EANSO East African Nature and Science Organization Journals
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Determinants of Female Students’ Enrolment in Science Subjects at Advanced Level in Ugandan Secondary Schools
Get PDFThis study examines the determinants of female students’ enrolment in science subjects at the Advanced Level in Ugandan secondary schools, a stage where future academic and career trajectories are shaped. Despite national efforts to promote Science, Technology, Mathematics and Engineering (STEM) education, girls remain underrepresented in physics, chemistry, and mathematics. This narrative literature review synthesises evidence on how sociocultural norms, gender stereotypes, limited career guidance, and the scarcity of female role models influence girls’ subject-selection decisions. It further analyses how gender-responsive pedagogy, school environments, and education policies interact to shape female participation in Advanced Level science. Findings reveal that science is widely perceived as a male-oriented field, a belief reinforced by cultural expectations, religious norms, and teacher attitudes that lower girls’ confidence and interest in STEM disciplines. Although compulsory science at Ordinary Level has increased exposure, structural barriers such as inadequate mentorship, gender-insensitive teaching practices, and weak policy implementation continue to limit girls’ progression to higher-level science subjects. The study concludes that gender disparity in Advanced Level science enrolment arises from the combined effects of sociocultural conditioning, institutional shortcomings, and systemic inequalities. It recommends strengthening career guidance, integrating gender-responsive pedagogy, increasing visibility of female STEM role models, and engaging communities to challenge restrictive gender norms. Addressing these determinants holistically is crucial for improving female participation in science and advancing Uganda’s goals of gender equity, innovation, and sustainable development
Assessment of Ecosystem Services Provided by Agroforestry Tree Species in the Agrarian Community of Ondo State, Nigeria
Get PDFAgroforestry practices are sustainable methods of managing lands as they support biodiversity conservation and the provision of ecosystem services that are critical for sustaining rural livelihoods. This indicates its importance as a holistic and integrative area-based measure supporting human-nature interactions. However, the biodiversity conservation efforts of agroforestry practices and the associated beneficial services to rural farmers and their households, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, are underexplored. In this study, we assessed the biodiversity conserved through agroforestry practices, associated provisioning ecosystem services, and the perception of farmers on practising agroforestry in selected rural communities in Southwestern Nigeria. We employed a mixed-methods approach to achieve these objectives, combining well-structured questionnaires with field-based observations for validation processes. We identified 38 forest tree species belonging to 24 families and 14 Agricultural tree species belonging to 11 families. The identified tree species offer various benefits to farmers and their households, with medicinal resources being the most prominent. Additionally, most farmers across selected communities expressed a willingness to adopt agroforestry practices, regardless of demographic differences. We provided recommendations for facilitating the adoption of agroforestry practices among rural farmers. Additionally, we suggested prospects for assessing tree biodiversity and beneficial services of agroforestry systems across various scales
The Role of Software Applications in Project Success in Agroforestry: A Case of Regreening Africa Project in Bugesera District (2018–2023)
Get PDFThe increasing reliance on technology in development work has encouraged the widespread adoption of software applications in project management. This study evaluates the role of such applications in contributing to project success, with a specific focus on the Regreening Africa Project implemented in Bugesera District, Rwanda, during its first phase from 2018 to 2023. It investigates how the Regreening Africa application influenced project delivery by assessing its adoption, effectiveness, and the connection between software use and project outcomes. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining both qualitative and quantitative research techniques to provide a more comprehensive understanding. Data were gathered through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with project staff and key stakeholders directly involved in the project’s implementation. Findings suggest a positive perceived impact of the application on project management and decision-making, with 68.42% of respondents reporting that it significantly improved planning, coordination, and the overall flow of information. Respondents also noted enhanced project outcomes, with 89.47% agreeing that the software positively influenced the project’s overall success by improving tracking, reporting, and monitoring processes. However, the study also revealed persistent challenges that affected the effective utilisation of the application. These included limited training opportunities