African Journal of Empirical Research
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Effects of Refugee Settlements on the Host Community Around Dadaab Refugee Camps in Northern Kenya
Get PDFThe purpose of the study was to assess the effects of refugee settlements on the host community around Dadaab refugee camps in northern Kenya. The study objectives included establishing the effect of camp social facilities and infrastructure projects on the host community. The study was anchored by two theories: refugee aid and development theory. The study used a descriptive research approach. The unit of observation was comprised of the host community within the Dadaab refugee camps of Dagahaley, Ifo, and Hagadera in northern Kenya. The unit of analysis was community leaders, public administrators, and household heads. The study used the census technique due to the small size of the population to sample all 177 participants to be included in the study. The collection of primary data involved direct engagement with both the host community and refugees to fill out the questionnaire. The data analysis techniques used on the collected data were descriptive and inferential statistics. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) tool aided in data analysis. The analyzed data were presented in the form of means and standard deviations for ease of interpretation. Results revealed that each predictor variable, which is camp social facilities and infrastructure projects, had a significant impact on the host community; for instance, holding other factors, the host community will improve by 1.108 units. Moreover, a unit increase in the camp social facility will improve the host community by 0.718, while a unit increment in the infrastructural project will improve the host community by 0.275 units. The results suggest that there is a need for a comprehensive and integrated approach, which can lead to an improvement in the host community and have a sustainable impact on the host communities. The recommendation of the study was to recognize the substantial impact of the inflow of camp social facilities and the development of infrastructural projects, which are key in the enhancement and expansion of community facilities, to contribute to the overall quality of life for residents
Difficulty in Identifying the Adjectival Noun "Izina Ntera" in Kinyarwanda Sentences
Get PDFKinyarwanda grammar, particularly its parts of speech, includes modifiers of nouns among which "Adjectival noun (Izina ntera)" plays a crucial role. This category, a combination of a noun and an adjective of quality, has been a source of confusion among students due to ambiguous explanations by Kinyarwanda grammarians. Two distinct structures have been adopted for this grammatical category; however, the confirmed structure does not fully meet the necessary criteria, while the appropriate structure has not been widely accepted. This study addresses the discrepancies surrounding the "izina ntera" category in secondary schools and proposes a clearer explanation for its definition in Kinyarwanda grammar. Employing a mixed-method approach blending qualitative and quantitative methods, and drawing on critical and structuralism theories, the research involved 58 upper-level secondary school students and 30 Kinyarwanda teachers purposively selected from three schools in Gicumbi district. Data collection utilized both hard and soft questionnaires, and analysis was conducted using SPSS software. The research proposed an updated definition of Kinyarwanda adjectival noun, supplemented with examples, to alleviate ambiguity in its usage and enhance student understanding of this grammatical category. The findings indicate that current textbooks perpetuate confusion by presenting conflicting definitions and structures for "izina ntera." Recommendations include the standardization of educational materials to reflect a single structure, acceptance of the revised definition by grammarians and educators, and the organization of seminars and training to facilitate the adoption of these changes. Continued research on Kinyarwanda grammar is encouraged to further refine and innovate the teaching of parts of speech
Innovation among Small-Scale Firms in Shea Butter Production in Ghana
Get PDFThis study examines innovation among small-scale shea butter processors in Ghana, guided by Schumpeter\u27s Innovation theory. Using a descriptive research design, the study investigates product innovation, process innovation, marketing innovation, and organizational innovation. Data was collected through a questionnaire administered to 181 firms selected from a comprehensive list of shea butter processors, drawing inspiration from the European Community Innovation Survey (2019). Regression analyses using Stata version 14.2 were employed to identify factors influencing innovation. The findings show the presence of all four types of innovation, with different driving forces behind each. Logistic regression analysis identified access to innovation support services, firm location, and firm size as key determinants of product and process innovation. For organizational innovation, the study yielded a Pseudo R-squared of 0.157, a Chi-square value of 37.036, and an average innovation score of 0.771. Location, product demand, and foreign training for managers emerged as statistically significant factors. Urban firms displayed a higher propensity for both organizational and marketing innovation. Firms in urban settings were over three times more likely to innovate in marketing than rural firms (odds