The effects of large-scale land acquisitions for development projects such as mining, urbanization and dams are widely contested in the literature. Prior research has focused on the difficulties that resettlement poses for the affected families in terms of their capacity to meet the demands of the new community. This study suggests that resettlement (built environment) quality may act as a predictor and influence the residential satisfaction and quality of life of project-affected families. This study investigates how residential satisfaction influences the relationship between the quality of the dwelling, the context of resettlement homes, and the quality of life of mining-affected families in Ghana. A sample of 256 household heads displaced by a large-scale mining project in Ellembelle was used to evaluate the suggested model. The findings indicate that resettlement quality greatly enhances the quality of life of the mining-affected families. The findings also revealed that residential satisfaction was a significant mediator of the quality of dwellings and the context of the resettlement, in addition to being a strong predictor of quality of life. Indirectly, resident characteristics, such as socioeconomic and demographic conditions, influenced how people felt about their homes and quality of life. These results indicate that residential satisfaction and resettlement quality are accurate indicators of the mining-affected families’ quality of life. Integrating these features make it possible to quantify the mining-affected families’ quality of life for future research and public policy.

Purpose: Considering the impact of significant economic and political events, this study investigates the return spillovers and connectedness among eight West African currencies from March 31, 2010, to March 28, 2024. It aims to enhance understanding of the interdependencies within the West African foreign exchange market, providing insights into the region’s risk management and diversification opportunities.Design/methodology/approach: Using the time-varying parameter vector autoregression (TVP-VAR) method, this study analyzes daily exchange rate returns to capture the dynamic spillover effects and connectedness among the selected currencies. This approach identifies key transmitters and receivers of return shocks, reflecting the evolving interactions among the currencies over time.Findings: The results show that the Sierra Leonean Leone, Cape Verdean Escudo, and West African CFA Franc are significant net transmitters of return shocks. At the same time, the Ghana Cedi, Nigerian Naira, Gambian Dalasi, Guinean Franc, and Liberian Dollar are net receivers, with the Gambian Dalasi being the most affected. These findings suggest relatively low regional spillover connectedness, offering favorable diversification opportunities.Originality/value: This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the interconnectedness of West African currencies, contributing to the limited literature on this region. The findings have practical implications for investors and policymakers in managing foreign exchange risks and designing interventions to stabilize the market.

Over the past decade, mobile money services have rapidly expanded in developing economies, yet research on their adoption by petty traders remains limited. This study investigates the factors influencing the intention to use MTN Mobile Money (MTN MoMo) among Makola traders in Ghana. Using a two-stage PLS-SEM artificial neural network (ANN) predictive analytic approach, the study first applied PLS-SEM to test hypotheses, followed by ANN to detect nonlinear effects. A total of 945 questionnaires were collected, revealing that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, price value, and trust significantly influence traders’ intentions to use MTN MoMo. Additionally, both intention to use and facilitating conditions significantly predict the actual usage of MTN MoMo. Model B indicates differences in the ranking of price value, trust, and intention to use between the PLS-SEM and ANN models, suggesting hidden attributes may influence these relationships. These findings benefit policymakers and service providers committed to advancing digital financial inclusion and economic development. Theoretically, the study extends UTAUT2 in the context of MoMo, a neglected research area. Methodologically, it is the first to apply the UTAUT2 model using the hybrid PLS-SEM-ANN approach in Ghana.

In assessing microfinance institutions (MFIs) and civil servants' perspectives on borrowing in Zimbabwe, we examine the purpose and rationale of MFIs establishments. Thus, in an attempt to understand the reason behind high borrowing, we also considered loan terms, the nature of loans issued, and the uses of MFIs borrowed funds among households. Driven by the exploratory approach, qualitative research involving semi-structured interviews and observation methods were applied in this study. Using, the purpose of the loan, pricing of loans, repayment terms, and loan terms, interview questions were designed and conducted. Our results show that MFIs loans are: short term loans, income (salary) based; and, these loans are mainly for immediate household consumption needs not an investment. This study also indicates that loan application requirements are more favorable for employed households, especially public sector employees. Even though civil servants have a better advantage in accessing MFIs loans, in the long run, they are likely to remain in poverty; since their purpose of borrowing is geared towards family expenses. Also, MFIs prevailing interest rates (high), evidenced with shorter repayment periods, reflect their failure to pull borrowers out of poverty; however, creating an interdependence syndrome of continuous borrowing. Since we focused on lending practices of households, our results serve as a basis of a joint policy formulation in combating poverty. Thus, understanding poverty through the borrowing of employed citizens aids in grasping the interconnectedness of sectors; which, is an essential tool for sustainable development and strategic planning.

The rapid rise of e-commerce has inadvertently triggered an environmental crisis by promoting rapid deliveries, excessive over-packaging, and a “fast fashion” mentality that contributes to resource depletion, pollution, and ethical concerns in production, spurring transportation-related carbon emissions, creating significant amounts of non-recyclable waste. In response to this challenge, this chapter investigates how digital innovations and consumer behaviors facilitate circular economy practices in sustainable e-commerce while also evaluating digital marketing strategies that foster a greener future. Grounded in circular economy and sustainable development principles, the chapter examines how digital innovations and consumer behaviors can facilitate sustainable practices in e-commerce. Utilizing a conceptual framework supported by Patagonia, Etsy, and The RealReal case studies, the analysis explores how eco-friendly product curation, ethical sourcing, supply chain transparency, sustainable logistics, and AI-driven personalization are key drivers for promoting sustainable e-commerce.