ABSTRACT
Globally, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted livelihood options and systems of people from all walks of life. In this study, we explored the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic on small-scale coastal fisherfolk in the Winneba community of the Central Region of Ghana. The study used quantitative data from a questionnaire survey (n = 50) and qualitative data from in-depth interviews with key stakeholders including chief fishermen, community leaders, and district members (n = 12) to examine the stated objectives. The empirical results showed that the overwhelming majority of fisherfolk are aware of COVID-19 and the risks it poses to their health with their main source of information on the pandemic being the radio. Most of the respondents reported that the COVID-19 pandemic had and continues to adversely transform their livelihood systems. Further analysis showed that their socio-economic vulnerabilities have further been worsened because of the extra financial costs incurred in the purchase of personal protective equipment such as face masks and hand sanitisers in response to COVID-19. The frequency and number of crews per fishing trip have decreased resulting in lower fish landings and decreased income. The volume of fish processing and trading activities has also decreased because of the increase in prices of fish and low patronage. Commonly mentioned local coping strategies against COVID-19 infection include drinking and bathing with seawater as well as the use of seawater as a desired enema solution for general detoxification. In response to declining fish catches, fisherfolk are resorting to illegal fishing activities and engaging in casual work like masonry and carpentry to supplement their income. The study urges relevant stakeholders to evaluate the impacts of COVID-19 on coastal fisheries' livelihoods toward designing and implementing sustainable and practical resilience-enhancing strategies. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022.
ABSTRACT
The idea behind editing this book is to present a contemporary reference that tells the story of how businesses and institutions in emerging economies are circumventing or can better circumvent institutional voids in order to create distinct value for consumers and develop resilient and sustainable economies. For this book, we gathered 24 contributions (or chapters) on new directions and strategies to create value in emerging economies. The contributions span thematic areas such as: COVID-19 and small businesses, social influencers and COVID-19 advocacy, artisan entrepreneurship, leadership and project success, internationalization and intellectual property, cultural artifacts in corporate branding, fintech adoption, mobile money and agriculture value chain, workplace fraud, ethical decision-making in accountancy, modeling early detection of mother's mode of delivery, assessment of health systems in Africa, online platforms and patient empowerment, students' academic engagement and technology, and continuous use of e-learning among professional accounting students. The authors of these contributions discuss the relevance of each chapter to its target audience (practitioners and students). They also outline the implications for practice and policy (where applicable) alongside the concluding arguments of their respective chapters. In effect, the 24 chapters offer key strategic directions for businesses, public sector institutions, non-governmental organizations, and international development institutions to be more efficient and sustainably responsible in delivering distinctive value in emerging economies. Emerging economies have become an opportune interest of practitioners, entrepreneurs and policy makers worldwide. Hence, a contemporary text which explores how to create and deliver distinct value in these economies is a must a read. © 2022 selection and editorial matter, Richard Boateng, Sheena Lovia Boateng & Thomas Anning-Dorson individual chapters, the contributors.
ABSTRACT
COVID-19 has brought many challenges for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and those in emerging economies have been particularly affected. Changes in the ways of conducting business with clients and building partnerships imposed risks on companies even beyond the pandemic. As the number of people working from home increases, companies have had to also face the lack of formality in the workplace. The companies that can adapt their business culture and embrace digitalization have greater chances of succeeding in the new normal. Further, even when COVID-19 is no longer a threat, it is advisable to keep the "new” health-related practices in the workplace and include them in the company's processes and culture. These measures may require leaders and managers that are bold and dynamic in innovating, adapting, and growing their enterprises. Target Audience This chapter offers valuable insights for the leaders and managers of SMEs in a thirst for guidelines on embracing the new normal. The chapter can also be used as a case study material to teach the effects of the pandemic as part of graduate and undergraduate disciplines in business schools. First, it sheds light on the state of the business environment a year after the pandemic. Second, it echoes the idea of SMEs having a better chance of surviving beyond COVID-19 if they embrace the new workplace, invest in digital tools, encourage a business culture that fosters flexibility and adaptability, and remain open to fostering new partnerships. © 2022 Taylor and Francis.