Category Diverse Journal of Multidisciplinary Research

Trend Analysis and Determinants of Maize Production in Zimbabwe: (1990-2020)

Abstract – The study analyzed the trend and determinants of maize production in Zimbabwe for the period between 1990 and 2020. In trend analysis, the study employed descriptive statistics, which revealed a downward general trend for the period under study. Based on the findings, maize production fell by around 35 percent between 1990 to 2020 owing to a combination of factors from prices, policies, and the climatic environment. Moreover, in analyzing the extent of the influence of price and non-price determinants on maize production, a Nerlovian supply response model was employed using time series data for the period under review.…

Assessing the Dynamics of Fiscal Performance in Zimbabwe

Abstract – The study examines the dynamics of fiscal performance in the Zimbabwean economy. The study used annual time series data starting from the year 1990 up to 2020 to establish the economic factors contributing to budget deficits. During the period under review, Zimbabwe has experienced perpetual budget deficits except during the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 where budget surpluses were chronicled. The fiscal imbalance that has characterised the economic landscape of Zimbabwe have had negative pass-through effect on the broader economy at large. The variable budget deficit was used as the dependent variable whilst the explanatory variables used in…

Barriers to Female Participation in Community-Based Organisations in the Kumbungu District of the Northern Region of Ghana

Abstract – A Community-Based Organisation (CBO) is a voluntary autonomous association of people designed to meet their common economic, social, and cultural needs through a jointly owned and democratically managed organisation. Female participation in Community-based Organisations (CBOs) all over the world is one of the important factors which affect development in most communities. This term paper is about examining the barriers to female participation in CBOs in the Kumbungu District in the northern region of Ghana. The main objective of the study was to examine barriers to female participation in CBOs in the Kumbungu District of Ghana. A qualitative study…

Corporate Governance Practices by Rural District Councils (RDCs) in Zimbabwe. A Review of Related Literature

Abstract – The review paper focuses on challenges currently being faced by Rural District Councils (RDCs) in Zimbabwe of corporate governance nature. The performance of Rural District Councils (RDCs) in most parts of the country is being affected by council members who are advancing their interests at the expense of the community. The authors reviewed the literature on corporate governance challenges impeding the functionality of local authorities in Zimbabwe. The authors also looked at how the pillars of corporate governance are being violated by council members at the expense of service delivery in communities. Rural communities are characterized by poor…

Redirecting the path of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) Through Corporate Governance Legislative Development. A Review of Related Literature

Abstract – This review is concerned with corporate governance legislative development for State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). The primary focus is on corporate governance developments in Kenya, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The authors reviewed the literature on corporate governance development for SOEs with the primary goal of identifying the main malfeasances that have happened at SOEs in Africa so as to allow to authors to make recommendations on how such malfeasances may be reduced. The study used secondary literature sources such as published journals and government reports. The study reveals that in Africa corporate governance development has largely evolved following main corporate…

The Effectiveness of Online Learning Strategies Adopted by Secondary Schools in Nyanga North, Zimbabwe

Abstract – The study sought to determine the effectiveness of online learning techniques towards the quality of learning in Nyanga North Secondary Schools in Zimbabwe during the COVID-19 era. The researcher was motivated to carry out the study by the alarming fall in pass rates by students in Nyanga North secondary schools in 2020 national examinations. The unexpected COVID 19 outbreak in 2019 led to subsequent national lockdowns which disrupted the normal way of social life. The emergence of the Covid 19 virus meant education across the globe had to take a new trajectory. The functionality of learning institutions was…

An Assessment of the Role of Customs Institutions in Facilitating Women’s Informal Cross-Border Trade Activities in Southern Africa: The case of Zimbabwe

Abstract – The paper scrutinizes the role played by customs administrative systems in facilitating women’s cross-border trading activities. Customs and revenue collection authorities are mandated to extract taxes by implementing just and fair duty regimes. Developments in recent decades have emphasized a need to safeguard women’s rights and inclusion in economic systems. Despite all efforts in ensuring gender equality research has proven that women have remained marginalized. With World Customs organization (WCO) conventions which include the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) in place, it is the responsibility of the customs administration to align their laws, policies…

