ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Econometric analysis of marketing costs: A case study

In this study we analyze the marketing costs of a pineapple producing and export firm (i.e., Bomart Farms). Consistent with the strand of literature we categorize marketing costs into Assembling, Processing and Distribution costs. The Assembling cost comprises of cost of crating and loading fresh fruit into truck on the farm; and transportation from farm to pack house. The Processing cost consists of labor for preparation of fruit, cartons, pallets, strapping nails, storage (pre-cooler), water, chemicals, and strapping tape. The Distribution cost consists of freight, container stuffing, transportation to harbor/airport, port handling charges, and logistics/documentation. We specify econometric models (Seemingly Unrelated Regression and Vector Autoregression) of the marketing costs of this firm and collected data on these cost items for 36 months (January 2005-December 2007). We specify the system of equations for the various marketing cost components and estimated this system using Seemingly Unrelated Regression in order to take account of the contemporaneous correlations of the errors across equations. The empirical results reveal that transportation cost from the farm to pack house contributes the highest to Assembling costs (i.e., 1 GH¢ increase in transportation cost increases the Assembling cost by GH¢ 0.58); while the cost of cartons contributes the highest to Processing costs (i.e., 1 GH¢ increase in cost of cartons increases the Processing costs by GH¢ 0.68); freight contributes the highest to the Distribution cost (i.e., 1 GH¢ increase in freight increases the Distribution cost by GH¢ 0.88). The results are intuitive in the sense that increases in fuel prices lead to increases in the transportation cost. There is the need for the Government to reduce sales taxes on fuel products. Next, regarding the cost of cartons, there is only one producer/seller of cartons (i.e., Polycraft Ghana) and hence the prices of cartons are quite exorbitant. In this respect, there is the need for the Government to provide tax concessions and other benefits (e.g., tax holiday) for individual firms who intend to go into carton production as competition among firms will ultimately lead to price reduction. It is not surprising that freight not only contributes the most to Distribution cost but also the most cost component contribution to the overall marketing costs. This can be explained to a large extent by the fact that there are only few freight forwarders (which are mainly foreign companies) at the port, thereby making the freight charges exorbitant for Bomart Farms. Hence, there is the need to provide tax concessions, tax holidays and other incentives for individual firms who intend to go into the pineapple export business. Furthermore, the freight charges are in foreign currencies; hence it is imperative that the unstable foreign exchange be stabilized as fluctuations in the foreign exchange leads to increases in the freight charges. This information is of importance to the management of Bomart Farms, and to any food producing and export firm.

Source: UG
Econometric Modeling of the Nexus of Agricultural Policy and Food Security in Nigeria: A Dummy Variable Regression Approach

Sustainable food production is not negotiable if food security is to be achieved. Recent statistics show increasing food insecurity issues in Nigeria despite government policy and programmes in the agricultural sector. The study specifically described agriculture growth trend under three policy regimes and analysed the effects of agricultural sector policy on food security in Nigeria between 1960 and 2020. Secondary data on agricultural output, gross deficit financing, labour employed in the agricultural sector, land, and population were obtained from World Development Indicators (WDI) of the World Bank, Food and Agriculture Organization Statistics (FAOSTAT), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The data were analysed using trend analysis and Dummy Variable Regression (DVR) model. The Instantaneous Growth Rate (IGR) and compound growth rate (CGR) were respectively 3 percent and 7.2 percent in 1960 – 1969, 0.5 percent and 1.2 percent in 1970 – 1985, and 3.4 percent and 8.1 percent in 1986 – 2020; the country experienced stagnated pattern of growth in the agriculture sector within the oil boom and policy reconstruction period with an instantaneous and compound growth rate of 0.5 percent and 1.2 percent, respectively. An IGR and CGR of 3.4 percent and 8.1 percent, respectively were recorded during the policy stabilization era with an accelerating growth pattern. The intercept of agricultural output and per capita food production of the period with complete agricultural policy document differs from the period with no policy document by 36.8 percent and 39.8 percent, respectively, revealing an increase in the value of agricultural output and per capita food production in the period with a national policy document. The study concludes that availability of agricultural sector policy document directly impacts food security. The post estimation tests on the models confirmed that policy implications emanating from this study are adoptable to improve food security in Nigeria through the agricultural sector policy. Proper and efficient policy mix to support agricultural production was recommended.

