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Teachers’ ideologies towards implementation of translanguaging in selected multilingual grade 4 classrooms of the Zambezi region, Namibia.
Get PDFThesis of Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Linguistics.Namibian schools face challenges with English as a language of teaching and learning, especially for transitional grade learners, leading to consideration of translanguaging strategies by the government. However, the implementation of translanguaging faces resistance in multilingual classrooms. Therefore, this study examined the teachers’ ideologies towards the implementation of translanguaging in selected multilingual grade 4 classrooms of the Zambezi Region, Namibia. The study employed a qualitative approach, utilising classroom observations, interviews (one-on-one), and document analysis data collection sources. Purposeful sampling was used to delimit the primary population and to come up with ten (10) teachers and eight (8) HODs, totalling eighteen (18) participants in the study. The documentary analysis involved documents such as the grade 4 English language lesson plans. These documents were analysed to see whether teachers deliberately planned for translanguaging and purposefully used it as a pedagogic practice. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, which involved looking for naturally occurring units and reducing them to natural meaning units to check for regular patterns of themes. The study findings showed that while most teachers were familiar with the language policy, they were, however, not familiar with translanguaging. Further, while some teachers held positive ideologies about translanguaging implementation, others held negative ideologies leading to resistance to applying it. In terms of classroom application, of the ten teachers whose lessons have been presented, four of them had lesson plans while six did not have them, implying that while the policy was accepted by some, others contested it. Moreover, although teachers had lesson plans, they did not intentionally plan for translanguaging, implying that teachers did not deliberately plan to use it in their teaching. However, observations provided that most teachers implemented translanguaging practices spontaneously in their lessons, implying that teachers were willing to implement it even if they did not plan for it. In addition, the study observed that other teachers held monolingual
ideologies in which they used English exclusively during classroom interaction. Finally, the study found that several factors promoted and constrained the implementation of translanguaging in the classrooms. The study concludes that while translanguaging is practicable in Namibia, a lot has to be done, especially in teacher training, to equip teachers with the necessary knowledge and skills to use translanguaging and decolonise the negative
ideologies for its successful implementation. The implications of these findings suggest the need for professional development programs focused on multilingual pedagogies to assist teachers in reframing their language ideologies and understanding the benefits of translanguaging as an instructional strategy. Therefore, the study has suggested a structured training program designed to enhance teachers' understanding and application of translanguaging strategies within their classrooms, serving as part of their continuous professional development (CPD) in Namibia.
Keywords: language ideologies, translanguaging, language policy, lesson planning, Zambezi region, Siloz
Extraction, characterization and evaluation of the larvicidal, ovicidal and antifeedant effects of crude cashew nut shell liquid against spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae L.).
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science in Chemistry.Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), commonly known as the fall armyworm (FAW), is an invasive insect pest of maize and other economically important cultivated crops globally. In the absence of proper control methods, FAW has the potential to cause 21 to 50 percent of maize crop yield losses. Currently, synthetic insecticides are widely used in the management of FAW outbreaks around the world. Nonetheless, overdependence on
synthetic insecticides leads to undesirable environmental and human health issues. Botanical insecticides such as Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) have been shown to exhibit insecticidal properties against a broad spectrum of insect pests and are known to be less harmful to the environment and humans. Hence, this study evaluated the insecticidal properties of CNSL against FAW in order to assess its potential use as an alternative to synthetic insecticides. Crude CNSL was extracted from cashew nutshells (CNSs) by solvent extraction method. Phytochemical screening and Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) were performed to qualitatively identify the secondary metabolites present in it. Additionally, Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS), Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrometry techniques were used to characterize and quantify some of the identified compounds. Furthermore, bioassays such as topical and no-choice feeding assays were performed to evaluate the ovicidal, larvicidal, and antifeedant effects of crude CNSL against FAW. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds including phenols, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, steroids, glycosides, and terpenoids. All the other characterization techniques; TLC, FTIR, and GC-MS revealed the presence of alkyl phenolic lipids such as cardol (5-pentadecyl resorcinol) and cardanol (3-pentadecyl
phenol). Literature showed that these alkyl phenolic compounds are the ones responsible for the biological activity of CNSL. The toxicity of CNSL against FAW larvae was dosedependent. The highest mortality of eggs (99.15 ± 0.0 %) and larvae (97.99 ± 0.0 %) were both recorded at 7.0 w/v %, respectively. The lethal concentrations LC50 (95 CI %) were 2.50 (0.22-4.05 w/v %), for egg and 1.92 (1.71-2.15 w/v %) for larval mortality,
respectively. The effective concentration (EC50) for the antifeedant effect was found to be 1.05 (0.81-1.29 w/v %). Results showed that CNSL has insecticidal properties and antifeedant effects against FAW. Hence, it can be exploited as a relatively cheap, safe, and eco-friendly alternative insecticide for managing FAW outbreaks in Zambia.
