African Journal of Empirical Research
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Stakeholder perspectives on the adequacy of sustainable tourism policy in Zambia: The case of the Kafue River catchment
Get PDFThis study examines the strategies for achieving sustainable tourism in biodiversity-rich regions, using Zambia\u27s Kafue River Catchment as a case study. It specifically analyses the adequacy (and/or inadequacy) of Zambia’s current tourism policy to promote sustainable tourism from stakeholder perspectives and lived experiences. The Sustainability Theory guides its analysis. It utilises the qualitative case study design, which allows the use of in-depth interviews and focus group discussions to collect data. Thus, 21 community members (3 businesses, 16 households, and 2 customary chiefs) and three (3) key informants (1 association and 2 policymakers) were purposively selected for in-depth interviews from the population of about 200 households, five customary chiefs, and 12 businesses in the Lower Kafue River Catchment. The data analysis followed the qualitative thematic analysis approach. Its findings demonstrate that Zambia’s current tourism policy is inefficient in three critical aspects: content, implementation and justice. Based on this, the study concludes that there is an urgent need to revisit Zambia’s tourism policy to address the identified gaps and promote sustainable tourism both in the Kafue River Catchment and the country as a whole. In doing so, the study contributes to the current debates on sustainable tourism, reframing tourism policy as a co-created framework rather than a directive, which shifts policy from being compliance-orientated and externally imposed to being participatory, adaptive, and community-driven. As such, the study recommends the following as intervention measures: localised communication strategies, participatory governance platforms, continuous capacity building, and participatory policy implementation and monitoring mechanisms
Impacts of coffee price volatility on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Karagwe District, Tanzania
Get PDFCoffee is one of the most well-known potential cash crops, serving as the primary source of income for millions of farmers in various countries worldwide. Despite its significance in generating income and employment for many, its price remains unpredictable. This study aimed to assess the impacts of coffee price fluctuations on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Karagwe District. The study adopted the market-orientated agriculture theory. The theory posits that market-oriented agricultural production stimulates broader economic growth through linkages that encourage farmers to shift from subsistence farming to commercial-oriented farming. This aligns with the study, as most farmers in the study area have been involved in coffee production as a major cash crop, making competition in the coffee market both locally and internationally intense. A cross-sectional design and a mixed approach were used to achieve the study objectives. Data were collected from a sample of 90 smallholder farmers, representing 10% of the targeted population of coffee farmers registered with the Karagwe District Cooperative Union (KDCU Ltd), and from all six Agricultural Marketing Cooperative Societies (AMCOS) sampled to meet the study’s requirements. Furthermore, 15 key informants from all six AMCOS and KDCU Ltd were also interviewed using a checklist of predetermined questions. Descriptive statistics and a multiple linear regression model were used to evaluate how coffee price volatility affects rural livelihoods. The findings indicated that the socio-economic stability of farmers in Karagwe District who live in rural areas is negatively impacted by unstable coffee prices at the 5% significance level. The study concludes that the persistence of price instability in coffee has forced the decline in family income of smallholder farmers, which consequently prevents them from meeting life\u27s necessities, leading to the deterrence of their livelihoods\u27 sustainability. Therefore, it is recommended that the government, along with other agricultural stakeholders and cooperatives, should strengthen regulation of the coffee trade both locally and internationally, offer financial assistance with simple credit terms, and provide relevant financial and agricultural education to farmers, which may act as a coping mechanism for any kind of price volatility
Assessing the impact of devolution on the emergency management system (EMS) in Kenya
Get PDFThis study advocates for a cohesive legal and regulatory framework to rectify the disjointed state of emergency management in Kenya. It comprehensively surveys existing literature, such as scholarly articles, laws, policies, and institutional structures, using a desk review method to identify gaps and suggest solutions. The study indicates that Kenya\u27s current emergency management system is not functioning effectively due to unclear lines of responsibility between the national and county governments, as well as inconsistent funding for disaster management. This approach leads to poorly planned interventions that only happen when there is an emergency. The proposed framework is based on Article 4 of the Kenyan Constitution, which says that Kenya is a sovereign, multi-party democratic state that follows national principles of governance. These values outlined in Article 10 comprise the rule of law, democracy, public participation, human dignity, social justice, and long-term growth. All these aspects are important for an emergency response system that works well and respects people\u27s rights. The study argues that Kenya can meet its constitutional obligation to safeguard human rights and deliver public services by establishing a cohesive framework that delineates standards for command authority, funding mechanisms, and communication protocols across all tiers of government. This framework would make emergency responses more coordinated and effective by getting national and county governments, as well as non-governmental organizations, involved. It would also protect core values and rights, such as the right to life and access to emergency services for all citizens
