EuroEconomica

The Effects of Traditional Energy Consumption and Poverty on the Health of Rural Dwellers in Nigeria

Temitope Sade Akintunde — 2024-05-31

This study examines the effects of traditional energy consumption and poverty on the health status of rural dwellers in Nigeria. In an attempt to critically examine the effect of the consumption of traditional energy and poverty on the health status of rural dwellers in Nigeria, this study employs a primary survey and collects data from 1044 respondents in three (3) senatorial districts in Osun State, Nigeria. Initial findings reveal that the socio-economic conditions of households in rural areas in Osun state are significant in explaining traditional energy consumption. Additional findings further reveals that income as a proxy for poverty and energy consumption for cooking and lighting is significant in explaining the health status of rural dwellers in Nigeria. This study recommends that government should endeavour to make clean and modern energy technologies available to rural households in Osun and Nigeria in general as a practical step to addressing the poverty level and health challenges of rural dwellers. This invariably implies that government should also prioritize alleviating the people from their poor economic conditions with a view to enabling them afford clean and modern energy technologies for their energy needs.

Exploring Conditions for Development of the Pharmaceutical Industry in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

N. W. Dlamini — 2024-05-31

Various studies of the pharmaceutical industry suggest that the sector is critical for economic growth, access to affordable healthcare, and addressing socio-economic challenges. Recently, public healthcare in South Africa encountered numerous challenges such as the non-availability of vaccinations to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. This was due to inter-alia, the lack of manufacturing capabilities resulting in overreliance on imported vaccinations. This study aimed to critically review the growth dynamics of the pharmaceutical healthcare sector in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province in South Africa, by analysing the conditions for the development and growth of the sector. By using a qualitative research design, data was collected from the key players in this sector by conducting five (5) in-depth interviews with purposively selected individuals from the industry. The analysis reveals that there is minimal interest from the government to grow the sector since there is a poor regulatory framework and the KZN province is thus struggling to attract foreign investment in this sector. It also became apparent that a sectorial long-term vision necessitates a skills development plan related to sector demand and addressing socioeconomic challenges. The framework and policies must be linked to this strategy to achieve aggregate productivity growth in the province. Furthermore, the government’s responsiveness to the pharmaceutical sector requires an agile approach to capacitate the industry players and strengthen coherence. The primary implication of this inquiry is that the socioeconomic challenges will persist, resulting in the country relying on foreign aid to grow the sector. Even though the study had limitations regarding the cases reviewed and the scope, it would provide a much-needed practical and theoretical lens for future similar studies.

A Comparative Study About The Use Of Artificial Intelligence (AI) In Public Administration of Nordic states with other European Economic Sectors

Junaid Butt — 2024-05-31

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing public administration in Nordic countries like Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. This integration of AI technologies is transforming governance practices, improving efficiency, service quality, and citizen engagement. The European Union tracks and quantifies the digitization of public and fiscal administration using the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI) index, indicating the level of digitization at the European level. The study explores the use of AI in Nordic states, focusing on strategies and integration of AI technologies in service delivery processes. It examines the region’s strong digital infrastructure, emphasis on responsible data use, and high public trust in government. The research reviews policies, strategies, and case studies to understand the drivers, challenges, and outcomes of AI deployment in various administrative domains. It also compares the use of AI in Nordic Public Administration with other European Economic Sectors, identifying lessons learned and best practices for future implementation. The study aims to identify strengths and potential challenges for Nordic states in enhancing efficiency, transparency, and citizen engagement. The findings contribute to both scholarly discourse and practical policymaking by offering insights into the opportunities and challenges associated with AI adoption in Nordic public administration and further underscores the importance of fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, knowledge exchange, and international partnerships to maximize the benefits of AI while addressing concerns about fairness, equity, and societal impact. Ultimately, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the evolving role of AI in shaping the future of governance and public service delivery in the Nordic region.

Remittances and human capital development in BRICS

Kunofiwa Tsaurai — 2024-05-31

The study investigated the impact of personal remittances on the development of human capital in BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) using panel data (1990-2020) analysis methods such as the fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS), dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) and the fixed effects. Using the same data set and econometric estimation methods, the study also explored if financial development is a channel through which the positive influence of remittances on human capital development is enhanced. In line with Ali et. al. (2023), the study focused on BRICS because of its global dominance in terms of share of gross domestic product in the world economy and its fastest pace in terms of economic growth and development. The influence of remittances on human capital development was found to be positive but insignificant under both the fixed effects and FMOLS, results which generally agrees with literature (positive rationale hypothesis). The dynamic OLS shows that remittances reduced human capital development in a significant manner, consistent with the negative rationale hypothesis. The complementarity between remittances and financial development had a non-significant positive impact on human capital development. The study produced results which show that internet usage (DOLS), government consumption expenditure (FMOLS), trade openness (fixed effects, FMOLS) and economic growth (DOLS, FMOLS) had a significant positive effect on human capital development in BRICS. Policies aimed at increasing internet usage, government consumption on education, trade openness and economic growth must therefore be implemented by the responsible authorities in BRICS to enhance human capital development.

Exploring the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Eradicating Poverty and Enhancing Global Security in South Africa: A Regulatory Perspective

Howard Chitimira — 2024-05-31

This article analyses the potential role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the eradication of poverty and the promotion of global security in the South African context. It investigates whether AI could be utilised to alleviate poverty and enhance global security in various sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, disaster management, environmental sustainability and humanitarian assistance. The article further explores the possible benefits of AI in creating new job opportunities, increasing economic growth, improving healthcare, reducing agricultural challenges, enhancing access to education, monitoring and mitigating the impact of climate change and providing aid to refugees and other displaced persons in South Africa. It is also noted that the use of AI is often criticised for algorithmic bias, discrimination challenges, privacy violations and cybersecurity challenges. The article also acknowledges various challenges involved in the regulation of AI without a uniform legal framework and/or without a coordinated approach to AI regulation globally. In this regard, it is submitted that AI should be carefully regulated and employed for the benefit of the people without affecting their human rights and other related rights. Lastly, the article scrutinises the role of AI in combating poverty and enhancing global security so as to expose the potential risks, disadvantages and advantages of AI in South Africa.