ComFin Research

Determinants of Farmers Participation in Saving and Credit Cooperatives (SACCO): The Case of Offa Woreda, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia

2025-06-20T13:08:23+00:00

The aims of saving and credit co-operatives have always been to mobilize savings from middle-and low-income groups and supply credit to their members. A savings and credit cooperative is an association of people who come together with common goals to improve their livelihood economically. The study’s general objective was to identify the determinants of farmers’ participation in saving and credit cooperatives in Offa woreda. The study applied mixed research methodologies to collect the quantitative and qualitative research methods and analyze the respective sources through the interview schedule and checklists. The total sample of the study was 315 households in the study area. The collected data was analyzed using econometric and descriptive methods. Data analysis was employed to identify determinants of participation in saving and credit cooperatives. Econometric analysis was employed to identify the all-over determinants participation of sample SACCO members, and descriptive analysis was used to identify socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of SACCO’s farmers. Of the 11 variables expected to influence household participation in SACCO, six (6) variables were found to be the critical factors influencing the status of household participation in SACCO in the study area. These variables include household education, family size, income, service delivery, training and livestock number of respondents. The household’s educational status should be considered before target selection for the organizing on SACCO. When households become educated, they have good knowledge of managing resources and participate in high status.

Analysis of Impact of GST from the Perception of Paperboard Box and Bags Manufacturers in Thanjavur City

2025-06-20T13:16:06+00:00

“A simplified tax structure and unified market will improve operational efficiencies, especially of MSMEs with a wider reach” from the words of Moorthy, the GST made unique implications on the small and cottage industries, positively and negatively. Small-scale, cottage, and village industries have played a significant and indisputable part in the growth of the nation since independence. With the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax, the Indian economy is becoming more and more formalized, trapping most small and cottage businesses in the indirect tax system. Despite having professional qualifications and practical experience in their respective fields, the entrepreneurs in these areas are primarily ignorant. They were successful in their endeavor to rely on technically skilled individuals for tax payment, return filing, and related procedures because of this understanding. In this purview the researcher interested in knowing the impact of GST on paperboard box, bags manufacturing, as Tamil Nadu is in the verge of ban of plastic carry bags and other items in commercial places. So the researcher aimed to study the impact of GST on manufacturing of paper board boxes and bags in Thanjavur City from all the manufacturers which counts to 26 in total and the data collected by interview schedule. The paper highlights the positive and negative impact of GST on small and cottage industries. The study revealed a divided perception of GST among respondents: 38% considered it beneficial to their business, while an equal percentage of manufacturers perceived it as unfavourable. The researcher analysed the impact of GST from the perception of paper bag and box manufacturers concentrated within Thanjavur City limits.

The Impact of Green Marketing on the Purchase Decision in the Marketplace

2025-06-20T13:25:02+00:00

This study explores the effects of green marketing on the purchase decisions of consumers in the market. From looking at the behavior and preferences of consumers, the research seeks to identify how green marketing strategy affects the buying decisions. The hypothesis is that there is a significant place of green marketing in the consumer purchase decisions. A survey of 500 consumers has been used to collect data which are analyzed statistically and displayed using tables and graphs to aid in the interpretation. The outcome reveals that there is a high level of green marketing awareness from the consumers, positive impact of green marketing on purchase decisions, and strong correlation between green marketing awareness and preference of ecofriendly goods as well as the effectiveness of green marketing strategies in sales generation. The findings of this study provide scope for organizations to improve their marketing tactics and advocate for sustainability in the market.

Opportunities and Challenges of the Adopting of National Electronic Payment Switch System in Private Commercial Banks: The Case of Wolaita Sodo City, Southern Ethiopia

2025-06-20T13:43:20+00:00

The introduction of an efficient national switch payment system ensures speed, and convenience, reduces cost, lowers payment risk and directly affects the efficiency of the circulation of goods and services and the overall development of the economy. The main objective of this study is to assess the major opportunities and challenges of adopting the national switch system in the case of selected Ethiopian private commercial banks. The research is designed as an assessment of the payment system through seven selected private commercial banks so that the findings give insights into other commercial banks operating in the country. Both primary and secondary data are issued as sources of information. A questionnaire was issued as the main instrument to collect primary data, and secondary data was reviewed from various publications. Regarding methodology descriptive with survey method applied. The target population for the study is 120 and also used for the study. Data is analyzed using SPSS tools and results are present based on statistical mean and standard deviation values. The finding from the analysis shows that: the National Switch System updates or improves payment instruments, significantly lowers or impairs commercial banks’ cost to introduce new services to their customers, and saves customers resources in terms of time and money furthermore having recently discovered services and functionalities, assist to the NBE’s financial addition strategy and can be taken as a tool to create a cashless society, and it is also one of the path for income generation for commercial banks. On the opposite, the National Switch System is subjected to challenges like: Network and power fluctuation, poor settlement and chargeback process when there is a disputed transaction, poor collaboration between commercial banks to answer customers requests, and lack of proper call centre to handle customer complaints in quickly, lack of confidence and fear from customers, poor awareness by customers, recognized complexity and cost.

The Impact of E-Business on Organised Retail Sector

2025-06-28T13:08:04+00:00

Traditional retail processes have undergone significant transformation due to the integration of e-business within the organized retail sector. This study explores the impact of e-business on organized retail by analyzing its effects on customer satisfaction, sales performance, and operational efficiency. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research includes qualitative interviews with industry experts alongside quantitative data collected through surveys and secondary analysis of sales records. The study hypothesizes that e-business enhances customer satisfaction and retention, improves operational efficiency, and positively influences sales performance. The findings reveal that the adoption of e-business has led to an average sales increase of 31% post-implementation. Additionally, customer satisfaction scores have improved, reflecting higher levels of engagement and retention. Operational efficiency has also advanced, driven by streamlined processes and reduced transaction costs. These outcomes provide valuable insights for retailers seeking to strengthen their e-business strategies and underscore the importance of adopting digital tools to maintain a competitive edge. The study concludes with strategic recommendations for leveraging e-business to foster growth and efficiency in the organized retail sector and highlights potential areas for future research into emerging trends and technologies.

Determinants of Agricultural Input Loan Repayment Performance in Smallholder Rural Farmers: The Case of Humbo Woreda, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia

2025-07-10T15:21:56+00:00

Background: Agricultural credit access remains a critical constraint for smallholder farmers in Ethiopia, with loan repayment performance significantly affecting the sustainability of rural financial institutions. Despite government and NGO efforts to provide credit facilities in Humbo Woreda, Wolayta Zone, poor loan repayment rates threaten the viability of agricultural finance programs.
Objective: This study aimed to identify and analyze the key factors affecting agricultural input loan repayment performance among smallholder farmers in Humbo Woreda.
Methods: Multistage sampling was employed in collecting primary data in the form of structured questionnaires addressed to 211 farm households chosen randomly. Socio-economic features were analyzed with the help of descriptive statistics, and the factors of loan repayment performance were investigated with the aid of a two-limit Tobit model.
Results: The two-limit Tobit model results revealed that off-farm activities (β=0.032, p<0.05) and frequency of contact with extension agents (β=0.018, p<0.01) positively and significantly influenced loan repayment performance. Conversely, production loss (β=-0.142, p<0.01), informal credit access (β=-0.089, p<0.05), social ceremonies expenditure (β=-0.076, p<0.05), and loan-to-income ratio (β=-0.134, p<0.01) negatively affected repayment performance.
Conclusions: The study establishes that both institutional and socio-economic factors significantly influence loan repayment behavior. Successful repayment is enhanced through agricultural extension support and income diversification strategies.