EANSO East African Nature and Science Organization Journals
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Financial Resources Generation Strategies for Enhancing Competence-Based Education: A Case of the ELCT Northern Diocese Secondary Schools in Hai District, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Get PDFThe study aimed to explore the strategies that are used in the generation of financial resources for enhancing Competence-Based Education in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) Northern Diocese (ND) secondary schools in Hai District, Kilimanjaro Region. The social constructivism theory and the Bottom-up theory guided the study. A qualitative research approach with a case study design was adopted, involving a sample size of 31 participants. Data collection methods involved: Interviews, questionnaires, observation, and documentary review. The obtained data were analysed Thematically. The findings revealed that the financial generation strategies, such as; introduction of school projects, teaching agriculture as a subject, increasing the number of students enrolment, provision of guidelines for payment of school fees, and the contribution from the ELCT ND head office, were useful for supporting the implementation of Competence-Based Education. The study concluded that the financial resources generation strategies are effective in supporting Competence-Based Education. The study recommended Heads of school to prepare a plan for project expansion, which will result in the generation of more funds for supporting the provision of quality education. Further research is recommended to investigate the influence of financial literacy among students in solving real-life challenge
The Effects of Social Media on Adolescents' Psychological Readiness to Accomplish Academic Tasks Among Secondary Schools: Case Study GS St Maria Merci MUYANGE TSS
Get PDFThis study investigated how social media affects the psychological readiness of adolescents at GS St Maria Merci MUYANGE TSS to complete academic tasks. Its objectives were to assess the extent of social media use, evaluate students' psychological preparedness for academic responsibilities, and explore the relationship between social media use and psychological readiness for academic tasks. The target population consisted of 2,514 students, with a sample size of 96. Data were collected through a standardised questionnaire and semi-structured interviews with the school’s Director of Studies. The findings revealed that nearly all students (99.3%) used social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and TikTok daily, with 70.8% spending over two hours online each day. While 60% of students felt social media did not significantly affect their study motivation, 74% acknowledged that excessive time spent online made it harder to focus on homework. Despite this, social media remained a major part of their daily routines, primarily for non-academic purposes. The study suggests that educational policies should include digital literacy and well-being programs to help students develop healthier online habits. It also recommends that schools offer training on focus, time management, and balancing social media use with academic responsibilities. These interventions can help students manage the impact of social media on their academic performance and psychological readiness
Students' Academic Performance at the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE): A Theoretical Review
Get PDFThis study examines the multifaceted factors influencing students’ academic performance at the Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) level. Drawing on Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives, Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, and Skinner’s Operant Conditioning Theory, the study explores cognitive, behavioural, motivational, and environmental determinants of learning outcomes. Bloom’s Taxonomy highlights the importance of developing higher-order thinking skills for problem-solving, critical analysis, and application of knowledge, while Skinner’s theory emphasises reinforcement and consequences in shaping student behaviour and motivation. Bandura’s framework underscores the role of self-efficacy, observational learning, and motivation, and Bronfenbrenner situates achievement within interrelated environmental systems, including family, school, community, and policy contexts. The synthesis of these theories suggests that effective academic performance results from an integrated approach addressing cognitive development, behavioural reinforcement, motivational factors, and supportive environments. The study further underscores the relevance of structured instructional strategies, positive reinforcement mechanisms, and balanced extrinsic and intrinsic motivators, including digital learning tools, in enhancing engagement and academic outcomes. Implications for educators, policymakers, and stakeholders include the design of learner-centred lessons, reinforcement of positive behaviours, provision of adequate resources, and the promotion of equitable educational opportunities. The study provides a robust theoretical foundation for future research on interventions aimed at improving secondary school performance in Uganda
Bird Species Richness, Diversity and Density in Habitats around Lake Solai, Kenya