ratio: 3.377). A larger product portfolio was also associated with increased marketing innovation. Younger firms tended to innovate in products and processes (odds ratio: 9.137). The study concludes that firm size positively correlates with product innovation adoption, supporting Schumpeter\u27s theory. However, regional constraints may necessitate a greater focus on process innovation, particularly efficiency improvements and waste reduction strategies. Interestingly, managerial demographics (age and education) did not significantly influence innovation, suggesting that regional entrepreneurial spirit and necessity-driven innovation may be more important factors in this context. The unique geographical and resource context of the region presents both challenges (limited infrastructure, financial resources, and research institutions) and opportunities (proximity to raw materials, potential for community collaboration) for innovation in the shea butter industry. Based on these findings, the study recommends that the government and relevant stakeholders provide support mechanisms such as training programs, access to technology, mentorship, and funding to enhance product innovation capabilities in the shea industry. These interventions should consider the regional context and focus on leveraging local resources while addressing specific constraints faced by firms in different locations
Kinyarwanda Language Change: A Prescriptivism Perspective of Selected Settings
Get PDFWith the advancement of technology, language change has gained a stronghold among the 21st century linguistic studies. Language change is generally fueled by diverse factors. Generation by generation, pronunciations evolve, new words are borrowed, others are invented, the meaning of old words drifts, and morphology develops or decays. In this study, the researchers explore factors pertaining to Kinyarwanda language change in the post-1994 Genocide period, with particular focus on lexicosemantic features. The study is framed in prescriptivism, which holds that there are correct and wrong ways of using language. Both written and spoken data was collected from various public places and social media sources, where Kinyarwanda is widely used on different occasions. Contextual data analysis was carried out, taking into consideration the general use of standard Kinyarwanda. Findings highlight that Kinyarwanda is negatively affected by historical, technological, and social factors that impede the respect of the prescribed rules of the standard Kinyarwanda language. The study recommends that efforts be made to cope with the identified critical factors so as to preserve Kinyarwanda, which is not only means of communication, reflection of people’s culture and identity but also an official and academic language in the Rwandan context and even beyond it
Cultural Factors as Determinant of Teen Pregnancy Prevalence in Kakamega County, Kenya
Get PDFCulture shapes the development and expression of human behavior. Teenage behaviors are partly a product of prevalent cultural trends. This study examined the relationship between cultural factors and teen pregnancy prevalence in Kakamega County, Kenya. The study was anchored on the sexual script theory developed by Gagnon and Simon in 1973 and the symbolic interaction theory advanced by Blumer in 1969. The research was descriptive and cross-sectional in design. It targeted teenagers (aged 15–19 years) and key informants in Kakamega County. Purposive sampling was used to select Butere and Ikolomani sub-counties, random sampling to select two wards in each sub-county, and systematic sampling to obtain participants. The sample size was 438, calculated using the Yamane formula. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Quantitative data was analyzed using STATA version 18. Descriptive statistics were used to generate frequencies and percentages, and the chi-square test as well as binary logistic regression were used to determine the association between variables. Values were considered significant at a p-value <0.05. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The study findings revealed that cultural factors, such as sex discussion at family and community levels, parental strictness, contraceptive use, teen marriage, contraceptive non-use, decision-making power in marriage, religious views and affiliation, and family reaction to pregnancy, contributed at varying degrees to teen pregnancy prevalence. The study results found a significant relationship between cultural factors and teen pregnancy prevalence in Kakamega County, Kenya (p<0.001). It is recommended that parents and other stakeholders create a conducive environment where free conversations and training on healthy sexual behaviors among teenagers are possible
Psychological Effect of COVID-19 on Health of Medical Personnel in Hospitals in Eldoret Town, Kenya
