EANSO East African Nature and Science Organization Journals
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Development of Maintenance Management Model for Enhancing the Maintainability Performance of Irrigation Scheme Infrastructure: A Case Study in Iringa District Council
Full text linkMaintenance management is critical to the sustainability and performance of irrigation infrastructure, especially in developing countries where resource constraints significantly impact agricultural productivity and food security. This study developed a maintenance management model to enhance the maintainability performance of irrigation scheme infrastructure in Iringa District Council, Tanzania. Using a mixed-methods research design, data were collected through field analyses, stakeholder interviews, and review of current maintenance practices from 90 respondents across five irrigation schemes. The study identified twelve maintenance factors using the Relative Importance Index (RII) analysis, revealing a clear dichotomy between highly important operational factors and less critical technical factors. The top-ranked factors were Regular Preventive Maintenance Scheduling (94.2%), Training and Capacity Building Programs (93.3%), Spare Parts and Equipment Availability (92.4%), Environmental Factors Management (92.0%), Stakeholder Coordination and Communication (91.6%), and Adequate Maintenance Budget Allocation (91.1%). Conversely, technical factors such as Maintenance Documentation (30.0%), Quality of Construction Materials (29.8%), and Availability of Skilled Personnel (29.1%) received significantly lower ratings. A multiple regression model was developed explaining 76% of the variance in maintenance performance (R² = 0.76, R = 0.87). The model equation: Maintenance Performance = 0.04 + 0.02(Scheduling) + 0.04(Spare Parts) + 0.02(Training) + 0.03(Environmental) + 0.02(Stakeholder) + 0.02(Budget) + 0.01(Technology), demonstrated high statistical significance (F = 485.76, p < 0.001). Validation testing across different implementation scenarios showed performance ranges from 20% (Very Low) to 84% (Very Severe), confirming the model's discriminatory capability and practical utility. The findings suggest that a contextualised maintenance management model combining preventive maintenance strategies, stakeholder involvement, and capacity building mechanisms can significantly enhance infrastructure reliability, minimise system downtime, and ensure sustainability. The study concludes that organisational excellence, systematic approaches, adequate resource allocation, and effective stakeholder partnerships are the primary predictors of maintenance effectiveness in irrigation infrastructure management
Normative Gaps and Interpretative Challenges: Interest Rates Determination under Article 78 of CISG in Cases Of Delayed Payment
Full text linkDelays in payment in international commercial dealings, which may either be intentional or as a result of force majeure, raise important legal questions on how the financial rights of the other party to the contract, particularly the right to interest, can be determined. While Article 78 of the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) imposes an obligation on the debtor to pay interest on sums in arrears, it notably fails to specify critical elements of interest rate determination, for instance, the applicable interest rate or the method of its calculation. This omission has led to diverse interpretations in the legal practice. Thus, courts, arbitral tribunals, and scholars across jurisdictions have tried to fill this gap in different ways, others apply domestic interest rates, while others referring to commercial practices, or using international benchmarks, or applying the law of the place of payment, however, these diverse approaches adopted by courts, and arbitral tribunal undermine the CISG’s core objectives of uniformity, legal certainty, and predictability in international commerce, hence, discourages parties from entering into cross-border commercial contracts, thereby weakening trust in the CISG regime. This study employs doctrinal and non-doctrinal methodology in data collection. It has been revealed that the diverse approaches adopted by courts, arbitral tribunals, and various scholars as gap-filling under Article 78 of CISG have led to jurisdictional inconsistencies, a lack of uniformity, and unpredictable cash flow, just to name a few. Thus, this article proposes a principled approach that reconciles CISG’s uniformity goals with practical commercial realities, thus promoting legal certainty in international trade
An Assessment of the Attitudes of Social Service Professionals towards People with Albinism in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Full text linkSocial services professionals are agents of change in any society. For many years, people with albinism in Tanzania have faced many injustices and malicious acts like murder, kidnapping, rape, cutting, and selling their body parts. In Tanzania, due to their condition, they have been placed under the category of “people with disability”. It has fallen to social services professionals to be their saviours and protectors, helping them voice their problems and other issues. This study aims to examine the attitudes of social services professionals, their roles, and the precautionary measures taken towards protecting people with albinism in the Dar es Salaam region. In this study, 30 participants were contacted, but only 24 responded, and these were 6 social services professionals from the government, 6 from the non-governmental organisations, 10 people with albinism who acted as volunteers, 1 journalist, and 1 social