EANSO East African Nature and Science Organization Journals
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Relationship between Early Grade Reading Programme Monitoring Systems and Pupils' Acquisition of Reading Skills in Public Primary Schools in Bungoma North Sub-County, Kenya
No full textEarly grade reading skills are essential skills that shape the academic journey of children from primary schools to higher levels of education and later in life. This paper examines the effect of monitoring systems on the implementation of the early grade reading programme in public primary schools in Bungoma North Sub-County, Bungoma County, Kenya. A total of 108 public primary schools in Bungoma North Sub-County were targeted, with the population involving head teachers, Grade 1 – 3 pupils and teachers. The paper was anchored on a descriptive survey research design. A sample size of 12 schools (Grade 1 – 3 classes), 104 teachers were selected using a stratified random sampling approach. The questionnaire schedule and Early Grade Reading Assessment [EGRA] reading task were used as instruments of data collection. Quantitative data analysis involved the use of descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that there existed a significant positive effect of the monitoring system (r=0.221, p<0.05) of the Early Grade Reading programme and learners’ acquisition of reading skills in public primary schools in Bungoma North Sub-County, Kenya. Some of the challenges that affected the undertaking of regular monitoring and supervision of EGRA reading programmes were inadequate curriculum support officers, a lack of feedback systems and low involvement of parents in following up and supporting their children's homework assignments. The paper has identified areas for improving EGRA implementation by suggesting the need to have a stronger engagement from parents and guardians in reading programmes, curriculum supervisors to regularly oversee the implementation of the programme in schools, adequate teacher training and head teachers to act as mentors in ensuring that teachers are well coached and supported in the implementation of EGRA in schools
Work-Life Balance Provisions and Teachers’ Job Satisfaction in Private Secondary Schools in Mukono District, Uganda
Get PDFTeacher job satisfaction remains a central determinant of instructional quality and retention in secondary education, particularly within Uganda’s growing private school sector. This study examined the relationship between work-life balance provisions and teachers’ job satisfaction in private secondary schools in Mukono District, Uganda. The study was guided by four specific objectives: to determine the relationship between work-family balance, work-faith balance, work-health balance, and work-training balance, and teachers’ job satisfaction. A descriptive correlational research design under a quantitative approach was employed to establish the strength and direction of associations among these variables. The study involved 80 participants, including teachers and head teachers, selected from four private secondary schools in Mukono District through purposive and random sampling techniques. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics and Spearman’s rank correlation with the aid of SPSS software. The findings revealed that work-family and work-health balance had strong and statistically significant positive relationships with teachers’ job satisfaction, while work-faith balance showed a moderate but significant positive relationship. Work-training balance exhibited a very strong and significant positive relationship with teachers’ job satisfaction. These results suggest that improved work-life balance provisions enhance teachers’ well-being, motivation, and performance. The study concludes that equitable workload distribution, institutional respect for personal and faith commitments, health promotion, and professional development are key to fostering teacher satisfaction and retention. Strengthening these provisions can ultimately improve teaching quality and educational outcomes in private secondary schools in Mukono District
The Impacts of Parental Involvement in the Academic Performance of Students in Selected Public Secondary Schools in Kongwa District, Tanzania
Get PDFApart from being regarded as the foundation for personal growth, lifelong learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills and serving as a key factor in employment opportunities, academic performance among students in Tanzania remains a challenge. Public secondary schools in the country have continued to perform poorly in Form Two and Form Four National Examinations. This trend implies that graduates from these schools are often excluded from employment opportunities, which in turn hinders not only their individual prospects but also broader societal progress. The government and various stakeholders have made considerable efforts to address this critical situation. However, the impact of some of these interventions on academic performance in public schools remains unknown. Against this background, the present study investigated parental roles and their impact on student academic performance in selected public secondary schools in Tanzania. The study was guided by Bourdieu’s Social Capital Theory and Epstein’s Model. It employed a mixed-methods approach with a descriptive survey design, involving 46 teachers, 78 students, and 45 parents from 13 selected public schools in Kongwa District. The sample was obtained using simple random sampling, purposive sampling and snowball sampling techniques. