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Effect of Covid-19 on Female-Headed Farming Household Food Security in Northern Bahr El Ghazal State, South Sudan
No full textP. (1-11) ;At the beginning of 2020, global food security was interrupted by the unprecedented occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated restrictions to contain it. In South Sudan, women were among the most vulnerable groups due to restrictions and standard operating procedures (SoPs). This study was conducted to determine the effect of COVID-19 on the food security of female-headed households from three counties in Northern Bahr el Ghazal state, South Sudan. The analysis of the food security status was based on the Consolidated Approach for Reporting Indicators of Food Security (CARI) and food security was viewed in terms of availability of, and accessibility to food among households. Findings revealed that only 15.5% of the female-headed households sampled were food secure while 84.5% of them were food insecure on the 2-level scale. There was a significant reduction in average household income, size of land under agricultural production and crop harvest. Households lost access to produce markets, supermarkets, agro-input markets and produce stores, lowering their food production potential and farm output. Coping strategies included sale of household items, finding other work to supplement their agricultural activities, revision of household food consumption tendencies, new sales channels, while some of the households did nothing. These strategies are indicators of poverty, hunger and food insecurity which can lead to malnutrition. The study concluded that food security among female-headed households is low post-COVID, pushing women into life-threatening coping strategies in South Sudan. Development efforts in the country should be directed towards supporting recovery and resilience systems among these households in the country
Institutional factors and directorate of industrial training curriculum fidelity in vocational training centres in Kampala Capital City Authority
No full textxii, 73 p.This quantitative correlational study explored the relationship between institutional factors and curriculum fidelity in vocational training centers within Kampala Capital City Authority. Specifically, the research investigated how instructors' teaching self-efficacy, institutional support, and leadership effectiveness collectively impact curriculum implementation. Data was collected from 108 respondents through self-administered questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study's findings showed a strong positive correlation between instructors' teaching self-efficacy, institutional support, leadership effectiveness, and curriculum fidelity. Key conclusions include: Instructors' self-efficacy is vital for curriculum fidelity, Institutional support and leadership effectiveness significantly enhances curriculum implementation. Based on these findings, recommendations were made: For the Ministry of Education and Sports and vocational training center principals, the recommendations were to: enhance instructors' self-efficacy through training and development, monitor instruction quality to ensure curriculum adherence, provide support to instructors for effective curriculum implementation. For vocational institutions, the recommendations were to: offer resources to adapt instruction to individual differences, facilitate learning experiences tailored to students' abilities, and promote efficient lesson time utilization. By implementing these strategies, vocational training centers can foster an environment conducive to curriculum fidelity, ultimately enhancing student learning outcomes
Socio-economic utilisation and macropropagation of upas tree, Antiaris toxicaria Lesch: a case study of Mabira central forest reserve, Uganda
No full textxi, 64 p. : ill. (col.) ;Upas tree (Antiaris toxicaria Lesch) is a monoecious and medicinal tree species belonging to the Moraceae family. In various countries, the tree is known for its medicine, plywood, and veneer. In some countries, over-exploitation, degradation of habitats, and environmental challenges have been decreasing its population size. Various socio-economic and disturbance factors are negatively affecting the seedling regeneration of Upas tree in Mabira Central Forest Reserve. The present research contributes to its sustainable utilization, increase in propagation, conservation, and livelihood improvement. The main objective of this research study was to assess the socio-economic utilization of Upas tree and establish macropropagation as an alternative strategy for its regeneration and conservation. The present study employed a Cross-Sectional Research Design and a factorial experiment by using a Completely Randomized Design with 2 factors, notably cutting media and plant growth hormone treatment. A semi-structured questionnaire, supplemented by the researcher’s participant observations was used during data collection. Purposive selection of 2 divisions of Buikwe district, 10 villages from the Divisions, and a random selection of 410 households were done. A total of 160 cuttings of Upas tree were collected from Mabira Central Forest Reserve and planted into 4 different cutting media, each with 40 cuttings with a half treated with a rooting hormone. The experiment was done with 2 treatments. IBM SPSS software was employed, while χ2 and descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Residence duration (p-value: 0.000), Occupation (p-value: 0.002), and household monthly income (p-value: 0.028) were significantly associated with the utilization of the multipurpose tree (all p-values<5%). Illegal tree cutting (28.8% at SD: 3.328) was the highest affecting and the most worrying disturbance factor of the tree’s regeneration. The best cutting medium was the forest top soil, while rooting hormone had no effect on the rooting system of the cuttings. The overall survival, sprouting, and rooting of cuttings of the macropropagation experiment was 15 %, 3.75 %, and 0 % respectively. There is a possibility of macro propagation of the tree if the experiment is improved, primarily by increasing stimulation of root formation. The cutting media: only forest topsoil and a combination of forest topsoil, sand, charcoal dust, and saw dust should be preferred for the subsequent experiments. Further socio-economic and propagation studies are needed for other important medicinal trees of the forest. It is recommended that cuttings should be treated with different rooting hormones at various concentrations and planted directly. There is a need to study other propagation techniques on the tree. National Forest Authority should put more effort into the management of the Mabira forest reserve through its protection, promotion of the tree’s domestication, and restoration of the forest, mainly focusing on the conservation of important tree species like the A.toxicaria Lesch.
