior work – and the consideration of opinions at more than a single point in time permits the identification of novel evidence regarding accountability in emerging economies.

Microfinance institutions' risk and governance in Sub-Saharan Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Haileslasie Tadele ◽  
Helen Roberts ◽  
Rosalind Whiting
Keyword(s):  
Financial Risk ◽  
Risk Measures ◽  
Generalized Least Squares ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Microfinance Institutions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Female Director ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the impact of MFI-level governance on microfinance institutions' (MFIs’) risk in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).Design/methodology/approachThe study uses data from a sample of 151 MFIs operating in 21 SSA countries during 2005–2014. The Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) regression model is applied to investigate the relationship between MFI level governance mechanisms and risk.FindingsThe study provides new evidence that board characteristics have differential effects on for-profit (FP) and not-for-profit (NFP) MFI risk. Board independence reduces credit risk of NFP MFIs. Foreign director presence increases MFI failure risk. Furthermore, greater female director representation reduces (increases) FP (NFP) financial risk whereas female CEOs are associated with higher (lower) FP (NFP) financial risk.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to existing literature on microfinance governance and risk, by exploring the impact of governance on MFI risk based on MFIs profit orientation. In addition, the study uses three different risk measures unlike previous microfinance studies.

Institutionalizing the fight against money laundering in Tanzania: the potential, limitations and challenges

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eugene E. Mniwasa
Keyword(s):  
Money Laundering ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Institutional Framework ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Institutional Frameworks ◽  
Analysis Technique ◽  
Legal Perspective ◽  
The Law ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Government

Purpose This paper aims to examine the authorities tasked to fight against money laundering in Tanzania and appraise the efficacy of the country’s anti-money institutional framework to tackle the problem. Design/methodology/approach The paper draws on a qualitative research and data generated from the analysis of documentary materials. It surveys the anti-money laundering (AML) law in Tanzania to describe the legal and institutional frameworks for tackling money laundering. It explores law-related and non-law aspects to interrogate and appraise the efficacy of Tanzania’s AML law and authorities. The qualitative data were generated using the thematic content analysis technique. Findings The law in Tanzania establishes authorities and vests them with powers to combat money laundering. The authorities, which are part of Tanzania’s AML institutional framework, have been instrumental in combating money laundering. Nevertheless, several law-related and non-law factors emasculate the efficacy of the AML law and authorities in Tanzania. Some political and economic factors wear off the effectiveness of the country’s AML institutional framework. The transnational nature and complexity of money laundering overwhelm the capacity of the AML authorities in Tanzania. Practical implications The paper provides useful insights on money laundering and the legal regime to counteract the scourge in Tanzania which sets up the country’s AML institutional framework. It raises some issues for researchers, policymakers and law enforcers who can re-examine the problem and revisit the law and re-evaluate authorities and propose measures that will enable the government to reinforce the country’s AML regime. The paper makes a case for the government to implement the reforms of the country’s AML policy, legal and institutional frameworks. Originality/value The paper investigates issues relating to money laundering and its control in Tanzania beyond the legal perspective to uncover limitations and challenges that emasculate the efficacy of the AML authorities in the Tanzanian context. The issues examined in this paper are not unique to Tanzania and, hence, have relevance to other jurisdictions in sub-Saharan Africa.

Analyzing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on vegetable market supply in Northwestern Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aemro Worku ◽  
M. Ali Ülkü
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Original Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Major Incidents ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Market Channel

PurposeDue to global trade and transportation, the COVID-19 pandemic has rapidly reached all corners of the world; it has most impacted the poor communities and rural areas with limited or no access to recovery. This paper aims to understand the pandemic's impact on the market supply of vegetables (agrifood) in Ethiopia and other countries in sub-Saharan Africa and to implement scientifically based recommendations that can improve the challenges caused by the pandemic and improve the livelihoods of vegetable producers.Design/methodology/approachThis study assessed the major incidents that follow the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ethiopia with the factors that significantly influence onion market supply in the Mecha district of Northwestern Ethiopia using linear multiple regression.FindingsThe study revealed that producers, processors, local collectors, cooperatives, wholesalers, retailers and consumers are the main actors. The most important difference that happened on the onion market channel after the outbreak of coronavirus was brokers were removed from the market channel after the pandemic and this saved the cost producers pay as a commission. The pandemic disrupted input distribution, extension and cooperative services and created labor scarcity. Access to market, postharvest value addition, price and marketing contract were significant factors that influence the market supply of onion. The study identified the need for policy interventions by the government to overcome the postpandemic challenges and ensure the sustainable development of onion production and marketing in the Mecha district.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of the study are primarily related to the methodology as data are collected at a single moment in time. However, the study observes that those changes after the pandemic are better understood if we collect data at different time. Therefore, the future study needs to provide longitudinal data to examine stability of response and to observe performance of the market that occur over time.Originality/valueThis original research is the first to study the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Northwestern Ethiopia. The data used in the analysis are primary.

