African Journal of Empirical Research
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The nexus between modern media, African cultural values, and economic development: Leveraging media to ground economic development in cultural norms in Africa
Get PDFIn Africa, modern media presents a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between cultural heritage and economic growth. However, many cultural traditions risk erosion due to the pressures of globalization. Preserving and promoting African cultural values is crucial for empowering communities to explore entrepreneurial opportunities and drive economic development. This paper explored the nexus between modern media, African cultural values, and economic development in Africa and is underpinned by the Technological Determinism Theory of Mass Media. A systematic review was used to retrieve 22 open-access peer-reviewed articles from three databases (Google Scholar, Research Gate, and Science Direct). The paper reveals a significant relationship between modern media, African cultural values and development in Africa by highlighting growth-enhancing African cultural values and digital platforms for the preservation of African cultural heritage. The paper argues that integrating digital platforms with cultural heritage enables African communities to utilize media as a vehicle for sustainable development and cultural preservation within the broader context of globalization. The paper recommends local content creation, support for digital literacy initiatives, and the establishment of policies that protect and promote cultural heritage within a rapidly evolving digital landscape
Adapting to a changing climate: Smallholder farmers\u27 perceptions and responses in Northern Ghana
Get PDFThis research examines knowledge, adaptation response, and problems encountered by smallholder farmers while countering climate change in the East Mamprusi District in Ghana. This study was guided by the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT). A cross-sectional survey design was used, and data were collected from 120 farmers sampled from a study population of 1200 farmers, using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics indicated a high level of awareness about climate change, and adaptation responses like mixed farming, application of inorganic manure, and early planting were practiced on a regular basis. Binary logistic regression supported education as a predictor of adaptation behavior. That is, farmers who were educated were more than four times likely to adopt early planting (OR = 4.26, p = .030). Moreover, exploratory factor analysis of five major challenges supported two underlying factors: institutional and informational constraints, and technical and resource-related barriers. The results concluded that adaptation is conditioned by personal traits and structural impediments. Enhancing farmers\u27 access to information, technical advice, and institutional services is suggested in order to enhance their resilience
Coping mechanisms employed by smallholder dairy cattle farmers in response to the effects of climate change in Bungoma County, Kenya
Get PDFDairy farming has improved food security, employment, and poverty in Bungoma County. The County has 43% food insecurity and 53% poverty. 31% of household income comes from dairy and livestock. Climate change affects the County\u27s rain-fed mixed farming. The study examined the coping mechanisms employed by smallholder dairy cattle farmers in response to climate change effects. The research was founded on the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF). The study adopted a correlational research design to explore the impact of climate change on dairy cattle production among smallholder farmers in Bungoma County, Kenya, a region selected for its agricultural potential, high poverty rates, and underperforming dairy sector. The research focused on three sub-counties—Mt. Elgon, Kimilili, and Tongaren—deemed representative of the county’s nine sub-counties. A multistage random sampling technique was used to select 415 respondents from a target population of 1,200 farmers, proportionally allocated based on sub-county size and farmer population. In addition, key informants from Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Faith-based organizations (FBOs), and government departments were selected through purposive sampling. Data was gathered through observation, questionnaires and key informants. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS through descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages, while qualitative data were examined using thematic analysis to identify patterns and deeper insights, following Fowler and Floyd’s analytical framework. From the study, smallholder dairy farmers have evolved a number of climate change coping mechanisms; Key among these is reverting to rearing indigenous zebu and cross breed cows that are more resilient to the adverse effects. Integration of dairy and crop farming, use of farm waste as animal feeds, altering acreage, matching stock rates are among the coping mechanisms adapted by smallholder dairy cattle herd farmers. Diversifying to other forms of livestock and income generating activities e.g. chicken, goats, sheep, pigs and beekeeping. This study recommends to all stakeholder to formulate policies to empower farmers to effectively adapt to climate change and variability for enhancing smallholder dairy cattle herd productivity in the county