Household dynamics and national health insurance scheme enrollment: Findings from a baseline study in rural Ghana
Get PDFThe United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Target 8) requires that all individuals and communities receive healthcare services without constraints. Over the past few decades, geographical access to healthcare services in Ghana has improved. However, economic access had been a major hindrance to healthcare utilization until the introduction of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). To enroll in the NHIS and qualify to access healthcare services, one is required to pay a premium or renew their expired membership. Payment of premium or renewal of membership, among other factors, has been one of the major challenges inhibiting enrollment into the NHIS, thereby hindering access to healthcare. This study seeks to examine factors that are associated with NHIS enrollment in a rural district of Ghana. The findings will enable us to provide context-specific interventions to improve NHIS enrollment to overcome economic challenges in respect of healthcare access. The study relied on the Health Belief Model (HBM). Data for this analysis came from the Afadjato South District Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS). Under the system, individuals and their households were enumerated. Socio-demographic information was collected on individuals and households. Information on National Health Insurance enrollment was also collected for all individuals. The simple logistic regression method was used for the analysis to examine the factors that are associated with NHIS enrollment. In all, 11,082 individuals were part of this analysis, out of which 65% had valid NHIS enrollment. The results indicated that higher household socio-economic status (SES) was associated with higher odds of NHIS enrollment. Other variables that showed association with NHIS enrollment include individuals in female-headed households and individuals in households with educated heads. In addition, being in a large household, being an urban resident, and being a female were all found to be associated with higher odds of NHIS enrollment. The study concluded that household characteristics are important predictors of NHIS enrollment. In particular, NHIS registration and renewal is affected by household SES, where poor households are less likely to enroll. Therefore, policies aimed at getting more people to enroll in the NHIS should consider targeting poor and vulnerable households for support, such as premium exemptions or cash transfers to the poor and vulnerable groups in the population. Also, public education on the health benefits of NHIS enrollment should be intensified, particularly among rural and uneducated members of the population.
Community perception of forest protection and its implications: Insights from the peri-urban forest reserve in Kazimzumbwi, Tanzania
Get PDFDue to the ecosystem services they provide, forest resources are essential for the development of human society. The protection of forests is inevitable because of their importance in ensuring sustainability. This study seeks to examine community perception on forest protection by integrating it with remote sensing data and investigates socio-economic and environmental implications of protection to the surrounding communities. This study used a case study design and was guided by Elinor Ostrom\u27s socio-ecological theory. The study used a sample of 301 respondents for quantitative data and 12 respondents for qualitative data, making a total of 313 respondents. Respondents were selected from two wards of Kazimzumbwi and Kisarawe using simple random and purposeful sampling techniques. Various tools were used to collect the information, including the use of semi-structured questionnaires, key informants’ interviews, satellite images that were downloaded from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) archives, and reviews of literature. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics with the statistical Package of Social Sciences 12 while quantitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. The satellite data was analysed using the random forest (RF) algorithm and mapped in ArcGIS 10 software to examine the forest cover changes in Kazimzumbwi Forest Reserve from 1994 to 2024. The results showed that the majority of respondents were aware of forest protection, which was identified using several local knowledge indicators that indicated an increase in trees. Such an indicator was proved by a satellite image that shows the increase in bushland and open woodland and the decrease in the area occupied by grassland in the area. In a similar vein, respondents acknowledged the existence of social, economic, and environmental impacts in the area that were mainly reflected by economic hardship and a decrease in farmland. The increase in energy prices, control of soil erosion, climate regulation, improvement in biodiversity, fear and insecurity, rise in crime, lack of compensation, and enhancement of social services were all noted as significant issues. The study recommends the need to strengthen the governance system by engaging local communities in decision-making and establishing sustainable livelihood support to the community surrounded by the protected forest. It also recommends for implementing continuous environmental education provision among the key stakeholders to ensure sustainable commitment to the protection
