African Journal of Empirical Research
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Simulating the Influence of Rainfall Variability on Discharge in the Upper River Yala Basin, Kenya
Get PDFClimate variability is significantly altering river flows globally, increasing the risk of floods and droughts. Projections indicate both rising and declining flows across various regions, influenced by the impacts of climate variability and land use changes. Research has shown that climate change, land use, and pollution exacerbate water scarcity for half the global population, impacting ecosystems, especially in vulnerable regions. This study focuses on the Upper Yala River in Kenya, exploring climate variability\u27s influence on discharge in various Land Use contexts using the SWAT model. Existing research highlights the significance of land use, hydrological indicators, and climate data, establishing a framework to analyze stream flow trends. The study analyzed climate and stream flow data from 1990-2020 using the SWAT model for hydrological assessment and predictions for the years 2024 to 2040 was done. The research was guided by Water Balance Theory and employed a descriptive and analytical design. Data collection included meteorological data from weather stations, hydrological data from gauging stations, and land use and land cover (LULC) data from remote sensing and satellite imagery. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was used to simulate river discharge and assess the impacts of climate variability, integrating climate, land use, soil type, and topographic data. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics to summarize discharge data, correlation analysis to link rainfall variability and discharge patterns, and performance metrics like the Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) and Coefficient of Determination (R²) to validate the model. Statistical techniques identified long-term trends in climate and streamflow, focusing on inter-seasonal and inter-annual variations. The Upper Yala River Basin experiences significant inter-seasonal and inter-annual streamflow variations, primarily influenced by rainfall fluctuations. A strong correlation between simulated and observed discharge data for the Upper Yala River Basin was demonstrated. The mean observed discharge was 48.69 m³/s, with maximum and minimum values of 163.09 m³/s and 0.328 m³/s, and a standard deviation of 34.28 m³/s. In contrast, the simulated discharge had a mean of 53.56 m³/s, with maximum and minimum values of 174.41 m³/s and 0.360 m³/s, and a standard deviation of 37.87 m³/s. The minimal differences between the observed and simulated values underscore the model\u27s effectiveness in accurately reflecting the impacts of rainfall variability on river flow dynamics. The study concluded that in the Upper River Yala watershed, rainfall variability accounted for 94.2% of the variations in river discharge quantity. The study recommends enhancing climate monitoring by adding weather stations and stream gauges in the basin and utilizing remote sensing for tracking land use and vegetation changes. Improved data availability from these measures will enable better discharge predictions and inform water management decisions to mitigate climate impacts on the river basin and surrounding communities
Translating Tropes in Political Discourses of Louise Mushikiwabo’s Campaign for the Post of OIF Secretary General from French into Ikinyarwanda and English
Get PDFThe study was conducted with the aim of translating some selected tropes in Louise Mushikiwabo’s campaign discourse when she was vying for the post of Secretary General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF). The Skopos, a purpose-driven translation theory, applicable to texts translation was used to stay focused on both translatability and usability in the target languages’ context. This study adopted a documentary research design and it embraced desk review. The population consisted of speeches delivered in francophone countries where Louise Mushikiwabo campaigned. Discourses were selected using purposive and convenient sampling methods. Data were presented in three languages- French, Ikinyarwanda and English and then annotations were added. Data were treated using content-analysis method with different translation techniques such as modulation, transposition, equivalence, borrowing, addition, omission, and so on. Findings revealed that Louise Mushikiwabo’s campaign discourses fall in the domain of international diplomacy. Again, she used the persuasive stylistic/rhetorical devices of various kinds to appeal to the audience. As French, Ikinyarwanda and English belong to different language families, it was found challenging to translate a message from the source language while maintaining the same tropes effectively into the target languages and respect internal consistency faithfulness. The study concluded that Louise Mushikiwabo used the persuasive stylistic/rhetorical devices effectively that made her the Rwandan and indeed African favoured candidate for the post of Secretary General of La Francophonie. Repetition, allusion, listing, use of description and narrative, imagery, anaphora, co-reference, alliteration, parallelism and metonymy, imagery and symbolism are among other persuasive devices used by the speaker. It was recommended that other researchers should collect speeches of Louise Mushikiwabo delivered in Ikinyarwanda and translate them into French and English to see if they arrive at similar or different findings from this study. While translating tropes used in political domains, translators should add annotation for more clarification
