ZEGU Journals Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University
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Leveraging social media to Enrich Biology Education: Insights from a Peri-urban Case Study
No full textThe integration of social media in biology education has advanced significantly, particularly in peri-urban settings. The study uses a mixed methods approach to assess the impact of social media on student participation, content, communication, assessment techniques, knowledge retention, inquiry-based and collaborative learning. The findings show that social media facilitated inclusive, interactive and collaborative learning experiences, accommodating students from diverse backgrounds. Technology-based platforms like Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, encourage peer-to-peer learning and foster a community of inquiry. Teachers report enhanced communication with students and parents, leading to increased support and appreciation for biology education. The research underscores the potential of social media as a transformative educational resource.
Agropolitan-based Area Development: Linking Rural Production Spaces to Urban Regional Markets
No full textTo integrate rural production areas with urban regional markets, this study investigates the idea of agropolitan-based area development. This approach\u27s possible advantages, difficulties and consequences for sustainable development are all examined. The study identifies important ideas and arguments around agropolitan development through a thorough examination of literature and case study analysis. The case studies of agropolitan-based area development in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Kenya and Brazil are employed and provide valuable insights into the practical implementation and outcomes of this concept. These case studies on agropolitan development highlight the diverse approaches, challenges and impacts of this concept in different contexts. These examples demonstrate the potential of agropolitan-based area development in enhancing rural-urban linkages, promoting economic growth and addressing social and environmental challenges. The results underline the necessity of integrated policies and approaches that close the gap between rural and urban areas, promote economic development and consider social and environmental issues
Urban Governance for Sustainable Housing Development in Gweru City, Zimbabwe
No full textUrbanisation is an unstoppable global phenomenon and it brings with it the challenge of providing sustainable housing for an everincreasing population. Cities in Zimbabwe, such as Gweru, face enormous challenges and opportunities when it comes to achieving sustainable housing development. This study aimed to investigate the role of urban governance in shaping the urban landscape and the challenges of urban governance in providing sustainable housing development. This study is important in thaturban governance is critical to the development of sustainable housing in cities. The article examines the implementation of urban governance strategies to address the housing needs of Gweru residents. The article utilised a comprehensive Urban Planning Sustainability Framework. It utilised a mixed method approach case study of the City of Gweru in Midlands Province of Zimbabwe. The findings were as follows, importance of sustainable housing development in promoting social equity, economic growth and environmental sustainability. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. The study recommends that the city should collaborate with non-governmental and international organisations to gain access to funding and technical expertise for housing development initiatives
The Efficacy of Incentives in Strengthening Corporate Governance Regulatory Frameworks in State-Owned Enterprises in Zimbabwe
No full textThe study examines the extent to which incentives strengthen the effect of the corporate governance regulatory framework on state-owned enterprises‘ (SOEs) performance. Little evidence exists about how to strengthen the corporate governance regulatory framework as prior studies focused more on the direct cause-effect link between corporate governance and organisational performance without bringing in the moderating effects of incentives on this relationship. The Agency Theory and the Stakeholder Approach underpins the study, complemented by Stewardship and Business Ethics Theories. Data was collected from 52 SOEs and covered 104 members of executive management,208 non-executive board members and 156 stakeholders (customers). Explanatory research design was used. Moderated multi-regression analysis was undertaken to analyse the quantitative data with the aid of SPSS. The study focuses on corporate governance within the existing regulatory framework, comprising the Constitution, the Public Entities Corporate Governance Ac, and SOEs‘ establishing acts and involved participants from boards, management and ministries who had served in their positions for at least three years. Despite these limitations, the representativeness of the sample size, as well as the rigour undertaken in terms of the analysis, validate the findings of this study. The study findings indicate that adherence to the corporate governance regulatory framework has a positive effect on the performance of SOEs. Incentives strengthen the relationship between compliance to the corporate governance framework and performance. The results from this study suggest the need for incentives for performance to strengthen the corporate governance regulatory framework and improve its effectiveness towards enhancing overall performance.