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews and five-point Likert-scale questionnaires. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS through descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations) and inferential analysis of Chi-square, while qualitative data were examined through thematic analysis. The findings reveal a significant link between parental involvement and student academic performance, particularly in areas such as financial support motivation and follow-up. The study underscores the importance of integrating parents into the educational process to improve academic outcomes. It recommends that educational stakeholders actively engage parents in their children’s learning journey to optimise student achievement
Impact of Wetland Restoration Practices on Water Quality in Nyabarongo River Basin (2020-2024)
Get PDFThe purpose of this research project is to evaluate how wetland restoration affects the Nyabarongo River's water quality. Wetlands play a crucial role in pollutant removal, flood management, water filtration, and the overall ecological well-being of river systems. Prior to and following the restoration of wetlands along the Nyabarongo River, this study examines changes in key water quality indicators such as pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and concentrations of nutrients (nitrates and phosphates) and pollutants. Water samples were collected at multiple points along the river to assess the effectiveness of wetland restoration in improving water quality. The main objective of the study was to analyse the impacts of wetland restoration on water quality in the Nyabarongo River Basin. Specifically, the research examined wetland restoration practices, assessed the state of water quality, and evaluated the relationship between wetland restoration and water quality improvement. A comparative approach was employed, analysing water quality parameters in both degraded and restored wetlands to determine the extent of improvement. The study adopted a case study research design, with a systematic sampling technique to select representative sites for data collection. The sample size of the study was 322 respondents, and the data were collected using questionnaires, interviews, documentary and field data. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare water quality parameters between restored and degraded wetlands, providing empirical evidence on the effectiveness of restoration efforts. The findings revealed that wetland restoration significantly enhances water quality by increasing dissolved oxygen levels (from 5.2 mg/L to 7.8 mg/L, p = 0.003), reducing biochemical oxygen demand (from 5.8 mg/L to 2.9 mg/L, p = 0.001), decreasing turbidity (from 18.7 NTU to 9.4 NTU, p = 0.004), and lowering nitrate and phosphate concentrations (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001, respectively). Additionally, sediment retention capacity improved, reducing erosion and preventing excessive sedimentation in the river. The statistical analysis confirmed a significant relationship between wetland restoration and water quality, leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis (H₀) and the acceptance of the alternative hypothesis (H₁), which states that wetland restoration significantly improves water quality in the Nyabarongo River Basin. These findings align with previous studies on wetland conservation and provide valuable insights for policymakers and environmental managers. The study underscores the importance of wetland restoration as a sustainable strategy for water quality improvement, emphasising the need for continued conservation efforts, enforcement of environmental policies, and active community participation. Future conservation and management plans for the Nyabarongo River and related ecosystems will be guided by these results, ensuring the long-term health of this critical water resource
Climate Variability and Smallholder Farmer Livelihoods in the Mountain Agro Ecological Zones of Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review
Get PDFClimate variability, which results in ecosystem disturbance and biodiversity loss, is now recognised as one of the most challenging and complex issues facing mankind, affecting many sectors in the world, and it continues to exert significant threats related to the environmental, social, and economic livelihoods of mankind generally and smallholder farmers in particular. Rapid biodiversity loss and climate variability are tightly intertwined because their interaction has consequent cascading and complex effects that compromise the quality of life of smallholder farmers due to a decline in livelihood bases. This review aimed at identifying the gaps left by studies on the impact of climate variability on smallholder farmer livelihoods in mountain agro-ecological zones in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The gaps included inadequate quantification of livelihood aspects and adaptation