The palace will have the final say in Moroccan policy

2017 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Prime Minister ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
The Political ◽  
Coalition Government ◽  
Fiscal Discipline ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
The Government ◽  
Rates Of Growth ◽  
And Training

Significance Morocco’s inability to form a coalition government following the general election of October 2016 ended when Othmani announced on March 25 that he reached an agreement with five other parties. King Mohammed VI broke the political logjam by replacing Abdelilah Benkirane as the prime minister-designate with Othmani, another leading figure from the Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD). Impacts The government will continue to base its economic policy on keeping tight fiscal discipline. Rabat will also aspire to higher rates of growth through promoting investment and exports. The king will seek to depoliticise the economy and to keep promoting Moroccan investment in sub-Saharan Africa. Taking its cue from the king, the government is likely to set ambitious targets for improving the level of education and training.

Debt, revenue woes to push African states to seek help

2016 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Interest Rates ◽  
Financial Management ◽  
Sovereign Debt ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Municipal Bond ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Finance Minister ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Commercial Sources ◽  
The Government

Subject Outlook for sovereign debt in sub-Saharan Africa. Significance Nigerian Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun on January 31 announced that the government is in "exploratory talks" with the World Bank to borrow 2.5 billion dollars. Squeezed by low commodity revenues, sub-Saharan African states (SSA) are struggling to manage their external debt, which has grown by 90% to 46.5 billion dollars overall during 2010-14, much of it from commercial sources. Impacts South Africa will dominate SSA municipal bond issuance since most states lack adequate subnational financial management. Donors may use the new loans to Angola and Nigeria as leverage for sharper currency depreciation. Yet this would pressure central banks, which will likely raise interest rates to support thier currency and mitigate inflation. Despite falling copper revenues, Zambia will likely delay seeking IMF assistance since reform conditions will prove politically toxic.

Entrepreneurial habits in the Kenya red cross society

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Bitange Ndemo ◽  
Benedict Mkalama ◽  
Dennis Moiro Aiko
Keyword(s):  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Red Cross ◽  
Entrepreneurial Leadership ◽  
Basic Principles ◽  
Content Type ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Academic Level ◽  
Not For Profit ◽  
Entrepreneurship Theory

Learning outcomes The case study takes students through basic principles and applications of entrepreneurship theory as demonstrated by the story of Kenya Red Cross Society (KRCS). The case further demonstrates the significance of communicating a rallying vision in a change management situation. The case further allows the students to evaluate the concept and implication of entrepreneurial leadership thereby enhancing creativity and innovativeness in a firm. Case overview/synopsis An area that has had little interaction in the study of entrepreneurship is within the development and humanitarian agencies. This is a case study on Entrepreneurial Habits in the KRCS. The leadership of KRCS combined different entrepreneurial actions that were able to deliver commercial goals in a not-for-profit organization. The final overarching consideration was the sustainability of the changes implemented over a period of time. Complexity academic level Graduate level. Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.

Uber Sub-Saharan Africa: contextual leadership for sustainable business model innovation during COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Caren Brenda Scheepers ◽  
Jill Bogie
Keyword(s):  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Business Model ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Corporate Strategy ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Sharing Economy ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Level ◽  
Sub Saharan

Learning outcomes The learning outcomes are as follows: to gain insight into the importance of location, in terms of spatial and temporal context and the capability of leadership to tune into and strategically adapt to context; to understand and explain the sharing economy and explain how the Uber business model fits into this new way of doing business; to evaluate how Uber South Africa has adapted its business model in the period of the COVID-19 crisis and discuss the nature of the business model innovations that is has made; and to understand business model for sustainability and how it differs from the general understanding of business models. Case overview/synopsis On 15 May 2020, Alon Lits, General Manager of Uber Africa was considering his dilemma of adapting their business model to the demands of COVID-19, without losing their core business model as a multi-sided technology platform business. Uber was asking their riders to stay home to ensure social distancing during the lockdown, rather than booking a ride with Uber. The question was how they could support their driver partners, while they were discouraging riders to make use of Uber. Uber had taken initiatives to create additional revenue streams for drivers. The case highlights how Alon Lits and his executive team prioritised the health and well-being of their Uber community and quickly adapted their technology to meet the evolving needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. They customised their offerings to the different needs in the seven Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries in which they operated. Uber supported businesses by using the Uber-X sedan vehicles to deliver necessities like food, medicine and parcels to the frontline and poor communities. Uber globally offered their drivers in quarantine 14 days of financial assistance. Serving communities also involved offering free rides to women and children who were victims of domestic violence to get them to a safe space. The multi-sided platform technology business had to consciously adapt, to the “next normal” as the COVID-19 era evolved. Complexity academic level The case is most suitable for Post-Graduate Master’s level courses, MBA, MPhil in Corporate Strategy. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS: 11 Strategy.

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