The access-quality paradox: Examining the disconnect between financial inputs and learning outcomes in Zambia’s free education policy
Get PDFThe implementation of Free Education Policies (FEPs) is a central strategy for achieving inclusive and equitable quality education (SDG 4) in low- and middle-income countries. However, the relationship between enhanced public funding and improved academic performance is often paradoxical. This mixed-methods study investigates this paradox within the Copperbelt Province of Zambia. Analyzing survey data from 228 stakeholders (teachers, administrators, learners, and union representatives) and integrating perspectives from key civil society organizations: Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC), Forum for African Women Educationalists of Zambia (FAWEZA), the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED), and the National Action for Quality Education in Zambia (NAQEZ), the research reveals that while the policy has successfully boosted enrollment and access (evidenced by a 95% survey response rate), it has simultaneously strained the education system. Quantitative findings demonstrate critical infrastructural deficits (e.g., a mean score of 1.82 for classroom spaciousness) and inconsistent resource availability. Qualitative data highlight systemic bottlenecks: overcrowded classrooms, delayed fund disbursement, and overburdened teachers. Triangulated with stagnant national examination trends, the evidence indicates that financial inputs are insufficient to produce gains in academic performance without parallel investment in enabling conditions for quality. The study concludes that the Zambian case exemplifies a critical policy gap where investment in access has not been matched by investment in the enabling conditions for quality. We argue for a fundamental shift toward integrated policy frameworks that explicitly link funding to quality assurance metrics, infrastructure development, and systemic capacity building. Drawing on a systems-thinking lens, the study demonstrates that Zambia’s Free Education Policy has expanded access without commensurate gains in learning outcomes due to systemic capacity constraints across infrastructure, human resources, and school management. The findings advance theories on implementing education policy by showing that fee abolition alone is insufficient and that sustainable improvements require integrated, quality-oriented investments that align access with learning conditions
In-service training and teacher job performance: A study of senior high schools in the Bongo District of Ghana
Get PDFThis study examined the influence of in-service training on the job performance of senior high school teachers in the Bongo District of Ghana. By way of its theoretical framework, Odiorne\u27s Theory of Human Capital was found to be suitable, and the same was utilised in guiding the study. The study employed a descriptive survey design. A sample size of one hundred and thirteen (113) out of a targeted population of one hundred and sixty-three (163) teachers from four (4) senior high schools in the administrative area was obtained using the simple random sampling technique. The data collection tool was a questionnaire that the researcher constructed. Descriptive statistical tools, thus means and standard deviations, were used to analyse the data. The study revealed that in-service training promotes networking among teachers and enhances teachers’ performance in the teaching and learning situation. Further, some notable challenges of implementation include inadequate trainers in the various subject areas and inadequate funding. To conclude, therefore, in-service training programmes do have a multitude of positive effects on the core mandate of teachers. However, there are knotty challenges that should be addressed. This study thus recommends the need for relevant stakeholders in education to intervene by pulling their synergies together in order to address these concerning challenges
The impact of the fertilizer subsidy programme on smallholder maize farmers\u27 livelihoods in the Northern Region of Ghana
Get PDFAgriculture is one of the strongholds of Ghana\u27s economy, with about half of the country dependent on the sector. However, farm yields are low because of the very minimal use of improved technologies and fertilizers. The government of Ghana has made fertilizer subsidy programmes available to boost production; the programme has not been able to meet all its goals. This research project adopted a descriptive cross-sectional survey design that encompassed both quantitative and qualitative approaches to evaluate the effects of the fertilizer subsidy programme on the livelihoods of the smallholder maize farmers in the Northern Region of Ghana. A sample of 400 farmers was selected from a population of 123,626 smallholder maize farmers in the Northern Region, based on the Cochran (1977) formula. Five districts were randomly selected, namely Tolon, Kumbungu, Yendi, Savelugu, and Mion. Four communities were randomly selected in each district, and 20 farmers per community were randomly sampled. Structured questionnaires were administered to the sampled farmers, followed by in-depth interviews with the 40 lead farmers. The research used descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and ordered logistic regression models to analyze the data. A composite welfare index was also used to determine the programme’s impact on