Browsing by Author "Bonifatius, Selestine"

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    Analysing the relationship between financial inclusion and food security in Namibia
    (University of Namibia, 2025) Bonifatius, Selestine; Mukong, Alfred
    This study focused on analysing the relationship between financial inclusion and food security in Namibia, with the specific aim of disaggregating the analysis into rural-urban as well as male and female headed households. The study is situated within the global context of Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG2), which aims to eradicate hunger and promote food security. The research employed a cross-sectional data which was sourced from the Namibia Financial Inclusion Survey (NFIS) 2017 to examine associations between financial inclusion and food security. The Ordered Probit model was used to empirically analyse the data. In terms of empirical findings, the study finds that access and usage of formal financial services such as bank accounts, formal savings, and access to insurance positively enhance the level of food security. Informal savings and access to credit are less effective in rural Namibia, pointing to structural limitations in rural financial systems. Furthermore, formal mechanisms such as bank accounts, formal savings, and insurance, significantly improves food security by female headed households as well as rural and urban households. However, the limited effects were observed for male-headed households and informal financial services highlighting structural barriers and gendered disparities in accessing and utilizing financial resources. By policy implication, the findings show the need to integrate financial inclusion as a core strategy to achieve SDG 2. Expanding access to formal financial services in Namibia, particularly in rural areas can significantly reduce food insecurity. Gender-specific initiatives targeting women should be prioritized to maximize the impact