Get PDFHabitat heterogeneity plays a critical role in structuring avian communities, particularly in ecologically dynamic landscapes such as Lake Solai, Kenya which supports a mosaic of habitats. This study examined bird species richness, diversity, and density across five habitat types: grasslands, wetlands, forests, farmlands, and settlements. The findings showed that grasslands and wetlands supported the highest species richness, likely due to a combination of abundant food resources, vegetation heterogeneity, and availability of nesting sites. While forests and grasslands had the highest species diversity, attributed to structural complexity and ecological resilience. Farmlands and settlements exhibited reduced richness and diversity, likely due to anthropogenic disturbance, habitat simplification and limited vegetation cover. Pairwise comparisons indicated significant differences in diversity among most habitats, except between forests and grasslands, and between wetlands and settlements, which indicates that certain habitats provide comparable ecological niches for birds. The Sorensen similarity index revealed high compositional similarity between grasslands and farmlands and distinct bird communities in wetlands, emphasising their ecological uniqueness. Although wetlands recorded the highest bird densities, the differences in density across habitats were not statistically significant. This is possibly due to seasonal movements or the distribution of resources across the habitat. Notably, wetlands hosted distinct bird assemblages, indicating their ecological uniqueness and importance. These findings highlight the need to preserve habitat complexity and connectivity to sustain avian biodiversity. Conservation efforts should prioritise protecting habitats like wetlands, forests and grasslands while promoting sustainable agriculture and proper urban land management. This will safeguard the critical Lake Solai ecosystem and its unique bird communities
Assessing the Impact of Inadequate Green Infrastructure on Socioeconomic Development in Kigali City: A Case Study of Gasabo District (2010-2024)
Get PDFThis study assessed the impact of inadequate green infrastructure on socio-economic development in Gasabo District, Kigali City. Gasabo, the largest district in Kigali, has experienced rapid urban expansion marked by significant population growth, infrastructure development, and environmental degradation. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires and in-depth interviews with residents, administrative leaders, and key informants, while secondary data were sourced from government reports, academic publications, and relevant literature. A stratified random sampling technique was employed to ensure proportional representation across diverse urban and peri-urban settings, yielding a sample size of 400 households. Findings revealed severe green infrastructure deficiencies, particularly in high-density areas such as Kacyiru and Remera, where only 22% of residents have access to nearby recreational spaces. Wetland degradation exceeded 60% since 2015, reducing natural flood buffers and intensifying the urban heat island effect. Socio-economic analysis highlighted poverty and vulnerability in rural sectors and informal settlements, where 65% of low-income households lack basic services. Flooding emerged as a critical issue, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities and causing fatalities and injuries in 2023. The study further established strong linkages between inadequate green infrastructure and adverse socio-economic outcomes. Health problems, including respiratory diseases and poor mental well-being, were more prevalent in areas with limited green spaces. Economically, reduced property values and weakened municipal revenues were observed, while socially, diminished community cohesion was reported by 70% of respondents. The findings underscore the urgent need for sustainable urban planning, improved investment in green infrastructure, and targeted interventions to balance Gasabo’s economic growth with environmental sustainability
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Get PDFLand is a strategic natural resource for every nation, which directly or indirectly contributes to people’s welfare and economic livelihood, particularly in East Africa. Land Use Land Cover (LULC) research helps assess the extent of under- or overutilization of this resource for sustainability, posterity, or even policy-making purposes. The study aimed to examine the current trending topics, themes evolution, and future directions in this field, as well as identify the most influential authors, institutions, and countries in the field of LULC using remote sensing in East Africa. Bibliometric analysis was utilised to help identify changes, transitions, and drivers, and to explore possible future research directions in LULC and RS. A total of 411 records were retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) database. The records were filtered using keywords such as LULC, remote sensing, and the names of East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Burundi). Data was analysed using R-Biblioshiny and VOSviewer software. Results emphasise the collaboration between regional and international institutions to enhance the quality and visibility of research outputs. Besides Kenya, Tanzania, the USA, Germany, and England are among the top five contributors, collectively accounting for 85% of publications. Encouraging the use of advanced remote sensing technologies and innovative methodologies to address pressing environmental challenges in East Africa: Bridge the gaps between research and policy by aligning studies with regional development priorities. Future research should incorporate diverse high-resolution and accurate data sources while using cloud-based geospatial platforms. Additionally, researchers can focus on the integration of LULC change analysis with local ecological knowledge integration for a holistic understanding of drivers and impacts of change for policy and management purpose
An Ecological Assessment of Biodiversity in Duluti Catchment Forest Reserve, Arumeru District, Tanzania
Get PDFThis ecological assessment was carried out in the Duluti Catchment Forest Reserve (DLFR), located in Arumeru District, Tanzania, whereby the biological diversity of both flora and fauna was assessed. A stratified sampling approach was employed to capture variations across vegetation types and associated fauna, including birds, small mammals, reptiles, and insects. Vegetation sampling followed the Whittaker plot method, while bird diversity identification was done using line transects and point counts. Butterfly, small mammal, and reptile data were collected using visual transects, sweep nets, Sherman traps, and pitfall arrays. The vegetation types identified within the reserve included moist/riverine forest, dry forest, bushland with scattered trees, and a floating island. Each habitat exhibited distinct plant communities: The results revealed high biodiversity in most groups: trees (H' > 4.1), non-tree woody plants (H' = 3.06), small mammals (S = 7, H' = 1.6834), birds (S = 12, H' = 1.9158), and insects (S = 36, H' = 1.9346). Reptiles showed lower diversity (S = 4, H' = 0.8104), potentially due to habitat specificity or sampling limitations. The findings highlight DLFR as a significant conservation site, with protected vegetation playing a critical role in supporting rich faunal communities. The study recommends adopting participatory management approaches, controlling invasive species like Montanoa hibiscifolia, and conducting further assessments during the rainy season to capture seasonal species and improve species identification accuracy