for users, poor internet connectivity in the field, and issues related to the application's user interface and experience. In particular, 78.95% of respondents stressed the need for more training and continuous capacity building to ensure effective use. Furthermore, 89.47% emphasised the importance of a user-friendly design, while 84.21% identified the availability of regular technical support as essential for successful software adoption. The study concludes that while digital tools such as the Regreening Africa application offer meaningful support in improving project management, decision-making, and environmental monitoring, these benefits can only be fully realised when barriers related to infrastructure and human capacity are addressed. Strengthening internet access, investing in user training, and providing ongoing technical support are critical steps in improving adoption and use. Ultimately, addressing these gaps will not only enhance the effectiveness of digital tools but also contribute to more sustainable and impactful project outcomes, especially in rural and resource-limited contexts
Critical Review on Wild Edible Plant Species Diversity, Its Edible Plant Parts and Mineral Contents of the Species in Ethiopia
Get PDFEthiopia’s diverse agroecological zones support a wide range of wild edible plants (WEPs) that grow naturally without cultivation. As part of the Eastern Afromontane and Horn of Africa biodiversity hotspots, the country hosts rich plant diversity with significant nutritional and ecological value. These important resources are poorly documented, and limited efforts exist to domesticate them or raise awareness about their mineral composition and edible plant parts among local communities. This review synthesises findings from ethnobotanical studies to examine WEP diversity, commonly consumed plant parts and their mineral composition, based on extensive literature from journal articles, manuals and reports. A total of 179 WEP species belonging to 49 families were identified. Moraceae was the most abundant family (16 species), followed by Fabaceae and Asteraceae (10 species each). Solanaceae, Rhamnaceae and Amaranthaceae contributed eight species each, while Anacardiaceae and Tiliaceae had seven species. These plants are consumed in multiple forms, including raw ripe fruits (48.6%), medicinal preparations (26.3%), fodder (17.3%), cooked leaves (3.4%), dried fruits, chewing gums, raw leaves and nectar. Growth habit analysis showed that trees accounted for the highest proportion (40.8%), followed by shrubs (27.4%) and herbs (23.5%). Mineral analysis of ten species revealed notable nutrient levels: Ziziphus spina-christi contained the highest calcium (1304.6 mg/kg), Cordia monoica had the highest phosphorus (76,461.7 mg/kg), and Urtica simensis had the highest iron (316 mg/g). Macronutrient assessments of five species showed that Dioscorea praehensilis had the highest carbohydrate content (83.8%), whereas Talinum madagascariense had the highest energy value. Solanum nigrum and Cleome gynandra exhibited superior protein and fibre levels. Despite their nutritional and economic importance, WEPs face increasing threats from agricultural expansion, deforestation, overgrazing, charcoal production and recurrent drought. Enhancing conservation efforts, raising community awareness and promoting sustainable use and domestication of priority species are crucial for improving food security, nutrition and biodiversity conservation in Ethiopia
Re-imagining Poverty Alleviation through Community-Based Initiatives: A Contributory Assessment for Hombolo Rural Setting in Tanzania
Get PDFPoverty is today seen as a scar to many people living in developing countries. Tremendous efforts from international to local levels have been employed in an attempt to fight this ever-growing development challenge. Unfortunately, mixed results from such attempts continue to be registered in several communities of developing countries. In Tanzania, like any other developing country, poverty is not an exceptional challenge and not an issue to ignore. As a country, tremendous efforts at both the national and community levels have been and continue to be employed in an attempt to alleviate the challenge. Some of the measures being employed to address poverty include the use of community-based initiatives. It was therefore in the interest of this study to assess the contribution of community-based initiatives towards alleviating poverty. A case study method with a sample size of 140 households in the communities of Hombolo Rural Setting in the Dodoma region was employed. A P-value statistical significance test was carried out to determine how significantly community-based initiatives were contributing to poverty alleviation in the community. Overall, results from the study revealed that the contribution of local community-based initiatives towards poverty alleviation among community members in Hombolo was indeed low, and thus, such initiatives cannot enable community members to fight poverty. From the statistical significance test, only the variable of developing social capital had a calculated P-value of 0.47, less than 0.05, which implied that implemented community initiatives were only contributing to poverty alleviation by developing social capital. The remaining examined variables had calculated P-Values greater than 0.05, which revealed a less significant level. The observed study findings were attributed to the small-scale nature of initiatives that were being practised by community members. To this effect, a general conclusion from the study was that while community-based initiatives could be used to address poverty, there is a need to scale them up in size. By so doing, this will increase their ability to support community members in fighting against poverty and thus be significant in their contribution to this cause
