This article aims to estimate the effects of ICT intensity on labor productivity, employment and output of agro-processing industries. To achieve this, the ICT intensity index is applied to rank industries into ‘more ICT-intensive’ and ‘less ICT-intensive’ groups. Thereafter, the annual growth rates of labor productivity, employment and output were calculated. Ultimately, the effects of ICT intensity were examined using Pooled Mean Group estimation, the Toda and Yamamoto Granger Non-Causality Test, and the Impulse Response Function and Variance Decomposition analyses. The findings suggest that ICT intensity yields higher positive and significant effects on the growth of the more ICT-intensive industries. Evidence of a causal relationship was detected for the more ICT-intensive industries. The findings further proved that ICT intensity contributed more to the forecast error variance in the growth of the more ICT-intensive industries. Overall, this article provides evidence of ICT-led growth for industries that use ICT most intensively.

This paper serves to examine whether the growth in labour productivity (LP) in South Africa’s manufacturing sector, following policy reforms after 1994, can be attributed to ICT use. To achieve this, we examine the link between ICT intensity and LP growth of 23 manufacturing industries for the period 1970–2016 and sub-periods 1970–1995 and 1996–2016. The industries are disaggregated into two groups, which are ‘more ICT-intensive’ and ‘less ICT-intensive’, using the ICT intensity index. Four dummy variable regression models are applied to test for the relationship between ICT intensity of industries and LP growth. The findings suggest that LP of the more ICT-intensive industries accelerated more than that of their counterparts. The results underscore the need for policy measures to increase ICT use with the aim of improving LP performance of industries.

This chapter serves to examine the extent to which the policy responses undertaken by the South African government have achieved the objectives of growing the economy and creating employment. A synopsis of the macroeconomic, sectoral/industrial policies and sector-specific programmes indicates that the manufacturing sector as a whole, and certain manufacturing industries, were earmarked as one of the sectors and industries with the potential to achieve these objectives. Despite these efforts, South Africa’s manufacturing sector is faced with four main challenges, which hinder its ability to drive economic growth and create jobs as envisioned. These challenges were identified as high input costs, labour market rigidities, mismatches between education and skills and high import penetration. To overcome these challenges, it is recommended that the government should adopt a multi-prolonged approach involving a variety of policy strategies. The trends in labour productivity, employment and wages were explored to determine the extent to which labour productivity determines wages, and affects employment. Overall, the labour productivity-employment-wages nexus is influenced by various factors, which require the implementation of a combination of policy strategies.

This study examines food purchasing behavior among rural households in South Africa post-lockdown restrictions and the socio-demographic factors influencing these behaviors. Primary data were collected from 327 households in Mokgolobotho village through face-to-face interviews, using simple random sampling. A Likert scale, Chi-square analysis, and an Ordered Probit model were employed for the analysis. The findings indicate that most households purchased food more frequently post-lockdown, with fresh produce, dairy, snacks, fast food, prepared food, and alcoholic beverages purchased more often. Household size, employment sector, brand loyalty, and market preference reduced the likelihood of monthly purchases while increasing the probability of frequent shopping. Conversely, gender, education level, employment status, SRD grant, savings behavior, advertisement, and market distance increased the likelihood of monthly purchases while reducing frequent shopping. These findings highlight the need for retailers to ensure affordability, accessibility, and consumer trust, while policies improving financial security, employment stability, market access, and consumer education can enhance food access and promote sustainable purchasing behavior.

This study employs a double-hurdle model to examine the factors influencing rural households’ participation...

Forests play a vital role in supporting rural livelihoods by providing Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) such as fruits, nuts, medicinal plants, and fuelwood, among others, while mitigating climate change. However, human activities and the growing impacts of climate change, including unpredictable rainfall and rising temperatures, are increasingly affecting the availability and accessibility of these products. As NTFPs form a key part of rural households’ income and food security, understanding communities’ willingness to participate in their sustainable use and management has become essential in building climate-resilient rural economies. This study examined the factors influencing rural households’ willingness to participate in the socioeconomic benefits of NTFPs under changing climatic conditions in Bushbuckridge Local Municipality. In this study, willingness to participate refers to households' decision to engage in the collection, use, or trade of NTFPs to secure income, food, and safety-net benefits during times of hardship. Data collection employed a simple random sampling technique to select 110 rural households across three villages in the Bushbuckridge Local Municipality. Comprehensive data were collected using structured questionnaires. IBM SPSS Statistics software version 29.0.0.0 was used to analyse the data. Descriptive statistics were used to profile the socioeconomic features of the households, while the Binary Logistic Regression Model analysed factors influencing willingness to participate. The empirical results indicate that age, educational level, market access, experience, awareness, and rainfall perception significantly influence rural households’ willingness to participate. The findings underscore the need for Agricultural Extension services to raise community awareness, encourage sustainable harvesting, improve market access, and implement climate-smart strategies that support income diversification and resilience among rural households.