Random forest model for predicting business success for micro, small and medium enterprises in Kakamega County, Kenya
Get PDFThe Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are an important part of the economy of Kenya, yet they have a high rate of uncertainty and failure because of complicated, poorly comprehended reasons. This paper has come up with a machine learning model based on the Random Forest algorithm to forecast the success of MSMEs in Kakamega County, Kenya, based on historical data provided by the county government. The study was guided by resource-based view theory which posits that a business’s success and sustainability hinge on its ability to acquire, control and utilize valuable internal resources. The traditional approaches that limit themselves to linear financial indicators have been inadequate in describing the multidimensional risks experienced by MSMEs. The study adopted simulation research design to develop a predictive model based on the Random Forest algorithm to predict the success of MSMEs. Random Forest model has shown outstanding predictive accuracy with a precision of 99.72 percent in predicting the success of businesses. The major predictors were found to be the availability of financial access, business characteristics and government support factors. A binary logistic regression model was also used to confirm the results and explained 99.64 percent of the variance in business outcomes. The findings provide a solid basis of evidence-based policy-making and interventions in support. The research is an addition to the existing evidence on the applicability of machine learning in enterprise sustainability and offers a scalable solution to enhancing the resilience of MSMEs in comparable settings. The study successfully developed highly accurate machine learning model for predicting MSME success. It was able to identify critical factors for MSME success, financial access and government support. The study recommends that policy makers and stake-holders should utilize data-driven insights for targeted interventions to enhance MSME resilience and growth. To foster growth and development, MSMEs are advised to focus on improving financial management and leveraging government support programs
Farmers’ perceptions and determinants of indigenous technical knowledge (ITK) use in ricebean production in Nyanza Region of Kenya
Get PDFThis study examined the perceptions of farmers towards Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) in ricebean (Vigna umbellata) production. It was guided by the perception-adoption mediation framework based on the diffusion of innovations and technology adoption theories. The survey design applied was a cross-sectional survey on ricebean-growing farmers in the Nyanza region. Purposive, systematic and snowball sampling was used to recruit 397 respondents. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and key informant interview and analysed using descriptive statistics, the perception index and multivariate regression analysis. Farmers highly ranked ITK in terms of environmental friendliness (mean=4.49), low cost (4.33), accessibility (4.18), cultural acceptability (4.17) and human safety (4.16). Moderate ratings were given to effectiveness, and similarity to CK was the lowest (3.08). Education had a significant effect on the perceptions of effectiveness (p ≤ 0.001), availability (p ≤ 0.013) and affordability (p ≤ 0.020); land size had an effect on the perceptions of effectiveness (p = 0.058) and environmental friendliness (p ≤ 0.005); income level had an effect on the perceptions of effectiveness (p ≤ 0.001) and affordability (p ≤ 0.041). Differences in genders were significant with human safety (p ≤ 0.033), environmental friendliness (p ≤ 0.033) and ITK resembling CK (p ≤ 0.070). The results indicate that ITK is significant in that it is cost-effective and environmentally friendly and culturally acceptable, and there is a need to tailor-create interventions according to the socio-demographic variables in order to make ricebean farming sustainable
Modeling the effect of devolution on youth unemployment rates in Kenya using autoregressive integrated moving average - intervention model
Get PDFYouth unemployment remains a major concern, particularly in African countries with the youngest population globally. In Kenya, youth unemployment rate has shown fluctuations despite several government efforts such as the Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF), Kenya Youth Empowerment Project (KYEP) and the Youth Employment Scheme Abroad (YESA). The impact of devolution on youth unemployment in Kenya has had little investigation on, which is the reason for this study. The study aims to assess the effect of devolution on youth unemployment rates in Kenya, utilizing Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average-Intervention model. This research was informed by the Keynesian and Decentralization theories of employment, which collectively illustrate how government efforts, like introduction of devolution, are anticipated to influence labor market results. This study used the yearly secondary data on youth unemployment rates from the World Bank covering the period from 1991 to 2022. Computational analysis was done using Python