EANSO East African Nature and Science Organization Journals
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Effect of Judicial Decisions on Child Rights Protection in Mityana Municipality
Full text linkThis study investigates the effect of judicial decisions on child rights protection in Mityana Municipality, Uganda, amidst evolving legal frameworks and persistent systemic challenges. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, including quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with key stakeholders, the research examines how judicial outcomes influence the safeguarding of children's rights. Data analysis reveals a strong positive correlation (Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.742) between judicial decisions and the effectiveness of child rights protection. Furthermore, linear regression analysis indicates that approximately 55.1% of the variance in child rights protection can be explained by judicial decisions, with a significant predictor coefficient of 0.637 (p < 0.001). Despite the robust legal framework provided by the Constitution and the Children Act, the study identifies critical gaps in implementation, exacerbated by inadequate training for judicial officers and socio-economic barriers. The findings underscore the necessity for reforms, including the establishment of specialized child rights courts and enhanced stakeholder engagement. This research contributes to the discourse on child rights protection in Uganda, offering actionable insights for policymakers aimed at strengthening judicial processes and fostering an environment where children's rights are prioritized
Economic Analysis of Integrated Harvesting Relative to Conventional Harvesting on a Pinus patula Stand in Tanzania
Full text linkThe conversion of a standing tree into a usable product is a very important activity and studies have shown that it is highly affected by the conversion costs which are associated with the whole plan (harvesting and processing). The economic aspects of forest harvesting are multifaceted and require careful consideration. Two harvesting systems were compared; first, Conventional Harvesting (CH) in this study means harvesting and processing of logs where only large diameter parts of the trees are utilized and mostly the small diameter parts are discarded causing loss of resources. Second, integrated harvesting (IH) in this study means the harvesting and processing of logs which are sorted according to end use allowing maximum utilization of the wood to the smallest diameter parts. This study aimed to determine the overall economics of forest conversion on tree felling and processing systems, specifically to determine the costs and revenue associated with IH and CH, with the factors influencing the choice of a felling and processing system. A study was done at FWITIC, a processing industry in the southern highlands, and data was collected through key informant interviews. The findings indicate higher total costs with IH (1544), but also lower unit costs (84.37 US/m3 for CH). The costs are topped by the revenue generated from each harvesting system of 177.222 US/m3 for CH, giving a benefit of 28.2 US/m3. The costs, benefits and time taken during the harvesting operations inform more on the influence on the selection of a harvesting and processing syste
Impact of Different Agro-Forestry Systems on Cocoa Diseases among Smallholder Farmers in Bundibugyo District – Western Uganda
Full text linkThe Cocoa Agroforestry system integrates cocoa with high-value tree species and crops, providing additional income for farmers. In the Bundibugyo district, where cocoa is a primary livelihood, recent declines in cocoa production have been linked to diseases. This study evaluated the impact of various Agroforestry systems on cocoa diseases among smallholder farmers in Bundibugyo. Data were collected from four administrative units using a cross-sectional design with purposive sampling of 92 respondents. Household interviews, questionnaires, photographs, data sheets, and observations enriched the study. Findings revealed no correlation between Black Pod disease and Cocoa Agroforestry systems. However, Witches’ Broom and Frost Pod Root diseases significantly influenced cocoa production, while Cocoa dieback showed no significance. Cocoa diseases were more prevalent during the rainy season (72%), followed by the dry season (26%), and year-round (7%). Shade diversity impacted disease incidence, with medium shade systems (shade diversity 2-3) experiencing the highest disease impact (90%) compared to lower diversity systems (9%). Additionally, cocoa pod borer was identified as a significant pest, while cocoa pod rot emerged as a major disease. The study highlights the critical influence of specific agroforestry practices and shade diversity on managing cocoa pests and diseases in Bundibugyo
Non-Tree Woody Plant Species Composition and Structure. A Case Study of Gidabwanja Forest Reserve (GFR) in Hanang’i District, Northern Tanzania
Full text linkThe determination of non-tree woody plant species composition and structure was conducted at Gidabwanja Forest Reserve vegetation types in the Hanang'i district. Plots of 20 m x 20 m were established whereby shrubs and lianas were identified for their botanical names and counted for their individuals. RA and RD were calculated. A total of 40 non-tree woody plant species were identified during this study, and of those, 29 were shrubs, while 11 were woody climbers. Most non-tree woody plants were identified in bushland (34) followed by woodland (19), and the least number was recorded in shrubland. The calculated H′ at shrub land of 0. 352 implied low shrub and woody climbers diversity. The calculated mean H′ of 1.605 in woodland implied high diversity within this vegetation type. The calculated H′ mean of 1.607 from the overall total of 4.82 entails high diversity as the high H′ ranges from 3.5 ±1.5 or beyond but not exceeding H′ of 5 within the same growth forms of plants. The plant species with the highest RA is judged to be the most abundant within the specified locality. The plant species with the highest RD occupy the largest land size in the locality. The mean H′ of ≥1.5 of Gidabwanja Forest Reserve revealed high non-tree woody plant species. The non-tree woody plant species composition and structure are sampled in the established sample plots within the specified study area. Gidabwanja Forest Reserve has potential regarding vegetation species demanding high conservation attention. Further study is required to assess the conditions of all biological species in the Gidabwanja Forest Reserve and upgrade the forest reserve to a nature reserve, conservation awareness creation, and regular patrolling along the boundaries of the forest reserve