Motivational Levies and Academic Achievement in Public Day Primary Schools in Nyamira County, Kenya
Get PDFThe study dealt with the effect of motivational levies on academic achievement in public day primary schools in Nyamira County. The study explored teacher motivation levies, academic tour levies and pupil motivation levies. The study adopted the ex – post facto research design. The target population for this study comprised of 392 public day primary school head teachers in Nyamira County. A sample of 198 head teachers were selected using Slovin’s formula from the target population. The study used both a questionnaires and documentary analysis guide for data collection. The data collected were analyzed by the use of descriptive statistics (mean, frequencies and percentages) and inferential statistics using Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient and Multiple Linear Regression. The study findings of the data analysis revealed that pupils’ motivational levies are statistically significant, with a partial regression coefficient of b = 0.0036, t = 2.75, and p = 0.007, indicating that an increase in pupils’ motivation is associated with a significant improvement in academic achievement. Specifically, the coefficient for pupils’ motivation levy (b = 0.004) showed that an increase in the levy by one Kenya shilling results in an improvement in the KCPE mean by 0.004 points. In practical terms, when a parent pays Kshs 100 for pupil motivation, the school’s KCPE mean will increase by 0.4 points. On the other hand, the regression coefficients for academic tours (b = 0.0003, t = 0.64, p = 0.520) and teachers’ motivation (b = -0.0007, t = -0.82, p = 0.414) were not statistically significant at p < .05. This indicates that there is no evidence to suggest that academic tours and teachers\u27 motivation have a statistically significant impact on school’s academic achievement. Therefore, the study concludes that while pupils\u27 motivational levies significantly influence academic achievement, teachers’ motivational levies and academic tours levies do not have a statistically significant effect on improving performance
O Impacto das Tarifas no Crescimento Económico em Angola: Evidências a partir do Investimento Doméstico (2002- 2023)
Get PDFThis research focuses on the intersection of macroeconomics and international trade, particularly within the context of protectionism. The analysis covers the period from 2002 to 2023 and adopts a correlational design to explore the association between tariffs and economic growth, in terms of domestic investment. The theoretical association between these variables can be explained through the Classical Perspectives of International Trade, Endogenous Growth Theory, and Infant Industry Argument. The empirical literature reviewed revealed that there is a gap in the literature in terms of empirical studies on the impact of tariffs on economic growth in Angola, with a particular focus on domestic investment. The present research fills this gap employing Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) analysis. The data were sourced from national and international institutions such as The National Bank of Angola (BNA), The World Bank, and The International Monetary Fund (IMF), thereby eliminated the need for traditional sampling techniques. The combined pre- and post-estimation tests revealed that the data are non-stationary at level but become stationary after first differencing. The results show a significant short-run negative effect (β = -1.45, p = 0.00) in contrast, there is a strong positive long-run effect (β = 2.04, p = 0.00). Diagnostic tests confirm model stability, no autocorrelation (p > 0.24), presence of homoskedasticity (p = 0.25), and normality (p = 0.86), supporting its robustness for policy analysis. Consequently, the findings derived from this model provide a credible basis for policy recommendations. In summary, the results obtained revealed that tariffs in the short run had served to protect local industries in Angola, however their immediate effects deterred domestic investment. In the long run, tariffs emerge as a crucial determinant of domestic investment in Angola, exerting a significant and positive influence. These findings contribute to the broader discourse on the role of tariff policies in developing economies, in general, and Angola in particular, as it presents both short- and long-term challenges and opportunities. This duality underlines the importance for policymakers to adopt a balanced, context-specific approach to tariff policy—one that maximizes long-term benefits without jeopardizing short-term economic stability. Additionally, microeconomic studies are crucial to gain a deeper understanding of the effects of tariff imposition. To comprehensively analyse the microeconomic impact of tariffs or protectionism in Angola, further research should explore how tariffs influence investment in specific sectors.A presente pesquisa situa-se na intersecção entre a macroeconomia e os estudos de comércio internacional, com especial enfoque no domínio do protecionismo. A análise incide sobre o