EuroEconomica

Drivers of Organic Fertiliser Adoption and Use Intensity Among Smallholder Maize Farmers in Lake Victoria Region, Western Kenya

Rosebell Achieng Owuor, Alphonce Juma Odondo, Caleb Ollweny, Mathews Dida — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Smallholder farmers account for about 75% of maize production in Kenya. The current average on-farm productivity is 1.43 ton/ha against the potential of 6 ton/ha. In Western Kenya, low soil organic carbon is one of the contributors to the low maize productivity. Studies have shown that organic fertilizers contribute towards increase in soil productivity. However, there is paucity of information on the relationship between drivers of organic fertilizers adoption and use intensity among the farmers, which the study seeks to address. A total of 358 farmers were interviewed in the 2020/21 growing seasons. Heckman’s two-stage model was estimated. The results demonstrate that age, education, gender, soil quality perception and access to supportive resources are pivotal in shaping organic farming decisions. There is need for targeted extension services to less educated and older farmers. Off-farm income generation should be encouraged. Integrated soil fertility management approaches that address nutrient replenishment and soil erosion control is necessary, and there is need to promote mechanization or subsidization of organic fertilizer application on larger farms as this may help overcome labour constraints and improve organic fertilizer adoption on a broader scale. The results may be a source of literature for subsequent studies in related fields.

The Economic Influence of Artificial Intelligence on Labour Markets

Sibonelo Sibahle Mpanza — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Artificial intelligence (AI) is disrupting global labour markets, providing both opportunities and challenges. Although AI offers various opportunities in the labour market, such as automating routine tasks, improving productivity, and creating new jobs, its utilization also poses threats and challenges, including worker displacement and exacerbating inequality. Hence, this article explores the economic impact of AI within the context of employment, wages, and skills, while simultaneously focusing on the opportunities brought by AI, such as innovation in the labour markets. The study follows a mixed-method approach, combining econometric analysis of employment data across OECD countries, case study analysis of industries adopting AI, such as manufacturing and healthcare. In the automated sectors, findings reveal that the integration of AI into the production process has increased productivity by over 15%, creating new job opportunities in AI-driven fields; however, job displacement increased significantly as a result, particularly for low-skilled workers, while wage inequality increased by 8%. This study proposes a framework for balancing innovation brought by AI with social costs, putting more emphasis on workers to acquire tech-driven skills for economic relevance and policymakers to ensure inclusivity. The study contributes significantly to the academic discourse by addressing policy gaps and measuring AI’s labour market effects. Practically, the study recommends investment in tech-driven skills, universal basic income (UBI) pilots, and development of AI governance frameworks.

The Challenges Affecting the Regulation and Supervision of Banks in Zimbabwe

Howard Chitimira — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The article explores various challenges that are negatively affecting the regulation and supervision of banks in the Zimbabwean financial sector. Such challenges include the adoption of poor bank supervisory approaches, poor bank risk management systems, chronic liquidity problems, poor corporate governance practices, regulatory arbitrage, poor technology in the banks, lack of adequate staff with the relevant expertise in banks, poor cooperation between banks and other relevant authorities, poor capitalisation, poor regulatory approaches, political problems, economic instability and the lack of sufficient financial resources to effectively enforce the Zimbabwean banking laws. The relevant laws include the Banking Act 7 (Chapter 24:20) of 2011, the Microfinancing Act 3 (Chapter 24:29) of 2013, the Bank Use Promotion and Suppression of Money Laundering Act 2 (Chapter 24:24) of 2004, the Deposit Protection Corporation Act (Chapter 24:29) 7 of 2011, the Moneylending and Rates of Interest Act (Chapter 14:14) 9 of 1930, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Act (Chapter 22:15) 5 of 1999, the Building Societies Act (Chapter 24:02) 20 of 1965 and the People’s Own Savings Bank of Zimbabwe Act (Chapter 24:22) 18 of 1999. It is hoped that the relevant authorities will adopt appropriate measures to curb the aforesaid challenges. Accordingly, the article provides some recommendations that could be utilised by the relevant authorities to enhance the regulation and supervision of banks and related financial institutions in Zimbabwe.