Get PDFCoronavirus disease (COVID-19) greatly affected medical personnel. Researchers have documented the detrimental effects of COVID-19 on the health of medical personnel, among them being high levels of infection and mortality, significant financial strains, anxiety related to both known and unknown information, and fear of ongoing impact and uncertainty. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of COVID-19 on the psychological health of medical personnel. The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive research design and was anchored on the Stress and Coping Theory. They targeted all 18 hospitals in Eldoret, comprising 3 public and 15 private hospitals. The population included 34 doctors, 55 laboratory technicians, 71 clinical officers, and 219 nurses, totalling 379 as a population under study. A sample size representing 50% of the total population was selected for the study. In a proportionate way, doctors, laboratory technicians, clinical officers, and nurses were selected at a ratio of 1:2:3:4, respectively. The snowball sampling technique was used to select respondents. The data was gathered through a questionnaire. The study\u27s findings were analysed quantitatively. Multiple linear regressions were applied to examine the effect of COVID-19 on the health of medical personnel. Findings indicated that the psychological effect of COVID-19 had a positive and significant influence on the health of medical personnel (β1 =.646, P< 0.05). Highlighting the profound psychological effects, the majority (77.7%) experienced stress. Therefore, COVID-19 had profound psychological effects on the health of medical personnel in hospitals in Eldoret town. There is a need to implement and expand psychological support programs tailored to the needs of medical personnel. Providing access to counselling services, stress management workshops, and peer support groups could help address the psychological challenges faced by medical personnel in responding to crises such as the pandemic
Towards Humanistic Learning Literature in English: Students’ Perspectives on Challenges and Opportunities in Mixed Classes at the University of Rwanda
Get PDFA learning environment that promotes interaction and learners’ ownership of their learning is effective. Promoting this learning in literature in a second language benefits not only individual learners but also groups. While the 21st century research has been awash with new ideas on the significance of teaching literature, studies have found that literature in English is more of an opportunity than a challenge to foreign language learners. In this study, the researchers delve into learners’ perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of learning literature in English in mixed classes at the University of Rwanda, College of Education. Three issues have been focused namely students’ background and their interest in literature in English; challenges and opportunities of learning literature in English in mixed classes; and students’ perspectives on how the identified challenges can be addressed. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, this case study was guided by humanist theory, which emphasizes the learner as central and the teacher as facilitator. With a complement of diverse secondary sources, data was collected through interviews with four participants and a questionnaire administered to a convenient sample of 50 participants selected from 240 students. Through descriptive and thematic analysis, findings revealed that teaching literature in mixed classes offers more opportunities to learners than challenges. Results also highlighted that through mixed-ability classes, students’ English language skills improve, while it is generally little before they join higher education. The study recommends that literature should be used as a tool from primary to tertiary levels, especially in countries where English is pragmatically taught as a foreign language. Lecturers in the big literature class should apply humanistic principles so that they can create a supportive learning environment for diverse-ability students
Influence of Most Violated Children\u27s Rights on Student’s Academic Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Ugunja Sub-County, Kenya
Get PDFThis study explored the influence of student rights awareness on academic performance in public secondary schools in Ugunja Sub-County, Kenya. It is established the most violated children\u27s rights and their influence on academic performance in Ugunja Sub-county Public Secondary Schools. The study targeted Ugunja Sub-County Director of Education, 25 School Principals, 393 teachers, and 15,502 students enrolled in Secondary Schools in this Sub-County. This research was anchored on Mathew Kramer\u27s Best interest theory of a child that advocates for maximum protection of the best interest of a child. A descriptive survey design was adopted. Slovin\u27s formula was applied to obtain a sample size of 390 participants. Questionnaires and interview schedules were employed as the research instrument. Their validity was tested through sharing and getting views from members of the cohort. Split-half method was featured in testing the reliability of research instruments by determining the correlation between scores for both halves. The quantitative data from the questionnaires was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science [SPSS] version 20.1. This data was then presented using tables, graphs, pie charts, frequency distribution and percentages so as to make it easily understood. Qualitative data generated from the interview schedules involving the Sub-county Director of Education and Principals was analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that a total of 97% of students of both gender claimed that there was child right violation in their schools. They were supported with 90% of teachers and 100% of the key respondents (Principals/SCDE). The most commonly violated rights according to both teachers and students was through corporal punishment, bullying, sexual harassment and proper use of school resources where some learners said that they were denied the proper use of some school items such as computers and laboratory apparatus. Other rights that