service professional from an embassy. A qualitative research design was adopted through a semi-structured interview guide. The analysis of these participants’ opinions was carried out with NVivo 12 software. The results of the analysis reveal that social services professionals have more positive attitudes, like acceptance, respect, defence, support, and love, than negative attitudes, which include unhelpfulness, pessimism, and unfairness towards people with albinism. Promoting education, advocacy, and awareness-raising were some of the roles and precautionary measures used towards protecting people with albinism. From the findings, recommendations to the government, non-governmental organisations, social workers, and people with albinism were to bring changes to the education and health sectors. It was realised that self-awareness concept on people with albinism and the challenges facing social services professionals should be examined as an area for further research; this will positively stress and broaden the compassion about people with albinism and how to support the
Factors Affecting Employability among TVET Graduates in Water, Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering: A National Diploma Tracer Study in Uganda (2016–2019)
Full text linkThis study investigates the key factors influencing employability among graduates of Uganda’s National Diploma programs in Water, Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering from 2016 to 2019. As the main certifying body for Uganda’s technical workforce, the Uganda Business and Technical Examinations Board (UBTEB) has graduated over 69,000 engineers. However, the transition of these diploma holders into meaningful employment remains uneven and insufficiently examined. Using a mixed-methods tracer study involving 249 graduates and 39 employers, the research explores critical determinants of employment outcomes and exposes systemic limitations within Uganda’s Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) landscape. The findings show that 63% of graduates secured employment within one year. Key predictors of employability included the perceived quality of teaching (β=0.371, p=0.028), entrepreneurial skills (β=0.126, p=0.044), and attainment of first-class diplomas (β=0.087, p=0.000). Conversely, participation in monitored internships was associated with lower employability (β=–0.128, p=0.000), indicating possible shortcomings in their implementation. While 90% of employers reported satisfaction with graduates’ practical competencies, significant gaps were identified in digital literacy and adaptive problem-solving deficiencies, partly attributed to training content that has not kept pace with technological and industry changes. Three structural barriers emerged as significant constraints on graduate employability: a heavy emphasis on classroom-based instruction, with only 28% of graduates reporting meaningful industrial mentorship; limited exposure to cross-cutting skills such as CAD and IoT applications; and dependence on informal hiring networks, which disproportionately exclude 38% of graduates lacking personal connections. These constraints contribute to Uganda’s ongoing skills paradox, in which persistent technician shortages coexist with a 37% rate of graduate underemployment. The study offers evidence to support realignment of TVET systems with evolving labour market demands. It highlights the importance of regular curriculum updates, stronger integration of entrepreneurship and digital skills, and the restructuring of industrial training models. These insights may inform national efforts to enhance workforce preparedness in line with Uganda’s Vision 2040
Development of Risk Assessment Model for Controlling Cost Overrun in Road Maintenance Projects: A Case of Roads in Songea District, Tanzania, Tanzania
Full text linkThis study was designed to develop a risk assessment model for controlling cost overruns in road maintenance projects, using roads in Songea District as a case study. It addressed the persistent problem of financial inefficiencies and unexpected cost escalations that frequently undermine the success of infrastructure maintenance in Tanzania. The study sought to systematically identify the key risk factors contributing to cost overruns and establish a model to predict and mitigate these risks in future projects. The research was motivated by the critical role of road infrastructure in economic development and the increasing challenges faced by agencies like TARURA and TANROADS in managing project budgets amidst growing demand and environmental volatility. Employing a quantitative research design, the study used structured questionnaires to collect data on six major risk categories: financial risks, environmental and climatic risks, project management risks, stakeholder risks, maintenance method risks, and resource-related risks. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to quantify their relationship with cost overrun, and model validation was conducted using five years of historical data from TARURA. The findings revealed that financial and environmental risks exert the greatest influence on cost overruns, followed by project management and resource-related risks, while maintenance methods and stakeholder concerns had minimal influence. The developed model demonstrated consistent performance, showing that approximately 22.71% of cost overruns could be mitigated through its application. The study concludes that integrating risk assessment models into road maintenance planning can significantly enhance budget control, promote infrastructure sustainability, and improve strategic decision-making