período compreendido entre 2002 e 2023, adoptando um delineamento correlacional com o intuito de examinar a relação entre as tarifas aduaneiras e o crescimento económico, centrando-se particularmente no investimento doméstico. A associação teórica entre estas variáveis encontra fundamentação nas teorias clássicas do comércio internacional, na teoria do crescimento endógeno e no argumento da indústria nascente. A revisão da literatura empírica revelou um hiato significativo nos estudos sobre o impacto das tarifas no crescimento económico em Angola, sobretudo no que diz respeito ao investimento interno. Esta investigação procura colmatar essa lacuna através da aplicação do Modelo de Correcção de Erros Vectoriais (VECM). Os dados utilizados foram obtidos junto de instituições nacionais e internacionais, como o Banco Nacional de Angola (BNA), Banco Mundial e o Fundo Monetário Internacional (FMI), tornando desnecessário o recurso a técnicas tradicionais de amostragem. A combinação de testes de pré e pós-estimação revelou que as séries não eram estacionárias, mas tornaram-se estacionárias após a primeira diferenciação, sugerindo a existência de relações de longo prazo entre as variáveis em análise. Os resultados empíricos indicam um efeito negativo estatisticamente significativo no curto prazo (β = -1,45; p = 0.00) enquanto no longo prazo um efeito positivo (β = 2,04; p = 0.00). Os testes de diagnóstico confirmam a estabilidade do modelo, bem como a ausência de autocorrelação (p > 0,24), presença de homocedasticidade (p = 0,25) e normalidade (p = 0,86), confirmando a sua utilidade na definição de políticas públicas. Neste sentido, os resultados obtidos oferecem uma base empírica sólida para a elaboração de recomendações de política económica. Em síntese, no curto prazo, as tarifas desempenharam um papel de protecção das indústrias nacionais, embora tenham desincentivado o investimento interno. Em contrapartida, no longo prazo, as tarifas emergem como um factor propulsor do investimento doméstico, exercendo uma influência positiva e significativa. Estas conclusões contribuem para o debate mais alargado sobre o papel das políticas tarifárias nas economias em desenvolvimento, evidenciando quer os desafios quer as oportunidades que estas medidas representam em diferentes horizontes temporais. A dualidade observada reforça a necessidade de uma abordagem equilibrada e contextualmente sensível por parte dos decisores políticos — uma abordagem que maximize os benefícios de longo prazo sem comprometer a estabilidade económica imediata. Adicionalmente, reconhece-se que análises de natureza microeconómica são essenciais para uma compreensão mais aprofundada dos impactos das tarifas. Assim, recomenda-se que futuras investigações explorem os efeitos da imposição tarifária sobre o investimento em sectores específicos da economia angolana, promovendo uma visão mais detalhada e estratégica das políticas de protecionismo
Effect of Supplier Selection on the Performance of the Medical Supply Chain at the Medical Stores Department, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Get PDFThe provision of standardized and effective healthcare services is often hindered by challenges in the procurement and availability of medical supplies, undermining the goals of the National Health Policy and National Health Plan. Despite the government\u27s prioritization of medical supplies, stockouts continue to be a persistent problem in many public healthcare organizations, impacting service delivery. This study investigates the effect of supplier selection practices on the performance of the medical supply chain at the Medical Stores Department (MSD) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The study is grounded on the Principal-Agency Theory and focuses on the relationship between the MSD and its suppliers. The study is cross-sectional, mixed-methods. The study population was determined to be employees who work at MSD consisting of 270 staff members and 150 employees from various departments were randomly selected through stratified random sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data which were analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics and regression analysis. The results showed that a good supplier selection process had a positive impact on the performance of the medical supply chain. Supplier Qantas higher support diagnostic and supply critical benefits, frequent and continuous keeping the highest level from the resources. The analysis suggested a strong relationship between supply chain performance and supplier reliability, delivery timeliness, and cost-effectiveness. The research finds that the decision of selecting their supplier is at the core of securing high-quality medical supplies that get passed down the healthcare delivery pipeline. The study suggests that MSD should focus more on developing and establishing long-term collaboration relationships with more stable and reliable suppliers through frequent communication, performance measurement and assessment, and feedback systems to facilitate the improvement of the entire supply chain performance
The Influence of Household Dynamics on Ruminant Livestock Production Systems and the Kakamega Forest Ecosystem, Kenya
