EANSO East African Nature and Science Organization Journals
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Tunda lilokatazwa: Usawiri wa Ukahaba na Wahusika Makahaba katika Riwaya za Vuta N’Kuvute (1999) na Tata za Asumini (1990)
Get PDFUkahaba ni suala mojawapo linaloakisiwa na waandishi wa fasihi ya Kiswahili. Ukahaba huibuliwa kwenye mapenzi yasiyo ya dhati. Mara nyingi, wahusika makahaba huchukuliwa kuwa hawana mapenzi ya dhati kwa wale wanaoshirikiana na kufanya ngono. Kupitia katika kazi za fasihi, mara nyingi wahusika wa kike kawaida huchorwa wakijishirikisha kufanya ngono kwa ajili ya kipato, kupanda cheo au kupata hadhi fulani ambapo wahusika wa kiume huonyeshwa wakifanya ngono kuridhisha miili yao (Mhilu na wenzake, 2013). Kwa upande wa jamii, mara nyingi inapozungumziwa dhamira ya mapenzi kwa wahusika moja kwa moja hadhara hurejelea kwenye mahusiano yanayofungamana na ngono miongoni mwa wahusika wanaolengwa. Japokuwa wenye mahusiano hayo tunaweza kuwaita wapenzi lakini si kila wapendanao kuwa wana mahusiano ya kingono. Kwa hiyo, dhamira ya mapenzi ni pana ikilinganishwa na inavyochukuliwa na watu wengine (Senkoro, 1982). Kwa kuwa, ukahaba ni suala ambalo huhusishwa na mapenzi ambayo hujitokeza kwa namna tofauti katika jamii, waandishi wa riwaya nao huisawiri dhamira hii katika kazi zao. Hata hivyo, malengo yetu ni kwamba waandishi hao wangeusimulia ukahaba kulingana na uhalisia wake katika jamii, bila kuongeza au kupunguza chochote. Hivyo basi,lengo kuu la makala haya ni kuchunguza suala ya ukahaba katika riwaya za Vuta N’Kuvute (1999) na Tata za Asumini (1990) ili kubaini uakisi wake kulingana na uhalisia uliopo ndani ya jamii au kuna ukengeushi wa kiasi fulani unaofanywa na watunzi wa riwaya. Aidha, makala haya yalikusudia kubainisha mitazamo ya watunzi wa riwaya wanaposawiri dhamira inayofanana katika kazi za
Budgeting and Financial Accountability in Religious Organisations: Evidence from Catholic and Lutheran Churches in Tanzania
Get PDFFinancial accountability, as reflected in a high level of transparency and responsiveness to key stakeholders, is crucial for building trust in religious organisations, which play a significant role not only in faith and moral development but also in various socio-economic dimensions. Effective budgeting processes, including stakeholder participation in budget planning (goal setting), communication, and performance evaluation, are critical for enhancing financial accountability, thereby minimising the risk of resource mismanagement and ensuring responsible stewardship. This study examined the influence of budgeting on financial accountability in religious organisations, drawing evidence from Catholic and Lutheran churches in Tanzania. Survey data were collected from 471 participants, including church management and parish members in the Dar es Salaam region. The study employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS–SEM) via SmartPLS 4 Software. Findings indicate that while budget participation and budget evaluation significantly enhance financial accountability, budget planning and communication, despite their positive relationship with accountability, have a non-significant effect. This study underscores the pivotal role of active member involvement in budget decisions and performance evaluation as key drivers in financial accountability in religious organisations, especially in developing countries like Tanzania. Future research directions are also discusse
Relationship between Inflation Components and Manufacturing Sector output in Kenya
Get PDFThis paper examines the causal linkages and impact of underlying inflationary pressures, specifically core inflation (excluding volatile items), energy inflation and food inflation on the output growth of the manufacturing sector in Kenya over the most recent available period. Using updated annual and quarterly data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics and other sources (covering up to 2024/25), we employ a vector-error-correction (VEC) framework to identify long-run equilibrium relationships and short-run dynamics between inflation components and manufacturing output growth. Preliminary findings show that during 2024, the manufacturing value-added growth in Kenya slowed to approximately 4.4%, up from 2.1% the prior year. Meanwhile, headline consumer-price inflation stood at around 4.5% in 2024, with core inflation remaining subdued at about 2.5%-3.0% in early 2025, while non-core inflation (food and energy) rose to double-digit levels (≈9.2% in August 2025). The econometric results suggest that food and energy inflation exert a statistically significant negative effect on manufacturing output growth both in the short run and in the long run, and that core inflation also plays a meaningful role in the long‐run equilibrium. The findings underscore the importance of disaggregating inflation components for industrial policy and monetary policy formulation in Kenya. Policy recommendations include stabilising food and energy prices, strengthening the manufacturing sector’s resilience to inflation shocks, and refining the inflation‐targeting framework to account for sectoral linkages
Examining the Relationship between Financial Literacy and Loan Repayment Performance: A Case of Small and Medium Entrepreneurs in Puntland