Can Remittance Boost Tax Revenue Collections: A case study of Zimbabwe

Abstract – The study investigates whether remittances can help developing countries increase their tax revenue collections. For the period from the second quarter of 2009 through the fourth quarter of 2017, the study used quarterly secondary time series analysis. The study used the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) methodology to construct two basic regression models that take into account two major tax heads that are linked to remittances: income tax and value-added tax. Remittances are measured using three different methods: current period remittances, one period lagged remittances, and remittance squared. Remittances boost both income tax and VAT, according to empirical evidence derived…

Investigating the Nexus Between Foreign Aid and Economic Development: The Case of Goromonzi District, Mashonaland East Province, Zimbabwe

Abstract – The foreign aid-economic development nexus remains controversial and hence vague as different development economists and researchers give mixed conclusions over the debate. Commanding a place on the list of perpetual recipients of foreign aid, Zimbabwe has its stake in the on-going debate. As one of the perennial beneficiaries of aid, one would expect that at one point aid would cease and countries be self-sustaining. However, this is not the case with Zimbabwe and this leaves one with a question- ‘Is foreign aid ushering in development’? This paper sought to unpack the aid-local development nexus through a qualitative approach.…

An Investigation into the Efficacies of Introducing a National Health Insurance Scheme in Zimbabwe: Insights from Key Stakeholders

Abstract – There is consensus on the contribution of both public and private health expenditure on health outcomes. Several health funding schemes have emerged over time and National Health Insurance Schemes (NHIS) commands its stake. A myriad of studies were carried out on the impact of NHIS on health outcomes. Though there is a general concurrence on its effectiveness, some countries have failed to establish such schemes and Zimbabwe, the country of study is not an exception. This exploratory study sought to elicit views from selected key stakeholders on the efficacies and odds of introducing an NHIS in the country.…

The Challenges of Consolidating Democracy in the Nigerian Fourth Republic: A Comment

Abstract – Nigeria returned to civil rule on 29th May, 1999 and Nigerians were hopeful that their lots would be improved but twenty-one years after, the country is faced with numerous challenges among which are insecurity, poverty, banditry, leadership failure, corruption, electoral malpractice, among others. All these have affected democratic consolidation in the country. This essay examines the challenges of consolidating democracy in the Nigerian Fourth Republic and suggests ways by which such challenges can be addressed. The paper adopts a historical and descriptive method.  Put differently, it is a desk research and relies on secondary data such as books,…

Knowledge on the Dangers of Alcohol Consumption During Pregnancy Among Women of Reproductive Age in Nadowli-Kaleo District, Ghana

Abstract – Alcohol consumption in the reproductive age of women is a public health concern because of its health implications on both mother and baby. The outcome of such action is that frequent drinkers may be unaware they are pregnant until after some weeks of gestation. This study assessed the knowledge of reproductive age women on the dangers associated with alcohol consumption during or in pregnancy in the Nadowli-Kaleo District. The study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional design. A sample size of 294 reproductive-age women were selected through a multi-stage random sampling method for the study. Data was collected through researchers’…

An Evaluation of Competition in Zimbabwe’s Short-Term Insurance Sector: An Application of the Panzar-Rosse Approach

Abstract – This paper is aimed at evaluating the nature of competition in Zimbabwe’s short-term insurance sector. Panel data from 19 short-term insurers was utilized from year 2010 to 2017, the author employed the Panzar-Rosse (1987) approach as a proxy for competition. Total Revenue and Premium Revenues were used as dependent variables while size, equity ratio and underwriting risk were used as control variables. The results from the empirical investigation showed that generally short-term insurers in Zimbabwe were operating under monopolistic competition for the better part of the period under review. Thus, findings from the research point out that competition…