Keywords: Socio-economic, Antiaris toxicaria Lesch, Utilisation, Disturbance factor, Mabira Central Forest Reserve, Conservation, and Macropropagation
Barriers and Opportunities in Harnessing Geothermal Energy: A Case Study of East Africa
No full textP. (1-13) ;This paper examines geothermal energy applications and development in East Africa. With a large geothermal power potential of 30,000MW, about 5% of this potential has been developed in the region. This study uses secondary data to review source documents, empirical literature and archival information, which was triangulated to obtain greater truths. The findings are that geothermal energy is mainly used for power generation and other direct uses. The outstanding barriers are mainly political, economic, socio-cultural, technological environmental and legal regulatory that should be overcome to achieve robust industrialisation among member countries. The prospects include Reliable Power generation, Diversified clean energy source, employment and direct uses. The concluding remarks include suggesting a policy shift to geothermal power as a clean energy option that is a credible source for sustainable industrialisation. There should be a renewable effort to train human resource, set up geothermal policy to fast truck power development options. This study investigates and brings forth the developments in the geothermal power development. It also highlights the drivers and barriers to geothermal development. It also brings possible policy measures to the social and economic planners in expanding the renewable energy sector
Financial services and financial performance of small and medium enterprises in Uganda : a case of Kampala Capital City
No full textxiv, 94 p.The general objective of the study was to examine the relationship between financial services and financial performance of SMEs in Kampala Capital City. The specific objectives of the study were; (i) to examine the relationship between credit services and financial performance, (ii) to establish the relationship between investment services and financial performance, and (iii) to investigate the relationship between saving services and financial performance of SMEs in Kampala Capital City. The study considered a correlation research design considering a quantitative research approach. The study targeted 381owners of SMEs but 278 managed to respond back hence showing 73.0% response rate. Data was collected using a questionnaire. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis was used to examine the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. The study revealed that there is a moderately positive and significant relationship between credit services and financial performance of SMEs in Kampala Capital City (r = 0.423, N=278, P-value=0.000) at a 0.01 level of significance. Furthermore, credit services were positive significant predictors of financial performance by 21.6% (Adjusted R Square = .216, p<0.05) with β value (.451**). The study also revealed that there is a moderately positive and significant relationship between investment services and financial performance of SMEs in Kampala Capital City (r = 0.449, N=278, P-value=0.000) at a 0.01 level of significance. Furthermore, investment services positively and significantly predicted the financial performance of SMEs by 17.4% (Adjusted R Square = .174, p<0.05) with β value (.276**). The study further revealed that there is a moderately positive and significant relationship between saving services and financial performance of SMEs in Kampala Capital City (r = 0.477, N=278, P-value=0.000) at a 0.01 level of significance. Furthermore, savings services were the highest significant predictor of financial performance of SMEs by 25.2% (Adjusted R Square = .252, p<0.05) with β value (.409**). Additionally, over financial services with the constructs of (credit services, investment services and saving services) combined influenced the financial performance SMEs in Kampala Capital City by 31.4% (Adjusted R Square = .314, p<0.05) with β value (.206*). The study concluded that effectiveness and efficiency in the financial services (credit services, investment services, and saving services) significantly influences the financial performance of SMEs in Kampala Capital City. The study recommended that SMEs owners and financial institutions need to sit down and make a comprehensive assessment of the existing credit services. There is need to iron out challenges and barriers faced by businesses in accessing credit channels, such as complexities in loan application processes, affordability of interest rates, and removing the physical collateral requirements. It was also recommended that financial institutions need enhance their communication and educational outreach efforts to businesses regarding the diverse investment options available and lastly, it was recommended that banks focus on improving transparency and create more awareness about their savings products, ensuring competitive interest rates, and facilitating more open communication with businesses regarding negotiated terms
Parental involvement and the quality of education in government-aided primary schools in Jinja city, Uganda