Get PDFThis study investigates the relationship between financial literacy and loan repayment performance among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Puntland, Somalia, with a focus on the urban centres of Garowe and Galkacyo. SMEs play a vital role in economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation, yet many face challenges such as inadequate bookkeeping, weak budgeting, poor debt management, and limited understanding of credit policies. These gaps often result in poor loan repayment performance, threatening business sustainability and the financial stability of lending institutions. To address this issue, the study employed a quantitative explanatory research design. Primary data were collected from a sample of 193 SME owners, selected through stratified random sampling from a total population of 13,038 SMEs. Data collection was carried out using structured questionnaires designed to measure financial literacy dimensions bookkeeping, budgeting, debt management, and understanding of credit policies and their relationship with loan repayment performance. The collected data were analysed using SPSS Version 27, employing both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The results revealed that while more than half of the respondents acknowledged the importance of accurate financial record-keeping, a substantial proportion remained neutral or disagreed, indicating significant knowledge gaps. Furthermore, inferential analysis confirmed a positive and statistically significant relationship between financial literacy dimensions and loan repayment performance. The findings highlight the need for targeted financial literacy interventions tailored to the SME sector in Puntland. It is recommended that financial institutions integrate structured financial education programs into their lending processes and that policymakers create supportive frameworks for SME capacity building. Strengthening financial literacy will not only improve repayment performance and reduce loan defaults but also contribute to the resilience of SMEs and the broader economic stability of the region
Examining the Puntland Private Sector on Business Environment in Garowe: Challenges and Opportunities
Get PDFThe study examines Puntland's business environment, focusing on market and structural barriers that hinder private sector growth. It aims to identify characteristics of the business landscape, analyse factors affecting productivity and competitiveness, assess international trade challenges, and evaluate the regulatory environment. Utilising a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through questionnaires and interviews, revealing that the majority of respondents were male (85.1%) and aged 31-40 (67.2%). Key findings include challenges in measuring productivity due to data limitations and informal activities (91.0% agreement), recognition of regional trade agreements as beneficial (80.6% agreement), and identification of security, infrastructure, and regulatory issues as major obstacles (73.2% agreement). The study also highlights a significant positive correlation (0.658) between the private sector and the business environment. Recommendations include decentralising organisational structures, improving regulatory processes, and enhancing infrastructure to boost competitiveness and support small enterprises
Inflation and Unemployment in Venezuela: An Empirical Investigation of the Phillips Curve Hypothesis
Get PDFWe empirically investigate the Phillips Curve hypothesis, which posits an inverse relationship between inflation and unemployment in the short run, using Venezuela’s quarterly data from 1991 to 2023 obtained from the World Bank. Employing a Vector Autoregression (VAR) model, we treat inflation (GDP deflator, annual %) as the dependent variable and unemployment (% of total labour force, ILO estimate) as the independent variable. VAR results show strong persistence in both inflation and unemployment, with a 10% increase in lagged inflation (lag 1) raising current inflation by 7.8%, and a similar rise in lagged unemployment increasing current unemployment by 9.1%. However, lagged inflation in period 2 slightly reduces current inflation by 2.3%. Cross-variable effects between inflation and lagged unemployment, and vice versa, are statistically insignificant. Thus, we find no clear inverse relationship between inflation and unemployment, challenging the traditional Phillips Curve hypothesis in the Venezuelan contex
Vocabulary Knowledge for Proficiency in English as a Second Language – A Literature Review
Get PDFVocabulary knowledge is fundamental to language development, learning, and use. It is commonly held that without sufficient vocabulary knowledge, little can be communicated effectively in a language. However, in the English as a second language context, knowledge of vocabulary, the vocabulary size that guarantees high language proficiency, and how it is measured, remains scattered in individual studies, hence unclear to many researchers, teachers, and language learners. This paper reviews studies on vocabulary knowledge necessary for proficiency in English as a second language. The aim is to synthesise, analyse, and provide a comprehensive picture of the scholarly development of vocabulary knowledge and language proficiency research in L2 learning of English. The Protocol, Search, Appraisal, Synthesis, Analysis, and Reporting (PSALSAR) methodology provides an analytical framework for this study. The study synthesises and thematically reports insights on vocabulary size and knowledge required for second language proficiency, and the various approaches/tools for measuring vocabulary knowledge in English as a second language. Findings reveal that 98% of lexical coverage, which translates into the most frequent 2000-word families, is sufficient for the comprehension of reading a variety of texts. For productive skills, the coverage of 4000–5000-word families is necessary for students’ speaking and writing skills. Relatedly, knowing a word means knowing its features, behaviour, and use in various contexts. To effectively measure vocabulary size, the Vocabulary Levels Test (VLT), Academic Word Levels (AWL), and Vocabulary Size Test (VST) are used. To measure deep knowledge of vocabulary, the Vocabulary Knowledge Scale (VKS), Word Associates Test (WAT), and Word Part Levels Test (WPLT) are commonly used. The understanding of the vocabulary knowledge requirements is crucial for setting vocabulary learning goals, designing curricula, and developing appropriate vocabulary learning materials
