Journal of Economic Policy and Management Issues

Determinants of household participation in non-farm enterprises in Uganda

2026-02-06T00:34:37+00:00

Despite the increasing number of households in Uganda depending on household enterprises as an income source, non-farm household enterprises are often neglected in low-income Sub-Saharan African development strategies and receive minimal policy consideration. Non-farm household enterprises remain central to addressing the country’s poverty reduction agenda and socio-economic transformation, as agricultural households increasingly transition from subsistence to commercial agriculture. The government has introduced several interventions, including the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga, that increasingly impact the non-farm household enterprise economy to achieve this. Despite these efforts, there is limited empirical evidence in Uganda on the determinants of non-farm household enterprise ownership. Against this backdrop, this study uses cross-sectional data from the UNHS 2019/2020 using the logit estimating approach to analyse the factors influencing household participation in non-farm household enterprises. Individual engagement is found to be connected with marital status, geography, education level, and financial access. Furthermore, people in the eastern and western regions are less likely to work in non-farm industries than those in the centre. Individuals with specialised training and degrees are less likely to work in non-farm enterprises than individuals with only primary schooling. Given these findings, improving access to financing is critical for household involvement. As a result, government schemes such as PDMs are even more important in increasing access to finance.

Trade openness, carbon emission and poverty reduction dynamics in South Africa: A causality test

2026-02-06T00:44:51+00:00

The causal relationship between trade openness, carbon emission and poverty reduction in South Africa was examined using data from 1980 to 2023. The study was motivated by the high levels of poverty, carbon emission and trade openness existing in South Africa at the same time, despite policies implemented to reduce poverty and carbon emission and elevate sustainable trade. The primary objective of this study was to establish the causal relationship between carbon emission, poverty reduction and trade openness in South Africa. Employing autoregression distribution lag (ARDL) error correction-based causality approach, the study found a bidirectional causality between trade openness and poverty reduction; carbon emission and trade openness; and poverty reduction and carbon emission in the short run. In the long run, the study found a unidirectional causal relationship from poverty reduction to trade openness and from carbon emission to trade openness. Policy implications are discussed.

How do sanctions shape intra-African trade? Implications for AfCFTA implementation

2026-02-06T00:51:05+00:00

This study examines the role of sanctions in shaping intra-African trade. Despite efforts to boost intra-African trade, Africa’s share of global trade remains low, stagnating at around 15 percent. Using an augmented gravity model and Poisson Pseudo Maximum Likelihood (PPML) estimation, this study analyzes the effects of various sanctions (trade, financial, arms, military, and travel) on bilateral exports among African countries. The findings reveal that trade sanctions significantly reduce exports within the continent. Financial sanctions, restrictions on military assistance, and travel bans also negatively affect trade, though to varying degrees. The results underscore the need for African nations to mitigate the adverse effects of sanctions by strengthening economic resilience, enhancing trade facilitation measures, and fostering diplomatic engagement. This study provides policymakers with valuable insights on how to navigate geopolitical challenges while maximizing the benefits of the AfCFTA.