Co-operative University of Kenya Journals
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Online Education as a Strategy for Mitigating Climate Change: A Cross- Sectional Survey of ODeL Centers within Kenyan Universities
No full textClimate change has emerged as one of the most pressing challenges of our time, necessitating urgent and comprehensive action. Education plays a vital role in fostering awareness, understanding, and action on climate change. With the advent of online education, there is an opportunity to harness its potential in addressing climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. This study sought to provide insights into the role of online education in mitigating negative effects of climate change. The study is anchored on Systems Thinking theory which involves understanding the intricate relationships between various factors like energy consumption and policy frameworks, and how they contribute to promoting sustainable educational practices, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing climate change resilience. The key research question was: To what extent has online education contributed as strategy for mitigating climate change? A census survey of seventy-three (73) Universities in Kenya was undertaken with the in-charge ODel Centers as the respondents. An online questionnaire with both structured and open ended questions was administered to gather data on ODeL Directors’ perceptions on online education as critical strategy for mitigating negative effects of climate change. Fifty-nine (59) respondents (80%) completed the survey tool. Qualitative data was analyzed by the use of NVivo version 12 while quantitative data was descriptively analyzed through the use of frequencies, percentages, measures of central tendency and measures of dispersion. The main study finding is that a majority (82%) of ODeL directors perceive ODeL as a critical driver for fostering a climate-friendly educational practices and that online education has significantly contributed in promoting climate-friendly practices, enhancing environmental awareness and increasing climate change resilience. The study recommends that learning institutions need to integrate remote education as a means of mitigating climate change.
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Influence of Members’ Education Level Externality on Growth of Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya
No full textMember education levels is immensely an indispensable knowledge resource that may be fostered through co-operative education to improve member participation on contribution towards co-operative growth. However, in the recent years, most co-operative education programs target the co-operative board members and employees. This leaves aside members yet they are the decision makers, owners and patrons of co-operatives thus inhibiting their potentials from being fully used in aiding co-operatives growth. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of member education levels externalities on growth of Savings and Credit Co-operative Societies (SACCOS). Absorption capacity theory guided the study. The theory states that absorption capacity is a set of organizational routines and processes, through which organizations accept education, learnt, assimilate and use acquired knowledge to transform. A sample of 147 SACCOS and 384 members were drawn with the aid of purposive and simple random sampling techniques. The research design used was cross-sectional while survey, in-depth interviews and focus group discussion were data collection techniques; data were analyzed using binary logistic regression and content analysis technique. Results revealed that member education levels have spillover effects that are significant predictors of member participation; the p values were all less than 0.05 at 0.05 significant level on share capital contribution. The member education level aspects that contribute to SACCOS growth were education attainment, literacy, occupation and knowledge. Co-operative education knowledge in member education levels contributes to spillover effects like innovation, watchdog role and building trust and loyalty. The study recommended SACCOS to tapped and utilize member education levels externality by enhancing mandatory provision of co-operative education to all members; mainstreaming co-operative education on education levels under strict supervision of the Ministry of Co-operatives and SMEs.
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Barriers to the Accountability Mechanisms of co-operative Unions on Primary Agricultural Marketing Co-operative Societies
Full text linkThe co-operative unions’ role in flourishing the existence of agricultural primary co-operatives are scantly observed. This is justified by 98% of primary co-operatives with unclean reports from the account point of view. Following the Agency theory, this article explores the accountability barriers of the co-operative union to the primary agricultural co-operative societies in Tanzania. The purposive sampling technique was used to select fifteen agricultural primary co-operatives actively involved along the supply chain of coffee in three co-operative Unions. Focus group discussions were held with five board members chosen from each primary co-operative. Also, individual interviews were conducted with the co-operative union's management. The thematic content analysis was used to analyze the gathered information. The transcribed data were scrutinized into sub-themes, themes, categories, and global themes and redefined into collective themes. According to the study findings, cooperative unions are hindered by several barriers in fostering accountability practices to primary co-operatives. Such barriers include delays and absence of regular meetings, low information dissemination, lack of transparency on coffee collection and marketing channels, and low access to agricultural inputs. These barriers have discouraged the primary co-operatives from cooperating with the co-operative unions. The study findings recommend active policies to reduce accountability barriers and ensure the sustained growth of the co-operative sector in Tanzania.
