African Journal of Empirical Research
Not a member yet
975 research outputs found
Sort by
The influence of socio-demographic characteristics on health information needs and accessibility among secondary school students in Morogoro region, Tanzania
Get PDFThe study examined the influence of socio-demographic characteristics on health information needs and accessibility among secondary school students in Morogoro Municipal Council and Ifakara Town Council. The Comprehensive Model of Information Seeking (CMIS) anchored this research. This study adopted a descriptive and analytical research design. The study involved 271 students from 10 secondary schools selected through systematic sampling and 99 key informants chosen purposefully. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, a key informant interview guide, and a focus group discussion guide. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 26. Descriptive statistics, such as frequencies, percentages, and means, were used, and multiple linear regression analysis was conducted. The results indicated that the most highly needed health information was the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases (x̄ = 3.79), teeth management and care (x̄ = 3.40), and puberty and body changes (x̄ = 3.39). Furthermore, the most frequently accessed health information topics were types of food for a balanced diet (x̄ = 3.78) and physical exercises (x̄ = 3.43). In addition, age, class level, and students\u27 place of residence significantly influenced their health information needs, while age and class level also influenced access to health information. The study concludes that students have moderate access to health information. The study findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, such as the establishment of health clubs in schools and the distribution of sufficient printed materials, to bridge information gaps and ultimately improve adolescent health literacy
Role of kinship social structures in anti-livestock rustling policy implementation in Kuria West sub-county, Kenya
Get PDFLivestock rustling is a global problem that requires concerted stakeholder interventions. In Kenya, despite dedicated state interventions, including the enactment of anti-livestock rustling policies, the frequency of livestock rustling has not dissipated. This indicates a policy implementation deficiency with regard to stakeholder and agenda inclusivity. This study investigated the influence of kinship social structures on policy implementation against livestock rustling. The study was anchored in the ecological theory of public administration and social control theory. It employed a mixed research design to help collect and analyze data on kinship social networks and their contribution to the implementation of anti-livestock rustling policy and regulations in Kuria West Sub-County. The study was conducted in Kuria West, an arable zone in Kenya, to provide valuable insights on the dynamics of livestock rustling in contrast to its conventional perception as a pastoralist norm characteristic of arid and semi-arid zones. The target population of the study was households and government actors, for instance, deputy county commissioners, chiefs, assistant chiefs, village heads, and the council of elders. The sample size of this study was 496 respondents, consisting of 396 household heads, 47 government actors, and 50 council of elders that were randomly and purposively selected. Methods of data collection included a household questionnaire, interviews with government actors, and focused group discussions with the council of elders. The study adopted Cronbach’s metrics of alpha to determine the internal consistency of the instrument. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages), while qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. Collected data was presented in tables. The study findings established that kinship social structures significantly influence anti-livestock rustling policy implementation in Kuria West, Kenya. The study concludes that collaborative governance models that incorporate clan leaders, recognize cultural contexts, and strengthen formal-informal coordination offer the most promising pathway to sustainable, inclusive solutions to livestock rustling
Perceived organisational support and organisational citizenship behaviour: Key insights from institutions of higher learning in Kabale District, Uganda
Get PDFThis study evaluated the relationship between perceived organisational support and organisational citizenship behaviour among higher education institutions in Kabale District. The study was guided by Social Exchange Theory and followed a descriptive cross-sectional survey design targeting a total of 269 staff members, which included top management, administration, and academic and non-academic staff of the three selected institutions of higher learning in Kabale District. Using purposive and simple random sampling techniques, quantitative data was collected from 235 respondents using a structured questionnaire. Data was then analysed quantitatively using descriptive analysis, which entailed frequency and percentages, and tables were used to present the data. At the bivariate level, a Pearson correlation matrix was used to ascertain the relationships between organisational support and organisational citizenship behaviour. The findings revealed that all the constructs of perceived organisational support – fair treatment, career development and rewards