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on Financial Literacy and Education |
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Issue of 2024‒02‒19
three papers chosen by |
| By: | Prince HIKOUATCHA (University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon); Alain G. TAGNE FOKA (University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon); Armand D. FOSSI (University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon); Simplice A ASONGU (Johannesburg, South Africa) |
| Abstract: | Recent and ongoing advancements in the field of ICT have led to the introduction of increasingly diversified financial products, and their use is improving people's level of financial knowledge and skills. This article aims at assessing the effect of Fintech on the level of financial literacy of small business’ managers in Cameroon. To this end, information was gathered using a questionnaire from 209 small business managers in Cameroon. Descriptive statistics, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and multiple linear regression are used. Results lead to two main conclusions. On the one hand, unlike knowledge of their existence, the frequency of use of Fintech tools is better able to contribute to improving financial literacy levels overall. On the other hand, specifically, this result is more important when it comes to competence and self-confidence in managing financial affairs. As a result, increasing the utilization of financial technology instruments in companies is imperative for efficiency. |
| Keywords: | Financial Skill; Financial Knowledge; Financial literacy; Fintech; Small business |
| JEL: | G53 M2 O33 |
| Date: | 2023–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:exs:wpaper:23/070&r=fle |
| By: | Joseph I. Uduji (University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria); Elda N. Okolo-Obasi (University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria) |
| Abstract: | The purpose of this paper is to critically examine the multinational oil companies (MOCs) corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Nigeria. Its special focus is to investigate the impact of the global memorandum of understanding (GMoU) on enhancing rural women’s financial inclusion in the areas of access to credit, insurance, propensity of the women to save and widening of economic opportunities in the Niger Delta. A total of 800 rural women were sampled across the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Results from the use of a combined propensity score matching and logit model indicate that GMoU model made significant impact on closing the gaps in financial services, thereby removing women’s constraints on their efforts to enhancing their financial literacy. The result also confirms that, innovative delivery channels and social networks of the GMoUs have reduced some costs in the areas of access to credit, insurance, propensity to save and widening of economic opportunities to rural women in the oil host communities. However, a further look at the rural women’s participation in the CSR activities using SCOTDI, shows that even though the involvement of the women is appreciable, yet it is insignificant when compared with their male counterpart. |
| Keywords: | Financial services, rural women, corporate social responsibility, multinational oil companies, Nigeria, sub-Saharan Africa |
| Date: | 2023–01 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:aak:wpaper:23/019&r=fle |
| By: | Yuanchen Yang; Mr. Manuk Ghazanchyan; Silvia Granados-Ibarra; Gustavo Canavire-Bacarreza |
| Abstract: | Despite its negative effects, the COVID-19 pandemic has also accelerated Latin America's digitalization. The rapid increase in connectivity and digital services was helpful in mitigating the pandemic's negative impact on the labor markets, especially for those with enough flexibility to continue working from home. The shock has particularly affected women due to their household responsibilities and labor market characteristics. This paper examines how digitalization may have affected gender gaps in employment and job loss related to the COVID-19 crisis. Using a sample of Latin American countries, our findings suggest that higher levels of digitalization are associated with increased female employment and reduced job loss for both men and women. These findings hold even after controlling for factors such as child care, household chores, and the COVID-19 shock. Our results are also robust to various econometric techniques. |
| Keywords: | digitalization; female employment; growth |
| Date: | 2024–01–12 |
| URL: | http://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2024/012&r=fle |