Keywords: Cashew, Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, cashew nut shell liqui
Quasi-deformations of the special linear lie algebra of degree 2 using twisted derivations.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science in Mathematics.In this dissertation we obtain quasi-deformations of the special linear Lie algebra of degree 2 over a eld F, abbreviated sl2(F). We take F to be a eld of characteristic zero. Our approach involves obtaining and deforming a linear operator representation of sl2(F) using-twisted derivations (with an endomorphism on the base algebra). One of the main points of this deformation method is that the deformed algebra comes endowed with a canonical twisted Jacobi identity. Furthermore, we show that by choosing parameters suitably we can deform sl2(F) into the Heisenberg Lie algebra and some other 3- and 4-dimensional Lie algebras in addition to more exotic types of algebras. This is in stark contrast to the usual classical deformation schemes where sl2(F) is rigid
Identification of sources for missing electronic theses and dissertations metadata in higher education institutions in Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Library and Information ScienceLow-quality metadata can lead to vagueness, poor recall, and inconsistent search results, underscoring the importance of robust quality assurance mechanisms in Information Retrieval systems. This study addresses the challenges of ensuring the completeness and quality of Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) metadata within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Zambia. Zambia has 61 registered HEIs registered with HEA. In order to facilitate easy access to ETDs at national level, efforts to establish a National Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ZANETDs) Portal are underway. However, the diversity of ETD sources poses a challenge in maintaining metadata integrity, thereby impacting the discoverability of ETD digital objects. This research sought to identify HEIs with functional Institutional Repositories (IRs), assess the relative quality of ETD metadata from these repositories, and explore methods to address missing metadata elements. A questionnaire was distributed to all 61 HEIs to ascertain the presence of functional and interoperable IRs. Additionally, ETD metadata from HEIs with functional IRs were harvested using the OAI-PMH protocol and analysed to evaluate metadata completeness. Furthermore, a combination of document analysis of policy documents and content analysis of randomly sampled ETD manuscripts from HEIs with functional IRs was conducted to identify potential sources of missing metadata. The findings indicate that out of 61 HEIs, only 10 (16.39%) had implemented functional IRs. Moreover, the analysis of ETD metadata reveals non-compliance with the ETD-MS metadata standard established by the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations. Variations in the location
of certain ETD-MS metadata elements across HEIs were observed. Identified sources of missing ETD-MS metadata elements from IRs present opportunities for automated extraction techniques to generate missing metadata, thereby facilitating the successful implementation of the ZANETDs portal and improving the visibility of ETDs in Zambia. It is therefore recommended that; all IRs be compliant to the de facto metadata schema for possible system collaboration at local and international level and there is also need to design an intelligent system that would automatically generate the missing ETD metadata
elements for improved visibility of research output
Evaluating the factors influencing the adoption of technology among christians as a medium for worshipping: case of SDA church during lock down in Lusaka.
Get PDFThesis of master of Business Administration Management Strategy.The outbreak of COVID-19 marked a significant turning point for humanity, impacting various aspects of life, including religious practices. The pandemic accelerated the trend towards digitalization and the increased use of technological resources for worship, particularly due to restrictions or closures of places of worship. However, some churches still exhibited reluctance towards adopting technology for worship. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing the adoption of technology for worship during the COVID-19 lockdown by Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Christians in Zambia and to propose a model for its implementation. A survey research approach was utilized, with a researcher-administered questionnaire distributed to purposively sampled participants. A total of 384 questionnaire responses were received, resulting in a response rate of 79%. The primary data collected was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and Excel. The findings from the regression analysis revealed that performance expectancy, and social influence significantly influenced the behavioural intention to use technology for worship. However, effort expectancy and facilitating conditions did not have a significant impact on behavioural intention. Based on these findings, it is recommended that church leadership and stakeholders consider these factors when introducing technology for worship to enhance church attendance. This can potentially increase financial contributions such as tithes and offerings, as attendance often correlates with financial support. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model can be effectively used to evaluate factors influencing technology adoption in worship, as it provides a comprehensive framework for investigating relevant factors
Masculinities inducing deviant sick-role behaviour: a qualitative study of tuberculosis patients in the Zambian compounds.
Get PDFJournal articleThis study aimed at obtaining an in-depth understanding of masculinities which act as barriers to performing the direct observable therapy (DOT) on the expected sick role behaviours among men who were diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis in Zambian compounds. The article identifies masculinities that act as gendered barriers to tuberculosis patients. It explores masculine gendered actions situated in an impoverished household. Of concern is considering both the situational aspects of gender and failure to honour the expected sick role behaviours. To do this the article used the Talcott Parson’s sick role theory whereby
the behaviours, rights and responsibilities of a patient deviates from societal norms because of their disease or disorder” (DeLaune et al., 2019).
