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Contribution of Makhaleng Farmers Association to farmers' livelihoods at ha Tlali, Maseru
Get PDFThis study was conducted at Ha Tlali in Maseru district focusing on the contribution of Makhaleng Farmers Association (MFA) to farmers’ livelihoods. The objectives were to examine the impact of technology, climate change, stakeholders support and availability of markets to the farmers’ livelihoods. Qualitative approach was used to conduct the study where data was initially collected through one-on-one interviews with key informants and later using focus group discussions with members of MFA.
The findings through thematic analysis revealed that the use of old and modern technology and stakeholders support contributed significantly to their livelihoods by improving food security, increasing income, improving well-being and reducing vulnerability though the use of old technology had some weaknesses. The data revealed that farmers were vulnerable to climate change; very low and high temperatures, heavy rainfall and drought which were increasing crop failure, loss of properties, introducing new pests that destroy the crops as a result the production was decreased. The findings also revealed that the potato market was very high in urban areas though farmers faced obstacles like. Lack of knowledge, lack of access to information, transport, storage and advanced technology are factors that enable the farmer to access the market.
The study recommended that Makhaleng Farmers Association should be supported with training programmes every season of potato farming, advanced technology that will help them to increase production so that they can improve food security and income that will be used to attain human needs and reduce vulnerability.National Manpower Development Secretaria
Leveraging social media to effect transformational change in African universities
Get PDFCommunication is the process of creating and ascribing meaning (Fatimayin, 2018). It
is the interaction and sharing of ideas among individuals or group members. Many of
us communicate with people every day, whether in person or on the countless digital
platforms available to us. But how much of our communication actually reaches the
intended audience or person the way we hoped, is a different story. Being an effective
communicator in one’s professional and personal lives involves learning the skills to
exchange information with clarity, empathy, and understanding. For communication
to be effective, it must take into consideration the 5 C’s of communication namely
clarity, correctness, completeness, conciseness, and compassion, though these may
vary depending on different factors. Effective communication thus requires that we
exchange ideas, thoughts, opinions, knowledge, and data in a way that will allow for
the message to be received and understood with clarity and purpose (Ekanjume
2012). When we communicate effectively, both the sender and receiver feel satisfied.
While the effectiveness of communication can be difficult to measure, its impact is
hard to deny. According to one study, surveyed companies in the United States and
United Kingdom with at least 100,000 employees lost $62.4 million per year on
average due to poor communication. On the flip side, companies led by effective
communicators had nearly 50 percent higher total returns to shareholders over
companies with less effective communicators at the helm (Holmes Report, 2011).
The benefits of communication effectiveness can be witnessed in the workplace, in an
educational setting, and in the lives of individuals. Learning how to communicate well
can be a boon in each of these areas. In the workplace for instance, effective
communication can help in managing employees and building teams, grow the
institution more rapidly, retain employees, benefit from enhanced creativity and
innovation, and build strong relationships that attract more opportunities for the
institution. In the area of personal life, effective communication can lead to improved
social, emotional, and mental health, deeper existing connections, new bonds based
on trust and transparency, and better problem–solving and conflict resolution skills.
Despite these facts, communication is facing challenges in recent times with the
emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and various social media platforms. The AI and
social media have brought in a new wave of complexity and irregularities in
communication which sometimes leaves much to be desired. This is even more
complex when it comes to institutions of higher learning.
Nowadays, information and communication technologies in general, and Web 2.0
technologies in particular, have become the first concern of young people as well as
adults, notably in the university milieu. Social networks have taken the lead in terms
of number of users on all continents. Their use is often associated with the exchange
and sharing of different content, with Internet users. Since 2010, the African continent
has recorded an explosion in the use of mobile phones, gravitating around 65%
according to the International Telecommunications Union (ITU, 2018). The mobile
phone has thus become an essential tool for Internet users who wish to have access
to technological innovations, communicate with their friends, and share diverse
contents. Despite this, in the field of digitalisation and the acceptance of technologies,
African universities are seriously behind the movement of their counterparts in Europe,
the USA, and Asia (Mogaji et al, 2020). This is supported by Altbach, et al (2019) who
argue that European and American universities are widely in the lead in terms of
marketing strategies and communication via social media and that African universities
are lagging behind.