and recognition – had a strong and positive correlation to organisational citizenship behaviour among institutions of higher learning in Kabale District, as indicated by (r = .662, p < 0.01), (r = .656, p < 0.01) and (r = .729, p < 0.01), respectively. The study concluded that perceived organisational support had a significant impact on organisational citizenship behaviour. The study recommends that institutions should regularly engage staff through open-door policies, mentorship programmes and feedback mechanisms to promote a culture of support and recognition. Design and implement structured recognition programmes for staff who demonstrate high levels of commitment, innovation, teamwork and voluntary contributions beyond their job roles. Offer staff continuous capacity-building workshops, scholarships for further studies and regular participation in academic conferences and training and Ensure transparency in promotions, task allocation and conflict resolution processes. Promote equity and inclusion across all academic and administrative departments
The influence of infrastructure support on the performance of fruits and vegetables cold chain in Tanzania: A case of Arumeru and Hai districts
Get PDFThe study sought to establish the influence of infrastructure support on the performance of the fruits and vegetables cold supply chain in Tanzania. Both Resource-Based Theory (RBT) and Resource Dependency Theory (RDT) were used. The study adopted a convergent parallel design, and a census technique was conducted on 114 fruit and vegetable actors from Arumeru and Hai districts. Additionally, 12 firms were purposefully selected to collect interview data from the same targeted population. Descriptive and inferential analyses were used to analyze data. The findings indicate that transport facilities, storage facilities, and road access have a positive and significant impact on the performance of the fruits and vegetables cold chain. Based on these findings, the study concluded that the unwillingness of the fruit and vegetable actors to use and apply proper cold distribution systems for their post-harvest fruits and vegetables is contributed to by the immaturity of the cold supply chain in Tanzania. The study recommends that fruit and vegetable members preserve the quality of their fresh produce by adopting an appropriate cold distribution system. Moreover, the government should collaborate with fruit and vegetable stakeholders to ensure accessibility of roads, cold storage, and cold transport facilities near fruit and vegetable actors at affordable costs. Furthermore, policymakers should expand their preference for fruit and vegetable actors located in rural areas in their future policies to boost proper usage, reduce post-harvest losses, stabilize prices, and increase the exportation of fresh produce to neighboring countries like Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi
Empirical insights into ICT use and knowledge management in accounting: A PRISMA-guided literature review (2020–2025)
Get PDFThis Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-informed scoping review examines the integration of Information and Communication Technology (‘ICT’) use and knowledge management (KM) practices in accounting for the period 2020-2025. Guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Knowledge Management (KM) theory, based on 41 empirical studies, the review explores ICT practitioner tools that have been implemented in practice and provides an overview of barriers to implementation effectiveness as well as solutions for enhanced adoption against the empirical setting. Results reveal a widespread use of tools, such as the accounting software, cloud-based platforms, and digital reporting systems for efficiency and improvement in reporting quality. Knowledge creation, dissemination, and application are key KM practices that underlie decision-making and organizational learning. This is mainly due to lack of infrastructure, unskilled staff in ICT, and ineffective policies. Recommended recommendations focus on specific training, leadership engagement, and the adoption of KM models. The results of ICT-based KM are increased efficiency, transparency, and financial returns. Yet, notable gaps exist, particularly with respect to cohort studies and context-specific information in Africa. This paper highlights a gap in the literature and the importance of further research on how new technologies interplay with accounting practice, as well as structural and human-capacity constraints
Impact of NGO sustainability strategies on humanitarian aid in Kakuma refugee camp, Kenya
Get PDFThe protracted situation at Kakuma Refugee Camp, with over 200,000 displaced individuals from various regions, stresses the need for a sustainable humanitarian framework for long-term resilience amid severe resource and social tensions. This study evaluates the sustainability strategies implemented by non-governmental organizations—namely, capacity building, accountability, and transparency; monitoring and evaluation; community participation; humanitarian relief services; and psychosocial support—in the aid delivery system within Kakuma. The research is grounded in two theoretical frameworks: The Theory of Resilience and Resource Dependency Theory. The study employed a concurrent mixed-methods design. The target population comprised 40,316 refugee household heads, 63 host community leaders, 28 NGO officers, 15 government representatives, and 50 leaders from the