Methodologically, a maximum variation sampling design was used to enlist 59 respondents. In-depth interviews were conducted with men anchored on Charmaz’s modified constructivist grounded theory informing the article. The argument in this article is that six categories of masculinities influenced deviant behaviour and accounted for reasons why and how men fail to fulfil the expected tuberculosis sick role behaviour. These categories found were: not being in control of the situation, hyper masculinity, resistance to recommended practices, masculinity stereotype threat, breadwinner and gender identities.
A much closer look at the explored six categories of masculinities that effectuate deviant behaviour, the article asserts that gendered interventions are possible to neutralise sick-role behaviour among tuberculosis male patients. Keywords: Deviant, Tuberculosis, Masculinities, Sick-Role Behaviour, Sex-Role
Assessing the effect of induction on new employees in relation to job performance: a case study of Livingstone central hospital, Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science in Human Resource Management.Induction is critical to the organization's success and a significant emphasis for most Human Resource Departments worldwide, regionally, and nationally. The study examined the effect of induction training of new employees in relation to their job performance at Livingstone Central Hospital. The study population was 551 employees from whom a sample of 232 respondents was drawn. A case study design with mixed methods approach was used. Respondents were chosen
using convenient sampling method and a semi-structured questionnaire with 5 scale Likert and open-ended questions was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS for quantitative data while qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. A 75% response rate was attained in the study. Results of the study revealed that theoretical knowledge induction had a significant positive effect on improving the work
performance of new employees at LCH while practical and integration induction had no significant effect on the work performance of new employees. The study therefore, concluded that theoretical knowledge induction led to significant improvement in work performance of new employees while practical and integration knowledge induction had no significant effect on improving employee performance at LCH. The study recommended that induction training programs should be
continued consistent process for all new employees; New employees must participate fully in the induction process; The induction period specified in the training policy must be followed, so that a newly recruited employee, transferred, promoted, or re-categorized employee is inducted within the specified time. Further research was recommended to be conducted in other hospitals and private institutions and conduct a comparative analysis study on induction
Exploration of the implementation of school based assessments in sciences: insights from selected Zambian secondary schools.
Get PDFThesis of Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration and Management.Assessments and examinations are an integral part of any successful education system. To improve the conduct and administration of examination practices, the Ministry of Education (MoE) and Examinations Council of Zambia (ECZ) embarked on examination reforms in 2019, which resulted in the implementation of School based Assessments (SBA). However, the implementation of SBA faces unique challenges exacerbated by the global COVID-19 pandemic. This study explored the implementation of SBA in selected Zambian secondary schools, aiming to develop an evidence-based framework for sustaining the quality delivery of SBA in science. This research examined the alignment of SBA practices with guidelines and identified gaps in implementation processes. Using descriptive survey design, qualitative method was employed to collect data which were thematically analysed. Results revealed that teachers professed SBA as a process of enhancing teaching and learning of science, improved teachers’ capacity and confidence in handling practical lessons and provided teachers with an opportunity to closely monitor learners’ strengths and weaknesses. However, a considerable number of teachers held that SBA was an additional load onto their already burdened schedules but mandated to implement it as it was policy. Low staffing levels, many classes to teach allocated to one teacher, time apportioned to each science period, the 16 and 15 tasks allotted to science and biology coupled with the six assessment areas for each task, inadequate laboratories and apparatus, resource constraints, and lack of motivation, dominated the challenges faced by teachers in SBA implementation. The categorization of SBA revealed a duty-bound approach towards SBA (symbolic compliance), as SBA marks were mandatory for totalling learners’ final marks at the end of secondary school level. Recommendations include establishment of governance systems to enhance monitoring and supervision, re-look into policies and guidelines to advocate for resource allocation and utilisation of funds, infrastructure development to support the classroom based activities as well as future research to explore the long-term impact of SBAs on academic performance. The research has contributed valuable insights to the discourse on educational assessment practices, providing a foundation for informed decision-making and strategic actions to improve science education in Zambian schools and beyond.
