Short Description: A Peer-Reviewed, Hybrid Open-Access, Google Scholar-indexed, Cabells WHITE-LISTED journal, publishing scholarly articles in finance, marketing, human resources, and Information Technology, along with manuscripts documenting Economics research data and analysis.
E-ISSN: 2469-4339
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Publisher: Synergy Global
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10.18639/MERJ.2026.9900120
Open Access
Mar 27, 2026
Agricultural production in many developing countries remains predominantly rain-fed and increasingly vulnerable to climate variability, undermining food security and rural livelihoods. Irrigation development is widely recognized as a critical climate adaptation strategy; however, financing constraints continue to limit its expansion, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study examines global experiences in irrigation financing and draws policy-relevant lessons for Kenya. Using a qualitative, review-based methodology guided by PRISMA principles, the study synthesizes empirical evidence on five irrigation financing models: public sector–led financing, public–private partnerships (PPPs), blended finance, farmer-led and user-financed irrigation, and climate and green financing instruments. The findings show that sustained and predictable public investment remains foundational for irrigation development, while complementary financing models can enhance efficiency, scale, and sustainability when aligned with institutional capacity and farmer affordability. No single financing model is universally optimal; successful irrigation outcomes depend on coherent integration of financing instruments within broader agricultural and food system policies. In Kenya, the study finds that irrigation constraints are primarily institutional and financial rather than technical, reflecting fragmented financing, weak cost recovery, and limited private participation. The study recommends that Kenya should adopt a diversified and integrated irrigation financing framework anchored in strong public leadership, strategic use of PPPs, catalytic blended finance, support for farmer-led irrigation, and expanded access to climate finance. Such an approach is essential for accelerating irrigation development, strengthening food security, and enhancing climate resilience.
10.18639/MERJ.2026.9900119
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Mar 11, 2026
Innovation is unevenly distributed across regions, shaping long-term development trajectories. This article analyzes the evolution of innovation dynamics in Paraná from 2006 to 2021, with the objective of identifying persistence and mobility among municipalities. Using a first-order Markov chain applied to employment in knowledge-intensive activities and intellectual property registrations, the study reveals strong innovation persistence and limited upward mobility. High- and low-innovation groups remain largely stable, reinforcing technological disparities. The findings offer empirical evidence to support policies aimed at reducing territorial inequalities and strengthening local innovation capacity.
10.18639/MERJ.2026.9900118
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Feb 28, 2026
Innovation efficiency is crucial for regional development, yet remains uneven across territories. This study evaluates the innovative efficiency of Paraná’s 399 municipalities in 2021, examining their ability to transform energy use and knowledge-intensive activity capacity into GDP and intellectual property outcomes. An output-oriented DEA model and a log-linear OLS regression were applied. Results show substantial disparities, with most municipalities operating below the efficiency frontier. Energy use and KIA density increase efficiency, while GDP and PI display negative elasticities. The study offers insights for place-based policies aimed at strengthening local innovation ecosystems.
