EANSO East African Nature and Science Organization Journals
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Jinsi Masuala ya Kijinsia Yalivyo Shughulikiwa Katika Tamthilia ya ‘Bembea ya Maisha’ kwa Kuzingatia Jinsia ya Mwandishi
Get PDFMaumbile ya binadamu yamechukua mikondo miwili; mwanamume na mwanamke. Jamii tofauti hutoa majukumu kwa kuzingatia migao hii miwili. Hivi ni kusema kuwa, shughuli za mtu katika jamii nyingi za Kiafrika humfungamanisha na jinsia ya kiume au kike kama ilivyo katika tamthilia ya Bembea ya Maisha iliyoandikwa na Timothy Arege mwaka wa 2020. Malengo ya Makala haya ni kutathmini jinsi masuala haya ya kijinsia yalivyo shughulikiwa na mwandishi huyu katika tamthilia hii. Nadharia itakayotumiwa kuendeleza kazi hii ni nadharia ya Ufeministi wa Kiafrika iliyoasisiwa na Chioma (1980) na kuendelezwa na watafiti wengine kama Ogundipe (1994), Wamitila (2003), Nnaemeka (2003) miongoni mwa wengine. Nadharia hii inalenga kutoa mwelekeo wa jinsi ya kumnasua mwanamke katika nafasi finyu aliyopewa katika jamii na nyanja tofauti. Data iliyotumika kuendeleza utafiti huu ilitoka maktabani kwa kusoma makala, vitabu, majarida na mambo mengine katika mtandao yanayohusiana na mada hii. Data inayohusiana na jinsia ya wahusika ilitoka katika tamthilia ya Bembea ya Maisha. Tamthilia ya Bembea ya Maisha iliteuliwa kimaksudi kwani mwandishi amewapa nafasi tosha wahusika wa jinsia ya kike na kiume. Wahusika hawa pia ni wa miaka tofauti kuanzia watoto hadi watu wazima. Mtafiti alisoma tamthilia husika na kuchambua wahusika kwa undani ili kupata data. Data iliyohitajika ilikusanywa na matokeo kuwasilishwa kwa njia ya maelezo na jedwali. Matokeo ya utafiti huu yalionyesha kuwa, licha ya juhudi nyingi zilizofanywa ili kumpa mwanamke nafasi katika jamii, bado kuna baadhi ya waandishi ambao wamempa nafasi finyu au ya chini katika kazi zao za fasihi. Usampulishaji dhamirifu ulitumika kuteua tamthilia ya Bembea ya Maisha. Data iliteuliwa kimakusudi. Mtafiti alizingatia nidhamu katika utafiti huu. Utafiti huu utakuwa wa manufaa kwa waandishi wa kazi za kifasihi ambao wanadhamiria kuandika kwani watajua namna ya kumsawiri mwanamke kama kiungo muhimu katika maendeleo ya jamii. Aidha, wasomi wa fasihi za Kiafrika watapa taswira ya nafasi za kila jinsia katika jamii za Kiafrik
The Impact of Small Livestock Project Intervention on Household Welfare in Rwanda. A Case Study of the Prism Project in Burera District
Get PDFLivestock remains a cornerstone of rural livelihoods worldwide, contributing significantly to food security, economic growth, and poverty reduction. Globally, over 1.3 billion people rely on livestock, which contributes around 40% to agricultural GDP (FAO, 2018). In developing economies, livestock development is a critical pathway for improving rural well-being. In East Africa, livestock supports rural development by providing employment, export income, and nutrition (Thornton, Herrero, & Ericksen, 2020). For example, Kenya’s East Africa Dairy Development (EADD) project increased milk production by 80% through private-sector partnerships and milk collection hubs. In Rwanda, where 72% of the population depends on agriculture, small livestock programs like Girinka have enhanced rural livelihoods by increasing milk production and household income. Despite its importance, the sector faces significant global challenges, including climate change, zoonotic diseases, and market instability. Uganda experienced a 60% livestock mortality rate in 2021, with 40% of poultry losses due to Newcastle disease. Rwanda faces 30% post-harvest losses due to market barriers, and Somalia’s pastoralists have lost up to 60% of their herds during droughts. Rural areas in Rwanda, including Burera District, continue to experience malnutrition, poverty, and limited market access. To address these gaps, the PRISM project was introduced to distribute livestock, improve markets, provide training, and empower farmers through self-help groups (Heifer International, 2023). However, the project’s localized impact had not been fully assessed. This study evaluated PRISM’s effectiveness in Burera District using a mixed-methods approach. Quantitative data from 314 beneficiaries were analyzed with SPSS, while qualitative insights came from focus groups and interviews. Results showed a strong uptake of core interventions: livestock distribution (86.6%), training (92.9%), income diversification (92%), and access to animal-source foods (99.4%). Yet, challenges remained in gender equity training (40.8%), veterinary services (59.6%), and market linkage (19.4%). The findings underscore the need for integrated policies that combine grassroots empowerment with private-sector partnerships and subsidized services. This study informs Rwanda’s agricultural policies and offers scalable lessons for similar contexts in Africa
Spatial and Temporal Dynamics in Vegetation Cover and Its Impact on Carbon Stock in Kicukiro District, Rwanda
