African Journal of Empirical Research
Not a member yet
975 research outputs found
Sort by
The effectiveness of the application of international environmental conventions in Rwanda
Get PDFEnvironmental protection remains a major concern. It concerns developing countries as well as industrialized countries, because environmental damage knows no borders and spares no country. In this perspective, the state of Rwanda has ratified several important treaties, such as the Convention on Biological Diversity, climate change, desertification, and several protocols, which demonstrates its commitment to the effective protection of the environment. Still, the effectiveness of the implementation of the international environmental law (IEL) continues to be criticized. This research paper assesses the effectiveness of environmental law and regulation vis-a-vis Rwandan international engagement in the area of environmental protection. This study utilizes an analytical research design, principally a qualitative technique grounded in doctrinal legal research. Hence, main legislations, which are closely related to the field of environmental law, were qualitatively analyzed. Data was gathered through the collection of national legislation, orders, and regulations passed by Rwanda and ratified international treaties in the area of environment protection; policy documents and official reports from prominent government organizations; academic texts; and peer-reviewed publications. Overall, the study illustrates that the international community has adopted a series of legislative measures to combat the threat of environmental degradation. In this context, Rwanda has ratified the relevant international legal frameworks and, in order to implement these conventions, has enacted laws and regulations and created institutions dedicated to environmental protection. The study concludes that, in order for the application of environmental conventions in Rwanda to be effective, an adaptation of environmental laws as well as the adoption and adjustment of administrative and legislative measures are necessary in order to better meet current challenges
Management de communication des services publics dans la lutte contre la pollution des déchets solides à Bunia/Ituri, République Démocratique du Congo
Get PDFLe présent papier a proposé une enquête descriptive et analytique sur le management de communication des services publics en charge de la salubrité urbaine en ville de Bunia. Sa problématique centrale a consisté à évaluer l’efficacité des stratégies mobilisées dans la lutte contre la pollution par les déchets solides et l’identification des facteurs qui limitent l’engagement éco-citoyen des populations. Elle a été menée selon une approche quantitative via un questionnaire administré à un échantillon stratifié de 49 enquêtés. L’étude s’est appuyée sur deux théories : Il s’agit de la théorie de la contingence organisationnelle qui a analysé les contraintes structurelles et la théorie de la communication organisationnelle qui a évalué l’articulation entre les messages institutionnels et l’action publique. L’hypothèse principale, qui postulait qu’un déficit de communication structurée et inclusive constitue le principal frein et qu’une approche intégrée et participative est indispensable pour renforcer l’éco-citoyenneté était pleinement confirmée par les résultats. Les données recueillies ont mis en lumière un hiatus significatif entre les objectifs environnementaux et les pratiques communicationnelles. L’analyse a révélé que les stratégies d’information sont dominées par des conférences sporadiques, soit 61,2%, une approche institutionnelle symbolique et unidirectionnelle. Cette méthode s’est traduite sur terrain par une inefficacité perçue par le public avec un impact jugé faible et très faible sur l’engagement citoyen et sur le changement comportemental, soit 51%, 12,2% et 71,4%. Cette inefficacité est accentuée par les contraintes de la contingence. L’absence de politiques publiques formelles et le manque d’infrastructure de base, soit 18,4% et 14,3% annihilent le contrôle comportemental perçu et la motivation à agir. Le principal obstacle à l’adoption du comportement responsable en ville de Bunia a été identifié comme la méconnaissance massive des enjeux environnementaux, soit 67,2%, (tableau 8), une lacune éducative qui explique la persistance de l’incinération comme mode de gestion dominant, soit 59,2% (tableau 9) en contradiction avec la loi-cadre sur l’environnement. L’apport majeur de cette recherche est la proposition d’un plan stratégique d’action de communication ciblée qui vise à intégrer la sensibilisation à la régulation et à l’investissement. La pertinence de cette approche est corroborée par la demande citoyenne pour l’instauration d’une politique formelle de gestion et d’un plan de communication contraignante, soit 33% chacun. L’étude a conclu que la gestion des déchets solides en ville de Bunia souffre d’un déficit de communication structuré et inclusive, aggravé par l’absence de politiques publiques et d’infrastructure adaptées. Ainsi, elle a enjoint aux acteurs publics d’adopter l’approche intégrée et participative pour transcender la simple sensibilisation et ancrer durablement l’éco-citoyenneté
Profiling and Characterizing Trends and Patterns of Agricultural Credit in Tanzania
Get PDFAgricultural credit is crucial for improving productivity, sustaining economic growth, and supporting smallholder farmers\u27 livelihoods. However, in Tanzania, the sector receives a disproportionately low share of total credit from formal financial institutions. This study analyzes the trends and patterns of agricultural credit from 2005 to 2018 and its implications for agricultural productivity and GDP. The research is guided by Credit Rationing Theory, Financial Intermediation Theory, and Institutional Theory, which provide insights into the challenges affecting credit accessibility. A longitudinal quantitative research design was employed, utilizing secondary time-series data from the Bank of Tanzania (BoT), National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), and other institutional reports. Data analysis included trend analysis, structural break tests (Zivot-Andrews), and comparative sectoral lending assessments. Findings indicate that agriculture receives less than 10% of total commercial bank lending, despite its substantial GDP contribution. The 2009 global financial crisis led to a structural decline in agricultural credit, which has not fully recovered. Key barriers include high interest rates, stringent collateral requirements, and risk perceptions, limiting access, especially for smallholder farmers. Although financial innovations such as value chain financing and government-backed programs have been introduced, their effectiveness is undermined by policy inconsistencies and institutional inefficiencies. To improve access to agricultural credit, targeted financial policies, risk management frameworks, and digital financial solutions are essential. Strengthening financial literacy, promoting inclusive credit mechanisms, and expanding agricultural insurance programs will be critical in fostering a sustainable and equitable credit system