outcome variables like maize yield, household income, and well-being. The results showed that fertilizer use alone accounted for a significant share of variation in maize yields, and the farmers who applied the recommended rates of fertilizers obtained better yields. The results showed delays in disbursement and improper targeting of farmers limited the economic impact of the programme on individual household members. This concludes that though the fertilizer subsidy programme has gone a long way in improving the livelihood of the smallholder maize farmers in Northern Ghana through increased yields and income, it failed in achieving all its stated goals. It is therefore recommended that efficient fertilizer distribution mechanisms be put in place to ensure timely delivery, coupled with a well-structured monitoring system to avoid smuggling into commercial shops and unintended beneficiaries
Undergraduate business students’ perception of auditing: Knowledge and proximity impacts on auditor stereotypes
Get PDFThis study investigates the perceptions of Ghanaian undergraduate business students toward the auditing profession, focusing on how knowledge sources and proximity contribute to the development of auditor-related stereotypes. The research is theoretically anchored in attribution theory and stereotype theory. The study adopts a positivist paradigm and utilizes a cross-sectional survey design to gather quantitative data. The target population comprised approximately 26,000 undergraduate business students across seven public universities in Ghana offering business and economics programs. Using probability sampling, a representative sample of 374 students was selected. The sample included students studying accounting, auditing, and economics. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on students\u27 audit knowledge sources, satisfaction with their introductory accounting course, and impressions of auditors\u27 work, careers, and image. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was performed using SPSS version 28 (4.0.4) to identify latent dimensions of auditor stereotypes. Regression analysis was then employed to examine the effect of covariates such as knowledge acquisition, course enrollment type, and course satisfaction on students’ perceptions of auditors. The results show that students who chose to take auditing courses had much better opinions of auditors\u27 careers, job roles, and professional image than students who were required to take the course or didn\u27t take it at all. Academic training, family and social exposure, and satisfaction with their first accounting course also influenced their perceptions. The study concludes that improving students\u27 exposure to auditing, especially through voluntary and engaging course designs, can enhance their perceptions of the audit profession. It recommends that educational authorities, accounting educators, and professional auditing bodies design targeted interventions that address negative stereotypes and promote positive career awareness, potentially increasing interest in the auditing field
Mapping the knowledge base on work–life balance: A bibliometric study
Get PDFThis study aims to present a comprehensive understanding of the evolving research landscape and diversification in the existing work-life balance (WLB) literature. It offers an in-depth evaluation of WLB studies using bibliometric analysis. The review is built on an examination of 628 papers published between 1985 and 2025, sourced from the Scopus database. The study assesses research significance by examining publication trends, more productive countries, highly cited papers and sources, frequently used co-words, and key study themes from four prominent clusters. The thorough examination of the data using VOSviewer software showed that 73% of the WLB documents were published after 2021, with 221 articles appearing in 2022, 2023, and 2024 alone out of a total of 628 articles. This data suggests that, although the topic has been around since 1985, it has only gained significant momentum in recent years. Geographically, the United States dominates WLB research due to its role in early industrialisation. Since then, the topic has gained traction in other developed nations. However, despite its widespread reception in these nations, there remains a research gap from the perspective of developing nations, which could be addressed through valuable future studies. This research analysis indicates that imminent studies could benefit from more extensive reviews, as they add value to this type of research. There are forty-five research papers with over one hundred global citations, indicating that the WLB topic holds worldwide significance and has substantial consequences for families, employees, and organisations. Most of the highly quoted WLB research focuses on related themes like “WLB practices”, “flexible work arrangements”, and “the gendered aspects of organisational policies”. Furthermore, an investigation of issued documents highlights “emerging study designs and possible gaps. It also offers insights into future research directions and potential areas for further exploration within the field. The study suggests that researchers should focus on pulling together big-picture reviews, digging deeper with more real-world studies in developing countries, and trying approaches that connect the dots across different contexts and compare them side by side. For policymakers and managers, the key takeaway is clear: creating work-life balance policies that truly fit people\u27s diverse realities and local needs isn\u27t just nice to have—it\u27s essential for keeping employees happy and healthy while building organisations that can thrive in the long run