Social media has taken over the academic world and education for more than a
decade. Some universities, institutes, and training centres have created some kinds of
social media intending to simplify communication, better-coordinating exchanges and
learning, with relevant stakeholders (Gachago & Ivala, 2012; Watat, Wamba, &
Kamdjoug, 2018). As Junco et al (2011) put it, social media has demonstrated its
strengths in connecting several stakeholders, including students to each other,
teachers to themselves, students and teachers, all the entities in the university, as
well as external actors.
Despite these facts, very few African universities have communication strategies and
are present on social media, whereas Africa has one of the highest rates of social
media use, given that young people are strongly represented. Research has revealed
that social media is exponentially invading many parts of African society, and
education is the most affected sector. For many African institutions, social media is
limited to entertainment and friendly exchanges. The ‘strategic communication’ aspect
is strongly neglected.Sel
An African perspective on inclusive education content, conversations and policy debates: the case of Lesotho
No full textn Lesotho HIV and AIDS is a national crisis with many rural citizens being
either affected by or infected with HIV and AIDS. So severe is the rate of
infections that HIV prevalence since 2013 has increased from 23 percent to 25
percent, making Lesotho the country with the second highest HIV and AIDS
infections worldwide. Of these infections, a substantial percentage is young
people. However, learners are also variously affected by the pandemic.
Education is generally regarded as a significant factor in the fight against HIV
and AIDS. Thus, Lesotho developed the Lesotho Education Sector HIV and
AIDS Policy in 2012, which articulates the education sector’s response to the
HIV and AIDS crisis. It is against this backdrop that this article reports on a
study conducted to explore the realities regarding the (non)enactment of the
LESHAP (2012) in particular schools in the rural areas of Lesotho. Data were
generated through semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders in
Lesotho education. Findings from the study suggest that the aims and
objectives of the LESHAP (2012) might not be realised because of various
factors which negatively impact its effective enactment. These factors include
a lack of knowledge and training; a lack of school specific policies; culture; a
lack of training; the absence of the policy at school; a lack of school specific
HIV and AIDS policies; religious convictions; and the attitudes of teachersabout condoms. This paper concludes with recommendations aimed at
enhancing the enactment of the LESHAP 2012.Sel
The case of World Vision Lesotho dignity campaign in schools at rural Mokhotlong District
Get PDFAdolescent girls’ lives, especially those in rural educational settings, are greatly affected by period
poverty also known as menstruation poverty, a pervasive and urgent problem. Menstruation is a natural
occurrence, but it has recently attracted attention due to its detrimental effects on girls' educational
opportunities. The primary problem centers on the issue of limited access to menstrual hygiene products
and appropriate information regarding menstrual health. This has made menstruation not just a normal
biological occurrence for many adolescent girls; but also, a daily struggle that is accompanied by
discomfort, embarrassment, and missed opportunities. Period poverty in rural schools, where resources
are frequently limited, exacerbates these issues, impeding girls' access to education, wellbeing, and
overall empowerment.
Qualitative research, using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation
approaches was conducted to looks at the impact of period poverty on adolescent girls in rural schools
in Lesotho's Mokhotlong District. The study investigated the effectiveness of World Vision Lesotho's
'Dignity Campaign' in combating period poverty. The study found that WVL through the Dignity
Campaign initiative provides menstrual products (disposable pads, reusable pads, and washing soap)
and education on menstrual hygiene, including important information and instructions on how to
properly use and maintain the reusable pads.
The study discovered that the combination of giving menstruation products, guidance, and knowledge
dissemination by WVL empowers girls to make informed choices, actively participate in healthy
menstrual hygiene practices, and break free from the constraints of period poverty. While the campaign
does a good job of meeting practical requirements and empowering girls, issues with upkeep of reusable
pads and access to washing soap highlighted the need for holistic solutions, including thorough
menstrual health education that considers a variety of preferences and cultural sensitivity.
