EANSO East African Nature and Science Organization Journals
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Moderating Effect of Debt Literacy on the Link between Debt Management Behaviour and SME Growth Sustainability
Get PDFSmall and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in the economic development of emerging economies; however, their growth is frequently obstructed by financial mismanagement and insufficient debt literacy. This research examines how debt literacy influences the relationship between debt management practices and the sustainability of growth in SMEs located in Lira City, Uganda. This study assesses the interaction between behavioural traits—such as lifestyle patterns, religiosity, and financial self-efficacy—and dimensions of debt literacy (debt knowledge and debt skills) in relation to firm growth. A cross-sectional quantitative design was utilized, and data were gathered from 311 SMEs through a structured questionnaire. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) utilizing a bootstrap approach was applied to examine direct and moderating effects. The findings indicate that lifestyle patterns substantially impede the growth of SMEs, whereas financial self-efficacy and religiosity do not exert direct effects. Both traits positively influenced debt literacy, which was identified as a significant mediating factor. Debt literacy served as a partial mediator in the relationship between behavioural traits and firm growth, underscoring its significance in converting behavioural dispositions into sustainable financial results. The results substantiate the relevance of the Theory of Planned Behaviour, Sustainable Growth Theory, and Financial Capability Theory in elucidating SME performance. This study enhances theoretical understanding and informs policy development by illustrating the importance of debt literacy for effective financial behaviour. The integration of debt literacy into national SME support frameworks and financial training initiatives, customized to the behavioural profiles of entrepreneurs in developing economies, is recommende
A Framework for Interdisciplinary Research Methodology in Agroforestry: A Review
Get PDFThis paper provides a framework for interdisciplinary research (IDR) methodology in agroforestry, motivated by a general belief that by drawing information from different fields and employing different methodologies, a broad understanding of an existing issue can be achieved. Literature from four scientific paradigms was reviewed to recommend a suitable paradigm for IDR in agroforestry. We promote a pluralistic approach around the concept of ‘what works’ such that agroforestry research and extension focus on applications of techniques to solve a problem. The study suggests a framework for IDR in the context of developing countries by modifying an existing Methodology for Interdisciplinary Research (MIR) framework that was developed to help cross disciplinary borders, especially those between the natural sciences and the social sciences. The existing framework is however limited to real-life applications in teaching and research. We contend that agroforestry research should be seen to benefit the rural poor, foster innovation and farm productivity to feed the growing world population and help farmers adapt to the changing climate. The suggested IDR framework therefore caters for extension and feedback mechanisms, that appear to be the missing link between research and education. The new framework further provides for social relevance and the generation of data for informing policy decisions relating to sustainable agriculture. The paper also highlights the main barriers and opportunities for implementing IDR in agroforestry. The current and future global complex agricultural challenges require experts with interdisciplinary experience. Therefore, interdisciplinary research in agroforestry must increasingly become the standard rather than the exception because the approaches needed and the implications of agroforestry research are by their very nature interdisciplinary
Household Solid Waste Management Strategies in Urbanizing Areas. A Case Study of Sokoni I Ward, Arusha City, Tanzania
Get PDFThis study analyzed the various solid waste management strategies used by residents of Sokoni I ward, using households as the unit of analysis. This study involved a total of 90 residents from Sokoni I as targeted respondents, with a ward executive officer, ward health officer, and Mtaa executive officers as key informants. A mixed approach was applied in the process of data collection, and then the data were descriptively analyzed. The findings revealed burying (10.4%), sweeping (55.9%), re-sale (4.7%), burning (0.9%), random dumping (20.8%), and re-use (11.3%) as the employed strategies by the residents of the study area in managing solid waste at their households. When these strategies are properly applied, they provide numerous contributions to the handling and treatment of solid waste with a positive impact on the environment and public health. Based on the nature of the findings, local government officers, specifically those at the grass-roots level, should educate their people on the application of proper strategies in managing solid waste in their households to minimize the use of other strategies that lead to the spread of waste, including solid wast