ESG Reporting and Financial Performance of Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria: A Contemporary Analysis

Osamagbee Iyawe, Ify Michael Chijuka — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The increasing global emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations has driven corporate institutions, including financial institutions, to incorporate sustainability in their operations. This study examines the impact of ESG reporting on the financial performance of Nigerian deposit money banks using panel data from 2015 to 2024. Employing a Fixed Effects Model, the study finds that corporate governance, environmental disclosure, risk management, and social responsibility significantly influence return on equity (ROE). The findings reveal that corporate governance has the strongest effect on financial performance, followed by environmental disclosure and risk management. The results suggest that integrating ESG principles into banking operations enhances financial stability and investor confidence. The study recommends that Nigerian banks strengthen governance structures, improve environmental and social disclosures, and adopt robust risk management frameworks to drive long-term financial growth. Furthermore, regulatory agencies should enforce stricter ESG compliance measures to ensure sustainability and responsible banking practices.

Effect of Sweet Potato Market Conduct on the Nexus Between Sweet Potato Market Structure and Market Performance in Kenya

Alphonce Odondo — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Kenya’s sweet potato industry yields an average of 8.2 tons per hectare against her potential of 50 tons per hectare. This dismal performance is partly ascribed to paucity of market information which the current study sought to address through Hierarchical multiple regression model anchored on the Structure Conduct Performance (SCP) paradigm. The study revealed that market share, market concentration, entry barriers and product differentiation had significant positive effects on sweet potato market performance. Market conduct significantly moderated the strength of the relationship between entry barriers and market performance. Thus, conduct of market players should be checked to minimize activities that enhance sweet potato market inefficiencies.

Structure, Profitability, and Constraints of Catfish Marketing in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the marketing structure, profitability, and constraints associated with catfish distribution in Ibadan, Oyo State. The growing demand for fish protein in Nigeria has intensified the importance of effective marketing systems for aquaculture products, particularly catfish. However, some challenges continue to undermine profitability. A multistage sampling technique was used to select 150 catfish marketers across major markets, and data were collected using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics, gross margin analysis, and the Shepherd-Futrel marketing efficiency model were employed in analyzing the data. Results showed that marketers purchased catfish at an average of ₦1,096.25 per kilogram and generated a weekly profit of ₦705,095.35, with a marketing efficiency of 90.69%. Major cost components included the purchase price (90.88%) and transportation (4.15%). Despite high demand, particularly in the dry season, marketers faced significant challenges such as fish mortality during transport (72.5%) and lack of adequate preservation facilities. Fresh catfish was the preferred form for 97.5% of consumers, with size being the most critical factor in price determination. The study concludes that catfish marketing in Ibadan is economically viable, yet hindered by logistical and infrastructural challenges.

VANETs and IoT in Smart Cities: Technology Overview and Economic–Policy Implications

Veranda Syla, Algenti Lala — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The integration of Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs) into Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled smart city environments promises to enhance road safety, traffic efficiency, and intelligent transportation services. This paper presents an overview of the key enabling technologies for VANET-based smart transportation, including wireless communication standards from DSRC to cellular 5G V2X, vehicular sensing and data networking, localisation techniques, and security mechanisms, and explains how these technologies converge within smart cities. In addition to the technical perspective, we examine the economic and policy implications of deploying VANET and IoT systems at scale. We analyse the expected economic benefits, such as reduced accident costs and congestion and the creation of new business opportunities, alongside the challenges of high infrastructure investment and the need for critical mass adoption. We also highlight policy considerations ranging from spectrum allocation and technology standardisation to data privacy and regulatory frameworks that can facilitate or hinder implementation. By combining a technological survey with an economic and policy analysis, this work aims to inform researchers, city planners, and policymakers about the opportunities and challenges involved in realising secure, efficient, and economically viable vehicular networks in future smart cities.