they were denied include, right to play, freedom of expression and discrimination in terms of colour and religion, thus affected the academic performance of the students in secondary schools. It was clear from the study that most teachers and students were aware of the students’ rights, but they were ignorant of the consequences of violating the rights. The research concluded that, among the most commonly violated rights that the study found out were in form of corporal punishment, sexual harassment and cases of bullying respectively. The main sources of children rights in Ugunja Sub-county were television/radio, school and church. There was an observation that none of the sampled schools had posters against child right violation within their compounds. It came out clearly from this study that violation of student’s rights lead to poor academic performance. The study recommended that government should ensure that there are copies of children right act booklets provided to Public secondary schools so that each learner can have a copy as a reference material, Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development should incorporate topics that deal with children rights in the syllabus so that learners can as well acquire information progressively, the school administration should introduce clubs and societies that address student rights. Students can be guided to be active members of the clubs
Policy Implementation Framework and Partnership for the Management of Riparian Zones: A Case of River King’wal, Kenya
Get PDFRiparian zone management in developing countries is a challenging endeavour in balancing community needs with state intentions. Most of the zones tend to exist in characteristic needy contexts that drive households into encroachment and overexploitation of existing natural resources. This contradicts the policy intentions of the state for their conservation. The River Kingw’al riparian zone experiences anthropogenic pressures that contradict the management capacities of the state, notwithstanding the existing policy framework. This study sought to assess the partnership orientations between both actors informed by the existing policy framework for the management of the River King’wal riparian zone in Nandi County, Kenya. It was anchored in the theory of partnership and adopted a qualitative research design using descriptive research methods. The target population was 664 respondents, comprising government departments and households living along the King’wal Riparian Zone in Nandi County. The sample size was 209 respondents, comprising 195, representing 30% of the population living along the riparian zone, who were selected using simple random sampling techniques, and another 14 respondents who were purposefully selected. Qualitative data which were collected using interviews, questionnaires and focus groups discussion were analyzed and presented thematically. The findings showed that the policy framework remains ineffective in building partnerships between the state and the adjacent community. Community engagement in riparian zone management is cosmetic and non-supportive of the intentions of the state in restricting encroachment and overexploitation of the resources in the protected zone. The study recommends the deliberate capacitation of the local community to encourage it to participate in the conservation of the riparian zone
The Role of Tutors and Students’ in Promoting Effectiveness in Colleges of Education in the Upper East Region, Ghana
Get PDFThis study investigated how tutors and students are involved in school effectiveness of teacher education colleges in the Upper East administrative region of Ghana. The study was guided by the goal setting theory of Edwin Locke. Employing a descriptive survey design, the study had a target population of one thousand three hundred and eighty- one (1381) respondents that comprised tutors, second and third-year students of the two colleges of education. A sample size of two hundred and ninety-eight (298) respondents was obtained from the targeted population using the simple random sampling technique. A self-developed questionnaire was the sole data collection instrument. Descriptive statistical tools such as means, standard deviations were employed in the data analyses. The study revealed that tutors\u27 role in promoting the effectiveness of their colleges include showing commitment to teaching, serving as academic counsellors and role models as well as instilling discipline in students. Students, promote school effectiveness by attending lectures regularly, meeting assignments deadlines, actively participating in the decision-making process of the colleges, and resorting to laid-down communication channels for the redress of their grievances. Based on the data that has been analysed, it can be concluded that internal publics play crucial roles in making and sustaining the effectiveness of their respective institutions so that they continue to deliver on their core mandate. Tutors through the learner-centred approach to teaching or facilitation, activate students\u27 mood for knowledge acquisition and professional training. The study recommends that college authorities should continue to support these internal publics to continue to contribute their quota to further expand the frontiers of school effectiveness of the colleges. Paying regard to this, authorities are encouraged to make use of an open-door policy and participatory decision among all internal publics in the college system especially, in areas that fall within their zone of interest