No full textxi, 93 p. ;This study examined the level of parental involvement and the effect it has on the quality of education in government-aided primary schools in Jinja City. The study objectives were to; establish the extent to which parents’ support for a child’s learning influences the quality of education, examine whether parents’ support for school development influences the quality of education, assess the effect of parents’ participation in the running of the school on the quality of education provided by government-aided primary schools of Jinja City. Using across-sectional survey, data was collected from 76 teachers, 3 head teachers and 7 parents on SMCs using a structured questionnaire and focus group discussion guide. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, regression and content analysis. With regard to extent to which parents’ support for a child’s learning and how it influences the quality of education, the relationship was not significant (r =-.004, P>0.01) as well as the influence (β =-.108, p> 0.05). for parents were not receiving enough opportunity to understand what they are supposed to do to support their children’s education. It was revealed that a small positive, significant relationship (r =262, P 0.05) was not significant. This is due to the fact that parents felt there were limited efforts by schools to get and even listen to their views on how they wanted the schools to be It was further found out that a positive and significant relationship existed between parents’ participation in the running of the school on the quality of education (r=.43, P<0.01) and quality of education and the influence was significant (β =.616, p<0.05). The three parental involvement factors that were explored contributed (β =, p<.05) about 21.8 % to quality education. Generally, this contribution came from participation in the running of the school. Parents did not feel empowered to participate in the education of their children and felt that the primary education was motivated by political agendas and self-interest instead of genuine attempts to improve the lives of the people. Parents gave schools very little support and schools struggled on their own to achieve their intended outcomes. MOES must innovate strategies to allow a high degree of organized representation, accessibility, and openness for all parents in the education of their children and to actively contribute ideas for the common good of primary education. Further research is recommended to examine the awareness of parents on the role in the education of their children
Reforms and innovation in Entrepreneurship Education in universities in Uganda
No full textP. (1-13) ;Entrepreneurship Education (EE) has been recognized as one type of education that can provide skills toparticipants for value creation. Its origin is in economics literature and was considered as one of the factors ofproduction not until after the second world war when it started emerging as independent discipline. Theteaching of entrepreneurship started in Harvard Business School with the aim of generating jobs throughbusiness start-ups. This was also to boost the economic activities that were interrupted by the world war. As aresult of Entrepreneurship education, a number of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) were established. TheSMEs started contributing to economic development of those countries that had embraced entrepreneurshipeducation.The introduction of entrepreneurship education led most economies to recognize that entrepreneurship is a keydriver of economic growth and source of innovation. This spurred up governments to call on universities toproduce more enterprising graduates. The integration of entrepreneurship education into the university educationcurriculum was to equip graduates with skills to function well and to contribute to economic development of thesociety. Besides economic development entrepreneurship education result into increased societal resilience,individual growth and increased university engagement with the community.Over the years entrepreneurship education has assumed extraordinary relevance within university academicprograms all over the world. Despite the intended goal of entrepreneurship education, universities, especially inAfrica, have been challenged for failing to produce graduates equipped with skills to function well and tocontribute to economic development of the society. There are a number of issues contributing to this challenge.One of the issues commonly raised is to do with the pedagogy especially with regard to entrepreneurshipeducation. Very little is known about entrepreneurship pedagogy course in universities especially in Uganda.This work discusses the status of entrepreneurship education pedagogy, providing an overview of the reformsand innovation in Entrepreneurship Education in universities. The discussion is based on the following: thecurrent debate in Entrepreneurship Education, the reforms in teaching entrepreneurship in universities, thebenefits of reform in entrepreneurship education in universities, the challenges of managing reforms in teachingentrepreneurship in universities,description of the approaches of undertaking reforms in entrepreneurship education pedagogy, Opportunities forEast African Universities and conclusion. Focus will be on case-based teaching and learning in the wake ofCOVID-19 pandemic
Development of a point-of-use water filtration system using a catalytic ceramic membrane coated with iron oxide