Financial Disclosure and Interpretation of Financial Results in Zimbabwe Stock Exchange Listed Companies
No full textThis research investigates the influence of financial disclosure on performance of the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange listed companies. Most literature sources are available on developed countries with a few on developing countries. A pragmatic philosophical approach involving the use of the exploratory, descriptive and explanatory research design was adopted to fully understand the research questions. Quantitative results were complimented by qualitative data obtained from interviews. In conducting the survey, a sample of 110 respondents was selected using the Krejice and Morgan (1970) sample estimation tables’. The targeted respondents included the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange listed companies. A scale structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Spearman coefficient and multiple regression analysis were used to analyse data with the aid of Social Package for Social Sciences (S.P.S.S). The Cronbach Alpha test was performed and all the values were greater than 0.7 and therefore accepted, (Nunnally and Beinstein, 1994). It was revealed that independent variables (level of disclosure and type of disclosure) have a positive influence on performance of listed companies according to the Spearman Correlation test which yielded a minimum correlation coefficient of 0.58 and a maximum of 0.78 leading to the rejection of proposed null hypothesis. Accordingly, this study concluded that the new International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), which are intended to promote greater disclosures, will contribute to the improvement of the companies\u27 financial performance. Consequently, the government should make sure that additional disclosures are issued through the various regulatory bodies so that investors may make informed judgments about whether or not to invest. This paper also suggests that, in addition to the legally required disclosures, any listed company that wishes to expand and achieve sustainable financial performance should make every effort to disclose all relevant information to investors in the financial report. The study contributed not only to literature on financial disclosure but filling the gap in literature, providing immense usage for these techniques
Project resilience relevant or a far-fetched concept in the context of zimbabwe‘s rural projects by ngos
No full textProject resilience ensures the continued existence and relevance of projects. It is a product of a variety of factors, thus a complex phenomenon that requires a systems approach to analysis. Little research exists on project resilience. For on-governmental organisations (NGOs) to remain relevant and essential, there is need for analysis of their projects using project resilience concepts. This article discusses the factors that affect project resilience in rural projects involving NGOs using a systems approach. It then suggests the Panarchy Model be used to do a project resilience analysis using three eco-cycles. After carrying out a narrative literature review. 35 articles were included in this study. A three-layered eco-cycle in the model is suggested with individual resilience at the bottom layer, community resilience in the middle layer and project resilience at the topmost layer. These layers have various players that interact in a cyclic manner. It was found that collaboration, knowledge generation, understanding the context and monitoring and evaluation are among key issues that ensure project resilience. It is recommended that NGOs partake in bottom-up collaboration with communities to inform their projects. Researchers are recommended to also do empirical studies to test the three-layered eco-cycle suggested for its relevance in practice
Social networks and the human factor perspective on rural development in Chimanimani District, ZimbabwE
No full textUplifting human factor principles is a sine qua non for rural development. However, severe human factor decay has become a reality in remote rural districts of Zimbabwe. Failure to network seems to be a paradox that needs to be unlocked. Networks are based on good relationships. Relations impact on science and any livelihoods programmes. Networks are the bedrock for trust. Trust is a resilience builder for that sustainability. Limited networks and the general low human factor as evidenced my mistrust, poor service delivery, corruption and poor communication, have led to stagnation or even regression of the development gains brought by political independence. The conclusions of this article are drawn from a study done in Chimanimani Rural District of Zimbabwe. Whilst councils are the nerve centres for rural development, their members are continuously failing to make most of the ongoing networking platforms at their disposal. Respondents were chosen conveniently and judgmentally. This study revealed very poor networking among community members and organisations operating in the district. The conclusions of this article arrived at reminding to “goingback-for-it” (sankofaism), thereby integrating globalised philosophies with African indigenous knowledge on leadership. Indeed, Chimanimani District has the capacity for growth and sustenance of the sa
Rural Community Resilience in Zimbabwe: The Gaps, Myths and Realities