programming. An ARIMA (0, 0, 0)(0,0,1)[4] was selected as the most suitable model for the youth unemployment rates prior to devolution (noise model) due to its lowest Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) value of 234.746 in comparison to other identified candidate models. By including devolution as an intervention in the selected noise model, its statistical significance was established at the 0.05 level of significance. Comparative analysis findings revealed that the average youth unemployment rate increased from 6.67% prior to devolution to 10.19% during the devolution period. The projected counterfactual rate during devolution was approximated to be 8.583%, which confirmed the observed increase as statistically significant. In conclusion, the effect of devolution was found to be statistically significant, implying that youth unemployment rates increased during devolution, as confirmed by the fitted ARIMA - Intervention model. Based on the upward trend in youth unemployment rates, the study recommended that policymakers prioritize other context specific and targeted interventions to address structural barriers in the youth labour markets. These should include expanding access to skills training and vocational education, fostering youth entrepreneurship through financing and mentorship programs, and aligning education curriculum with labour market needs
The role of strategic capabilities on the relationship between supplier benchmarking and quality of health care services among private hospitals in Western Kenya
Get PDFPrivate hospitals adopt effective health care supply chain management practices (SCM) without exception to supplier benchmarking to promote their advancement of quality health care. In this regard, private hospitals manage their supply chain strategically to reduce cost of operation, improve service quality, improve patient safety and generate adequate revenue. However, there are mixed findings on the link between supply bench marking and quality of health care services which provided a gap for further interrogation. Therefore, the general objective of the study was to analyze the moderating role of strategic capabilities on the relationship between supplier bench marking and quality of health care services among private hospitals in Western Kenya. This study was premised on resource dependency and service quality theories. The study used the explanatory cross-sectional research design. A target population of 880 employees in private health hospitals in Western Kenya was adopted. The study determined the sample size of 335 respondents by use of Krejcie and Morgan 1970 formular and considered a non-response rate of 20%. The study used multistage sampling technique with questionaire to collect data. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics through SPSS version 25.0 software. Regression analysis showed supplier benchmarking significantly predicts healthcare quality (B=0.726 p<0.001). Hierarchical regression revealed that adding strategic capabilities increased R² from 0.474 to 0.588, with strategic capability (B=0.191, p<0.01) and the interaction term (B=0.046, p<0.05) significantly moderating the relationship. The interaction effects demonstrate that strategic capabilities enhance the impact of supplier benchmarking on healthcare quality, confirming their moderating role in private hospitals in Western Kenya. In conclusion, this indirect and direct link highlights the importance of efficient, well-managed supply benchmarking in supporting and enhancing the overall quality of healthcare services. The study recommends that Private hospitals aiming to maintain competitiveness and deliver of high-quality healthcare services must enhance their supplier benchmarking practices by aligning them with strategic capability-oriented policies. This study provides an evidence-based framework linking supplier benchmarking and strategic capabilities in promoting the delivery of quality healthcare services
Christianity and western education: A gendered historical analysis of the colonial Maragoli case, 1895-1963
Get PDFThis study examined the contribution of Christianity and Western education on the changing gender dynamics in colonial Maragoli from 1895-1963. Through Christianity and Western education, the established Pre-colonial Maragoli gender relations were greatly interfered with. Methodologically, the study employed a historical research design where both the primary and secondary data on the research themes were collected, analysed and thereafter sequenced into a historical narrative. The study was conducted in Maragoli land the present day Sabatia and Vihiga sub counties in Vhiga County. Through purposive sampling and snowballing, the study was able to locate the key respondents. Gender analysis was used as the theoretical frame work. Findings revealed that Christianity and western education both greatly contributed to the changes in colonial Maragoli gender relations. Through the Christian equality gospel, the previous Maragoli gender roles were dissolved with both men and women free to engage in any of the tasks. The western education on the other hand created new labour engagement avenues based on academic qualifications and not gender. The study therefore concludes that Christianity and western education as colonial policies introduced new policies which greatly impacted on the established Maragoli gender roles. The study recommends that policy makers should come up with strategies to ensure that the progressive Pre-colonial Maragoli ideals on gender roles that have been neglected curtesy of Christianity and Western education are revisited and integrated into the post-independence Christian and Educational policies for the common good of the Maragoli society and humanity as a whole