Effectiveness and Efficiency of Eggshells and Tamarindus indica (Tamarind) Seeds as Absorbents in Removal of Fluoride Ions from Water at Different PH Level
Get PDFExcessive fluoride ingestion predominantly comes from drinking water sources. Information on the extent of health problems caused by fluoride is scanty. Prevalence and severity of dental and skeletal fluorosis in northern Tanzania have been reported to be higher than would be expected from ingestion of fluoride through drinking water alone. To fill in this gap, a study was conducted aiming to develop a natural adsorbent suitable for the defluoridation of drinking water by using the Jar test method. The water sample in the investigation was synthesized by mixing sodium fluoride (NaF), with deionized water and the determination of fluoride ions and data analysis was performed by using a fluoride meter and Excel computer program respectively. The adsorption study was conducted by batch experiment method in three phases, in the first phase involved the investigation of the influence of adsorbents’ particle size (1.18mm, 0.6mm, 0.45mm, 0.3mm, and 0.15mm) in different pH levels (2.8, 5.6, 7, and 9.6) and it has been observed that the particle size with higher uptake capacity of sorbents was 0.6mm mesh at optimum pH of 7. The second and third phases involved checking the influence of the adsorbents’ dosage, it has been observed that the higher the dosage, the great the uptake capacity of sorbents on the adsorbents would be and the effluence of physisorption in the removal of fluoride ions from water, it was revealed that the long the contact time the higher uptake of sorbents on adsorbent would be until the equilibrium attained at optimum time of 225 minutes which removed 87.2% by eggshells and 270 minutes which removed 88.6% by tamarind seeds consecutively. The adsorption isotherms show that the correlation factor, R2 at optimum conditions was greater than 0.7 an indication that the adsorption process conformed to the Freundlich isotherms, it was further revealed that the removal efficiency was higher at neutral conditions (pH of 7.3). Moreover, the removal efficiency was observed to increase with an increase in the amount of adsorbents’ dosage. It was therefore recommended that the eggshells and tamarind seeds can be used for defluoridation of drinking water as an alternative and cost-effective technology. Also, it was suggested that further studies should be carried out on removal efficiency under mixed adsorbents’ dosage to find out the most efficient and convenient adsorbents for fluoride removal
Mapping Land Use Land Cover within Flood Risks and Safe Zones in Budalangi Sub-County, Kenya
Get PDFRiverine flooding is associated with not only displacement of people but also loss of property and lives in the lower course of rivers. However, there is a dearth of literature on land use and land cover within flood risk zones and safe zones within the Western Region in Kenya. Using Landsat Satellite Images and household survey, this study aimed at mapping land use land cover within flood risk and safe zones in Budalangi sub-county, Kenya. A sample size of 162 household heads was selected using stratified random sampling. Flood stage scenarios were hypothesized and overlay analysis was done to determine the locations for evacuation and land use at risk. Descriptive data analysis was adopted to analyze data from respondents. Analyzed Landsat Satellite Images reveal that 39.1 % (76.2 Km2) of the study area were flood risk zones while 60.9 % (118.8 Km2) were safe zones. Ninety percent (90 %, 68.6 Km2) of the flood risk zones were located within altitudes less than 1144 m above sea level (a.s.l) while safe zones were located in areas with more than 1144 m a.s.l. Within the flood risk zones, 57.0 % (39.1 Km2) was covered with papyrus vegetation, 19.2 % (13.2 km2) with riverine vegetation, 18.4 % (12.6 km2) with farmlands and 5.4 % (3.7 km2) with buildings or bare lands. Ninety percent (90 %) of the safe regions were found within learning institutions, market centres and administrative centres. The majority of the respondents (n = 157, 96.9 %) had experienced flooding on their farmlands and some of them (n = 125, 79.6 %) indicated that floods had destroyed their crops. The flooding that occurred frequently within the study area during the high rain season was mainly mitigated through terracing and the use of canals. The current study concludes that flood risk zones were covered by natural vegetation while safe zones were occupied by human settlements. This study suggests that residents in flood-prone areas should avoid residing within flood-risk zones during rainy seasons
Impacts of Sand Mining on Fish Breeding: A Review