No full textxv, 107 p. : ill.(some col.)Access to safe and clean water is a challenge especially in developing countries. Consumption of water contaminated with heavy metals causes health problems such as brain damage, kidney and liver failure. Point of Use (PoU) ceramic water filters are cheap and easy to use method of water treatment. In this study, six PoU ceramic water filters were made by mixing clay powders and rice husk powder in predetermined varying proportions, firing of the ceramic filters was done and then coated with 300g of iron oxide and 100ml of phytic acid. The system was used to remove heavy metals such as; zinc, lead, cadmium, manganese, copper, chromium, iron, nickel from water. The turbidity, total suspended solids, conductivity and pH levels of the influent and effluent water was determined. The results showed that; heavy metal removal was high for the coated ceramic membranes as it produced 98.73% when compared to the uncoated ceramic membranes which produced 74.11%. The study also revealed that uncoated ceramic membrane CM-3U produced the highest turbidity reduction of 81.08% while coated membranes CM-3C produced the lowest reduction of 22.97%. This was attributed to leaching of the iron oxide during the filtration process. The measured pH values ranged from 6.65 to 7.34 for the influent water samples for both the uncoated and coated ceramic membranes. This range is recommended for drinking water by world health organization. Therefore, the coated ceramic membranes exhibited a high-performance level of heavy metal removal when compared to the uncoated ceramic membrane
Investigating factors affecting contractors’ response to local government construction bids in Uganda
No full textxiii, 97 p.Bidding is critical in identifying the best bidder for construction projects. More than 55% of Uganda’s national budget is spent through public procurement processes although the execution of the construction projects is not appeasing. This study aimed to investigate factors affecting contractors’ response to Local Government bids in selected districts in south western Uganda. It added new insights to the existing body of knowledge about contractors’ response to LG bids in Uganda which was scanty in literature. Descriptive study design was used and data was collected using questionnaire survey and interview method from a sample of 126 respondents who were randomly and purposively selected from a population of 188 comprised of contractors and community members in the selected districts. To analyse data, SPSS version 20 was used. The study revealed that there is a positive strong relationship between characteristics of construction bids and contractor’s response to LG bids (Pearson = 0.784; P-value = 0.00 < 0.05). The study also found out that there is a positive strong relationship between Factors (capacity, time and contract type) and contractor’s response to LG bids (Pearson value of 0.879; P-value 0.000 < 0.05). A proposed decision model for proficient bidding revealed that if the mark up is ≥ 62% then bidding process must be undertaken. The proposed framework developed showed a coordination gap among actors that can be included in the bid evaluation process. Standard construction bids in Uganda are mainly characterised by high bid security thus local governments should from time to time review the impact of bid security measures on contractor participation in local government construction bids
Diversity management and work engagement of academic staff of Kyambogo University, Uganda
No full textx, 98 p. : col.Work engagement is a pivotal driver of Organizational performance and a crucial determinant of success, as it significantly enhances competitive advantage. This study sought to investigate the influence of diversity management on the work engagement of academic staff at Kyambogo University in Uganda. It was guided by three objectives: the impact of diversity management policies, programs, and climate on work diversity. The study is of great significance to the body of knowledge, management of Kyambogo University, policymakers, and researchers. The study adopted the quantitative approach and the correlational research design to establish the relationship between diversity management and work engagement. Primary data was collected using self-administered questionnaires. A total of 188 academic staff members from Kyambogo University participated in this study. Data was subjected to descriptive statistics and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) using SmartPLS software. The study findings were presented using graphs, tables, and figures. Findings revealed moderate levels of work engagement, diversity management policies, diversity management programs, and diversity management climate within the university. However, the SEM results yielded more subtle findings, indicating that diversity management policies exerted a positive and significant influence on work engagement, whereas diversity management programs had a positive but non-significant effect, and diversity management climate had a negative but non-significant impact on work engagement. This study concludes that diversity management policies play a vital role in fostering work engagement among academic staff, whereas inadequate diversity management programs contribute minimally to work engagement, and a suboptimal diversity management climate hinders work engagement. The study recommends that universities should develop and implement comprehensive diversity management policies to enhance work engagement. It further recommends that university leaders should design and execute effective diversity management programs to promote work engagement, and also cultivate a climate that values and supports diversity, thereby fostering work engagement among academic staff