The Entrenchment of Ethnicity in South Sudan: Analyzing Its Impact
Full text linkThis study aimed to explore the role of ethnicity in South Sudan’s socio-political landscape and its influence on nation-building efforts, focusing on three sub-themes: the historical roots of ethnic conflict, the impact of ethnicity on governance, and collective identity amidst political fragmentation. To frame the analysis, the research employed three theoretical frameworks: Ethnic Conflict Theory, which explains how historical grievances and competition over resources escalate into violence; Social Identity Theory, highlighting how group identification influences inter-ethnic relations; and Constructivist Theory, emphasizing how social realities and identities are shaped through discourse and interaction. A qualitative methodology was adopted, incorporating 400 survey respondents, 30 in-depth interviews, and six focus group discussions. Participants were selected through stratified random sampling, ensuring representation across major ethnic groups and demographics, with inclusion criteria requiring participants to be aged 18 or older, residents of South Sudan for at least one year, and willing to provide informed consent. Data analysis involved thematic coding, where transcripts were systematically reviewed to identify recurring patterns related to conflict, identity, and governance. Key findings indicated that ethnicity significantly influences community relations, with 81% of respondents reporting interactions primarily characterized by conflict rooted in longstanding animosities. While ethnicity initially served as a unifying element during the liberation struggle, post-independence dynamics revealed its potential to create divisions, fueling competition for power and resources among dominant ethnic groups. The narratives collected reflected widespread fears, mistrust, and suspicion, illustrating how ethnic identities continue to shape social interactions and political engagement. The study concludes that although ethnic identities can foster a sense of belonging, they often hinder governance and social cohesion, leading to systemic favouritism and marginalization. To promote stability, the research recommends implementing inclusive governance frameworks and national reconciliation initiatives that foster inter-ethnic dialogue, emphasizing the importance of celebrating cultural diversity while fostering a shared national identity for sustainable peace and developmen
Delving into The Effects of Hydro-Politics: Investment and Financing on Foreign Policy Decisions Among the Nile Basin Countries
Full text linkThis study examines the effects of hydro-politics, investment, and financing on foreign policy decisions among Nile Basin countries, focusing on the dynamics of transboundary water governance. Recognising that water scarcity significantly impacts diplomatic relations among nations reliant on shared water resources, the research is anchored in theories of hydro-politics and international relations. A mixed-methods approach is utilised, combining qualitative and quantitative data to analyse the interplay between these countries and assess how hydro-political strategies affect regional stability and cooperation. The findings reveal that water resource management is deeply politicised, carrying substantial implications for conflict prevention and diplomatic relations. The research highlights that investment and financing decisions are closely tied to national priorities and diplomatic objectives. As riparian states grapple with increasing population pressures and climate change, the competition for water resources has intensified, necessitating a nuanced understanding of the hydro-political landscape in the region. Notably, the completion of significant infrastructure projects, such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), has underscored the complex relationships among upstream and downstream countries, particularly between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan. The study’s conclusions stress the importance of integrating hydro-political considerations into foreign policy frameworks, advocating for collaborative approaches that prioritise equitable water distribution and regional peace. It calls for the establishment of comprehensive legal frameworks for transboundary water management to address historical grievances and contemporary realities. Recommendations emphasise that policymakers and stakeholders should prioritise equitable distribution of water resources and foster regional cooperation to enhance sustainable management. The role of development financiers, such as the World Bank and African Development Bank, is deemed critical for funding water infrastructure projects that promote cooperation and sustainable development. Ultimately, this research aims to provide valuable insights for policymakers, scholars, and practitioners engaged in water resource management and international relations, enhancing the understanding of how hydro-politics influences foreign policy decisions in the Nile Basin context
Assessment of the Effect of Drought on Cattle Keeping Households in Migori County
