ZEGU Journals Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University
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Exploring Rural Women’s Livelihood Resilience Strategies: Impacts of the 2023/2024 El Niño-Induced Drought in Zimbabwe: A Case of Mutawatawa in Mashonaland Province, Zimbabwe
No full textThe 2023/2024 El Niño-induced drought in Zimbabwe exacerbated food insecurity, water scarcity and economic instability, with rural women disproportionately affected due to their reliance on agriculture and natural resources for survival. Climate change disproportionately impacts rural communities, with women often bearing the brunt of its effects due to their reliance on natural resources and limited access to adaptive and resilient capacities. Disaster events; both of natural origin and human-made, result in a significant number of forced temporary evacuations and permanent internal and international displacement. The study was conducted in Mutawatawa of Mashonaland East Province, one of Zimbabwe\u27s driest regions. This study assesses rural women’s livelihood resilience strategies after the 2023/2024 El Niño--induced drought. This study adopts a qualitative research paradigm and a case study design. Fifteen participants were selected using purposive sampling. Focus group discussions (FDGs), interviews and observations were carried out in the area to gather data on the livelihood resilient strategies adopted by rural women of Mutawatawa. Random sampling and face-to-face interviews were carried out. The research reveals that rural women living in Mutawatawa are vulnerable to food insecurity due to the effects of the 2023/2024 El Niño-induced drought. The local livelihoods show high vulnerability to climate change due to notable low adaptive capacity, affecting women mainly. The high level of vulnerability to changing climate is exposing the study population to increased prevalence of poverty, crop and livestock failure, food insecurity, malnutrition, disease and rural-urban migration, among other impacts
The Impact of Natural Language Processing in Enhancing Customer Experience in the Banking Industry of Zimbabwe
No full textThis study investigates the impact of Natural Language Processing (NLP) on enhancing customer experience within the Zimbabwean banking industry. Employing a mixed-methods approach with a survey of 385 customers and interviews with bank officials, the research assesses the adoption, effectiveness and challenges of NLP technologies like chatbots and virtual assistants. Quantitative results indicate that NLP users reported significantly higher customer satisfaction scores and a 30% improvement in response times, compared to non-users, demonstrating NLP\u27s efficacy in streamlining service delivery. However, first-contact resolution rates remained similar between groups, suggesting complex issues still require human intervention. Qualitative findings reveal significant implementation barriers, including high costs, a shortage of skilled personnel and integration challenges with legacy systems. Despite these hurdles, the study concludes that NLP holds substantial potential for improving operational efficiency and customer engagement in Zimbabwe. It recommends strategic investments in localized NLP solutions, capacity building and supportive policy frameworks to overcome existing challenges and fully leverage NLP for financial inclusion and competitive advantage in an evolving digital landscape
The Role of Peace Education on Reconciliation in Zimbabwe
No full textThis study focuses on the role of peace education in the reconciliation of divided societies and seeks to establish the influence of reconciliation education on the attainment of the coexistence of divided societies due to politically motivated violence. The study seeks to unearth the role of peace education in a divided society; the extent to which peace education has contributed to the reconciliation of polarised societies in the country; and the best approach to bring closure to societies that have experienced politically motivated violence in Zimbabwe. The inductive research approach, qualitative paradigm and case study design were used in this study. In-depth interviews were conducted with participants drawn from the Harare Urban District. The study established that peace education, theoretically, has a constructive role in the reconciliation of divided societies; However, because of partisan dissemination, it has, inadvertently, assumed a divisive role. The study further established that not much has been done through peace education to promote reconciliation owing to the lack of a universal curriculum and the failure to implement peace education from primary to university level education. In addition, the study notes that non-formal peace education was not being monitored, thus political parties, civil society organisations (CSOs) and faith-based organisations (FBOs) were abusing it for different agendas
Critic of The Role Played by the Social Development Approach to the Promotion of Human Rights at the Global Level
No full textTraditional models of development have been criticised as they did not consider the issues related to security rights, legal rights, political rights and cultural rights as major aspects which contribute to socio-economic development and sustainable development of developing and developed countries. Development is a concept and a multifaceted phenomenon. It involves social, political and economic progress facilitated by quick technological evolution. Todaro (2012: 261) argues that development is a multidimensional process involving the re-organisation and re-orientation of entire economic and social systems. Various models have been put forward trying to define and shape development at a global level. Some are classical, while others are contemporary. Traditional models of development include the Linear Stages Growth model influenced by the writings of Harold Domar and W. Rostow in the 1950s, Modernisation Theory and dependency theories. These models emphasize development along economic lines where attention is given to increased savings, economic investment and acquisition of appropriate technology that leads to structural transformation of the economy and production. The article, therefore, seeks to argue on the contention that traditional models of development have long been criticised for lack of attention to human rights and inadvertently contributing to human rights violations (Androff, 2006). This contention is examined with reference to the role played by the Social Development Approach (SDA) to the promotion of human rights in Zimbabw
Factors Influencing The Adaption Of Succession Planning In Manufacturing Small To Medium Enterprises In Harare Metropolitan Province Zimbabwe
No full textThe study seeks to assess the factors that influence the adoption of succession planning decisions in manufacturing small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in Harare Metropolitan Province. The study used the mixed method research method. Pragmatism research philosophy was used in this study as it incorporates the use of mixed methods. The study was underpinned by the Leadership Model Succession Theory. The study sample size was 53 respondents taken from a population of 60. The Raosoft sample size calculator was used to come up with sample size with a 5% margin of error and 95% confidence level. Structured questionnaires and and interview guide were used to solicit data. Quantitative data were uploaded on SPSS Version 21 and analysed using inferential statistics. Qualitative data were also analysed thematically and graphically presented in cloud format using NVIVO version 29. Major findings of the study identify the relationship between succession planning and the performance of manufacturing SMEs in Zimbabwe. Major findings of the study identify owner\u27s age, education, structure and size. The availability of financial resources exerts discernible influence on the trajectory of succession planning for SMEs in Zimbabwe. Management succession planning is critical for manufacturing SMEs to enhance performance. Longitudinal study is needed for effective leadership constructs on governance of SMEs to achieve needed performance in Zimbabwe