Get PDFClimate change and land use changes are significantly affecting vegetation cover and carbon storage, especially in Rwanda. This study examines how vegetation cover has changed over time and how these changes have impacted carbon stocks in Kicukiro District from 2000 to 2022. Using a combination of remote sensing, GIS, and field data, the research tracks vegetation shifts, estimates changes in carbon stocks, and explores their relationship. The results show a sharp decline in dense vegetation from 41% to 18% while sparse and moderate vegetation increased (from 5% to 12% and 6% to 17%, respectively). This led to major losses in carbon stock: 897.98 tons between 2000–2010 and 1,558.04 tons between 2010–2022. Vegetation cover also declined by 6.42 km² in the first decade and 15.45 km² in the second. Statistical analysis shows a strong negative correlation (r = -0.9) between vegetation cover loss and carbon stock decline, highlighting the key role of forests in climate regulation. These findings point to fast ecosystem degradation in Kicukiro and its effect on Rwanda’s ability to store carbon. The study calls for urgent action to protect and restore forests, offering practical guidance for policymakers. By connecting vegetation change with carbon dynamics at the local level, the research supports informed land-use planning and climate adaptation, with lessons for similar areas in East Afric
Nutritional Composition of White and Reddish-Orange Guava (Psidium guajava) L. Varieties Growing in Homa Bay County, Kenya
Get PDFGuavas in Kenya are mainly consumed at the household level. However, limited research and development are aimed at domesticating and commercializing the fruit. This has hindered the country's establishment and improvement of structured guava value chains. A nutritional assessment of guava varieties (white and reddish-orange) growing wild in Homa Bay County was done to explore their utilization potential. Stratified simple random sampling and standard nutrient assessment procedures were adopted. The samples were analyzed for moisture content, proximate composition, minerals, vitamin content, and calorific value based on standard procedures. The moisture content of the white variety was significantly higher than the reddish-orange variety at 84.60%±0.55 and 80.32%±1.61 respectively. However, the crude fibre in the reddish-orange variety was significantly higher than the white variety at 6.02%±0.11 and 3.49%±0.42 respectively. There was no significant difference in the ash content for the reddish-orange variety at 3.50%±0.15 and the white variety at 3.88%±0.29, as well as in protein (p=0.06) at 1.37%±0.19 and 1.84%±0.26, respectively, and fat content at 0.89%±0.07 and 1.16%±0.20, respectively. There was no significant difference in Vitamin C content in the white variety at 16.03±0.92mg/100g and reddish-orange at 9.3±0.00mg/100g, as well as in Niacin content in the reddish-orange variety at 3.63±0.03mg/100g and the white variety at 0.54±0.01mg/100g. The reddish-orange variety had significantly higher iron, potassium, and aluminium contents than the white variety, whereas there was no significant difference in their Sodium, lead, zinc, copper, and calcium contents. There was no significant difference in mean calorific values of the reddish-orange variety at 17.22±0.08 KJ/gram and the white variety at 16.88±0.31 KJ/gram. Considering the findings, the guavas can provide additional nutrients to households as well as the opportunity for exploitation in product development for income generation, thereby providing a means of preservation when the fruits are in season
Beyond Concrete: How Urban Green Spaces are Reshaping Social Life in Narok Town, Kenya
Get PDFAs the world is becoming more urbanized, understanding the role of green spaces in enhancing the quality of life becomes crucial. This study addressed the knowledge gap regarding the spatial distribution, accessibility, and multifaceted impacts of green spaces in Narok Town. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research incorporated both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques, including surveys, interviews, and field observations. A diverse demographic participated in the study, providing comprehensive data on public perceptions and attitudes toward green spaces. The research assessed how these spaces influenced stress reduction, mental and physical well-being, and overall community engagement. Additionally, it examined the effectiveness of existing policies and regulations related to green space management and evaluated their adequacy in meeting community needs. The findings highlighted numerous benefits of green spaces, such as improved air quality, aesthetic enhancement, and opportunities for physical activities. However, the study also identified barriers to accessibility and inclusivity, including issues related to maintenance, safety, and community involvement. By providing evidence-based insights, the research proposed recommendations for policy improvements and strategic planning to optimize the use of green spaces. Ultimately, this study contributed to sustainable urban development in Narok Town, offering valuable guidance for urban planners and policymakers. It underscored the importance of integrating green spaces into urban planning to create a resilient, inclusive, and livable urban environment. The research findings supported efforts to harmonize urban growth with environmental sustainability and community health, aligning with broader objectives such as the Sustainable Development Goals and Kenya's Vision 2030