Full text linkCattle keeping plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and fulfilling socio-cultural functions in both developed and developing regions. However, most cattle in these regions are often raised under extensive production systems, making them highly vulnerable to harsh environmental conditions. Among the most pressing challenges facing cattle production in sub-tropical regions is drought, which leads to severe water scarcity and depletion of grazing resources, resulting in reduced cattle productivity, increased susceptibility to diseases, and, in extreme cases, high mortality rates. This study assessed the effects of drought on cattle-keeping households in Migori County. In semi-arid areas of Migori County, cattle keeping plays vital economic and socio-cultural roles but is increasingly affected by drought-related challenges such as water scarcity, pasture depletion, and livestock diseases. The study was conducted in Nyatike and Kuria West sub-counties of Migori County, selected for their diverse agro-ecological zones affecting livestock farming. Data were collected through structured household questionnaires, key informant interviews, and direct observation, with a stratified sample of 383 households proportionately drawn from four wards. The abstract claims Masaba was affected by diseases, but Table 2 shows Masaba had only 19% disease reports compared to Muhuru’s 54%. Cattle mortality stood at 37%, and nearly 90% of households reported some degree of cattle emaciation, indicating widespread nutritional stress. Masaba and Kanyarwanda Wards experienced the most severe declines in production and cattle prices, while Muhuru, despite high disease and emaciation rates, reported more stable cattle prices, suggesting stronger market structures or fewer distress sales. This study highlights the significant impact of drought on cattle health, production, and market dynamics across Migori County. To mitigate these impacts, the study recommends strengthening veterinary services, enhancing market resilience, and integrating drought preparedness into livestock management and policy frameworks to protect livelihoods and improve resilience in the livestock sector
Crisis Management and Resilience in Hospitality and Tourism Consulting
Full text linkThis review paper critically examines how hospitality and tourism organisations and destinations have prepared for and responded to crises ranging from natural disasters and pandemics to economic crises and reputational threats, applying consulting interventions in this process. The purpose of the study was to synthesise theoretical ideologies and empirical evidence that would shed light on the strategic role of consulting in fostering crisis preparedness and resilience. The methodology entails an integrative review of the literature (Involves the systematic gathering, analysing, and synthesising of a diverse range of existing literature from multiple sources), including peer-reviewed academic journal articles, industry reports, and case studies. Key topics considered are crisis communication planning, risk assessment and mitigation, business continuity, and long-term resilience. The results show that while awareness about crisis planning has been growing, the actual application seems to be used largely for post-crisis intervention rather than for pre-crisis planning. Consulting practices have been useful in bridging theory and practice, particularly in risk assessment, communication planning, and continuity frameworks. Still, there exist disparities in the application of these practices from region to region and from firm to firm. The theoretical contribution stems from blending chaos theory, contingency theory, and resilience theory to explain organisational behaviour during crises. Practically, it provides a conceptual framework aimed at consultants and managers so that they might align along certain structured, though flexible, formats during crisis management. At a policy level, the review calls for destination-level policy reform to integrate resilience throughout national and regional tourism strategies. The review also emphasises the importance of consulting in bolstering adaptive capacity, institutional learning, and resilience-building in the hospitality and tourism industries. This serves to shed light on some practical suggestions for academics, practitioners, and policymakers
Unyanyasikaji wa Wanaume katika Diwani za Tumbo Lisiloshiba na Maskini Milionea na Hadithi Nyingine
Full text linkFasihi kama kioo cha jamii hutumia lugha kwa ufanifu mkubwa kutuchorea taswira kamili ya yale yanayotendeka katika jamii. Fasihi haizuki katika ombwe tupu. Hivyo basi utafiti huu ulichunguza unyanyasikaji wa wanaume katika jamii. Ulichunguza suala mtambuko ambalo linaathiri haki za wanaume kama inavyosawiriwa katika Diwani ya Tumbo Lisiloshiba na Hadithi Nyingine iliyohaririwa na Alifa Chokocho na Dumu Kayanda na Maskini Milionea na Hadithi Nyingine iliyohaririwa na Ken Walibora. Lengo kuu la makala hii ni kuchunguza namna wanaume hunyanyasika katika diwani teule. Ilikuafikia lengo hili, nadharia ya Mtagusano wa Vitambulisho ilitumiwa. Ni mojawapo ya nadharia za kijinsia. Utafiti huu ulikuwa wa kimaktaba. Data ya utafiti ilikusanywa kwa kusoma hadithi teule kutoka diwani za Kiswahili zilizoteuliwa vitabu, majarida na makala mengine kutoka mitandaoni. Uteuzi wa sampuli ulikuwa wa kimaksudi. Data iliyokusanywa ilichanganuliwa kimaelezo kwa kutumia mbinu ya uchanganuzi matini ikiongozwa na madhumuni ya utafiti. Matokeo ya utafiti yaliwasilishwa kwa njia ya kimaelezo. Matokeo ya makala yalionyesha kuwa mwanamume hunyanyasika kwa namna nyingi kama vile: kula uroda nje ya ndoa, utengano wa kijamaa, kukataliwa uchumba, upyaro, kunyimwa chakula na kuchapwa. Vipengele vya utambulisho vinavyoshirikiana na kusababisha unyanyasikaji wa wanaume ni: uchumi, jinsia, tabaka, matarajio ya kijamii. Kipengele kinachosababisha unyanyasikaji wa wanaume zaidi ni kipengele cha uchumi. Uchunguzi huu utawafaa wasomi, wanajamii, na waandishi kwani watapata uelewa zaidi wa aina za unyanyasikaji unaotendewa wanaume na kutafuta mbinu za kuwaokoa kutoka kwa udhalimu huu. Vile vile utakuwa na mchango katika taaluma ya fasihi ya Kiswahili