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Examining Social Insurance Perceptions and Attitudes among Zimbabwean Informal Sector Workers: A Study on Providing Social Protection to the Disenfranchised Mutanda, Bronson; Nomlala, Bomi Cyril
TIJAB (The International Journal of Applied Business) Vol. 8 No. 2 (2024): NOVEMBER 2024
Publisher : Universitas Airlangga

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.20473/tijab.v8.I2.2024.55254

Abstract

Background: Given the rate at which the labour force in Zimbabwe's informal sector continues to evolve, steps need to be taken to promote a culture where employees contribute towards their social insurance. Social insurance is significant since it helps informal sector workers to prepare for life's predictable and unpredictable events, such as retirement, unemployment, old age, incapacity, death and health challenges.  Objective: Motivated by the increasing number of workers in the informal sector in Zimbabwe, this study aimed to explore the attitudes and perceptions of this group of people towards social insurance coverage and investigate strategies for extending social insurance to informal sector workers. Method: To achieve the objectives, convenience sampling was employed, and 115 questionnaires from informal sector workers of Jerera Growth Point were analyzed. Data collection involved the use of a questionnaire. A convergent parallel research design was adopted, with quantitative and qualitative data being analyzed to gain insight into the perception of informal sector workers. Results: The study's findings demonstrate that workers in the informal economy have a negative attitude towards social insurance coverage. Additionally, the results demonstrate that the age of informal sector workers affects their intention to contribute towards social insurance coverage. The results also demonstrate that employees in the informal sector need more basic knowledge about social insurance and how to apply for social insurance coverage. Conclusion: The study concluded that workers in the informal economy lack faith and confidence in those who provide social insurance services, explaining why they perceive social insurance coverage negatively.     Keywords: coverage, informal, insurance, pension, social, retirement
Artificial Intelligence and Agritourism Development: Mixed Feelings on Digital and Social Media Marketing in Africa Mashapure, Rahabhi; Tapera, Julius; Hamunakwadi, Purity; Mtombeni, Admire; Mutanda, Bronson; Chikazhe, Lovemore
Indonesian Journal of Community Services Vol. 4 No. 1 (2025): May
Publisher : CV. Literasi Indonesia

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.47540/ijcs.v4i1.1507

Abstract

The emergence of artificial intelligence and its progressively wider impact on many sectors requires an assessment of its effect on the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. Artificial intelligence has been advancing rapidly in recent years, measured both in terms of the quantity of resources devoted to it and also in terms of its outputs. Artificial intelligence is increasingly reshaping businesses by performing various tasks, constituting a major source of innovation, yet threatening human jobs. The article reviews recent research in this area that suggests that AI and robotics have the potential to increase productivity and growth of agritourism, but may have mixed effects on labor, particularly in the short run. Using the positivism research philosophy, the study also sought to examine the insights, attitudes, and involvements of participants toward AI-driven marketing technologies in agritourism. Further, it assessed the socio-cultural, economic, and environmental influences of digital and social media marketing on African agritourism destinations. It also sought to ascertain paramount practices, challenges, and opportunities for leveraging AI technologies to stimulate sustainable agritourism development in Africa. The study considered current and potential policies around AI that could potentially help boost agritourism development while also mitigating any labor market downsides, including evaluating the pros and cons of AI on African agritourism development. The study finds that organizational factors, positive socio-cultural factors, economic factors, and environmental factors play a crucial role in the adoption of artificial intelligence by agritourism industries. Based on the study findings, the paper recommended that the fast adoption of AI needs to be supported by the necessary regulatory insight and oversight for AI-based technologies to enable agritourism sustainable development. Failure to do so could result in gaps in transparency, safety, and ethical standards. The findings also informed recommendations for further study and guided the discourse on implications for policy and practice, which other researchers, policymakers, and practitioners could potentially draw learning points from.
Cracking the Financing Gap: How Informal Traders in Zimbabwe are Bridging the Banking Divide Mutanda, Bronson
IJEBD (International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Business Development) Vol 9 No 1 (2026): January 2026
Publisher : LPPM of NAROTAMA UNIVERSITY

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.29138/ijebd.v9i1.3482

Abstract

In Zimbabwe, informal traders face significant barriers in accessing formal financial services, hindering their ability to grow and sustain their businesses. However, these traders are finding innovative ways to bridge the banking gap by leveraging alternative financial services. The paper investigates alternative financial services leveraged by informal traders in Zimbabwe. Quantitative results reveal that majority of informal traders in Zimbabwe are financially excluded and rely heavily on informal financial services such as mukando/revolving funds, chimbadzo/interest bearing informal loans, personal savings, trade credit, business angels, burial society group loans and loans from friends and relatives. Quantitative results further revealed that informal traders in Zimbabwe leverage private strong rooms, mukando/revolving funds and cryptocurrencies for savings and investments. Furthermore, qualitative results revealed that informal traders in Zimbabwe also save and invest through the gaba scheme and informal deposit taking financial institutions. Based on research findings, the study concludes that informal traders in Zimbabwe are financially excluded and rely on informal financial services. This underscores the necessity for a collaborative and multi-faceted approach among policymakers, stakeholders, and industry experts to effectively integrate the informal sector into the formal financial system. The research recommends the introduction of customised financial products, simplification of loan and bank account application procedures, introduction of AI augmented bank accounts, consultative meetings between policy makers and representatives of informal traders and introduction of mobile banking vehicles with automated teller machines.