capacity, inadequate quantification of vulnerability levels and inadequate quantification of food insecurity of smallholder farmers for the enhancement of their resilience. The works reviewed in this paper include 21 peer-reviewed journal articles, 2 technical reports, and 2 academic theses. The time frame of the works reviewed ranges between 2010 and 2025. The findings revealed that only 4% of the reviewed studies adhered to the four critical aspects. Studies that considered all four livelihood aspects were 52%, while those that considered three livelihood aspects were 48%. There was inadequate quantification of vulnerability levels (7%), and studies which quantified food insecurity levels accounted for only 8%. It was concluded that a standard protocol should be set for all researchers about the elements that must constitute climate variability and smallholder farmer livelihoods in the mountain agro-ecological zones if appropriate interventions are to be attempted in increasing smallholder farmer resilience, thereby ensuring macroeconomic stability and ecological restoration. It is highly recommended that all livelihood bases be considered if meaningful levels of vulnerability are to be established for meaningful interventions
Land Use Change and Its Impact on Soil Carbon Pools: A Case Study of Teaching & Research Farm, Malete and Sobi Forest, Ilorin
Get PDFLand use change has emerged as a significant environmental concern, particularly in terms of soil carbon pools and ecosystem sustainability. This study investigated the impact of land use change on soil carbon pools through a comparison of soils from the Teaching and Research Farm, Malete (cultivated land) and the Sobi Forest, Ilorin (undisturbed forest land). Soil samples were collected at three depths (0–20 cm, 20–40 cm, and 40–60 cm) and analysed for particle size distribution, pH, electrical conductivity, bulk density, organic and inorganic carbon, and labile and non-labile carbon fractions. Results showed that forest soils had a sandy clay loam texture with lower bulk density (0.86 – 1.10 g/cm³) and higher organic carbon (0.24 -0.82 %), whereas cultivated soils had a sandy loam texture with higher bulk density (1.08–1.26 g/cm³) and lower organic carbon (0.14 -0.48 %). Total carbon was significantly higher in forest soils (7.46 % at 40–60 cm) compared to cultivated soils (5.65 % at 40–60 cm). Labile carbon also followed this pattern, with forest soils recording 1.66 mg/g at the surface layer versus 1.24 mg/g for cultivated soils. These findings highlight that forest-to-agriculture conversion leads to soil carbon depletion, structural degradation, and potential increases in atmospheric CO₂. The study underscores the importance of sustainable land management practices to preserve soil health and mitigate climate chang
Assessing Entrepreneurship Education Advancement and Graduates’ Economic Development in Cross River State, Nigeria
Get PDFThis study assessed the impact of entrepreneurship education on graduates' economic development in Cross River State, Nigeria. Employing a correlational research design, two research questions and two hypotheses were formulated to guide the investigation. A correlational research design was adopted, and a sample of 400 respondents was drawn from a population of 2,200 recent Business Education graduates across the University of Calabar and the University of Cross River State. Data were collected using two validated instruments titled: Entrepreneurship Education Assessment Questionnaire (EEAQ) and the Economic Development Performance Test (EDPT). The EEAQ demonstrated a high internal consistency with a split-half reliability estimate of .95, while the EDPT yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.70, indicating adequate reliability for the study. Data analysis was conducted using frequency counts, simple percentages, and Pearson’s Product-Moment Correlation Analysis. The findings revealed that while entrepreneurship education components, such as curriculum quality, teaching methodologies, and practical experiences, did not significantly predict graduates' economic development, there was a notable positive correlation between hands-on training and graduates' economic outcomes. It was concluded that the elements of entrepreneurship education, including curriculum and instructional strategies, do not collectively exert a significant impact on economic development in Cross River State. Nonetheless, the study emphasises the importance of hands-on training as a beneficial factor in enhancing graduates' economic prospects. Recommendations include the implementation of more practical-oriented entrepreneurship programmes and collaborations with industry stakeholders to foster real-world engagement, thereby improving graduates' economic development in the region
Decline and significance of Amayebe musical tradition: Implications for Primary Musical Arts Teacher Education