Get PDFThe dynamics of households significantly influence the management of ruminant livestock within the Kakamega forest ecosystem, particularly in response to the challenges posed by climate change. This, in turn, has both direct and indirect effects on the Kakamega forest ecosystem. This study sought to determine the influence of the household dynamics on ruminant livestock production systems and the Kakamega forest ecosystem, Kenya. The study was grounded in the Ecological Systems Theory. The study employed a correlational research methodology. The study used a structured questionnaire to obtain data from 298 household heads selected using simple random sampling from a population of 26,079 households by administering a structured questionnaire to capture the household’s demographics and ruminant livestock production strategies within the Kakamega forest ecosystem covering the three Counties of Vihiga, Kakamega and Nandi. The researchers used the purposive sample technique to carefully select key informants from a preset list of stakeholders.The analysis of the data was conducted using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The findings revealed that, Majority (75%) of the households totally depended on the forest for communal grazing. Out this 60% graze their livestock in the forest for the whole year, while 40% grazed for about 8 months. The 25% of the households who did not enter their livestock into the forest still harvested forage to feed their livestock at home. Inadequate feed throughout the year was identified as a key limitation influencing cattle raising in all catchment regions (Makuchi 60%, Cheboite 58%, and Shamiloli 56%). Forage shortage was especially severe during the dry season (January to March) and the lengthy rain season (April to August), when crops were planted on farms.The primary factors influencing the Kakamega Forest Ecosystem are agricultural expansion and grazing, as seen by changes in land size before and after livestock farming. This research concluded that degradation of forest vegetation is notably extensive in Vihiga and Kakamega County, as well as the surrounding areas, where nearly all accessible land is utilized for cultivation or pasture. Based on the findings, the research suggests that feed conservation technology be promoted, and that a ruminant livestock management plan based on the Tropical Livestock Unit (TLU) be implemented, backed by suitable livestock regulations. The principal restoration and conservation technique proposed was to grow fodder crops and agroforestry trees on farms, use a participatory community approach to regulate grazing, and store agricultural leftovers to lessen strain on the forest, particularly during the dry season
Strategic sourcing on the performance of selected food manufacturing firms in Kiambu County, Kenya
Get PDFThe purpose of the present study was to assess the effect of strategic sourcing on the performance of selected food manufacturing firms in Kiambu County, Kenya. It focused on finding out how firm performance is related to supplier collaboration, networking, assessing suppliers and deciding which suppliers to select. Strategic Choice Theory was used as a guide, pointing out that managerial decisions help determine how an organization performs. The study relied on descriptive research design. The sample group included 191 employees from 29 chosen food manufacturing businesses and 20 distribution outlets in Kiambu County. A census approach was needed because the study involved only a relatively small number of participants. The main data were gathered by giving participants structured questionnaires. The information was put into SPSS version 25 to be processed and analyzed. Frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations were all used to explain and summarize the collected data. The findings reveal that strategic sourcing practices are widely adopted, as indicated by the overall mean of 4.02 and standard deviation of 0.79, suggesting strong agreement among respondents and a positive impact on firm performance. Because of these practices, the results of the firms improved greatly. According to findings, following a deliberate sourcing strategy, set by managers, helped to make food manufacturing in Kiambu County more efficient and competitive. It claims that businesses should address better buying habits, improve communication, work on supplier management and be more precise in judging their suppliers. It is suggested that studies in the future examine the use of technology and obeying regulations, so we can learn even more about how these things affect company performance
"Ink on the Pandemic in Ghana": A Qualitative Analysis of How the Ghana News Agency and Joy Online News Covered COVID-19
Get PDFThis study investigates how the Ghana News Agency (GNA) and Joy News Online covered the COVID-19 pandemic from January 2020 to December 2021, using a qualitative content analysis approach informed by Framing Theory. The research analyzed news articles from both outlets, focusing on themes such as public health, economic impacts, government responses, and social consequences of the pandemic. The study found that while both outlets addressed similar core issues, Joy Online emphasized government accountability and transparency more strongly, whereas the GNA\u27s coverage was more focused on factual updates and promoting government measures without extensive critique. Data was gathered through content analysis, with inclusion criteria that focused on articles directly related to COVID-19 and exclusion criteria that filtered out unrelated content. The analysis revealed that the framing strategies used by both platforms influenced public perception, emotional engagement, and behavior during the pandemic. The findings suggest the importance of balanced and accurate media coverage in health crises. The study recommends that media outlets strive for balanced framing, collaborate with health experts, and actively combat misinformation to enhance public health communication and foster informed decision-making. This research emphasizes the need for transparent and consistent messaging, with a call for further studies on the role of media in framing future health crises