Source: UG
Economic analysis of climate variability impact on malaria prevalence: The case of Ghana

A number of studies exist on the relationship between climatic factors and malaria prevalence. However, due to scarcity of data, most of the studies are based on biophysical experiments and do not control for socioeconomic covariates. This research, which uses data on Ghana, contributes to the thin literature that addresses this limitation. We found that humidity and rainfall predict malaria prevalence. Furthermore, our results suggest that malaria prevalence increases with rainfall, the proportion of middle income households, and the proportion of households with no formal education. The corresponding elasticity coefficients are 0.67, 0.12 and 0.66, respectively. Significant differences in the prevalence rate have also been observed across regions. © 2013 by the authors.

Source: UG
Economic Analysis of Health Inequality Among the Elderly in Ghana

In Ghana, the ageing population is growing at a fast pace amidst challenging socioeconomic environment. As such, the health of elderly persons in Ghana is of emerging concern and of high priority to the Government. In this study, we seek to measure health inequality among elderly persons in Ghana to determine its existence and explore the factors driving it. Data for the study were drawn from the World Health Organization (WHO)‘s Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE Wave 1) and analyzed using STATA and a Distributive Analysis Stata Package (DASP) installed in STATA. Health inequality was measured using concentration curves and concentration index (CI). Furthermore, a regression-based approach was used to determine factors associated with health inequality and their estimated contributions to health inequality. The CI for poor SRH was −0.059 indicating greatest poor health among the poor. The highest contributors to health inequality were presence of at least a chronic condition (63.4%), followed by the age group 70 years and above (26.6%), being single (13.9%), poor (3.9%) and uneducated (0.3%). The probability of reporting poor health was higher with increasing age (Coeff = 0.27, p < 0.05), having at least a chronic condition (Coeff = 0.34, p < 0.05), being single (Coeff = 0.14, p < 0.05) and being poor (Coeff = 0.17, p < 0.05). The results show that health inequality exists among the elderly in Ghana and that poor health was greatest among the poor. Socioeconomic, demographic and health related factors are associated with health inequality.

Source: UG
Economic burden of caregiving for persons with severe mental illness in sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review

Background Over the past two decades, the focus of mental health care has shifted from institutionalisation to community-based programs and short hospital stays. This change means that there is an increased role for caregivers, mostly family members, in managing persons with mental illness. Although there is evidence to support the benefits of deinstitutionalisation of mental health care, there are also indications of substantial burden experienced by caregivers; the evidence of which is limited in sub-Saharan Africa. However, knowledge of the nature and extent of this burden can inform the planning of mental health services that will not only benefit patients, but also caregivers and households. Objective To systematically review the available evidence on the economic burden of severe mental illness on primary family caregivers in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted in Pubmed, CINAHL, Econlit and Web of Science with no date limitations up to September 2016 using keywords such as "burden", "cost of illness" and "economic burden" to identify relevant published literature. Articles were appraised using a standardised data extraction tool covering themes such as physical, psychological and socioeconomic burden. Results Seven papers were included in the review. Caregivers were mostly family members with a mean age of 46.34, female and unemployed. Five out of seven studies (71%) estimated the full economic burden of severe mental illness on caregivers. The remainder of studies just described the caregiver burden. All seven papers reported moderate to severe caregiver burden characterised by financial constraint, productivity loss and lost employment. The caregiver’s level of income and employment status, severity of patient's condition and duration of mental illness were reported to negatively affect the economic burden experienced by caregivers. Conclusion There is paucity of studies reporting the burden of severe mental illness on caregivers in sub-Saharan Africa. Further research is needed to present the nature and extent of this burden to inform service planning and policymaking.

Source: UG
Economic burden of family caregiving for elderly population in southern Ghana: the case of a peri-urban district

Background: Health systems in low and lower-middle income countries, particularly in sub-Sahara Africa, often lack the specialized personnel and infrastructure to provide comprehensive care for elderly/ageing populations. Close to-client community-based approaches are a low-cost way of providing basic care and social support for elderly populations in such resource-constrained settings and family caregivers play a crucial role in that regard. However, family caregiving duties are often unremunerated and their care-related economic burden is often overlooked though this knowledge is important in designing or scaling up effective interventions. The objective of this study, therefore, was to estimate the economic burden of family caregiving for the elderly in southern Ghana. Methods: The study was a retrospective cross-sectional cost-of-care study conducted in 2015 among family caregivers for elderly registered for a support group in a peri-urban district in southern Ghana. A simple random sample of 98 respondents representative of the support group members completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Costs were assessed over a 1-month period. Direct costs of caregiving (including out-of-pocket costs incurred on health care) as well as productivity losses (i.e. indirect cost) to caregivers were analysed. Intangible costs were assessed using the 12-item Zarit burden interview (ZBI) tool and the financial cost dimension of the cost of care index. Results: The estimated average cost of caregiving per month was US$186.18, 66% of which was direct cost. About 78% of the family caregivers in the study reported a high level of caregiving burden (as measured with the ZBI) with females reporting a relatively higher level than males. Further, about 87% of the family caregivers reported a high level of financial stress as a result of caregiving for their elderly relative. Conclusion: The study shows that support/caregiving for elderly populations imposes economic burden on families, potentially influencing the economic position of families with attendant implications for equity and future family support for such vulnerable populations.