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Full text linkThe present study aimed at studying dynamics of land use land cover (LULC) in Buzwagi gold mine project by using remote sensing and GIS. The project is in the North East of Tanzania in Shinyanga region. The dynamics of the LULC was studied by using satellite images which were downloaded from United States Geological Survey (USGS) website. The satellite images used were of the years 1993 (which represents the study area before mining commenced), 2013 (which represents the study area during the operation phase) and 2023 (which represents the study area after closure of the mining activity). The images were classified by using unsupervised classification. The results showed that the vegetation cover decreased from 5887 hectares (61% of the total area) in 1993 (before the mining commenced) to 1531 hectares (approximately 16% of the total area) in 2013 (during the operation phase). On the other hand the built up area increased from 429 hectares (4.45% of the total area) in 1993 to 2673 hectares (27.75% of the total area) during the operation phase and the barren land increased from 2663 hectares (approximately 28% of the total area) in 1993 (before the mining activity commenced) to 4760 hectares (approximately 49% of the total area) during the operation phase. The transition between the operation phase and the post operation phase showed a decrease in the barren land from 4760 hectares (approximately 49% of the total area) to 3016 hectares (approximately 31% of the total area). On the other hand the built up area decreased from 2673 hectares (approximately 28% of the total area) to 2056 hectares (approximately 21% of the total area) during the transition. During the transition from operation phase to post operation phase the vegetation cover increased from 1531 hectares (approximately 16% of the total area) to 3455 hectares (approximately 36% of the total area). Based on the results obtained it was concluded that all vegetation, built up area and barren land showed significant change while water body did not show a significant cover change
Drivers of Anthropogenic Threats to Tree Species Volume, Diversity, and Plant Species Richness, Within the Vegetation Types of Mramba Forest Reserve in Mwanga District, Northern Tanzania
Full text linkPlant species evaluation is a panacea for a sustainable management plan of forest reserves. An assessment of anthropogenic threats to tree species volume, diversity, and plant species richness, at Mramba Forest Reserve was conducted in December 2022. Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information System (GIS) were used to mark the plots together with the available shape files to produce the map of the study area. Plots of 20 m x 20 m were established, and trees with a diameter ≥ 5cm were measured at 1.3 m from ground level. 2 m x 5 m nested plots were set to determine woody non-trees, and 1 m x 1m sub-plots for determining the non-woody plants. Anthropogenic threats were recorded. The described vegetation types were; dry montane forest, shrubland with emergent trees, bushland, woodland, and wooded grassland. The calculated volume per diameter class was the highest in the fewer stems but with the largest trunk diameter. The diameter class of >50 cm got the largest volume (m3) of all (36,420 m3), followed by the diameter class of ≤30 -≥20 cm (11,617.14 m3), ≤40 - ≥31 cm (8,448.42), ≤20 - ≥11 cm (3,727.31 m3), ≤10 - ≥5 (659.617 m3). The woodland got the largest volume (44,450.85 m3) with 58 tree species, followed by dry montane forest (11,976.89 m3) with 29 tree species, bushland (6,430.64 m3) with 56 species, and wooded grassland got the least volume (153.99 m3) with 4 species. This implied that the difference in volume was contributed by the differences in the diameter sizes, heights, and the number of the measured tree stems. A total of 245 plant species were recorded, and of those 102 were trees with H' of 4.0318 implying high diversity tree diversity for MRAFR. The non-tree woody plants richness (S) was 70, and the non-woody plants richness (S) was 73. The recorded anthropogenic threats to the tree species volume, and plant S of MRAFR were; firewood collection, livestock grazing, charcoal making, poles and rods cutting. MFR comprises high plant taxa of different growth forms disturbed by anthropogenic activities, thus calling for further studies, regular patrols, alternative sources of energy provision, awareness creation and cons education to the communit
Digital Workplace and Productivity: Evidence from Public Sector in Kenya
Full text linkThe digital workplace is a concept of how work is done while emphasizing the utilization of current technologies to enhance productivity, communication, and user satisfaction. Embracing the digital workplace is an important step toward improving service delivery in public sector entities. Public institutions in Kenya undeniably create a conducive environment for economic development. However, public sector productivity in Kenya remains a concern, hindering socio-economic transformation, global competitiveness, and job creation. There has been a long-term decline in overall productivity from 0.45 in 2009 to 0.40 in 2022 with both labor productivity and total factor productivity falling over several decades. Similarly, data showed that the productivity of government MDAs ranges from 45% - 65% which implies the existence of wastage in the majority of the MDAs assessed. It’s against this backdrop that this study assesses the effect of digital workplaces on the national productivity of public sector institutions. The study population included 433 state departments and agencies that have mainstreamed national productivity as provided by the National Productivity and Competitiveness Centre (NPCC). The unit of analysis of the study was 433 MDAs that had mainstreamed national productivity while the unit of the observations was Heads of departments of performance monitoring units in the MDAs. The formula adopted yielded a sample of 204 respondents from the target population. The study further established that digital workplace adoption was a significant driver of productivity, with the strongest direct effect among the digital dynamics components. The regression coefficient for the digital workplace was β = 0.859, p < 0.05, indicating a significant positive relationship. Public institutions that implemented digital workplace technologies, such as remote working platforms, collaborative tools, and digital communication channels, recorded better employee engagement and efficiency. Digital workplace innovations support a flexible and modernized work culture, critical for addressing emerging challenges such as remote operations and hybrid working arrangements