The study concludes that, the 'Dignity Campaign's' distribution of sanitary products and education
dramatically reduces period poverty among schoolgirls, boosting their capacities and encouraging active
participation in both schooling and society. To effectively tackle period poverty, the study emphasizes
the importance for comprehensive menstrual health education, practical product distribution, and
cultural sensitivityNational Manpower Development Secretaria
Exploring the prospects for professional development of postgraduate supervisors at the National University of Lesotho
Get PDFHigher education developments are gradually enabling the re-conceptualisation of
postgraduate research supervision as a teaching and learning practice. This re-
conceptualisation has also led to the recognition that postgraduate research
supervisors need to be appropriately capacitated so that they can master the
supervisory craft. This study sought to explore the prospects for professional
development of postgraduate supervisors at the National University of Lesotho, by
examining supervisors’ trajectories of learning how to become supervisors and to
identify areas for further professional development. Fifteen supervisors took part in
the study. Nine (three associate professors and six senior lecturers) were interviewed
through semi-structured interviews while six junior lecturers were interviewed
through a focus group interview. The findings revealed that while most supervisors
relied mainly on the way they were supervised, they also value the experiential
learning accrued in their trajectories as supervisors. The study highlights issues for
consideration in advancing professional development of postgraduate supervisors at
the National University of Lesotho.Sel
Investigating inequalities in low birth weight for under-five children in Lesotho
Get PDFUnderweight children, especially those with low birth weight (LBW), tend to face several
health challenges as they grow such as chronic illnesses; school dropouts; or even death. It
may not be shocking that Lesotho as one of the most unequal societies in Sub-Saharan Africa
(SSA) experiences inequality in health outcomes like LBW. Prior to this study, studies in
Lesotho only focused on the drivers of LBW. This study, therefore, contributes by
investigating the socio-economic inequalities in LBW for under-five children in Lesotho. It
goes further to determine which population sub-group is the most affected by the inequality
in LBW. The study used the Erreygers Index to measure the inequality, and then estimated
the Recentered Influence Function (RIF-OB) approach to decompose the LBW inequality by
areas of residence. It found that inequality in LBW does exist amongst under-five children in
Lesotho and it appears to be more focused towards the rural areas. It also found that antenatal
care visits and wealth status have been key drivers of LBW inequality in Lesotho. The study
concludes by recommending possible remedies to help mitigate the incidence of LBW and its
associated consequences.National Manpower Development Secretaria
An action research case study conducted at a secondary school in Maseru
Get PDFn our rapidly evolving world, equipping English Second Language (ESL) learners with critical
literacy skills has become imperative, enabling them to navigate dynamic environments by
evaluating information critically, adapting to technological changes, and participating
thoughtfully in global conversations. This action research case study investigated the
application of phonemic-orthography to expedite spelling proficiency and cultivate critical
literacy among ESL learners. Conducted within a high school in Lesotho, the study seeked to
enhance spelling proficiency through phonemic-orthography implementation to foster critical
literacy growth. Drawing on five theoretical frameworks—Cultural-Historical Activity Theory,
Legitimation Code Theory, Communicative Language Teaching, Constructivism, and
Behaviorism—the study employed a mixed-method approach. Data collection involved tests,
questionnaires, document analysis, focus groups, reflective journals, activities, and
observations, with analysis conducted using Atlas.ti, Excel, and ANCOVA via Strata17 in SPSS.
Results affirmed that phonemic-orthography significantly accelerates spelling skills within a
compressed two-month period. Simultaneously, the incorporation of phonemic-orthography
facilitates gradual critical literacy development. Notably, the null hypothesis (h0) was rejected,
confirming the impact of phonemic-orthography on both spelling acceleration and critical
literacy development. This research underscores the potency of phonemic-orthography as a
robust strategy and catalyst for enhancing ESL spelling while nurturing critical literacy
proficiencies. The interplay of the five theoretical perspectives underscores the intricacies of
effective pedagogy. The implications extend to educators and researchers seeking impactful
literacy practices in diverse language learning contexts. The findings demonstrate a statistically
significant enhancement in spelling skills among ESL students after adopting phonemic-
orthography techniques. Furthermore, ESL learners exhibit heightened confidence in engaging
critically with complex textsNational Manpower Development Secretaria
Case studt of Maseru Magistrate Court
No full textIn order to achieve the highest level of protection of people’s right to speedy criminal
trials, the existence of a well-functioning compliance mechanism is a necessity. Based
on this, the paper sought to interrogate the importance of an M&EF within the Maseru
Magistrate Court as a compliance mechanism and a means towards the reduction of
the high pendency of criminal cases, particularly murder cases within the court. To
achieve its aims and objectives, the paper made use of a mixed method research
approach where qualitative and quantitative research methods were used to achieve a
clear description of the problem and provide an even meaningful interpretation and
analysis of the data collected. The Criminal Registry book kept at the Maseru
Magistrate Court Criminal section was used for the collection of the quantitative data
while a questionnaire distributed to stakeholders in the criminal justice system was
used to the collection of the quantitative data.
