Wits Business School (ETDs)

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    Perspectives on data sharing by Southern African horticultural farmers
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Bailie, Kathleen Ann
    This study examines the perceptions of data sharing among Southern African horticultural farmers utilising a Digital Agricultural Application (DAA). Employing a quantitative methodology, the study collected insights from farmers and agronomists, exploring the roles of digital trust, perceived risks, and perceived benefits in influencing their decisions to share farm data. The findings indicated that, contrary to expectations, perceived risks and digital trust had a lesser impact on data sharing decisions, whereas perceived benefits significantly motivated farmers to share data. Factor and regression analyses challenged the initial assumptions, highlighting the complexity inherent in the decision-making processes of farmers. The research thus suggests that enhancing perceived benefits could be more effective in promoting data sharing than mitigating perceived risks. ii The study's results have been contextualised within the broader academic discourse, explaining deviations from, and nuances of, established research. It discussed the implications of these findings for developers of DAA and agribusiness stakeholders, aiming to enhance technology adoption within agriculture. By integrating theoretical frameworks with practical applications, such as incorporating community feedback mechanisms like testimonial systems and discussion forums into DAA, visibility of benefits was enhanced and trust was established, thereby encouraging adoption through positive peer influence. This analysis sheds light on the factors influencing data sharing among Southern African horticultural farmers and informs future technology and policy efforts to strengthen the digital agricultural ecosystem
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    Cost and aconomic growth in Eswatini
    (University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Shongwe, Mbongeni Welcome; Kodongo, Otongo
    The sluggish economy and low GDP growth in Eswatini have sparked concerns regarding the efficient allocation of high liquidity towards productive sectors. There is a pressing need to determine if the high cost of credit plays a role in exacerbating this issue. Despite the availability of ample liquidity, it remains unclear if it is effectively channeled into sectors that can fuel economic growth. Therefore, it is intriguing to investigate whether the high cost of credit is a contributing factor to this problem. This study examined the relationship between the cost of credit and economic growth in Eswatini, as well as the impact of banking sector liquidity on cost of credit and the role of excess liquidity in promoting economic growth. The study used the Autoregressive Distributed Lag model (ARDL) to analyse time series data from 1975 to 2021, the study found that factors such as domestic credit, GDP growth, liquid assets to liabilities, and trade significantly influence cost of credit in the short run. In the long run, variables like budget deficit, domestic credit, exchange rate, GDP growth, liquid assets to liabilities, and trade continue to significantly impact cost of credit. The study recommends that policymakers should increase credit availability, diversify credit risk and increase liquid assets relative to liabilities to lower cost of credit. Additionally, promoting financial inclusion and access to credit for SMEs can further stimulate economic growth. A thoughtful and measured approach by policymakers is crucial for creating a stable financial system that supports economic economic growth.