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Environment Sustainability Standards and Export Performance of Coffee among Co-operatives in Tanzania
No full textTanzania, as with many other coffee-producing countries in the world, accesses niche export coffee markets is by complying with quality and standards set in these markets. However, the influence of environmental sustainability standards on export performance is not known. This study assessed environmental sustainability standards and their effects on the export performance of coffee among co-operatives in Tanzania. Employing mixed methods, the study utilized a sample of 384 respondents from nine cooperatives. Descriptive statistics and inferential analysis were employed for data analysis. It was concluded that the main certification schemes operating in Tanzania are Organic, Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, and C.A.F.E. Practices by Starbucks. Furthermore, the study found that export performance has fluctuated yearly, leading to mixed sentiments regarding adherence to these standards. Additionally, it was determined that environmental sustainability standards have a significant positive influence on export performance. The study recommends AMCOS to increase the use of recyclable packaging, minimize the use of agrochemical, control soil erosion and deforestation. This can be done by directing more efforts towards enabling sensitizing cooperatives to adhere to sustainability standards. Strategies such as enhancing information dissemination to address the disconnect between producing and consuming countries through a coherent, reformed, and supportive international policy agenda are suggested. Moreover, setting sustainability standards and creating an operating environment that aligns with the local realities of coffee production are recommended to ensure that the benefits of international coffee trade sufficiently reach the producers.
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Indigenous Rainmaking Practices and Climate Change: The 'Kìlumì' Ritual of Kenya's Kamba Community
No full textRainmaking rituals have been an integral part of Kenyan cultures for centuries, serving as a means to invoke rain during times of drought. While these practices may seem outdated or superstitious, they remain deeply rooted in cultural heritage. This research examines the "Kilùmì," a traditional rainmaking practice of the Kamba community in Kenya, as a potential tool for mitigating climate change and enhancing climate resilience. The study is grounded in the theoretical frameworks of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), and Ethnoecology, which explores how indigenous communities perceive, classify, and manage their natural resources, including traditional practices related to weather phenomena and climate patterns. Using an ethnographic approach and purposive sampling, the researcher interviewed 17 individuals aged 75-83 years, including rainmaking practitioners, community leaders, and elders who believe in the ritual's efficacy. Through qualitative analysis, the study explored the cultural significance of the Kilùmì ritual and its potential role in climate change adaptation and mitigation. The findings reveal that the Kilùmì rainmaking ritual is a viable solution with the potential to support climate change adaptation efforts. The study recommends the inclusion of the Kilùmì ritual in community-based climate change initiatives and the integration of traditional rainmaking practices into national climate change action plans. Incorporating traditional ecological knowledge into adaptation strategies and fostering collaboration between indigenous knowledge holders and scientists are highlighted as key takeaways. The study emphasizes the need for inclusive and sustainable solutions that address climate change while preserving cultural diversity and embracing the interaction between indigenous and scientific knowledge. Further research is recommended to explore the challenges associated with integrating indigenous and scientific knowledge in climate change practices.
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Demystifying the Sixth Co-operative Principle: Interplay between Framework and Digital Era on Growth in Deposit Taking Co-operatives in Kenya
Full text linkCo-operatives are indispensable in economic development worldwide. The World Bank, International Co-operative Alliance and International Labor Organization acknowledge co-operatives role in fighting poverty and promoting equity. The guidelines through which co-operatives put their ethics, values and beliefs into practice are embodied in co-operative principles. However, although the sixth principle emphasizes co-operation among co-operatives at local, national, regional and international levels, it is yet to bepracticed adequately due to limited understanding. This paper seeks to demystify the sixth co-operative principle by examining the effect of the interplay between the co-operative framework and digital era on the growth of Deposit Taking co-operatives in Kenya. It is anchored on co-operative socialistic school of thought by Marxist Lerin. The theory states that co-operatives are social enterprises aimed at transforming societies by removing the ills of capitalism through co-operative ethics of self-help and solidarity. Quantitative secondary data from SACCOs Regulatory Authority (SASRA) data base in 175 Deposit Taking co-operatives using cross-sectional research design and census sampling technique is used. Data were analyzed with the aid of binary logistic regression. The findings indicate that the interplay between co-operative framework and digital era accelerates co-operation among co-operatives (p values all <0.05). In addition, it improves service to members and increases co-indicators that lead to increase in co-operation among co-operatives, hence enhancing service to members and co- , were computer hardware, software and skills. Other co-operative framework indicators identified were co-operative identity, structure, policy and environment. The study recommends to co-operative managers and board to embrace co-operative framework and digital era to accelerate co-operation among cooperatives and provide better services to member leading to co-operative movement's growth
Strategic Human Capital: The Antecedent for Superior Performance of Deposit Taking SACCOs in Kiambu County, Kenya