The Role of Stakeholder Collaboration and Community Engagement in Enhancing Curriculum Implementation and Adaptation in Schools
Get PDFEffective curriculum implementation goes beyond high-quality content that requires active collaboration among key stakeholders, including teachers, school leaders, parents, policymakers, and community members. This paper explores how stakeholder collaboration and community engagement are essential to the successful adaptation and implementation of curricula, particularly in diverse educational contexts. The study emphasises that excluding stakeholders from the planning, execution, and evaluation stages of curriculum reform often results in ineffective outcomes. When stakeholders are meaningfully involved, shared ownership and mutual accountability are fostered, aligning educational goals with the needs of learners and the community. Teachers, as primary implementers, benefit significantly from participating in collaborative planning and feedback mechanisms, enabling curriculum adaptations that better suit student needs. School leaders also play a critical role in coordinating resources, supporting innovation, and sustaining a culture of improvement. The paper highlights the importance of parental and community involvement in ensuring curriculum relevance and sustainability. Local values, cultural knowledge, and community priorities can be effectively integrated into both content and delivery through this engagement. Moreover, support from community-based institutions such as NGOs, religious groups, and cultural leaders helps address implementation barriers, including limited resources, language issues, and resistance to change. Drawing from global literature and case studies, the paper identifies best practices and common barriers to stakeholder engagement. Challenges such as poor communication, power dynamics, and lack of training are explored, alongside strategies for inclusive collaboration. To enhance curriculum effectiveness, the study recommends participatory structures within schools, regular consultations with stakeholders, community-driven curriculum workshops, and feedback systems. Ultimately, it concludes that strong stakeholder collaboration and community engagement create more inclusive, adaptable, and resilient education systems, improving learner outcomes and ensuring curricula align with local contexts.
 
Implementation of the Standard-Based Curriculum in Ghana: The Benefits and Challenges
Get PDFThis study sought to evaluate the implementation of the standards-based curriculum in the Amansie West District of Ghana by looking at its benefits and challenges. The study employed a descriptive survey research design using a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews in the collection of data. A multistage sampling technique (stratified, simple random and purposive sampling techniques) was used to select a sample of 323, which was made up of 252 public primary school teachers, 42 headteachers, 11 District Education Directorate staff and 18 pupils. Data gathered were analysed using descriptive statistics, specifically means and standard deviation and content analysis. It was found that learners have benefited most from the implementation of the standards-based curriculum compared to teachers and the school. Finally, the study revealed that there are challenges with implementing the standards-based curriculum, most especially with assessment. The study therefore recommends that public primary school teachers and headteachers should be trained on the effective and efficient use of time and resources for the successful implementation of the standards-based curriculu
Culture as a Catalyst: Managing Organisational Change in Educational Institutions
Get PDFOrganisational culture shapes the heartbeat of educational institutions, influencing how leaders guide, staff adapt, and change initiatives succeed. This study explores the role of organisational culture as a catalyst in managing change within primary, secondary, and vocational schools in Gulu, Uganda. Employing a qualitative case study design, data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations, and document reviews from six purposively selected educational and cultural leaders. The findings reveal that leadership, mentoring, and culturally embedded rituals such as morning devotions and traditional dances serve as powerful mechanisms for transmitting values, shaping behaviour, and enhancing staff adaptation to change. Staff internalise culture through both formal and informal channels, while their responses to change are mediated by trust, teamwork, and cultural alignment. Strategically leveraging these cultural practices enhances resilience, engagement, and institutional adaptability. The study contributes to the literature by highlighting the interplay between indigenous culture and organisational change, providing actionable insights for leaders seeking contextually relevant approaches to managing change in resource-constrained and culturally rich educational environment