An objective interpersonal comparison of wellbeing requires that people's capabilities are considered. This paper operationalizes Sen's capability concept in maize-based farming systems and assess how it influences farmers' participation in the Planting for Food and Jobs programme in the Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo District of the Northern region, Ghana. We used data from 314 households through multi-stage sampling procedure. Capability was quantified using factor analysis, while its determinants were identified through multiple linear regression analysis. Afterwards, an instrumental variable probit model was used to examine the effect of capability on programme participation. The factor analysis results reveal two attributes of capability, which were labeled as human capability and institutional capability. These capability attributes are significantly enhanced by availability of markets and good roads. The probit model results provide substantial evidence that both attributes of capability influence farmers' participation in the Planting for Food and Jobs programme. Specifically, a one standardized unit increase in institutional capability increases the probability of participation by 10.45%. The findings indicate that, for effective participation in agricultural interventions, farmers' capabilities need to be enhanced. This could be achieved through the provision of, and/or improvement in infrastructure, including roads and markets in remote production centers.

Village Savings and Loans Associations (VSLAs), have the aim of reducing poverty and creating assets to rural dwellers who have limited access to formal finance due to high collateral requirements. However, since the implementation of VSLAs in the Garu and Tempane districts for over a decade, there is inadequate evidence as to the impact of VSLAs on the lives of the participants. Not only that, there is the need to find out the current and anticipated challenges faced by the participants in the program. This study analyzed the effect of VSLAs on the income of households in Garu and Tempane districts. Data was collected from 100 respondents, 50 direct beneficiaries and 50 non beneficiaries from 3 and 2 communities in Garu and Tempane districts respectively. A Heckman treatment effect model was used to analyze the determinants of participation and the effect of participation on income. The results showed that participants of the VSLA program had an annual income of about GH₵ 2016.60 more than the non-participants. Decision to join VSLAs is mainly influenced by age, the years a respondent spends in the community, the number of active labor force in a household and whether a respondent is a native or migrant. However, based on the challenges identified, it is recommended that the government and other institutions interested in rural development should institute appropriate policies that will help enhance participation in the program. Also, the associations should enforce tougher sanctions on members who absent themselves from meetings without prior notice.

No abstract

IntroductionAdolescents’ sleep disturbances are associated with chronic and dramatic physical, emotional, and mental development and school performance consequences. Although food insecurity could significantly contribute to these effects, few studies have explored the effect of food insecurity on sleep disturbances among adolescents. The study aimed to examine the relationship between adolescents’ food insecurity and sleep disturbance.MethodsData on 189,619 adolescents were drawn from the cross-sectional global adolescent health surveys conducted between 2015 and 2018 in 35 countries and territories. Univariate and multivariable multinomial regression models were fitted to examine the hypothesized associations.ResultsOverall pooled prevalence of moderate [45.2% (95%CI = 43–47)] and severe [5.8% (95%CI = 5–6)] food insecurity levels were reported. About [52.6% (95%CI = 51–54)] moderate and [8.6% (95%CI = 8–9)] severe worry-induced sleep disturbances were found. Considering the fully adjusted multinomial logistic model, moderate food insecurity was significantly associated with moderate (AOR = 1.70 CI = 1.59–1.81; p < 0.0001) and severe (AOR = 1.63 CI = 1.42–1.87; p < 0.0001) sleep disturbances. Also, adolescents reporting severe levels of food insecurity had moderate (AOR = 1.88 CI = 1.68–2.11; p < 0.0001) and severe (AOR = 4.07 CI = 4.74–6.11; p < 0.0001) sleep disturbances. Females and those aged between 15 and 17 years and 18 or more were at higher risk of moderate and severe sleep disturbances in the context of food insecurity.ConclusionReducing food insecurity could be an effective policy strategy for enhancing adolescent sleep quality.

No abstract