Willingness to Pay and Factors Influencing the Amount of Forestry Insurance by Tree Growers in Mufindi, Tanzania
Get PDFForests influence the economic development of emerging economies by providing ecological and social services to human beings and natural systems. With increasing demand for wood products, private tree growers reduce pressure in natural forests by providing services similar to those in natural forests. Private tree growers faced substantial risks due to climatic change. Forest catastrophes were increasing and causing economic losses to the tree growers, while no efforts were being made to address the situation. This study will analyze willingness to pay, perceptions, and factors influencing the amount to pay for fire, disease, and pest insurance. A multistage sampling technique was employed to sample 120 tree growers in four villages which include Ifwagi, Nundwe, Mwitikilwa and Ilasa. The Tobit model was used to analyze factors influencing the amount of forest insurance. Results indicate that 84.2% of the tree growers were willing to pay for forest insurance, age, Income, previous fire, tree species planted, land ownership, and farm location are significant influences on the amount of forest insurance for tree stand protection. This study recommended that insurance providers develop affordable, flexible policies and collaborate with local authorities to create awareness campaigns. Policymakers should also explore subsidies or incentives to reduce barriers to entry for tree grower
Challenges and Barriers to Women's Access and Participation in the ASGM Sector in Macalder Region of Migori County, Kenya
Get PDFArtisanal Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) is a significant source of income for millions of people in developing nations. Globally, women provide approximately 30 to 50% of the workforce in the ASGM sector. Women in developing countries face a number of challenges in access and participation in the ASGM sector. These include; social norms and taboos, inequalities in income distribution, discrimination in access to and control of mineral resources and exposure to gender-based violence. The objective of this study was to assess the challenges and barriers to women's access and participation in the ASGM in the Macalder region of Migori County in Kenya. This study was anchored on the Social Relations Gender approach to argue that the social construction of gender in African societies has tended to disadvantage women in the ASGM sector. This has created a system of subordination and exploitation of women miners in the Macalder region. This study adopted an explanatory research design. The study used both clustered probability and purposive sampling. A total of 100 respondents were selected for field interviews. Clustered probability sampling was used to select 90 men and women gold miners in the Osiri-Matanda gold mines in the Macalder region. Purposive sampling was used to select the lead 10 respondents who included officials of non-governmental organizations and the local administrators for interviews. This study employed both quantitative and qualitative methods of data analysis and interpretation. From the findings, the researcher concluded that cultural and societal notions inhibit women's access and participation in the ASGM sector in the Macalder region. The study recommends that the women miners be empowered to cushion them against exploitation by men. It is further recommended that both National and local governments institute policies and legislation to actualize gender mainstreaming in the ASGM sector to allow women miners to reap economic benefits for socioeconomic developmen
Effect of Road Infrastructure on Selected Economic Development Indicators in Kenya
Get PDFKenya, as a developing nation, has been making significant investments in infrastructure projects, including roads, railways, ports, and energy, in recent years. Such infrastructure development is expected to have far-reaching implications for various sectors of the economy. Efficient and reliable infrastructure networks are crucial for facilitating trade, attracting investments, improving connectivity, reducing transaction costs, and promoting economic activities. However, while there is a general understanding of the importance of infrastructure, it is essential to conduct a focused study to examine the specific effects and outcomes of infrastructure development in Kenya. The study was anchored by Solow neoclassical growth theory. A longitudinal research design was adopted. The study utilized time series secondary data from 1991 to 2021 on an annual basis. The data was obtained from the World Bank and the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. Empirically, the study developed a transport-growth model that is an extension of Solow (1956) neoclassical growth