Investigating the Relationship between School Leadership and Academic Performance: A Case Study of Secondary Schools in Rusizi District, Rwanda
Get PDFThis paper aimed to investigate the relationship between school leadership and students’ academic performance in secondary schools of Rusizi District. To achieve this objective, the research used a descriptive survey design. The investigation was guided by the Transformational Leadership Theory. The study was conducted in Rusizi district in Rwanda. The study targeted 340 individuals including students, teachers, Head Teachers and Deans of Studies (DOSs). The study used a combination of simple random and stratified sampling techniques to select a sample of the study of 220 individual including 155 students, 55 teachers, 5 Head Teachers and 5 DOSs. This sample was selected from five secondary schools of Rusizi district. This paper employed a descriptive research design, utilizing questionnaires and interview guides to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. The collected data were analysed and presented using tables and graphs, applying descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean, percentages and others. Statistical analysis was conducted using the SPSS 22nd version software. Qualitative data were analysed, interpreted and presented using extracts, explanations and interpretation. The findings of this study reveal a significant relationship between effective school leadership styles and students’ academic performance in secondary schools in Rusizi District, Rwanda. Quantitative data indicate that the majority of students and teachers agree that effective leadership enhances standardized test scores, GPA, completion rates and reduces repetition rates, with high mean scores and consistent standard deviations supporting these views. The study found a strong correlation between school leadership and academic performance (r = .854, p < .01). Regression analysis confirmed that 74.1% of the variation in academic performance can be attributed to leadership styles. Furthermore, regression coefficients indicate that school leadership statistically and significantly predicts academic performance (B = 0.845, t = 20.917, p < 0.001). Qualitative insights from key informants underscore the role of effective leadership in fostering discipline, motivation, goal-setting, teacher support, and collaboration among stakeholders. These elements collectively create a positive school culture, enhance teaching quality and promote a nurturing environment conducive to academic excellence. The study concluded that effective school leadership styles significantly enhance students’ academic performance in Rusizi District, Rwanda. It has recommended that school leaders and teachers have to collaborate to foster discipline, motivation and a supportive learning environment to improve academic performance
Solutions of navier stokes equations for dam break problem in two dimension using finite element method
Get PDFA dam break is one of the most catastrophic events in hydraulic systems it happens when a dam suddenly fails, unleashing massive amounts of water in an uncontrolled rush. Even though water covers most of the Earth, water scarcity continues to be a serious challenge, especially in regions that rely heavily on irrigation. In response, many governments have invested in large scale dam construction to support food security by irrigating over 600,000 hectares of dry and semi-arid land. While dams are essential for water storage and agricultural productivity, they also come with significant risks. The enormous potential energy they store can lead to devastating environmental and social consequences if a failure occurs. This study focuses on modeling and simulating dam break scenarios using the two-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations, widely recognized for describing fluid behavior, solved through the Galerkin finite element method in MATLAB. The simulation considers steady-state, incompressible Newtonian fluids without body forces and applies the classic lid-driven cavity problem for benchmarking. To achieve accurate results, the study uses eight-noded rectangular elements, with quadratic interpolation for velocity and bilinear interpolation for pressure, resulting in 20 unknowns per element. The finite element method was selected over other numerical approaches because of its accuracy, especially when dealing with complex geometries. The simulation results align well with benchmark data across various Reynolds numbers, confirming the method’s accuracy and reliability. These findings are valuable to the field of computational fluid dynamics (CFD), offering an effective way to simulate dam related fluid movement. More importantly, in the context of hydraulic engineering and disaster preparedness, the study provides critical insights into how dam failures evolve and how flood waters behave when released. This knowledge can inform smarter emergency planning, safer dam designs, and stronger public awareness for downstream communities, ultimately contributing to more resilient disaster risk reduction efforts
The Role of Private Sector in Reducing Youth Unemployment: A Case of Dodoma Region, Tanzania