Bridging the Gap between TVET Training and Industry Needs
Get PDFAligning the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs to meet the industry requirements is a crucial matter if TVET is to foster economic growth through workforce development. TVET institutions globally have been known to bolster economic growth by rejuvenating small but key industrial sectors that cut across the formal and non-formal sectors. A disturbing fact, however, is that there still exist many TVET graduates who struggle to meet the expectations of the employers even after undergoing the full training as per the curriculum provided. This has been attributed to outdated curricula, limited practical exposure, and a lack of industry partnerships. This may arise as a result of the curriculum design that may not have been reviewed for quite a long period of time, and therefore may not have lived up to the dynamics of the varying job market demands. This paper explored how targeted reforms and collaboration between educational institutions, industries, and policymakers could help in bridging the skills gap. The study focused on TVET institutions and Curricula in use and the mode of delivery, extent of exposure of students and collaborations and linkages with the industry, as well as technological gaps occurring as a result of inadequacy of modern equipment that have become inhibitive to students who would rather be gaining practical skills with industry-standard tools. These challenges, as well as strategies for bridging the gap, have been reviewed. Best practices from developed economies have also been examined, and the gains are presented herein. A collaborative model incorporating current industry-driven curricula, skill-oriented learning, and policy interventions focusing on training a workforce that aligns with industry demands is recommended
Fostering Mental Health Resilience Among the Youth Through the Relational Youth Ministry Model
Get PDFThis paper focuses on how to foster mental health resilience among the youth through the relational youth ministry model, drawing from research conducted within the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (P.C.E.A) Ngecha Presbytery in Kiambu County, Kenya. The research focused on the youth aged 20-30 years of age. A vital investment in the future life of youth is to foster mental health resilience, which helps them tackle mental health challenges and navigate the complex life successfully. Mental health challenges among the youth continue to escalate globally, with mental health resilience playing a crucial role in either exacerbating or mitigating these issues. The youth’s overall well-being and mental health greatly depend on the degree of resilience. Globally, anxiety and depression are the most prevalent and of great concern among university students. According to the United Nations, each year, 20% of youth worldwide experience a mental health condition. The same is true for Africa, Kenya, and in Kiambu county, with academic pressure, insufficient social support, and financial problems contributing to this challenge. The study employed a mixed-methods design with 168 participants, utilising survey questionnaires. The study concluded that strengthening family and healthy relationships through improved communication, emotional support, and spiritual guidance can significantly mitigate youth mental health challenges. These findings have implications for faith-based interventions, family counselling programs, and community mental health strategie
Whispers of the Past: Nature and Transition of Ancestral Veneration among the Abagusii People of Kenya (1850-1900)
Get PDFThe incumbent study examined the nature and transition of ancestral veneration among the Abagusii of Kenya between 1850 and 1900, a period marked by intensified social, political, and cultural change. Drawing on oral traditions, historical reconstructions, and anthropological interpretations, the paper explored how the Abagusii conceptualised ancestors (ebirecha) as active members of the living community—guardians of morality, custodians of lineage identity, and mediators between humans and the spiritual realm. Prior to 1850, ancestral veneration was expressed through ritual offerings, invocation during crises, observance of Emegiro (taboos), and the authority of elders served as ritual specialists. However, from the mid-nineteenth century, external pressures began reshaping these practices. By 1900, ancestral veneration had undergone notable transitions: rituals became more centralised within elder councils, and some public ceremonies diminished in frequency. The study employed the principles of Cultural Diffusion and African Renaissance Theories. A descriptive and qualitative research design was used in the process of data collection. The target population included religious leaders, clan elders, cultural historians, and Gusii Council of Elders members among the Abagusii. Among the groups identified, the study applied purposive sampling for key informants and snowball sampling for respondents. Data collected included oral interviews, archival research and secondary sources. Further, findings were also evident that the Abagusii were spiritual in nature, and all everyday happenings shaped their social, cultural, economic and political activities to date. Despite these shifts, the institution of ancestral veneration remained integral to Abagusii cosmology, adapting rather than disappearing. The study firmly concludes that the resilience and flexibility of ancestral practices enabled the Abagusii to navigate profound historical transformations while repeating history and maintaining cultural continuity