Assessing Knowledge and Understanding of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) among University Students in Uganda
Full text linkGenetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) have sparked intense global debate, and Uganda is no exception. With a significant agricultural sector, GMOs are a critical issue for Uganda’s economy and food security. However, limited research exists on university students' perceptions and attitudes towards GMOs. This study aimed to explore these perceptions, providing valuable insights for policymakers and educators. Specifically, it sought to determine students' knowledge and understanding of GMOs, identify their information sources, investigate their attitudes, and examine factors influencing the acceptance or rejection of GMOs. A cross-sectional study design employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches was used, with respondents selected across different departments to gather diverse opinions and enable comparison. This method offered flexibility and a deeper understanding of the students' perspectives. Findings revealed that university students possessed a moderate level of knowledge about GMOs, often informed by varied sources, and expressed concerns primarily related to potential health risks and environmental impacts. The study further revealed that university students’ perceptions are shaped by socio-economic factors, cultural beliefs, and information sources, with notable gaps in understanding scientific concepts and implications of GMOs, emphasizing the need for integrating GMO education into university curricula to promote critical thinking and informed decision-making. Overall, the study highlighted the level of awareness, knowledge gaps, concerns, and general acceptance trends regarding GMOs among Uganda’s university students. These insights emphasize the importance of targeted education and information dissemination to address misconceptions and guide informed discussions and policies among the youthful population in Uganda’s higher education institution
A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis of Probability Concepts: Research Methods and Frameworks
Full text linkThis study presents a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis focused on students' understanding of probability concepts, reflecting a growing interest in this area. It synthesises findings from 32 articles published between 2014 and 2023, selected through a structured search across multiple databases, including EBSCO, ERIC, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar. The analysis employed descriptive methods using Excel, examining various research approaches—qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods—alongside diverse research designs and data collection instruments. The results indicate that most research on probability concepts originates from Indonesia, Turkey, and the United States. Additionally, several theoretical and conceptual frameworks were identified as foundational in the reviewed studies. The authors believe this review will inform the development of systematic review procedures and enhance research designs and theoretical frameworks related to teaching probability concepts, ultimately improving students' conceptual understanding in this domain. This synthesis aims to provide a comprehensive overview that can guide future research and instructional strategies in probability educatio
Marketization of Humanitarian Work in the 21st Century: Balancing the Survival and Moral Imperatives for NGOs: A Case of Uganda Red Cross Society
Full text linkToday’s NGO is a large corporate undertaking in systems and structure in comparison to the early days of a small, humble, locally connected one with a clear vision and mission focus (Gibson, 2019). It is a big service provider dependent on funding from institutional donors rather than individuals or the public. It has elaborate structures for operations, procurement and supply chain management, public relations and communications, fund-raising and business development services (BDS), internal audit and accounting, human resources (HR), monitoring and evaluation, community engagement and feedback receipt, and implementation (Cooley and Ron, 2002; Gibson, 2019). It is staffed with thematic specialists who implement short-term niche complex programmes and projects with tight deliverables, budgets, and timelines. Its staff, while dedicated, suffer from dilemmas of balancing moral motivations and efficient implementation of discrete projects that they are assigned to implement, and the processes needed to operate large-scale undertakings (Gibson, 2019). This is, rather, rational behaviour in response to their existential pressures created by today's market conditions. This has created cracks in the heart of the NGO sector. Identity, mission, and public trust are being threatened by the resultant pressure as increased corporatization, enterprise culture, and principal-agent (P-A) relationships gain momentum in NGO operations (Salamon, 2003). NGOs need to preserve their values as they navigate the distinctiveness and survival imperatives. This article attempts to delve into how NGOs have attempted to balance these imperatives, drawing from an empirical review of the existing body of literature in the subject area and analysis of the set-up and operations of one large Relief Service NGO in Uganda - the Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS