EANSO East African Nature and Science Organization Journals
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Challenges and Strategic Interventions for Implementing the Geography Competence-Based Curriculum in Secondary Schools in Luweero District, Uganda
Full text linkThis study assessed the challenges and strategic interventions needed for effective implementation of the geography competence-based curriculum in secondary schools in Luweero district. A concurrent triangulation design was used, and both quantitative and qualitative methods were applied to collect data from 46 Geography teachers, 401 students, and 10 key informants (5 Directors of Studies, 3 Inspectors of Schools, and 2 Curriculum Specialists). Quantitative data was collected from teachers and students using questionnaires, while interviews and classroom observations were used to collect qualitative data from key informants. Quantitative data were analysed using factor analysis, and qualitative data using content analysis. The findings showed that Schools were unable to create a learning environment where learners actively participated in learning. Schools did not have relevant teacher competence, learning infrastructure, resources, or had limited support from stakeholders. So, teachers were forced to do mass instruction due to large classes shortage of approved textbooks and learning materials specifically designed for the GCBC. They often used old textbooks, which led to inconsistencies and difficulties in implementation. Effective GCBC implementation requires decentralised support that meets the specific needs of the school and teachers, integrates concrete, actionable feedback directly related to classroom practice at every stage of implementation. It was concluded that Internal challenges, mainly inadequate teacher competence and resource constraints, limit positive outcomes of the GCBC. It is recommended that peer-learning, ongoing professional development programs and mentorship be instituted to empower schools and teachers in preparedness and self-efficacy to share best practices and address resource shortages collaboratively
Towards a Sustainable City: Dynamics and Challenges of Urban Farming in Eldoret, Kenya
Full text linkRapid urbanisation, high population growth, and accelerated development are posing sustainability challenges to secondary cities like Eldoret, especially in the areas of food security and nutrition, despite the urban population’s active involvement in urban farming. As such, this research aimed at identifying the dynamics, motivations, and challenges of urban farming in Eldoret city with the goal of ensuring the sustainability of economic outcomes, social outcomes, and environmental outcomes. A mixed research design was adopted with data collection, both quantitative and qualitative, through household surveys, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and observations. The findings reveal that 96% of the households practice urban agriculture, with 12% relying on it as the main source of livelihood. Home gardens are the main type of urban farming, with 49% of respondents practising, while the main challenges reported were limited space (24%), livestock and crop diseases (17%), water scarcity (15%), and expensive farm inputs (14%). The key motivations for practising urban farming are to reduce food costs (36%), supplement food (28%), and as a source of income (14%). Despite the challenges, the urban farmers have devised strategies to cope-research and training; control of weeds, pests, and diseases; timely purchase and utilization of farm inputs; and effective water management are some of the strategies. The challenges, not adopting modern urban farming practices and a vacuum in the policy framework, present a situation where the economic, social, and environmental sustainability outcomes are likely to be stifled, hence impacting negatively on the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 1, 2, 3, and 11 by 2030
Sexual Abstinence: Memoirs of a Senior Mill Hill Missionary
Full text linkThis article explores the complex interplay between African cultural practices and Catholic priestly celibacy through the lens of ritual sexual abstinence. Drawing on decades of missionary experience in Congo and Uganda, the author reflects on the practice of inculturation, emphasising the importance of respecting local traditions, discerning the presence of God within them, and making the Christian message meaningful in every culture. A central question emerges: how does the African practice of ritual sexual abstinence relate to the obligatory celibacy of Catholic priests? While celibacy in the Church stems largely from European monastic legal traditions, African societies prioritise the transmission of life received from ancestors, viewing it as both the highest duty and moral obligation. This fundamental cultural expectation appears to conflict with the requirement of priestly celibacy. The article examines whether these apparently contradictory traditions can coexist or be reconciled, considering theological, cultural, and pastoral perspectives. By situating personal memoirs within broader reflections on culture, spirituality, and ecclesial practice, the author provides insights into the challenges and possibilities of integrating African ritual norms with the Catholic priesthood. This study contributes to ongoing debates on inculturation, celibacy, and the contextualization of religious life in diverse cultural settings
Protection of the Surviving Spouse’s Property Interests During Administration of Estate: Examining the Conflict Between Family and Succession Laws in Tanzania
Full text linkThe article examines the extent to which family and succession laws protect the surviving spouse’s property interest during the administration of the estate of the deceased spouse. It analyses the legal framework regulating matrimonial property when a marriage ends with the death of a spouse. The concept of division of matrimonial property at the death of one spouse is not expressly under the existing family and succession laws; unlike divorce, where each spouse parts with his/her share of the marital property jointly acquired. The surviving spouse’s interest in the matrimonial property seems to be subverted by the succession process during the administration of the estate of the deceased spouse. The doctrinal research through documentary review was employed to gather primary and secondary data. The article finds that the surviving spouse’s property interest is inadequately protected; following the spouse’s death, all assets, including matrimonial ones, are treated as the estate of the deceased; lack of clear matrimonial property regimes for the protection of spouse property rights during marriage and upon its end due to death. The author recommends the following:- Substantive legal reforms: the enactment of the Matrimonial Property Act, the introduction of community of property as a default regime, and the recognition of prenuptial or ante-nuptial contracts among spouses, et
Technological, Agricultural Innovation, and Food Security in Africa: Systematic Review
Full text linkThis systematic review explores how technological and agricultural innovations influence food security in Africa, focusing on affordability, availability, safety, and functionality. Using the PRISMA method of identification, screening, and inclusion, 80 peer-reviewed articles were analysed on topics such as agricultural innovation, postharvest management, functional foods, and digital transformation. The findings show that innovations such as precision agriculture, the Internet of Things, blockchain traceability, and Agri-FinTech improve productivity, transparency, and value chain efficiency, while functional foods promote food security and nutrition. However, challenges, including socioeconomic inequality, poor infrastructure, limited financing, and weak market linkages, hinder adoption. Persistent postharvest losses (20–30% of annual output) further constrain food security. The review emphasises the interconnection between technological, socioeconomic, and environmental factors, noting that innovation alone cannot ensure food security without inclusive policies and equitable access. Theoretically, it extends the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework by adding technological capital and digital infrastructure as key assets for resilience. Practically, it calls for supportive policies, improved markets, digital literacy, indigenous food promotion, and investment in smart, green infrastructure. Overall, the study concludes that while technology and innovation are transformative, their success in achieving sustainable food security in Africa depends on addressing structural inequalities and fostering system-wide integration
Social and Economic Impact of Blue Economic Initiatives to Low-Income Communities in Zanzibar: The Case of North ‘A’ District at Fungurefu and Nungwi
Full text linkThis study investigates the social and economic impact of Blue Economy initiatives on low-income communities in Zanzibar, with a focus on FunguRefu and Nungwi in North ‘A’ District, Unguja. The research is guided by two theoretical perspectives, Communication for Social Theory and the Sustainable Livelihood framework, which provide insights into how awareness is spread, how participation is shaped, and how livelihood outcomes are influenced by Blue Economic initiative programs. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, targeting small-scale fishers and traders in the study areas. A sample of 250 respondents was calculated by considering Kothari’s formula, with data collected through structured questionnaires. The study employed both random and convenience sampling techniques to capture knowledgeable participants and active community members. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics with the support of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20, and results were presented in tables, frequencies, and percentages. Preliminary findings reveal that while awareness of the Blue Economic initiatives is more than 80% well known, participation remains moderate, with limited opportunities for decision-making. Economic impacts are mixed, with some households experiencing improved income and livelihoods, while others face exclusion due to barriers such as limited training, financial inaccessibility, and cultural perspectives. Social impacts are evident in improved access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure, though benefits remain unevenly distributed among households. The study highlights that Blue Economic initiatives have the potential to transform livelihoods in Zanzibar. However, without inclusive governance, unbiased access to resources, and proper management of targeted groups, the expected goals for the communities will not be successfully achieve
Effectiveness of Credit Risk Management in Reducing Non-Performing Loans of Commercial Banks in Tanzania
Full text linkThis study examined how credit risk management strategies impact non-performing loans (NPLs) in Tanzanian commercial banks over the period from 2015 to 2024. Focusing on three core variables, credit referencing, underwriting standards, and loan recovery, while also considering bank size and liquidity as control factors, the study employed a random-effects regression model with Driscoll-Kraay standard errors to analyse annual panel data from eleven major banks. Theoretically, this study is grounded in Asymmetric Information Theory and Credit Risk Theory, explaining how information gaps and unmanaged default risk contribute to NPLs. The findings reveal that proactive and consistent use of credit referencing systems and stricter underwriting standards both play a significant role in reducing loan defaults. In contrast, loan recovery efforts were found to be largely reactive, as banks intensified these strategies only in response to rising NPLs rather than as a routine preventive measure. Notably, the analysis showed that bank size and liquidity did not have a meaningful impact on NPL levels, highlighting that operational discipline and risk management practices are more crucial than structural attributes. The study recommends that banks in Tanzania enhance their integration of credit reference checks in loan processing, maintain rigorous and disciplined loan approval criteria, and shift towards more systematic and preventive loan recovery frameworks. These recommendations are intended to support bank managers, regulators, and policymakers in making informed decisions that will foster greater financial stability and reduce credit risk across the Tanzanian banking sector
Supply Chain Collaboration and Post-Harvest Loss Among Small-Scale Banana Farmers in Selected Counties in Kenya