Get PDFIndigenous musical practices provide numerous benefits; however, in contemporary society, African musical customs have been relegated to the background. This situation is not unique to Uganda, but it reflects a global crisis in the preservation of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). This crisis highlights a need to appraise Indigenous practices, considering the past, present, and future. This study aimed to explore the decline and significance of the Amayebe musical tradition among Busoga communities in Southeastern Uganda and analyse its implications for Primary Musical Arts Teacher Education (PMTE). Employing an ethnographic approach, data were gathered through participant observation, semi-structured interviews with five master musicians, and focus group discussions (FGDs) with the master musicians and nineteen apprentices. Findings attributed the sharp decline in Amayebe performances to the scarcity of materials for making Amayebe instruments, a loss of interest among the youths, low community recognition, its historical reservation for royal functions, the impact of Westernised schooling, the passing of master musicians, and a perceived lack of support from ministries in charge of cultural preservation. Despite its decline, Amayebe serves multiple vital functions: welcoming and entertaining the Kyabazinga (king); expressing solidarity and celebrating the deceased during the last funeral rites; and educating and counselling during traditional marriage and other social ceremonies; and denouncing wrong societal acts. Strategies to revitalise Amayebe include increasing public exposure through festivals and mass media, mobilising new members into performing groups, ensuring sustainable availability of raw materials, and integrating the Indigenous practices embedded in different traditions into PMTE curricula. The study concludes that addressing colonial mindsets, documenting Indigenous practices, and supporting cultural bearers are crucial for preserving this heritag
Adolescent and Youth Reproductive Health Treatment-Seeking Behaviour in the Post COVID-19 Pandemic in Gulu City, Northern Uganda
Get PDFIntroduction: The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown from March 2020 to 2022 had massive effects on adolescent and youth reproductive health treatment-seeking behaviour in Acholi Sub-Region in Northern Uganda. Sexual Reproductive Health and STIs-related treatment-seeking was examined among adolescents and youth attending a public Sexual Reproductive Health clinic in Gulu Regional Referral Hospital and Reproductive Health-Uganda facility in Gulu City. Methodology: Using a qualitative approach, the study explored adolescent and youth knowledge, practice, and perspective on reproductive health treatment seeking, and why they make the choices they make. It delves into non-statistical data like texts, interviews, observations, and images to uncover rich insights, perceptions, meanings, and patterns in the SRH of young persons. Findings: Treatment-seeking was perceived as the action of searching for help for SRH problems from informal or formal sources. More women than men sought care in the government sector. Similarly, more women than men went to the informal health sector, mostly to traditional healers. Young persons confided in their peers and shunned seeking treatment from government hospitals due to stigma. Conclusion: The response of young people to STI infections and treatment-seeking behaviour was never predictable. Social-cultural stereotypes, misinformation, and lack of access to information on SRH and STIs continue to exist. Most adolescents and youth continue to seek self-medication. Recommendations: The study recommends strengthening community-based services, integration of technology to provide confidential information and remote consultations, developing crisis-reproductive health systems, and a more targeted public education campaig
Evaluation of Characteristic Strength and Stiffness Properties of Regionally Sourced Pinus Patula Sawn Timber for Structural Application in East Africa
Get PDFThis study investigates the strength and stiffness properties of Pinus patula rectangular sawn timber sourced from sawmills in Rwanda and Western Tanzania, in alignment with Eurocode guidance. The study was designed to provide reliable baseline data for structural engineers considering the use of locally sourced timber for design in the region. Recognising the limited technical information on regional timber, extensive testing was conducted on up to 40 samples from each batch of timber procured for the multi-phased Rwanda Institute of Conservation Agriculture (RICA) project. Timber was sourced from Sao Hill (Tanzania), New Forests Company (Rwanda), and Sawmill East Africa Limited (Rwanda). A custom visual grading process was employed to classify the timber before mechanical testing, and 4-point bending tests were conducted following guidance from BS EN 408 to evaluate modulus of elasticity and flexural strength. Characteristic (5th percentile) values were determined through statistical analysis based on BS EN 14358 guidelines, with characteristic flexural strength values typically ranging between 9-12MPa and MoE averaging between 3000-4000MPa -both significantly lower than European equivalents. This paper discusses the testing methodologies, results, and offers recommendations to enhance the East African timber supply chain. The findings demonstrate that the material is generally suitable for medium span roofs and lightly loaded structural elements, while floor systems may require shorter spans, paired sections, or closer spacing due to lower stiffness values