Get PDFThe private sector has become active to reduce world poverty. Despite the most recent Gross Domestic Product [GDP] upturn, which ended in the second half of 2018, jobless rates remained comparatively stable in the majority of African nations. While North Africa\u27s unemployment rate was 10.0% and 12.8%, respectively, Sub-Saharan Africa\u27s overall unemployment rate was 7.4% in 2010 and 7.6% in 2016. Although various action have been taken, the biggest problem in the world right now is youth unemployment. The global unemployment rate was 6.2% in 2018, down from 6.3% in 2014, but still much higher than the figure of 5.6% in 2019. Therefore, the study aimed to explore the role of private sector in reducing youth unemployment in Dodoma Region. The study was guided by Karl Marx’s Unemployment Theory, Karl Marx believed that major unemployment crises were to be expected because unemployment was a natural byproduct of the unsteady capitalism system. A case study research design was used and targeted population consisted of young people without jobs and those who are working and work in the private sector, management of businesses, and the Ministry of Trade, Industries, and Market in Dodoma. This research employed a sample size of 150 respondents. Using both qualitative and quantitative research approach the primary data was collected using questionnaire and interview guide and secondary data was collected using documentary review. The data was analyzed, processed, and loaded into SPSS version 16.0 that is statistical tool quantitative research, content and structural functional analysis approaches were used to examine the acquired qualitative data. The study found out that the constrains for the youth’s unemployment in private sector are lack of education, entrepreneurship, experience, lack of vocational training skills, as well as obstacles that deterred the private sector from contributing to youth unemployment including lack of capital, skills, market, government policies and insufficient finances. This study concluded that the government needs to support the private sector so that more employment opportunities can be created because the government on its own cannot create the big number of employment opportunity which can cover all the youth. The researcher recommended that the government should encourage various businesses to invest in the country as young people will benefit by getting job opportunities. The ministry in charge of employment should continue to encourage young people to work for themselves rather than wait to be hired by the government
The Role of Climate-Resilient Crop Demonstration Plots in Improving Food Security in Low-Income Neighborhoods: A Case of South Sudan
Get PDFDespite South Sudan\u27s potential for agriculture and cultivation, food insecurity has remained a source of concern, with the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024 report designating the state of hunger in South Sudan as alarming based on the population undernourished (19.6%) and the number of children dying before their fifth birthday (9.9%). In addition to this, the Global Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Emergency Review Committee identifies 42% of South Sudan\u27s population as those afflicted by the high levels of food insecurity. It is for this reason that European Union (EU) through Tearfund in partnership with Coalition for Humanity (CH) intervened with an objective of piloting climate-resilient agriculture in Rubkona County, Unity state in South Sudan through the establishment of disease resistant rice demo plots. The management theory of project management was used to achieve the objective. This led to increased awareness, greater participation and interest in adopting new agricultural practices. The participatory approach used fostered a sense of community and collaboration among farmers within the county thus making them to understand the practical benefits of the technologies demonstrated. To use this approach, Coalition for Humanity established 40 farmer groups, targeting 800 food insecure households (4,800 individuals). This was followed by the distribution of agricultural inputs to the households, and engagement of 10 extension workers to provide capacity building of farmers on basic agronomic practices and nutrition sensitive agriculture before the establishment of the demo-plots. The formation of these demo-plots led to increased awareness of farmers in Rubkona County thus resulting in improved engagement and interest in adopting new agricultural practices. Community Engagement with farmers by involving them in the selection of demo locations and management activities enhanced their participation and ownership of the projects. This participatory approach also fostered a sense of community and collaboration among farmers. In addition to this, farmers who participated in demo-plots were able to learn by doing, thus resulting to the practicability and adoption of new technologies. The recommendation includes provision of continuous training and support to farmers to ensure they can effectively adopt and maintain new practices. Community formation of partnerships with local organizations, government agencies, and businesses to leverage resources and expertise are also recommended. Fostering of collaborative projects between schools and local communities to foster real-world problem-solving skills is also a necessity by the education sector
Impact of Tax Revenue on Public Healthcare Financing in Kenya: English
No full textHealthcare financing is a critical aspect of ensuring access to quality healthcare in Kenya. However, there are high incidences of catastrophic out of pocket health spending and poor health outcomes. In the effort to achieve Sustainable Development Goal number 3 (SDG 3), Kenya has been having transformations and reforms in the health sector, however, the country still allocates inadequate funds on healthcare falling below the Abuja Declaration of 2001 which derails achieving national and international healthcare goals. The state of macroeconomic environment in a country such as tax revenue, inflation, public debt, Gross Domestic Product among others contribute to financing decisions towards its healthcare systems and its functioning. In this regard, the study examined the impact of tax revenue on public healthcare financing in Kenya from 2013 to 2022. The study provides valuable insights that can inform evidence-based policymaking, improve resource allocation efficiency, enhance healthcare financial stability and