Full text linkBanana production as a food crop component cannot be underestimated. Banana is currently ranked at number four among the foods produced worldwide. The study aimed to investigate the effects of supply chain collaboration on food loss in banana production. The study used a cross-sectional research design. The target populations were small-scale banana farmers from three selected banana-producing counties in Kenya. The sampling frame of the study was a list of farmers, 14,447 in number, from three selected counties. The sample size was 400. The researcher stratified the counties and used a table of random numbers to pick farmers. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in analysing the data with the help of SPSS statistical software. The findings reveal that there was a negative and significant relationship between supply chain collaboration and post-harvest loss among small-scale banana farmers (β= -.500, p=0.000). The study concludes that supply chain collaboration allows stakeholders across the food production chain to work together to implement better practices, share knowledge, and coordinate efforts to minimise food waste. The study recommends that the government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, should encourage cooperation among farmers. The county government should also train the banana farmer on best practices for handling and storage of their bananas to prevent damage during harvest and post-harvest stages
Isomorphic Forces and Tax Compliance in Developing Countries: A Systematic Review
Full text linkIntroduction: Tax compliance is a critical determinant of revenue mobilisation, especially in developing countries where governments face persistent challenges of informality, weak institutions, and low taxpayer morale. While coercive, normative, and mimetic forces have been theorised to shape compliance through neo-institutional perspectives, the extent and nature of their influence remain fragmented across contexts and methods. This systematic review synthesises empirical evidence on how isomorphic forces affect tax compliance. Methods: The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA 2020) framework. Searches were conducted across Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ProQuest, supplemented with citation chaining. Inclusion criteria restricted the corpus to peer-reviewed empirical studies published in English between 2016 and 2025 that explicitly operationalised coercive, normative, or mimetic forces in relation to tax compliance. Fifty eligible studies were identified from an initial pool of 208 records. Data were extracted into structured matrices and synthesised thematically. Results: The findings reveal that coercive forces generally improve compliance, but their effects are fragile if applied in isolation and may backfire in high-trust contexts. Normative forces consistently foster voluntary compliance and often outperform coercion in sustaining long-term adherence. Mimetic forces, though underexplored, appear significant in digital and uncertain environments, where peer imitation and benchmarking strongly influence tax compliance behaviours. Cross-cutting evidence highlights that trust and coercion are complementary, compliance outcomes vary between filing and payment, and cultural and institutional settings condition the relative weight of different pressures. Conclusion: The review affirms the explanatory power of neo-institutional theory and extends the Slippery Slope Framework by demonstrating the interplay of coercive, normative, and mimetic influences. Policy implications point to the need for balancing enforcement with legitimacy-building, socialisation, and system design that makes compliance visible and easy to emulate. Key research gaps include the under-theorisation of mimetic mechanisms, the dominance of cross-sectional designs, and insufficient differentiation between compliance outcomes. Future studies should employ longitudinal approaches, develop clearer measures of peer influence, and investigate digital taxation as a new frontier for shaping taxpayer behaviour
Electronic Human Resource Management (E-HRM) and Recruitment & Selection Effectiveness: Enhancing Efficiency, Transparency, and Decision Quality
Full text linkDigital transformation has increasingly reshaped Human Resource Management (HRM), positioning Electronic Human Resource Management (E-HRM) as a central driver of modern recruitment and selection effectiveness. This article presents a comprehensive qualitative systematic literature review of studies published mainly between 2015 and 2025 to examine how E-HRM enhances recruitment outcomes, with a particular focus on efficiency, transparency, and decision quality. The review synthesises empirical and conceptual evidence on the role of digital recruitment technologies, including online job portals, applicant tracking systems (ATS), automated screening tools, virtual interview platforms, and digital onboarding modules in addressing longstanding limitations inherent in traditional, paper-based hiring processes. The findings indicate that E-HRM substantially improves recruitment efficiency by automating repetitive administrative tasks, reducing paperwork, accelerating processing time, and enabling seamless communication with applicants. Additionally, E-HRM strengthens transparency and accountability through digital audit trails, standardised screening criteria, and traceable decision pathways that limit discretionary bias and promote fairness, especially within public-sector recruitment systems. The review further reveals that E-HRM enhances decision quality through structured, competency-based assessment tools, centralised candidate databases, consistent digital scoring templates, and analytics-enabled insights that support merit-based selection. However, despite its transformative potential, the study identifies persistent constraints including limited ICT skills among HR users, system usability challenges, infrastructure instability, data-governance weaknesses, and risks associated with algorithmic bias. The article concludes that E-HRM can significantly elevate organisational recruitment effectiveness, yet its success depends on holistic socio-technical alignment encompassing technology design, user capability, institutional culture, and governance mechanisms. The study provides practical, policy, and research recommendations to support sustainable and context-responsive E-HRM adoption across diverse organisational settings