Influence of Financial Rewards on Job Retention among Critical Care Nurses in Selected Public and Private Hospitals in Kenya
Get PDFCritical care nursing is a pivotal element in the provision of healthcare services. The presence of proficient critical care nurses is fundamental to achieving optimal patient outcomes. Nevertheless, most public and private hospitals in Kenya often face difficulties retaining qualified critical care nurses. These challenges have been attributed to many factors, chief among them being poor financial compensation. Therefore, this study assessed the influence of financial rewards on nurse retention in selected public and private hospitals in Kenya. The study focused on two prominent healthcare facilities: Tenwek Hospital, a private level six hospital in Bomet County, and Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Uasin Gishu County. It adopted a descriptive survey research design. The target population comprised 149 critical care nurses from the two hospitals. A census sampling approach was utilised due to the relatively small population size of 149 critical care nurses. The data for the study was collected using a structured questionnaire, whose response rate was 89.3% (133 questionnaires). Descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages and mean scores, were generated on the collected data using SPSS Version 28. Inferential statistics were used to examine the relationship between financial compensation and retention of critical care nurses. From the findings, financial rewards demonstrated a strong positive correlation with job retention (r = 0.920, p < 0.01), highlighting that adequate compensation plays a crucial role in influencing a nurse’s decision to remain in their current role. Therefore, financial incentives such as competitive salaries and bonuses significantly motivated nurses to stay. Based on these conclusions, the study recommends that hospitals review and improve their compensation packages, incorporating regular salary reviews and performance-based incentives to boost retention
Health Systems Determinants of Uptake of Cervical Cancer Preventive Services Among Female University Students at Kenyatta University, Kenya
Get PDFGlobally, cervical cancer accounted for more than 600,000 new cases and 340,000 deaths in 2020 (Sung et al., 2021). In Kenya, screening uptake remains low (Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, 2014), and recent analyses indicate a rising cancer burden, including increasing cervical cancer incidence (Jani et al., 2021). Kenya continues to bear one of the highest age-standardised incidence rates of cervical cancer in East Africa (Bruni et al., 2022). Despite the availability of free cervical cancer preventive services (CCPS) at Kenyatta University’s health facilities, uptake among young women remains low. Persistent knowledge gaps continue to be a major barrier to CCPS uptake among young populations in Kenya and Uganda (Masika et al., 2015; Mukama et al., 2017). This study examined the health system determinants influencing the utilisation of CCPS among female university students. Materials and Methods: This study draws on endline data from a cluster randomised controlled trial (cRCT) conducted at Kenyatta University, Kenya. The parent trial evaluated a structured educational intervention promoting CCPS uptake from 210 female university students, following a 12-week structured health education intervention. Data from both study arms were pooled to assess health system determinants, including service visibility, provider encouragement and perceived service quality of CCPS utilisation. Bivariate associations were assessed using chi-square tests to evaluate the determinants of CCPS utilisation, and multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals. Data was collected using a validated self-administered questionnaire assessing socio-demographic attributes, awareness of CCPS availability, perceived service quality and experiences of provider engagement. The primary outcome was self-reported CCPS uptake, while secondary outcomes included awareness of service availability, perceived service quality and provider encouragement. Results: Overall, 25.7% (54/210) of participants reported utilising CCPS. Awareness of service availability was the strongest determinant of uptake (aOR = 3.52, 95% CI: 1.78–6.94, p < 0.001). Provider encouragement (aOR = 1.81, p = 0.092) and perceived service quality (aOR = 1.44, p = 0.068) were positively but not significantly associated. Conclusion: Awareness of service availability was the most significant determinant of CCPS uptake, underscoring the critical role of health system communication
Quantitative Assessment of Factors Influencing Masonry Arch Bridge Performance