On Bayesian Generalized Linear Mixed Modeling of Cholera Risk Factors: A Case Study of Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe
Get PDFCholera remains a significant public health threat in Masvingo, Zimbabwe, particularly in districts with inadequate water, sanitation and healthcare infrastructure. This study applies a Bayesian Generalised Linear Mixed Model (BGLMM) to analyse key risk factors associated with cholera incidence across seven districts (Masvingo, Chivi, Zaka, Bikita, Gutu, Mwenezi and Chiredzi) in Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe, during the 2023/ 2024 outbreak. Descriptive statistics show that cholera affects a young population with an average age of 24.6 years. The average distance to a health facility is 5.95km, indicating potential challenges in accessing healthcare. The frequency distributions reveal that 60.9% of the sampled population reported cholera cases. Significant fixed-effect predictors include gender, access to health facilities and seasonal risk, with the wet season posing a substantially higher risk (Estimate = 6.143, 95% CI: 3.649–9.114). Random effects suggest district-level variations, with Masvingo showing the highest risk deviation, followed by Chiredzi and Mwenezi. These findings were supported by a geospatial cholera case density heatmap, visualising concentrated high-risk zones (dark red) in the three districts. Chivi, Zaka, Bikita and Gutu appear as lighter spots, suggesting lower cholera intensity. Model fit statistics, Widely Applicable Information Criterion (WAIC) (110.115) and Leave-One-Out Cross Validation (LOO) (112.700), validate the model`s adequacy for evaluating cholera determinants. The study highlights the urgent need for integrated public health strategies, including infrastructure development, community health education and targeted interventions to curb cholera incidence. Such efforts will enhance resilience and reduce cholera incidence among vulnerable populations in Masvingo Province
Assessment of the Effect of Project Management Practices on the Sustainability of the Poultry Farming Project: A Case of the Cooproriz Ntende Project in Gatsibo District, Rwanda
Get PDFThe purpose of the present study was to assess the effect of project management practices on sustainability of poultry farming project. Specially, it examines the effect of project communication, project planning and project leadership on sustainability of poultry farming project. The study was guided by participatory communication theory, planning theory and leadership theory. It adopted descriptive and correlational research design. The target population of the present study were 2,497 people. A sample size of 96 respondents determined by Taro Yamane formula. The research utilized primary data collected through questionnaires, which was the most practical method due to its applicability and suitability to the research problem and population size. The data was analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The study used simple random sampling to select respondents. The study findings showed that positive effect of (M=3.88) project communication on sustainability of poultry farming project, further there is effect of (M3.88) project planning on sustainability of poultry farming project, lastly, there is effect of (M=3.85) project leadership on sustainability of poultry farming project. Regarding to the predictors, there is a significant effect of (t=2.950, p=0.004˂0.05) project communication on sustainability of poultry farming project, further, there is significant effect of project planning of (t=3.849, p=0.000˂0.05) on sustainability of poultry farming project, lastly, there is significant effect of (t=5.756, p=0.000˂0.05) project leadership on sustainability of poultry farming project. The study concludes that project communication, project planning and project leadership significantly contribute to predicting and positively influencing sustainability of poultry farming project implemented by COOPRORIZ NTENDE in Gatsibo district, Rwanda. The study recommends that managers should regular communicate with team members and stakeholders to address challenges and maintain momentum throughout the project lifecycle. Feedback mechanisms can enhance adaptability and improve outcomes, while a realistic timeline with milestones allows for better tracking and timely adjustments. Risk management should be integrated into the planning process, identifying potential challenges and developing strategies to mitigate them. Further, project managers should involve guidelines for achieving specific goals and manage resources effectively, demonstrating adaptability and navigating challenges and changes in project scope or direction