Emotional Intelligence (Ei) and Employee Turnover Intentions in Family Owned Businesses in Harare Metropolitan Province Zimbabwe
No full textEmotional Intelligence (EI) is a psychological factor which can increase employee‘s ability and performance. Highly Emotional Intelligent employees are able to produce good quality products and services at their work environment. There is a dearth of information on EI and turnover intentions (TI) of employees in family-owned business in Zimbabwe which this qualitative study seeks to address. However, the purpose of this research is to analyse the relationship of EI and TIs of employees in small businesses. Through purposive sampling, 20 participants were scheduled to be interviewed to solicit data. However, of the selected participants, only 10 interviews were successfully conducted. Conversely, data was analysed and presented thematically. Findings indicate that employees with high EI may properly balance the relationship between work and family and reduce job burnout, thus resulting in less TI. The findings show that EI improves employee engagement, leading to lower absenteeism, higher productivity and a decrease in employee turnover. The study also has some theoretical implications regarding employees‘ perception of EI. Further study needs to be done on EI and leadership commitment in small businesses in Zimbabwe
Perceptions of villagers on traditional food crops production in response to climate change in Bocha village, Manicaland province
No full textBased on the qualitative approach, this research highlights an assessment of the perceptions of villagers on traditional food crop production in response to climate change. The study was inspired by the need to unearth views on traditional food crop production, how they are produced in the wake of climate change and the mitigation measures they employ to ensure food security and poverty reduction. The study was undertaken in Bocha Village in the Manicaland Province of Zimbabwe. The Indigenous Knowledge (IK) theoretical framework used hypothesised ways of knowing, seeing and thinking, passed down orally from generation to generation and that reflect thousands of years of experimentation and innovation in all aspects of life. A sample of 10 was drawn using purposive sampling. Data was gathered using semistructured interviews and focus group discussions with participants. Findings were thematically presented. The study revealed that villagers view traditional food crops as food security commodities with droughttolerant and climate mitigation potential produced using indigenous knowledge systems. They also reduce poverty through commercial and nutritional benefits derived from their processin
Who Makes a Good Ward Councillor The Ongoing Debate on The Local Government System in Zimbabwe
No full textThis article examines the role of councillors as overseers, representatives of the electorate and policy-makers in Zimbabwe’surban local authorities using document analysis and key informant interviews with local government experts and former ward councillors. The study unpacks the criteria set in legislation and the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (Number 20) Act of 2013, examines the role of councillors within local authorities, the residents’ expectations of ward councillors and concludes with debates on the minimum educational requirements for councillors. Councillors play three critical roles, those of policy-making, representation and oversight, as well as facilitating community development within their respective wards. The study scrutinises the criteria required for one to effectively deliver in their role as ward councillor. To have an appreciation of the functions of a councillor and the criteria needed to be more effective and efficient, the article highlights the key functions of the local authority as the institution through which councillors conduct their work to meet social service delivery needs of the citizen
The Role of Financial Intelligence Units in Zimbabwe: A Study on Combating Money Laundering Using the Financial Action Task Force Recommendations Implementation Model
No full textThis quantitative study examines the role of Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs) in Zimbabwe in combating money laundering, using the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations Implementation Model. A survey of 40 stakeholders involved in anti-money laundering efforts yielded 38 responses, analysed through regression analysis to identify key factors influencing FIU effectiveness. The findings reveal significant challenges, including regulatory deficiencies such as gaps in legal frameworks and inconsistent enforcement economic instability and inadequate resources, which limit operational capacity. For instance, outdated legislation hinders effective monitoring and reporting of suspicious transactions. The study concludes that strengthening the regulatory framework, enhancing resources and improving international cooperation are critical to FIU effectiveness. A comprehensive model, the Zimbabwe Financial Intelligence Unit Enhancement Model (ZFIUEM), was developed, integrating regulatory enhancements, resource optimisation and international cooperation. The implications for policy-makers and financial institutions are profound: policy-makers should prioritise robust regulatory frameworks to keep pace with evolving money laundering techniques, while financial institutions are encouraged to invest in training and resources to enhance compliance capabilities. Strengthening collaboration between FIUs and international bodies will facilitate information sharing and improve responsiveness to global money laundering threats, ultimately fostering a more resilient financial system in Zimbabwe
Pandemic Within A Pandemic Genderbased Violence Experiences Of Women In Marondera Urban (2020- 2021), Mashonaland East, Zimbabwe
No full textThis article is a pilot study that is part of broader research on genderbased violence (GBV) during the COVID-19 pandemic in theMarondera Urban District. Women in Marondera Urban have been onthe receiving end of GBV from time immemorial. However, theproblem appears to have increased during the COVID-19-inducedlockdown in Marondera from April 2020 to February 2021. Physical,social, sexual and economic abuse were the most common forms ofviolence in Marondera urban. Using the Broken Windows Theory, thisstudy is premised on the sad reality that GBV continues unabated inthe 21st century with the pandemic worsening the situation. This is aqualitative study where eight participants were purposively selected.Face-to-face interviews were conducted with the eight participants.The findings indicated that before the COVID-19 pandemic, GBV wasalready high, however, the situation further deteriorated during theCOVID-19-induced lockdowns as couples were confined at home mostof the time.