sustainability for improved healthcare access. This study was anchored on the Resource allocation and Grossman model of health demand. Quarterly data was collected, cleaned, coded and arranged in table form before subjecting it to pre-diagnostic tests to ensure its reliability. Data was analysed using Stata 15. Post diagnostic tests were conducted and they all met the required threshold for analysis. The study adopted correlational and causal research design. The ordinary least square (OLS) model revealed that tax revenue had positive and significant impact on public healthcare financing with a p value of 0.007. The study noted that however the increasing trajectory of tax revenue collection in Kenya, the country still collects below its potential against the rising need of funds across the sectors of the economy like healthcare with ever increasing population and the inception of county governments which require adequate funding to support healthcare initiatives. The study recommended putting strategies to improve long-term tax collection efficiency and a more robust tax system that can provide a reliable source of funding for public health in the long run
Keeping the Revenue Performance Ship Afloat: A Case of Tanzania Revenue Authority
Get PDFThis case study examines the challenges faced by the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) in its efforts to modernize tax administration and increase revenue collection. It focuses on the recent events including the nationwide traders\u27 strike in June 2024, which exposed deep-seated issues within Tanzania\u27s tax system. The study explores the complex interplay between the TRA\u27s mandate to increase revenue and the business community\u27s concerns about oppressive and unclear tax practices. Through an analysis of documentary evidence and stakeholder interviews, the case identifies key issues including tax evasion, complexity in tax laws, resistance to technological innovations like Electronic Fiscal Devices (EFD), and the informal sector\u27s integration into the formal tax system. The study draws on theoretical frameworks such as the Gordon-Li Model, Lindahl\u27s Model to contextualize these challenges. The study employed the case study research design and the sample size of 5 respondents who were purposely selected. This Case Study found that the TaxTech Ecosystem Initiative is a revolutionary approach to tax administration that leverages blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, and community engagement. This initiative aims to create a more transparent, efficient, and equitable tax system. The study concludes with recommendations for successful implementation, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder engagement, technological investment, phased implementation, inter-agency collaboration, data security, and continuous monitoring and evaluation. It suggests that if successfully implemented, this initiative could not only transform Tanzania\u27s fiscal landscape but also serve as a model for other developing nations facing similar challenges in tax administration. This case study contributes to the broader discourse on tax administration in developing countries and provides insights into innovative approaches to addressing longstanding challenges in revenue collection and fiscal policy implementation
The Role of Spirituality, Cultural Traditions, and Personal Values in Corrupt Practices within Ghana’s Governmental Institutions
Get PDFSpirituality, personal values, cultural norms, and traditional beliefs are essential to the everyday existence of Ghanaians. This paper is aimed at investigating the influence of spirituality, cultural-traditions and personal values on corrupt practices in Ghana’s Governmental Institutions. This study employed the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). This TPB is to examine how corrupt actions are influenced by the interaction of individual beliefs including spirituality or personal values, social influences such as traditional or cultural norms, and institutional practices. The study used both quantitative and qualitative approaches with questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to collect data. The paper employed a descriptive research design complimented by an exploratory design. With a target population of five thousand (5000) individuals constituting both managerial and non-managerial employees of the public services in Ghana. A non-probability sampling technique with a purposive and convenience sampling was adopted to select a sample size of three hundred (300) respondents. Data was analyzed using SPSS Multiple Linear Regression model with a stepwise method. The findings of the study suggest that, corruption in the public office is a conduct that deviates from the normal obligations of a public role because of financial or status gains. Corruption is a prevalent occurrence in Ghana. People’s spirituality does not prevent them from being corrupt. People’s moral and ethical values never helped them to be free from corruption, whether Christian or Muslim does not matter people will still bribe and be corrupt every day in their public life. However, some respondents strongly argued that ‘the fear of God can help reduce corruption than ethics,’ ‘Spirituality, personal values, cultural-traditions and ethics influences the level of corruption. In the final model with an R2 of 25.9% all two predictor variables thus Spirituality or Cultural-Traditions and Personal Values on Corrupt Practices were statistically significant. In conclusion, the null Hypothesis that there is no positive relationship between spirituality or cultural-traditions and personal values on corrupt practices in Ghana’s Governmental Institutions was rejected. Hence, there is a positive influence of spirituality, cultural-traditions and personal values on corrupt practices in Ghana’s public institutions. The paper recommends that, establish and mandate training for all tiers of government personnel that underscore the need for honesty and integrity. Facilitate the reporting of misconduct in a secure and confidential manner. This system must have legislative protections to allow individuals to report misbehaviour without fear of retribution. Lastly, establish initiatives to acknowledge and motivate public servants for exemplary ethical conduct