Dynamics of maritime border dispute influencing bilateral relations between Kenya and Somalia
Get PDFThe Somalia-Kenya relation is imminent and existed before for many years. Since 1963, the Kenyan-Somali irredentism factor has been a constant threat to Kenya’s sovereignty, political stability and foreign policy. Kenya and Somalia have maintained a long-standing partnership in the fields of diplomacy, politics, and commerce. Nevertheless, their maritime diplomacy has become more contentious as a result of a multifaceted combination of geopolitical factors. The two neighbouring countries in East Africa are currently involved in a dispute over a maritime border in the Indian Ocean, an area that is rumoured to contain substantial oil and gas reserves. The study was anchored on the theory of geopolitics. This study used a descriptive research design. The target population for the study included fishermen, oil and gas traders, diplomats, officials from the Ministry of Interior and National Government Coordination, security personnel, the Kenya Coast Guard, opinion leaders, legal experts, lawmakers, local administration officials, and officials from the Ras Kamboni Brigade. The total study population was 14166, from which a sample size of 384 was drawn based on Fisher’s formula. The study utilised simple random sampling, purposive and stratified sampling techniques to select participants. Primary data was collected using questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. The study also utilised secondary data. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS version 25 and presented in the form of frequencies and percentages through tables and graphs. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic techniques and presented as narrative reports and verbatim quotations. The main findings of the study revealed that the contested Indian Ocean area provides a source of income and livelihood for fishermen and is believed to have vast oil and gas deposits, which explains the global attention it has attracted. The study concluded that the maritime border dispute between Kenya and Somalia is deeply influenced by a complex web of regional dynamics, international mediation, and great power interests. The study recommends that it is crucial to conduct comprehensive and unbiased assessments of the historical, cultural, and economic factors that contribute to the dispute
Evolving students’ learning habits from books to robotics: A case of college of business education, Dar es Salaam Campus, Tanzania
Get PDFThe use of robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered conversational tools is quickly transforming the way education operates, especially at the higher learning level. This research examined how these innovations are being adopted at the College of Business Education (CBE) in Dar es Salaam and investigated their influence on students’ academic outcomes and learning patterns. The study was guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which explains how perceptions of ease of use and usefulness affect the adoption of technology, and by Cognitive Load Theory (CLT), which highlights the importance of controlling mental effort in the learning process. A mixed methods approach was applied, bringing together survey data from 389 respondents chosen through stratified and simple random sampling along with qualitative insights collected from interviews. The study gathered information through structured questionnaires and detailed interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, while qualitative responses were examined through thematic analysis. Findings showed that students who had access to robotics tools demonstrated higher levels of engagement, stronger motivation, and better academic performance. The main factors that encouraged adoption included ease of use, the ability to adapt to individual learning styles, and the support provided by the instructors. Students especially appreciated the interactive and personalized learning environments made possible through robotics, as these enhanced their overall learning experience. However, the study also pointed out important challenges. Serious concerns remain regarding limited access, especially for students from less privileged backgrounds, and the possibility of becoming overly dependent on technology. These challenges bring up questions about digital equity and the potential decline of independent learning abilities. The study suggests that access to robotics technologies should broaden, provide focused training for both students and instructors, and officially weave robotics into the curriculum. It is essential to adopt a steady approach that takes advantage of robotics while still honoring traditional teaching methods. Striking this balance is key to helping students grow into independent, critical thinkers. The study provides important insights for using robotics effectively and fairly in higher education, especially in developing countries