function and estimate the model with time series data of Kenya. The study adopted Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model and Granger causality approach as the technique for testing the study relationships. Diagnostic tests such as normality, Multicollinearity, heteroskedasticity and autocorrelation was conducted to ensure that the assumptions of regression analysis are not violated. Ethical considerations was adhered to by obtaining permit from NACOSTI, Kenyatta university graduate school and the permission from the ethical committee. The short run effect were analysed using ECM informed by the positive cointegration status of the variables all the models. Road infrastructure, labour participation and institution quality index significantly affected economic growth. However, technological growth has insignificant effect on economic growth. It can be concluded that, based on empirical results technological progress has not been fully utilised to generate economic growth. It is also important to point out that the creation of a conducive environment, particularly innovation and technological space enhances economic growth. This can be attained by having a tax haven for the inaugural innovators to sustain their motivation. Strong institutions are defined by adherence to the rule of law and conformity to legislation. There is a need for people in the public sector to embrace the rule of law and existing regulations to reduce theft and corruption
Examining Secondary School Teaching Methods: Perspectives from the 2014 South Sudan National Curriculum Framework
Get PDFThe global trend for educational reform is directed towards learner-centered pedagogy. Many Sub-Saharan countries have already resorted to this approach to teaching. South Sudan has taken this initiative by launching and implementing a competency-based curriculum from preschool through secondary level in 2018. The 2014 national curriculum framework philosophical strategy towards instruction is entrenched in a constructivist approach. The framework emphasizes learning to be extended beyond textbooks from teacher-directed lessons (teacher-centred) to learner’s active engagement. This inspired the investigators to conduct an in-depth examination of the nature of instructional practices existent in secondary schools. The study employed mixed method convergent parallel design in 15 secondary schools purposefully selected within Juba city. Questionnaires were self-administered to 225 teachers, interviews and Focus Group discussions (FGD) were designed and conducted on 4 officials in the Ministry of General Education and Instruction (MoGEI) in departments of curriculum and inspection,13 head teachers and 12 teachers of the sampled schools. Findings demonstrate the application of both teacher-centred and learner-centred methods, challenges obstructing teachers from applying the learner-centred mode of instruction, lack of feasibility studies conducted before the inception of this reform, and high awareness possessed by teachers on instructional methods to be utilized. The investigators recommended that both teachers and students should endeavour collaboratively to improve their comprehension of learner-centred practices and the government should consistently support schools, evaluate field practices to minimize the policy practice gap then grant schools the opportunity to print authorized textbooks for teaching the South Sudan syllabu
Effectiveness of School Inspection in Secondary Schools in Uganda: A Case Study of Kasese District
Get PDFThe study investigated the efficiency of school inspections in secondary schools in Uganda, using Kasese District as a case study. A mixed-method approach was utilized, with a convergent parallel design. The study had a total population of 850 respondents drawn from 34 schools, with only 326 being investigated. Questionnaires served as the primary data collection instrument. The data were examined using simple percentages, means, and standard deviations. According to the study's findings, stakeholders such as the PTA and BOG had little engagement in inspection planning (mean: 1.63; 32.6%). It was also discovered that inspectors provided insufficient notification of the inspection exercise (mean: 1.69) (33.8%). The study also found that inspectors spent only a short amount of time inspecting (mean: 1.36; 27.2%). Furthermore, the study found that there was limited stakeholder involvement in judging educational quality (Mean: 2.69) (53.8%), as well as insufficient refresher training (Mean: 1.71) (34.2%), diminishing the overall effectiveness of the school inspection activity. The overall effectiveness of school inspection was moderate (Overall mean: 2.79) (55.8%). Based on the findings, the study recommends that school inspection authorities should provide sufficient notice before inspection visits, allocate more time for inspection exercises to enable a thorough evaluation of all key aspects and regular refresher training programs to be designed and implemented to close any gaps identified during the inspection exercise to enhance the effectiveness of inspection