Browsing by Author "Nyathi, L.D."

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    Determinants of Crop Insurance Uptake by Tobacco Farmers in Zimbabwe
    (RSIS, 2024-07-05) Nyathi, L.D.; Tshuma, N.
    Agriculture serves as the cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s economy, supplying more than 60% of the raw materials needed by various industries. Additionally, it constitutes 40% of the country’s total exports, making it the primary contributor to export revenue. Notably, tobacco accounts for 50% of these exports, solidifying its position as the largest contributor within the agricultural sector. The remarkable growth in tobacco production can be attributed to small-scale producers who gained empowerment through the Fast Track Land Reform Program (FTLRP). Despite the prosperity and expansion observed in tobacco production, an inherent risk persists, particularly among new farmers. The absence of safety nets to cushion against adverse events poses a significant challenge in this critical sector. Consequently, this study aims to examine the factors influencing crop insurance adoption by tobacco farmers. We employed a concise and validated closed-ended questionnaire, collecting data from 121 farmers. Subsequently, we conducted an econometric analysis using a logistic model in STATA V 11 to explore the determinants of crop insurance uptake. The research findings indicate that several factors significantly influence the uptake of crop insurance among tobacco farmers. These factors include tobacco farming experience, level of education (measured in school years), frequency of extension officer visits, and the farmer’s income. Despite these influential factors, the adoption of tobacco insurance remains low, with a considerable number of tobacco farmers unaware of the insurance schemes offered by insurance companies. In summary, the study underscores the pivotal role of tobacco as a major contributor to foreign currency and employment in Zimbabwe. Recognizing the economic significance of tobacco exports, the paper recommends that Zimbabwean tobacco farmers embrace more formal risk management strategies, such as agricultural insurance, to safeguard and consolidate the gains they have achieved thus far.
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    The Role of Ease of Doing Business in Attracting Foreign Direct Investment in the SADC Region
    (RSIS, 2024-06-26) Nyathi, L.D.; Mlobane, M.
    This study seeks to analyze the role of ease of doing business in attracting foreign direct investment in the SADC region. The main goal of the study is to present new findings to corroborate whether ease of doing business factors are a significant and positive stimulus for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The study also proves to the role of ease of doing business to boost foreign direct investment in the SADC Region to enhance economic growth amid indications that foreign direct investment (FDI) streams in the SADC Region are diminishing rather than other economic communities all through the world, regardless of SADC’s endeavours to encourage an empowering environment for FDI. The research also verifies some hindrances such as negative gamble discernments, a troublesome business environment, and pervasive corruption as key elements given for SADC’s inability to attract and keep up with FDI. The study used panel data and therefore applied a Pooled Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression or a fixed effects model. The results revealed that gross fixed capital formation, political stability, corruption and gross domestic product were statistically significant towards FDI inflows into the SADC region. The study recommended that the SADC region should develop responsible foreign capital regulation which offers incentives for localized investment and lower unemployment rate by producing jobs and real income that can be used to either fuel economic growth or be saved in financial institutions.