Full text linkSavings and Credit Cooperatives often struggle to keep pace with the rapid changing technological advancement and stiff competition from larger financial institutions like commercial banks. The way in which Deposit Taking, savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) and financial institutions utilize strategic resources defines their competitive advantage and performance. This study investigated the influence of strategic human resources on performance of deposit taking SACCOs in Kiambu County. The study was hinged on resource-based view theory. Descriptive survey research design was adopted. The target population was 227 management staff consisting of 26 top level, 67 middle level, and 134 lower-level management staff in Kiambu County. Stratified sampling technique was used to select a sample of 14 top level, 36 middle level, and 71 lower-level management staff. Primary data for the study was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Drop and pick method was adopted in administering the questionnaire. Face and content validity of the research coefficient. A coefficient of 0.7 or above was considered adequate in the study. R2 was used to measure the predictive power of the model, while F-statistic was used to determine the fitness of the model. The significance of the study variables in influencing performance of SACCOs was based on the p-values of each variable at 0.05 significance level. Results of the study indicated that strategic human resources were deployed to a moderate extent. Further, a positive correlation existed between performance of DTS and strategic human resources. Strategic human resources predicted performance of DTS in Kiambu County (p<0.05). The study therefore concluded that strategic human resources have significant influence on performance of DTS in Kiambu County. The study recommends that the management of DTS should emphasize on acquiring and optimally utilizing strategic resources since they significantly influence their performance
Supply Chains Distortions and Strategies for Resilience amid COVID-19 Recovery Journey: A Systematic Literature Review
Full text linkCOVID-19 outbreak affected not only global and domestic supply chains but also lives and businesses across the globe. Across the global supply chains businesses closed, production operations and distribution disrupted locally and across the world. The study aimed to determine the distortions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in the supply chain and identify approaches for building resilience amidst the recovery period. Guided by Resource Dependence Theory the study adopted a qualitative approach whereby a systematic literature review was conducted to collect secondary data from published research articles through rigorous screening. Basic coding was done (open, axial and selective coding) and thereafter constant comparison analysis was performed for data analysis. Findings indicate that the outbreak has caused disruptions throughout the global, regional and local supply chains which paralysedseveral businesses and sectors particularly manufacturing, transportation, hospitality, and cross-border logistics. To counteract the ramifications and build resilience firms and companies should consider resorting to near-shoring, subcontracting, multiple sourcing, buffering and strategic stocking and increasing visibility for vulnerabilities. Similarly, there is a need for developing strategic alliances whether in terms of partnership or joint ventures for sharing resources as well as risks towards building resilience jointly for addressing the implications and distortions
Does Tanzania Succeed in Sectoral Cooperation among Cooperatives in the Post- Covid -19 Recovery?
Full text linkCOVID-19 disrupted the global economy and escalated poverty across countries, Tanzania inclusive. In noting the sixth cooperative principle, cooperation among cooperatives with inclusions of other economic sectors remains inevitable to fight this disruption. The present study examined socio-economic cooperation among cooperatives during the post-Covid-19 era. The actor websites and Mobile phone interviews to collect appropriate data. Data were analysed by using content analysis approach. This study found that there is a direct description of how the sixth principle commensurate with Co-operative Societies Act No. 6 of 2013. Partners were establishing cooperation -born of the Tanzania National Co-operative Bank-NCB. Other cooperation aimed to improve direct export crops and market access between Tanzania cooperative development commission and Tanzania trade development authority. The the expansion of Cooperative education. The promotion of coops insurance education Co-operatives are recommended to advocate the purchase of shares, collective securities, and bonds to widen cooperation with other co-operators. Policymakers, regulatory authorities, and stakeholders should adhere to a Covid-19 "new normal" by revieweing laws and regulations
The The Role and Effectiveness of the Cooperative Business Model in Economic Recovery Strategy and Resilience Building Post-Covid-19: A Co-operative solution to disasters
No full textWhereas economic crises often require co-operative approaches to stabilize, recover and revive the free market system, Covid-19 has triggered a new debate regarding the role of the cooperative business model in the resilience of enterprises and economies. A major question donor community and development partners interested in private sector approach to resilience are asking is whether to go through Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) or cooperatives. The cooperative enterprise has been disparaged as an ineffective, non-attractive business model compared to the competitive enterprise MSME model. The main objective of the study was to assess the performance and effectiveness of the cooperative model vis-à-vis MSME model in supporting economic recovery and resilience building post-shocks. The study, based on Systems Theory, adopted a historical scoping research design and used a literature review approach. The findings revealed that economic recovery models that seek to recover, restore, and revive a collapsed capitalist system are mostly “co-operative” in nature, and are critical in stabilizing fragile economic systems. The cooperative business model: (i) is robust enough to rescue economies from collapse and reverse economic fortunes, and (ii) has capacity challenges in cooperative governance that need to be addressed for the model to effectively contribute to resilience building in future. Economic recovery from Covid-19 should focus on addressing capacity challenges in cooperative governance and establishing ‘Marshall Plan Style’ programme to strengthen their role in fostering economic resilience. The focus should be on levels of capitalisation of cooperatives, strengthened governance and cooperative entrepreneurship, ensuring robust oversight to cushion members, and de-risking them from the threat of governance-induced collapse, erring on the side of appropriate response in times of crises