United Refugee and Host Churches. Sampling methods used were stratified simple random sampling for 384 refugee household heads; purposive sampling to identify 19 host community leaders and five government representatives; and a census for the 28 NGO officers and 50 URHC leaders. Quantitative data were processed using the SPSS program version 25. Key Information Interviews and Focus Groups Discussion data were dealt with thematically, following the six-step qualitative research process: going through the data, coding, generating themes, reviewing themes, defining them, and reporting them. Findings showed that there was high engagement in activities like capacity building (75.9%) and community participation (74.8%) for the development of self-reliance and ownership of aid, whereas steerage and sustainability were enhanced through accountability (72.4%) and relief services (70.3%). Adaptive management and well-being were improved through monitoring and evaluation (68.7%) and psycho-social support (67.9%) but faced limitations such as limited outreach (20.7% unaware) and funding gaps (52.3% inconsistent reporting). From the viewpoint of resilience theory and resource dependency theory, the outcomes point to the fact that while these strategies build adaptive capacities and therefore strengthen humanitarian aid architecture, structural impediments such as donor dependency and gaps in inclusivity confine the outcomes equitably. The study emphasizes the need for enhanced community-led approaches, diversifying funding sources, and developing gender-sensitive and environmentally friendly interventions to achieve equitable and sustainable aid in Kakuma and similar settings or long-term phases
The challenges experienced by integrity clubs in public secondary schools in Nairobi City County, Kenya
Get PDFIn Kenya, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) launched Integrity Clubs (ICs) in secondary schools in 2011 to teach students moral values and promote ethical behavior. Despite this, indiscipline and moral challenges have been found in most of the public secondary schools in Nairobi City County to continue to pull down the success of these clubs. Behavioral theory leading the study inspired the research by focusing on reinforcement and environmental factors contributing to the development of behavior to understand the ways Integrity Clubs can or cannot foster moral values. A convergent parallel mixed methods design was used, and the focus was on students, teachers, principals, and the Ministry of Education, as well as EACC officers, and a total of 448 respondents were sampled using the convergent parallel mixed methods design. The sampling of students was stratified random, whereas the planned population was the administrators and policymakers, who were purposively sampled. The methods of collecting data included questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussion, and document analysis. Descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS version 25 were performed on quantitative data, and qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis. The results demonstrated that ICs have the potential to affect ethical conduct positively by means of debate, mentorship, and value-based campaigns but are limited by ineffective administrative support, static strategies to reinforce the initiative, unorganized programming, and scantiness of resources. The participation was also negatively affected by low student motivation, peer pressure, and external socio-economic influences. At the end of the study, it is concluded that the success of the ICs is conditional upon consistent reinforcement, institutional commitment, sufficient facilitation, and active stakeholder participation. The policy suggestions involve the organized introduction of IC activities within school culture, improved training and engagement of club patrons, and improved resource proportions to maintain behavioral reinforcement strategies. These results can be used to form guidelines on education policy, as well as a follow-up in promoting the need for value-based learning in tackling moral decay among the Kenyan youth
Typology of sense relations in Olukhayo in the western region of Kenya
Get PDFThis research endeavour sought to establish the typology of sense relations in the Olukhayo language from the dimension of lexical semantics. Typically, the lexical semantics of sense relations in Olukhayo has not been explored in the preceding linguistic studies. This has consequently triggered the need to investigate the phenomenon. In addition, there is scanty documentation of literature on this language; hence, the motivation for a study, specifically, on the semantic relations that define its lexis. The description of sense relations was informed by lexical priming theory. The study adopted the descriptive research design. This approach is critical in dealing with qualitative data. Ideally, it consists in providing systematic, descriptive and explanatory accounts of data, as is the case with categories or classes of lexical items. A representative sample of 384 informants was identified by use of purposive judgement, complemented by the snowball technique. Data extraction was done through the questionnaire instrument. The data for analysis was drawn from the open class category of words. The analysis of data drew on the tenets of lexical priming theory. Lexical items manifest or display certain links or networks that are semantically motivated. The nature