No full textThe article explores various views and complexities of rural community resilience in Zimbabwe. Although rural communities are often praised for their resilience in the face of adversity; the complexity of this resilience is frequently misunderstood or oversimplified. The study employs a systematic review approach to ensure rigor, transparency and replicability in examining rural community resilience in Zimbabwe. The review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A set of inclusion and exclusion criteria guided the selection process. Peer-reviewed articles and reports focusing on rural resilience in Zimbabwe, particularly in the context of climate change, socio-economic challenges, governance, indigenous knowledge systems, gender dynamics and development interventions, are included. The article highlights the critical role of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in building rural community resilience in Zimbabwe. Although traditional knowledge is often overlooked in modern resilience building strategies, an integrated approach that combines both traditional and modern methods is essential for sustainable resilience building. Such an approach challenges common myths about rural communities suggesting that they are overly reliant on external aid yet, in essence, they have strong social networks and community solidarity which play a crucial role in enhancing resilience, demonstrating the significance of social capital in problem-solving and adaptation. Despite the importance of local knowledge and expertise, the literature indicates that rural community participation in disaster and climate resilience planning remains limited. Most strategies are designed and implemented by external stakeholders with minimal local involvement, threatening the long-term sustainability of resilience initiatives. To address this, the study recommends inclusive participation, ensuring that all stakeholders are actively involved in every stage, from problem identification to implementation and evaluation. Strengthening local ownership of resilience strategies is crucial to their success and sustainabilit
Rural Housing Re-examined for Resilience Enhancement in Zimbabwe
No full textThe current approach to rural housing in Zimbabwe requires revaluation to enhance resilience in the face of socio-economic and environmental challenges. The study assesses factors contributing to the vulnerability of rural housing and proposes strategies for resilience enhancement. A central question addressed is how rural housing can be made more resilient to withstand both current and future challenges. The study is anchored on two theories: the Sustainable Development Theory and the Resilience Theory, to provide a comprehensive framework for analysis. The study primarily relies on desk review, drawing from a wide range of literature, including books, policy documents and academic journals. Additionally, case studies are reviewed to provide empirical insights into the practical implications of housing strategies. The major finding of the study reveals that current rural housing practices in Zimbabwe lack adequate consideration for resilience factors, leading to increased vulnerability among rural communities. Consequently, the study concludes that integrating resilience principles into rural housing policies and practices is essential for sustainable development. Based on these findings, the study recommends the adoption of holistic approaches that consider socio-economic, environmental and cultural factors in rural housing development. Furthermore, it advocates for community engagement and capacity-building initiatives to foster resilience at the grassroots level
The Emerging Spatiality of Rural Settlement Patterns in Zimbabwe: A Critique
No full textThe study critically examines the geography of rural settlement patterns in Zimbabwe. The population of Zimbabwe remains, in spatial terms, largely rural, with most of the people living in areas that lack clear spatial planning. Zimbabwe has experienced unprecedented illegal sale of state land by land barons (commonly called, in colloquial vernacular parlance, Sabhuku deals), who exercise authority, be it traditional or state authority. The study problematises the lack of spatial planning and control of rural settlement development as Zimbabwe continues to experience unplanned development of settlements. The research adopts a qualitative research methodology as the approach best explains social facts without reducing them into codes and statistics. The research utilises a case-study research methodological design. It uses secondary information as a method of data collection, using journals and news reports. It utilises thematic data analysis. The research findings reveal that the geography of rural settlement patterns in Zimbabwe bears a colonial legacy, with nucleated rural designs being one of the colonial settlement patterns. The study shows that scattered rural settlement patterns in Zimbabwe are a result of the land reform programme that aimed to address colonial legacies in post-colonial Zimbabwe. The research concludes that the Zimbabwean rural settlement is an ambivalent balance between colonial legacies and post-colonial ambitions to address inequalities by creating scattered rural patterns to address nucleated settlements. The research recommends policies that address land barons and land use changes