Key Words: School Based Assessments, Monitoring, Standards, Science, Curriculu
Impact of large-scale agricultural investment support on smallholder agricultural commercialisation: a case of Amatheon Agri Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science in Agricultural Economics.Smallholder farmers in Africa are perpetually constrained by a number of factors such as limited market access, poor infrastructure, and low production and productivity which in turn affects their levels of commercialisation. One strategy that has been touted as the panacea to the low levels of smallholder agricultural commercialisation is the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative by foreign-owned large-scale agricultural investments (LSAIs) aimed at transforming traditional subsistence farming into commercially viable enterprises. Using the case study of Amatheon Agri Zambia limited (AAZ), a German-owned company with approximately 40,000 hectares of land in Central Zambia, the overarching objective of
this study was to investigate the impact of AAZ’s nucleus out grower scheme programme on smallholder agricultural commercialisation in Mumbwa and Chibombo districts. The study used secondary longitudinal data from 590 households collected in 2018 and 2021 to address three specific objectives: (i) to examine the level of agricultural commercialisation between participants and non-participants of the AAZ out grower scheme; (ii) to determine the key drivers of agricultural commercialisation among smallholder farmers, and; (iii) to estimate the impact of the AAZ out grower scheme interventions on smallholder agricultural commercialisation. Summary statistics were computed to compare the levels of commercialisation between participants and non-participants using three household commercialisation indices generated for maize, soya beans and an aggregate crop index. The three household commercialisation indices were also used as outcome variables for the fractional regression approach to explore the key determinants of smallholder agricultural commercialisation in the context of nucleus out grower schemes. To estimate the impacts of AAZ support on agricultural commercialisation, propensity score matching techniques were used prior to the computation of average treatment effects. Factors such as age of the household head, ownership of agricultural assets, household wealth, maize yield, average maize price per unit, farm size, and distance to Lusaka influenced maize commercialisation. Soya bean commercialisation was influenced by ownership of agricultural assets, yield, and farm-gate prices. Crop commercialisation was influenced by household size, education level, grain sales to AAZ, loan access, agricultural assets, and total land cultivated, with household head age negatively affecting commercialisation. Results further show a general significant increase in
commercialisation between the treatment and control groups at both study rounds with soya beans being farmed for commercial purposes. Maize farmers in the AAZ scheme are medium commercialised and overall crops are highly commercialised. There was a decline of soya beans at the end line particularly due to AAZ’s strategic shift to high-value crops and restructuring of its out grower scheme. In the treated group, 61.08% of individuals are engaged in maize commercialisation, compared to 49.45% in the control group. The Average Treatment effect on the Treated (ATT) indicates a significant difference in maize commercialisation between the groups, suggesting that AAZ's support enhances smallholder farmers' maize commercialisation by 61.08% relative to those without AAZ support. However, the average treatment effect for soya bean commercialisation is minimal, with T-statistics showing no significant difference, implying that AAZ's impact on soya bean commercialisation is similar for both treated and control groups. Consequently, 83.0% of households that received AAZ support commercialised soya beans, mirroring the effect on non-participating households. Additionally, the AAZ support does not differ in its impact on overall crop commercialisation between the treated and control groups, indicating that participants and non-participants experience the same level of intervention effect by 74.6% on the marketing of cowpeas, sunflower, groundnuts, and vegetables. In conclusion, this research underscores the positive influence of LSAIs, particularly AAZ, on smallholder agricultural commercialisation in Zambia. Policy recommendations include targeted support to enhance education, promote asset ownership, and improve market access. Additionally, diversifying crops and building resilience against natural shocks are vital. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders, guiding strategies for sustainable agricultural development in SSA
Evaluation of fund management in Zambia's local government: a case study of Chongwe, Lusaka, and Kafue.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Business Administration FinanceThis study explores the core of Zambia's local government, focusing on the complexities of fund management. Through literature review and surveys involving local government officials and stakeholders, it uncovers challenges affecting effective fiscal governance.The research reveals hurdles faced by the Zambian local government in fund management, including a lack of transparency, inadequate budget planning, and limited financial management capacity. Despite these challenges, glimpses of progress emerge, showcasing ongoing efforts to improve budgetary processes and financial management practices.The study aims to assess the capacity of the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development in Zambia, specifically in Lusaka, Kafue, and Chongwe. The evaluation centers on the Auditor General's Main Report for 2021, aiming for a comprehensive understanding of fund management outcomes.This research goes beyond the typical narrative, contributing significantly to the discourse on Zambian local governance. By identifying challenges and highlighting positive developments, it provides a roadmap for enhancing transparency, accountability, and financial management practices.Proposing actionable steps, the study advocates for improved transparency and accountability, increased capacity-building initiatives, and strengthened financial reporting and auditing mechanisms. If implemented, these recommendations have the potential to transform fund management practices in Zambian local government.
In conclusion, the research emphasizes the importance of sustained efforts to improve fund management practices. It asserts that these efforts are not just desirable but essential for the effective functioning and sustainable development of Zambia's local government. The study encourages stakeholders to embrace its findings and recommendations for a positive fiscal transformation