Get PDFThe performance and longevity of masonry arch bridges depend on several interrelated factors, with ageing, design, monitoring, and environmental conditions being the most significant. Ageing alone contributes to nearly 40% of structural deterioration, as long-term fatigue leads to cracks, misalignment, and loss of structural capacity. Design and construction issues account for approximately 25% of observed failures, often due to poor load distribution or inadequate arch geometry. Environmental impacts, including moisture, chemical weathering, and freeze–thaw cycles, represent around 20% of degradation, weakening both the masonry materials and bonding agents. Traffic loads further add strain, increasing stress levels by up to 15% across the bridge’s lifespan, especially under heavy vehicles. Despite these risks, monitoring and inspection practices remain insufficient in many cases. Traditional inspections may miss hidden defects, while advanced tools such as laser scanning, ultrasound, and drone-based monitoring can detect over 90% of internal or concealed damage compared to conventional methods. By applying quantitative assessment methods to evaluate these factors, engineers can prioritise critical vulnerabilities, design effective maintenance strategies, and enhance overall resilience. This systematic evaluation not only supports evidence-based preservation but also ensures that limited resources are directed toward the most impactful interventions, extending the service life of masonry arch bridges and safeguarding their structural and cultural value for future generation
Assessment of Existing Regulations and Enforcement Strategies on Seat Belt Use in Public Transport in Cameroon
Get PDFThe study, conducted from March to July 2025, seeks to comprehensively analyse seat belt usage by bus occupants in Cameroon. Its objectives include evaluating existing regulations, assessing enforcement strategies, gauging public awareness and attitudes, and determining the impact of seat belt use on road traffic casualties. Ultimately, the research aims to propose novel strategies to enhance seat belt adoption, particularly in public transport vehicles such as buses. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, combining observational studies conducted across three cities, which yielded 164 bus observations, with a web-based survey involving 320 respondents. The low rate of seat belt compliance among drivers and passengers in Cameroon is attributed to several systemic issues, including widespread bribery and corruption, non-respect of the law by law enforcement officers, ineffective implementation strategies, a lack of public awareness campaigns, lenient road safety policies, and general incompetence. While observational data indicate even lower seat belt usage than self-reported figures from web surveys, passengers expressed disappointment that drivers often fail to remind them to buckle up. Passengers’ complaints regarding dirty seat belts, vehicle overloading, and technical malfunctions underscore the need for systematic cleaning and inspection of seat belts. Our findings suggest that the perception of safety is the primary determinant of seat belt usage in Cameroon, while inadequate enforcement presents the most significant barrier to its widespread adoption. Consequently, informational campaigns, increased vigilance, enforcement by competent authorities, mandatory reminders and zero overloading are highly recommended
Uncertainty of the Law on the Admissibility of Electronic Evidence in Tanzania: Examining Challenges Facing the National Prosecution Service
Get PDFThe digitalisation of communication, commerce, and social interaction has transformed the evidentiary landscape of modern legal systems. In Tanzania, the rise of electronic data as a source of proof in both civil and criminal proceedings has raised profound questions regarding the admissibility and reliability of such evidence. This article critically examines the uncertainty surrounding the law on the admissibility of electronic evidence in Tanzania, focusing specifically on the challenges encountered by the National Prosecution Service (NPS). Using a qualitative research design, the study analyses statutory frameworks, judicial precedents, and institutional practices governing electronic evidence. It reveals that while Tanzania’s legislative framework is anchored in the Evidence Act [Cap. 6 R.E. 2023] and the Electronic Transactions Act [Cap. 442 R.E. 2023] recognises the admissibility of digital records, ambiguities persist regarding authentication, chain of custody, and evidential weight. The inconsistency of judicial interpretations has led to procedural uncertainty, undermining prosecutorial efficiency and public trust in the justice system. The findings suggest that the absence of uniform procedural guidelines, limited technical capacity, and inadequate judicial training contribute significantly to the problem. The article concludes that harmonisation of laws, capacity building, and judicial specialisations are essential for the effective integration of electronic evidence into Tanzania’s justice system. Recommendations are offered for legislative reform, institutional collaboration, and continuous professional development. Through this analysis, the article contributes to scholarly and policy discourse on digital justice, evidentiary reform, and prosecutorial accountability in Tanzania’s evolving digital age