Source: UG
The economic burden of lymphatic filariasis in northern Ghana

The socio-economic impact of lymphatic filariasis was investigated in a rural community in northern Ghana, as part of a multi-country study. The entire community was followed up for a period of one full calendar pear, to document episodes of acute adenolymphangitis (ADL), treatment seeking and the cost of treatment. Cases of chronic filarial disease identified at the stare of the study were also visited every 3 months to monitor treatment seeking and the costs of treatment. The subjects, who were mainly subsistence farmers, were found to be materially very poor. The incidence of ADL, which lasted an average of 5 days, was found to be very high. Most of those affected were unable to perform their normal activities for much of the ADL episode. In general, most subjects with long-standing chronic disease, such as elephantiasis of the leg and hydroceles, tended not to seek treatment except when there was superimposed ADL. Some aspects of treatment seeking, the cost of treatment, the burden of the disease on the community, and the public-health implications are discussed.

Source: UG
Economic burden of malaria on businesses in Ghana: a case for private sector investment in malaria control

Background: Despite the significant gains made globally in reducing the burden of malaria, the disease remains a major public health challenge, especially in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) including Ghana. There is a significant gap in financing malaria control globally. The private sector could become a significant source of financing malaria control. To get the private sector to appreciate the need to invest in malaria control, it is important to provide evidence of the economic burden of malaria on businesses. The objective of this study, therefore, was to estimate the economic burden on malaria on businesses in Ghana, so as to stimulate the sector’s investment in malaria control. Methods: Data covering 2012–2014 were collected from 62 businesses sampled from Greater Accra, Ashanti and Western Regions of Ghana, which have the highest concentration of businesses in the country. Data on the cost of businesses’ spending on treatment and prevention of malaria in staff and their dependants as well as staff absentee‑ ism due to malaria and expenditure on other health-related activities were collected. Views of business leaders on the effect of malaria on their businesses were also compiled. The analysis was extrapolated to cover 5828 businesses across the country. Results: The results show that businesses in Ghana lost about US$6.58 million to malaria in 2014, 90 % of which were direct costs. A total of 3913 workdays were lost due to malaria in firms in the study sample during the period 2012–2014. Businesses in the study sample spent an average of 0.5 % of the annual corporate returns on treatment of malaria in employees and their dependants, 0.3 % on malaria prevention, and 0.5 % on other health-related corpo‑ rate social responsibilities. Again business leaders affirmed that malaria affects their businesses’ efficiency, employee attendance and productivity and expenses. Finally, about 93 % of business leaders expressed the need private sector investment in malaria control. Conclusions: The economic burden of malaria on businesses in Ghana cannot be underestimated. This, together with business leaders’ acknowledgement that it is important for private sector investment in malaria control, provides motivation for engagement of the private sector in financing malaria control activities.

Source: UG
The economic burden of meningitis to households in Kassena-Nankana District of Northern Ghana

Objective: To estimate the direct and indirect costs of meningitis to households in the Kassena-Nankana District of Ghana. Methods: A Cost of illness (COI) survey was conducted between 2010 and 2011. The COI was computed from a retrospective review of 80 meningitis cases answers to questions about direct medical costs, direct non-medical costs incurred and productivity losses due to recent meningitis incident. Results: The average direct and indirect costs of treating meningitis in the district was GHÂ¢152.55 (US$101.7) per household. This is equivalent to about two months minimum wage earned by Ghanaians in unskilled paid jobs in 2009. Households lost 29 days of work per meningitis case and thus those in minimum wage paid jobs lost a monthly minimum wage of GHÂ¢76.85 (US$51.23) due to the illness. Patients who were insured spent an average of GHÂ¢38.5 (US$25.67) in direct medical costs whiles the uninsured patients spent as much as GHÂ¢177.9 (US$118.6) per case. Patients with sequelae incurred additional costs of GHÂ¢22.63 (US$15.08) per case. The least poor were more exposed to meningitis than the poorest. Conclusion: Meningitis is a debilitating but preventable disease that affects people living in the Sahel and in poorer conditions. The cost of meningitis treatment may further lead to impoverishment for these households. Widespread mass vaccination will save households' an equivalent of GHÂ¢175.18 (US$117) and impairment due to meningitis.