Internationalization of SMEs through MNCs Social Capital in African Countries

Abstract – The paper examines the importance of internationalization of SMEs in the current global set up of international trade. The study identifies the existing MNCs social capital as critical to the growth of SMEs in Africa and promotion of both forward and backward linkages between SMEs and MNCs. Approximations in the studies done accentuates that approximately 95% of the running businesses in the world are Small to Medium Enterprises and they employ about 60% of the total working population and significantly add up to 40% of Gross Domestic Product. It highlights the role which can be played by the state to…

Special Economic Zones in developing countries: Challenges and opportunities for Zimbabwe

Abstract – The concept of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) being adopted by Government is a positive move towards economic development. SEZs are areas granted special privileges in a country specifically for economic development through foreign business persons to invest into that country. The privileges include special investment policies such as tax easing, financial support and issuance of work permits and special support in infrastructure. Major businesses which usually fall under SEZs are manufacturing, agriculture, commerce, tourism. If implemented accordingly, they assist in employment creation and economic development. There is need to ensure that laws and regulations which address issues of…

Mental Health Stress and Coping Strategies Among Healthcare Workers at the Bolgatanga Regional Hospital

Abstract – The outbreak of COVID-19 in China through to the declaration by the World Health Organization as it being a health emergency has seen a variety of healthcare personnel at the forefront in the fight against the virus. There has been increase demand of healthcare workers to do more leading to increase workload which has the potential to increase the stress of healthcare professional thereby negating their mental health. The purpose of the study is to determine the effect of stress on the mental health of the healthcare workers and the their coping strategies in the era of COVID-19.…

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Nurses in the Tamale Metropolis Towards Coronavirus Prevention

Abstract – The coronavirus pandemic that engulfed the world continues to bring health care facilities and personnel including nurses to their knees. Both human and material resources are overburdened, cost of personal protective equipment have soar up amidst high demand. Nevertheless, nurses continue to play the frontline role to aid in dealing with the pandemic. This exposes them to contracting the virus therefore making it essential for nurses to acquaint themselves with high level of knowledge and prevention practices to stay safe to continue to render care to patients. The study explored the nurses’ knowledge, attitude and practices towards coronavirus…

Efficiency in the Short-Term Insurance Industry in Zimbabwe: An application of the Stochastic Frontier Approach

Abstract – Efficiency has stood out to be one of the key fundamentals in economics and as such, many corporates have endeavored in injecting capital, including, human capital in a bid to enhance efficiency. Owing to the stake that efficiency has in the field of economic research, several researchers have delved in a myriad of studies ranging from exploring the determinants of efficiency as well as measuring efficiency in the insurance sector. This study empirically examined the efficiency of Zimbabwe’s non-life insurance companies. Cost and profit efficiency scores were analyzed using the Stochastic Frontier Approach (SFA) which is a parametric…

Job Satisfaction and Attitude of Teachers at Secondary Level: A Comparative Study

Abstract – Satisfaction is an essential part of any task. When anyone is satisfied by action regarding a particular perspective, then that task would be useful, meaningful and successful. In the teaching profession, satisfaction of the teachers with their job has its importance because when they become very satisfied with their job, the teaching process would be interesting, adequate and fruitful. Attitude is the psychological aspect of any individual. It is that aspect that describes the internal capacity of any individual towards work. It has own importance and works as an agent for the promotion of educational knowledge. This study…

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Crude Oil Price Crisis on the Price of Automobile Fuels in European Countries

Abstract – Coronavirus outbreak has had a notable global and national impact on the energy sector, contributing to a decline in the price of crude oil as well as lower prices of transport fuels in Europe. Furthermore, the oil price crisis due to Russia–Saudi Arabia oil price war was another shock which led to a significant drop in the prices of road fuels in European countries. Therefore, this study is aiming to examine the impact of the COVID-19, as well as, crude oil price on the prices of transport fuels in four European countries including; Italy, Germany, France, and Spain.…