Get PDFSand mining, the process of extracting sand aggregate from the land surface and underneath the water surface, such as rivers, lakes, and wetlands, is a growing environmental concern. In the quest for economic development, unsustainable sand mining practices threaten the integrity and functioning of an aquatic ecosystem, specifically the fish breeding behaviour and ecology. The changes associated with sand mining alter the aquatic environment hydrologically, geomorphically, and ecologically and these impact fish reproductive behaviour. Despite more research on sand mining, including the environmental and socio-economic effects of sand mining, there is a knowledge gap on its impacts on fish breeding and general reproductive behaviour. In a narrative review, this review article explores the impact of sand mining on fish breeding ecology. Sand mining activities, including excavation, heavy machinery, transportation, ground clearance, alter sediment composition, food web dynamics, and increase noise and vibration pollution. This degrades the fish breeding habitat quality through altering sediment composition, reducing dissolved oxygen, increasing turbidity, and reducing macroinvertebrate populations, hence food shortages. Furthermore, this is associated with the reduced fish production in areas with high sand mining activities. To reduce the trend and mitigate these impacts, there is a need for an integrated approach. This includes implementing clear regulatory frameworks, adoption of sustainable mining practices, habitat protection and restoration programs. Further, there is a need for comprehensive research on the long-term impacts of sand mining on aquatic ecosystems
Contribution of Improved Cook Stoves to the reduction of wood fuel consumption in Rutsiro District, Rwanda
Get PDFThis study aimed to examine the contribution of Improved Cook Stoves (ICS) in reducing wood fuel consumption in Rutsiro District, Rwanda. The research focused on three specific objectives: identifying the level of ICS utilization, assessing the reduction in wood fuel consumption and finding out whether there is any relationship between ICS usage and wood fuel consumption. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative research designs. The study targeted over 28,555 households in five sectors near Gishwati-Mukura forests in Rutsiro District, and 395 households were selected as sample size through Yamane’s formula and stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected using questionnaires and documentary review and data were analyzed with SPSS software, employing descriptive and inferential statistics, including multiple linear regression. Analysis using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression revealed that household characteristics (mean = 4.32), awareness levels (mean = 4.50), and stove quality (mean = 4.31) had a statistically significant and positive impact on reducing wood fuel consumption. However, stove cost, despite a high average score (mean = 4.45), did not show a significant effect. These factors were found to be more important than the stove cost, which was perceived as high but did not significantly affect fuel reduction. This highlights the crucial role of awareness, stove quality, and behavioural factors in the adoption and success of ICS. The study concluded that addressing the financial barrier to stove adoption, while important, is less significant than improving public awareness, stove quality, and behavioural change. The study recommended that the government and development partners prioritize awareness campaigns to promote the benefits of ICS. Additionally, financial incentives, subsidies, and better access to affordable payment options should be introduced to make ICS more accessibl
Socio-Demographic Characteristics as Determinants of Performance of Clinical Nutrition Interns in Selected Health Facilities in Kenya
Get PDFResearch indicates a lack of clear understanding of performance metrics within clinical practice among nutrition interns. The performance of nutrition health care, particularly in clinical settings, remains under-assessed, leading to competency issues, higher patient mortality and dissatisfaction with outpatient services. Despite KNDI placing interns since 2015, over 500 nutritionists are released yearly without a clear linkage between their competencies and performance. This study aimed to determine the relationships between socio-demographic characteristics and the performance of clinical nutrition interns placed by KNDI in 41 internship centres. A cross-sectional analytical design was used, allowing for data collection at a single point in time. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including linear regression, were applied to analyze data. Three-level data analysis was employed: descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate. Most clinical nutrition interns were between 22-28, accounting for 95.1%, and females were the majority, accounting for 79.8%. Further analysis was done to see how far the different categories were from the expected frequencies, revealing that they were statistically significant P≤ 0.05 for all the measures. The mean score for general workplace performance and Job-specific performance was above 4.0. All the measures of General workplace performance were subjected to Principal axis factoring. The sample size was adequate (KMO=0.872; Bartlet Test of Sphericity=X2=114, df=21; P≤ 0.05 allowing further analysis. It