of such links illuminates semantic realities of collocations, semantic associations and colligations. A careful scrutiny via thematic analyses of the nature of semantic interrelationships among the lexical items pointed to a number of lexical relations that characterise lexemes in Olukhayo. They were identified, categorised and coded within the matrix of our research objective. These were relations of synonymy, polysemy and antonymy, homonymy, hyponymy and metonymy. Lastly, the analysis of corpus data mirrored semantic features of collocations, colligations and semantic associations. Indeed, lexical items display secondary senses besides their primary ones (sense extrapolation). Lexical items in Olukhayo are hence characterised by a number of sense relations, as already noted. Thus, it is important to recommend that literature materials are availed in Olukhayo and/orother languages by those with a passion for writing and publications. Additionally, it is critical to appreciate the place and role of sense relations in vocabulary acquisition and teaching for effective pedagogical practices
The role of service quality in automated health systems on customer satisfaction: Evidence from National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Ilala, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Get PDFHealthcare systems worldwide are increasingly adopting automation to enhance service delivery, yet the relationship between automated service quality and customer satisfaction remains underexplored in developing contexts. This study examined how assurance and reliability dimensions of automated processing procedures influence customer satisfaction among National Social Security Fund (NSSF) beneficiaries accessing Social Health Insurance Benefit (SHIB) services in Ilala, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Grounded in the Service Quality (SERVQUAL) model, the study employed a descriptive research design with a quantitative approach. From the target of 490 beneficiaries, a sample of 220 NSSF beneficiaries was selected using Yamane\u27s formula and simple random sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires using a five-point Likert scale and analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis via SPSS version 23. Results revealed that both assurance (β = 0.482, p < 0.001) and reliability (β = 0.317, p = 0.001) significantly and positively influenced customer satisfaction, jointly accounting for 45% of the variance (R² = 0.450). Assurance, operationalized through security, confidentiality, and trust; demonstrated a stronger predictive effect than reliability which was undermined by occasional system downtimes and technical failures. These findings underscore the critical importance of robust assurance mechanisms and consistent system reliability in enhancing satisfaction with automated health insurance processes. The study recommends strengthening data protection protocols, improving system uptime through real-time monitoring and preventive maintenance, providing continuous training for healthcare agents, and conducting periodic system audits to sustain efficiency, trust and satisfaction. These insights contribute to theory by reinforcing the SERVQUAL model\u27s applicability in health insurance automation contexts and offer practical strategies for improving automated healthcare systems in Tanzania and similar developing economies
Psychosocial support services for youth and adults affected by the landslide disaster in Katesh, Hanang District, Tanzania
Get PDFThe landslide disaster in Katesh, Hanang District, Tanzania, had diverse effects on the psychosocial wellbeing of the affected populations. There were efforts and initiatives targeted to address its effects. However, the psychosocial-related problems affected the lives of individuals in communities. This study examines psychosocial support services provided to youth and adults following a landslide disaster in Katesh, Hanang District. The Social Support Theory guided the study. The study employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive phenomenological design. The target population was the youth and adults aged 15 years and above affected by the landslide disaster in Katesh Ward. Thirty-eight (38) informants were involved in the study. Non-probability sampling techniques, including convenience sampling and snowball sampling techniques, were used to select respondents. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect primary data and a review of various documents to collect secondary data from both written and electronic materials. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. The major findings show that the psychosocial support services that were provided included social support services, such as physical and material support, family and community support, medication and referrals. Also, psychological support services included psychological counselling, emotional support and encouragement. The psychosocial support services were provided timely in a well-coordinated system. The findings also highlighted the challenges encountered in the provision of psychosocial support services, including inadequate financial resources and human resources. The study recommends the strengthening of the capacity of local communities through training and skills development in disaster management and ensuring continuity and sustainability in the provision of psychosocial support services, including psychological counselling services