Source: UG
Economic Burden of Motorcycle Accidents in Northern Ghana

Background: Motorcycles are the most popular means of transportation in northern Ghana, and their accidents are major causes of out-patient attendance and admis-sions in the Bolgatanga Municipality. Objective: This paper estimates the economic burden of motorcycle accidents in the Bolgatanga Municipality in Northern Ghana. Design: Retrospective cross-sectional cost study. Methods: Data were collected from Drivers and Vehi-cle Licensing Authority, the Police, health facilities and motorcycle accident victims. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used for data collection. Cost analysis was based on the standard road accident cost conceptual framework. Results: Ninety-eight percent of vehicles registered in the municipality in 2004 – 2008 were motorcycles. The motorcycles were significantly more than the cars reg-istered. The economic burden of motorcycle accidents was estimated to be about US$1.2 million, of which, 52% were accident-related costs (i.e. property damage and administration) and 48% casualty-related costs (i.e. medical costs, out-of-pocket expenses, lost labour out-puts, intangible costs and funeral expenses). Most mo-torcycle accident victims were in their productive ages and were males. Only a third of the motorcycles were insured. Majority of the riders (71%) did not possess valid driving license and would want to avoid the po-lice. Main motorcycle injuries were head injuries, frac-tures, lacerations and contusions. Majority of the acci-dents were caused by lack of formal motorcycle riding training, abuse of alcohol, unrestrained animals and donkey carts. Conclusion: Motorcycle accidents could be reduced through law enforcement, continuous mass education and helmet use.

Source: UG
Economic Cost and Quality of Life of Family Caregivers of Schizophrenic Patients Attending Psychiatric Hospitals in Ghana

Background Low and middle income countries face many challenges in meeting their populations’ mental health care needs. Though family caregiving is crucial to the management of severe mental health disabilities, such as schizophrenia, the economic costs borne by family caregivers often go unnoticed. In this study, we estimated the household economic costs of schizophrenia and quality of life of family caregivers in Ghana. Methods We used a cost of illness analysis approach. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed using the abridged WHO Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) tool. Cross-sectional data were collected from 442 caregivers of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia at least six months prior to the study and who received consultation in any of the three psychiatric hospitals in Ghana. Economic costs were categorized as direct costs (including medical and non-medical costs of seeking care), indirect costs (productivity losses to caregivers) and intangible costs (non-monetary costs such as stigma and pain). Direct costs included costs of medical supplies, consultations, and travel. Indirect costs were estimated as value of productive time lost (in hours) to primary caregivers. Intangible costs were assessed using the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI). We employed multiple regression models to assess the covariates of costs, caregiver burden, and QoL. Results Total monthly cost to caregivers was US$ 273.28, on average. Key drivers of direct costs were medications (50%) and transportation (27%). Direct costs per caregiver represented 31% of the reported monthly earnings. Mean caregiver burden (measured by the ZBI) was 16.95 on a scale of 0–48, with 49% of caregivers reporting high burden. Mean QoL of caregivers was 28.2 (range: 19.6–34.8) out of 100. Better educated caregivers reported lower indirect costs and better QoL. Caregivers with higher severity of depression, anxiety and stress reported higher caregiver burden and lower QoL. Males reported better QoL. Conclusions These findings highlight the high household burden of caregiving for people living with schizophrenia in low income settings. Results underscore the need for policies and programs to support caregivers.

Source: UG
Economic Evaluation of 2014 Cholera Outbreak in Ghana: A Household Cost Analysis

Introduction: Ghana experienced its worst cholera outbreak in three decades in 2014. Evidence of cholera economic costs on affected households has been limited. This study aimed at determining economic costs on households affected by the cholera outbreak in a Coastal Region of Ghana. Methods: Two districts; High and Low Incidence Areas (HIA and LIA) were selected in comparative cost analysis and disease impact on affected households assessed based on scientifically documented economic indicators. A total of 418 (282 HIA and 136 LIA) households that experienced at least one case of cholera infection were interviewed. Direct and indirect costs were estimated. Correlates of household's cholera infection were estimated using Tobit Regression model in STATA 13. Results: Average direct cost to households in HIA amounted to USD 106.88, almost 2 folds higher than LIA (USD 62.02). Potential cost saving of an episode of cholera is USD 99,201.28 in LIA and raises almost 8 folds in HIA (USD 782,611.60). Households in lowest income category had the highest incidence of cholera (0.073) compared to other categories plus other factors were significant in explaining cholera incidence. Conclusions: The study showed considerable differences in HIA and LIA costs with higher household economic impact of cholera on the lowest income category. Results underscore the need for pragmatic policy interventions to avert recurrent outbreaks and emphasis huge potential cost saving with reducing cholera cases.

Source: UG