was further established that two factors emerged out of all eight measures loaded to establish GWP, revealing two categories of performance in the GWP Sphere. Category 1 accounted for 38.29%, and Category 2 accounted for 28.45% of the total variance of GWP, collectively accounting for 67% of variability, leaving room (33%) for unexplained variation. All the eight measures of JSP, on the other hand, were also subjected to Principal Axis factoring, and the results revealed that the sample size was adequate (Kmo=0.917, Bartlet Test of Sphericity =X2=1509, df=28, P≤ 0.05.JSP had a unity as a measure, accounting for 61.83%. Socio-demographic characteristics (R2 =17.2; F=3.23; df=5; p=0.007 significantly influenced the JSP accounting for 17.2% of its variance. In category 1, GWP, socio-demographic characteristics had a significant influence (R2=14.7; F=2.67; df=5; p=0.022). In category 2, GWP, socio-demographic measures had no significance in relation to the performance of clinical nutrition interns. (P>0.05). The findings suggest tailoring programs to specific performance aspects and considering relevant demographic factors can improve effectiveness
Understanding Socio-Demographic Factors Among Community Health Volunteers in Nyandarua County, Kenya
Get PDFCommunity health volunteers (CHVs) operate as volunteers at the community level where they live. Their needs assessment has been forgotten since 2006 when their recruitment started and therefore their personal data is lacking or inadequate. General profiling of CHVs is a common gap yet their profiles impact community health. This study assessed their socio-demographic factors in a cross-sectional descriptive method using self-administered questionnaires. The sample size, n= 348 (N=1,390) was determined through the Yamane formula with a CI of 95%. Data collected from randomly selected (n=30) community health units (CHUs) from all wards with a response rate of 92% (n=320) indicated that 61% were female, 91.9% were beyond 35 years old and 57% had secondary education. The married was 73.7% and 67.7% had worked 11 years or more while farmers were 88.4%. Daily incomes for 57.1% was below poverty (Ksh 200). After expert-pretesting self-administered questionnaire data was collected during a monthly dialogue meeting and analysed through Microsoft Excel before being presented in figures. Results indicated that their socio-demographic conditions were wanting. It was recommended that the County government of Nyandarua should solve gender inequality, improve succession management and tap job experiences from long-serving CHVs. Additionally, giving farming inputs support as a motivation and a gateway to self-reliance together with income generating activities (IGAs) supporting poverty eradication besides giving timely and reasonable stipends for improving their livelihoods as a boost to community health. This study potentially contributed to the profiling of CHVs as a baseline for designing effective community health programs. It suggests that their backgrounds are likely to be responsible for some health system gaps because the expectancy theory predicts that effects come from causes. However, this hypothesis was recommended for a future inferential study
Overcoming Biases: Unlocking the Potential of Genetically Modified Crops to Transform Agriculture in Uganda
Get PDFGenetically Modified (GM) crops possess the power to revolutionize agriculture by addressing food security challenges, driving economic growth, and promoting environmental sustainability. Yet, in Uganda, their adoption remains limited due to deep-rooted biases and misconceptions among farmers, policymakers, and the public. This study investigates the origins of these barriers, focusing on how misinformation, cultural beliefs, and political influences shape negative attitudes toward GM crops. Using the survey on farmers and qualitative interviews with policymakers, it was found that misinformation breeds fear, while cultural narratives reinforce scepticism, and political inertia amplifies resistance, collectively stalling progress. By confronting these challenges, GM technology’s immense potential can be unleashed, paving the way for transformative benefits such as higher crop yields, climate resilience, and improved livelihoods. Further, empowering farmers and stakeholders through targeted education can dispel myths, while transparent and inclusive policy frameworks can foster trust and collaboration. Stakeholder engagement that values diverse perspectives is essential to building consensus and driving acceptance of GM innovations. This study highlights the need for coordinated efforts to bridge knowledge gaps, address policy shortcomings, and foster trust among all actors in Uganda’s agricultural landscape. Overcoming these biases is crucial to unlocking GM crops’ ability to revolutionize farming, enhancing productivity and resilience in the face of climate change while securing economic and food security gains for future generations. With the right strategies, Uganda can embrace GM technology as a transformative tool, enabling its agricultural sector to thrive sustainably and empowering farmers to meet both current and future challenge