| 1 |
Author(s):
Michael Oyedele Oyenuga.
Page No : 1-17
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Artificial Intelligence for Social Good.
Abstract
The rest of the world, striving for sustainability, has increased the demand for social good projects and made the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) a more prominent contributor to the world. Now, armed with the great transformative potential of AI, various technologies are being deployed in sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and the environment, uniquely placing them to address urgent global challenges like poverty, inequality, and climate change. This chapter takes a closer look at the role of AI in social good, focusing on public health, education, environment, and humanitarian efforts Building on the literature that has emerged and tapping into well-documented case studies, the chapter shows that AI is demonstrably capable of optimising resource allocation, improving service delivery and encouraging inclusivity in growth while also heightening the importance of having responsible AI through the lens of transparency, accountability and public goods.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Evans O. N. D. Ocansey (Ph.D.), Dorcas Oye Haywood-Dadzie.
Page No : 18-42
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Impact of Environmental Taxes on Carbon Emissions: Systematic Review.
Abstract
The study synthesises the effects of environmental taxes on carbon emissions, utilising 105 studies in academic databases published between 2014 to 2024 to emphasise their overall impact, patterns, and trends. The results indicate that environmental taxes make a substantial contribution to the reduction of carbon emissions, although the efficacy of these taxes varies substantially depending on the social and economic contexts, tax design, and implementation strategies. Research emphasises the significance of revenue recycling and complementary policies in improving the effectiveness of taxes, while compensatory measures are implemented to alleviate the regressive character of these taxes and aid lower-income households. Additionally, successful case studies demonstrate substantial emission reductions, while regions with political opposition or inadequate policy frameworks encounter obstacles to their efficacy. These results emphasise the importance of policymakers taking socio-economic factors into account when developing environmental taxes to guarantee equity and efficacy. Future research research areas were also provided.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Charity Mumaniki, Moses Gamundani, Mark Manyanga, Emmanuel Makiwa, Jacqueline Mutambara.
Page No : 43-63
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An Analysis of the Macadamia Nut Value Chain in Chipinge District, Zimbabwe.
Abstract
This study analyzed the macadamia value chain in Chipinge District, Manicaland, using 2022 cross-sectional survey data from 150 growers, 6 traders, and 2 processors selected through stratified, random, and purposive sampling. Functional analysis identified key actors: input suppliers, estate, medium-scale, and smallholder farmers, merchants, and processors, engaged in input supply, cultivation, local processing, and export of nut-in-shells. Cost–return analysis showed smallholders earned the lowest profit (US$0.58/kg) compared to merchants (US$0.68), estate farmers (US$0.67), and processors (US$2.20). Value addition was highest among processors (US$3.80), followed by smallholders (US$1.25), estates (US$1.14), and merchants (US$0.97). Smallholders faced limited skills, weak markets, and low prices, while merchants and processors reported poor quality and high taxes. The study recommends targeted extension support, improved finance, high-yielding varieties, and stronger coordination to enhance smallholder participation and competitiveness through increased exports of processed macadamia products.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Racheal Amoah (Ph.D.), Godfred Mawutor, Emmanuel Duffour, Evans O. N. D. Ocansey (Ph.D.).
Page No : 64-79
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Impact of Green Procurement Practices on Sustainable Production and Consumption Outcomes: Evidence from Local Governments in Greater Accra.
Abstract
The concept of sustainable development has gained global attention due to rising environmental concerns and climate change. Green Public Procurement (GPP) is crucial for promoting sustainable production and consumption (SPC), particularly in developing countries like Ghana. This research examines the impact of GPP on SPC in Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Greater Accra Region, focusing on supplier selection, green purchasing, and supplier development. A quantitative approach was used, collecting data from 171 procurement officers across 17 MMDAs, analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics, including regression analysis. The main findings indicate a moderate level of GPP practice adoption, with supplier selection (mean = 3.35) and green purchasing (mean = 3.64) exhibiting higher scores than supplier development (mean = 3.26). The regression analysis shows that institutional factors (β = 0.532, p < 0.01) and GPP practices (β = 0.311, p < 0.01) together account for 55.4% (R² = 0.554) of the variance in SPC outcomes. Strong policy guidance (r = 0.619) and sustainability training (r = 0.609) were key enablers, while budgetary constraints had a minimal effect (r = -0.003). Notably, 75% of respondents reported reduced waste and energy expenses from GPP implementation, aligning with global findings on its economic and environmental benefits. The study concludes that while GPP practices are gaining traction, their success relies on solid institutional frameworks, and recommends improving policy clarity, investing in training, and fostering supplier partnerships to enhance sustainable procurement, which supports SDG 12 in local governance.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Ugbe Thomas Adidaumbe, Esekpa Ofem Ibor, Essien Nkoyo Abednego.
Page No : 80-94
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Hunger, Inflation and Poverty: A Potpourri of Evaluation Indices of Government Performance in Nigeria.
Abstract
Hunger, inflation and poverty are adequacy facing the critical challenges in Nigeria with over 80 extreme poor people with scenarios of increased stress, depression, suicide as well as precursor. Despite the enormous resources (natural and artificial) within a successful government. The desirable programmes to free more Nigerians from extreme poverty by governance performance have little or no effect for several reasons including poor government policies, bad governance and corruption which are frequency to hunger, inflation and poverty. It was estimated that, Nigeria is one of poorest country with high inflation, poverty and hunger in West Africa. Historically, Nigeria has experience hunger, inflation and poverty but these have been exacerbated in the present day to day activities. The hunger, poverty and inflation have been precipitated by bad governance and economic competition and have generated human and economic, social and cultural hardship that have worsened the problem of hunger, inflation and poverty. The paper examines the prevalence of indices, causes, alleviation, nexus, control regulation and evaluation lesson act related to hunger, inflation and poverty among families. The inflation, hunger and poverty-related events are highlighted to provide a better understanding on how households are affected negatively with an over-view that, farmers should be involved in decision making in relation to development policies of each community and the federal government should once again encouraged agricultural system of farming where modernization techniques should be promoted.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Divine Bisongonu Fondem (Ph.D.).
Page No : 95-111
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Risk Management Practices and Their Impact on Financial Performance of Life and Non-Life Insurance Firms; Evidence from South Africa.
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to examine the extent of the relationship between Risk Management (RM) practices and Financial Performance FP in the life insurance (LI) and Non-life insurance (NLI) companies in South Africa from 2018 to 2024. Secondary data computed from the annual balance sheet statements were constructed in a Panel data framework and applied OLS and Fixed Effect regression models. The results reveal that CR is a positive and significant relationship with the ROA of the LI and NLI firms in SA, indicating a possible risk transfer mechanism to other financial institutions. While the OP, LI, CR, and MR have positive but insignificant relationships with ROE, future studies should consider increasing the sample size to enhance the generalizability of the findings.