During the study, the paper discovered that there is indeed a problem of the high
pendency of murder cases within the Maseru Magistrate Court and this is a conclusion
that was based on the realization that 100% of the sample cases were still pending
within the court. although the paper acknowledged that there may be a number of
factors contributing to the high pendency, it attributed the problem largely to the lack
of compliance within the criminal justice system to the provisions of the SCTA. It
argued that the use of M&EF for the SCTA within the Maseru Magistrate Court can
improve compliance to the strict timeframes prescribed by the law and subsequentlyhelp with the reduction of the high pendency of criminal cases.
Based on the interpretation and analysis of the data collected, the review of the papers
by other scholars on this phenomena of high pendency of criminal cases despite the
existence of the law making provision for speedy criminal trials as well as the
consideration of the decisions by the High Court of Lesotho on issues relating to
violation of speedy trial rights, the paper came to a conclusion that there is indeed a
problem of the high pendency of murder cases within the Maseru Magistrate Court
and that the high pendency is a direct result of the lack of the existence of a
compliance mechanism for the SCTA. It therefore recommended the creation of an
M&EF which is made up of a combination of the following approaches RBM&E,
PBM&E and TBM&E as a compliance mechanism for the SCTA. The paper alsorecommended the creation of specialized courts which will deal solely with the
murder cases and within which the M&EF will be implementedNational Manpower Development Secretaria
A need for a more effective regulatory body
Get PDFThe aim of this study was to discuss the challenges posed by the Legislative provisions under the Mines and Minerals Act No. 4 of 2005 which seems to cast to wide discretionary powers on the Minister responsible for Mining. Also, to highlight the weaknesses of the mineral regulatory functions under the Office of Commissioner of Mines. The study recommends the establishment of a regulatory body to do away with potential abuse of discretionary powers, conflict of interest of the Minister, direct political appointments and also assume regulatory function bestowed on the Commissioner of Mines under the current Act. In essence, the study advocates for repeal of the current Minerals Act and proposes the enactment of a new Mining Act that would establish amongst others, a regulatory body / Mining Authority to assume all the regulatory functions in the mining sector.National Manpower Development Secretaria
The case of Tsoaing savings Credit Union Association in Maseru District
Get PDFCredit unions have played a significant role in promoting financial inclusion, fostering community
development, and empowering individuals to achieve their financial goals. Against this
background, this study is to investigate the contribution of Tsoaing Saving Credit Union
Association to socio economic lives of the beneficiaries in Tsoeneng Ha Mokhele community. The
study adopted a mixed methods approach for the purpose of gathering both qualitative and
quantitative data. The study has adopted case study research design and data was collected using
closed-ended questionnaires and interviews. The findings show that Tsoaing Saving Credit union
Association contributed to social development through capacity building training and offering
educational loans. Furthermore, Tsoaing Saving Credit Union Association contributed to
employment creation and access to financial services. Moreover, it contributed to income
generation projects through poultry, small shop, piggery and farming. The study concludes that
Tsoaing Saving Credit Union Association played an important role in improving the socio-
economic development in Tsoeneng Ha Mokhele community. The study recommends that in order
to improve socio economic development in Tsoaing Saving Credit Union Association shouldprovide frequent and regular trainings on business management to their members. This could help
members for good management of their loans and reducing loan defaulters.National Manpower Development Secretaria