ZEGU Journals Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University
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Creating an Innovative Graduate in Zimbabwe: A Curriculum Design Problem and Solution
No full textThere is a growing and general view in world scholarship that higher and tertiary education institutions (HTEIs) ought to produce innovative graduates commensurate with the evolving trends in technology. However, many HTEIs in developing countries, includ ing Zimbabwe, face challenges in fostering innovation in the teaching and learning landscape aimed at driving industrialisation. This article presents findings from a multiple case study rooted in Stake\u27s (1975) Responsive Curriculum Evaluation Model. Data were generated through document analysis and qualitative interviews with 10 university students and 10 lecturers from private and public universities. The study identified various factors contributing to the innovation gap among graduates from Zimbabwean universities, such as lecturers lacking innovation pedagogical skills, the absence of innovation programmes, inadequate resources, limited industry university linkages and adherence to traditional assessment criteria. To address these challenges, the study recommends proactive measures for HTEIs, including providing professional development opportunities for lecturers, introducing innovation modules and programmes, allocating more resources to innovation hubs, establishing industry partnerships for programm e development and skills exchange and transitioning from knowledge based assessments to skill based evaluation and assessment methods. The study contributes to the ongoing discourse on fostering the development of innovative and entrepreneurial graduates i n developing countries
Rural Master Planning In Zimbabwe: A New Paradigm For Change Or A New Window For Putting Pressure On The Rural Poor?
No full textThis study critically examines the implications of rural master planning in Zimbabwe, questioning whether it represents a new paradigm for positive change or merely exacerbates existing challenges and structural inequalities faced by the rural poor. The key argument of the study is that while rural master planning initiatives are often touted as instruments for rural development and progress, they can inadvertently marginalise and dispossess vulnerable rural populations. The aim of the study is to critically analyse the impact of rural master planning on the socio-economic dynamics of rural communities in Zimbabwe. Specifically, the study seeks to answer the question of whether rural master planning initiatives genuinely address the needs and aspirations of the rural poor or merely serve as mechanisms for exerting control and exploitation. The methodology employed in this study includes data collection through extensive literature review and analysis of policy documents related to rural planning in Zimbabwe. Additionally, qualitative textual analysis of relevant documents and reports was conducted to reveal underlying narratives and power dynamics. The study concludes that rural master planning in Zimbabwe often prioritises elite interests and fails to adequately consider the socio-economic realities of rural communities, leading to displacement, dispossession and exacerbated inequality. As such, the study recommends that rural planning initiatives should prioritise participatory approaches, community empowerment and equitable resource allocation to ensure genuine development and inclusivity in rural areas
Wakadzidzei, Wakadzidzepi, Wakadzidziswa Nani? Reconceptualising 21st Century University Education in Zimbabwe through Modular Learning Approach
No full textThe questions Wakadzidzei? Wakadzidzepi? Wakadzidziswa nani? are critical and essentially influence the activities and focus of many education systems. The introduction of modular learning not only facilitated education following the novel COVID19, but also answers these critical questions on what should matter at the end of any education, what skills and demonstratable knowledge a learner acquired through education, where he/she studied or who taught him/her. This qualitative research examines existing literature on modularisation in a bid to demonstrate the implications of the approach and how it should ideally be implemented vis-à-vis current practice as established through discussions with educators from different universities in Zimbabwe. Literature reveals that the goal of modularisation is theory-practice integration through the impartation of relevant skills and knowledge. The article concludes that challenges, including time constraints, lack of skills and sufficient knowledge among educators on teaching in modular instruction, render the educator poorly equipped for this approach and, in turn, render modularisation ineffective. When effectively and correctly implemented, the question Wakadzidzei? should be the main concern for all education stakeholders as opposed to individual institutions or educators
Health as a rural development matter How safe and secure are rural populations in Zimbabwe since 2000
No full textThis study provides a comprehensive overview of the intricate developmental nexus between health and rural development in Zimbabwe, specifically focusing on the safety and security of rural populations from the year 2000 to the present. The primary objective of this essay is to shed light on the challenges and opportunities that rural communities in Zimbabwe encounter concerning their health and wellbeing within the broader context of development initiatives. To achieve this, the study adopts a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative analysis of health indicators with qualitative investigations into the socio-economic factors influencing rural health. Quantitative data for the study is sourced from the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey, emphasising key health metrics such as contraceptive use, teenage pregnancies, sexual and gender-based violence, HIV&AIDS prevalence, and HIV testing. In tandem with this quantitative approach, qualitative data is collected through interviews and focus group discussions conducted in carefully selected rural communities. The combined findings of this research aim to contribute significantly to a nuanced and holistic understanding of health as a pivotal component of rural development in Zimbabwe. In rural areas, the levels of contraceptive use is slightly lower, at 63%, compared to urban areas, which stands at 71%. The level of HIV testing in rural areas is slightly lower, 35%, compared to the higher rate observed in urban areas, which stands at 38%. It is important to note a significant gender-based disparity, with higher HIV prevalence among women at 17% compared to men at 11%. In rural settings, the prevalence of sexual violence is higher, at 14%, compared to 13% in rural areas. The prevalence of physical violence is higher, at 35%, compared to the slightly lower rate observed in urban areas, which stands at 34%. The prevalence of malnutrition in children is higher in rural areas, at 29%, compared to 22% in urban areas, with the level of vaccination slightly lower in rural areas, at 75%, compared to the higher rate observed in urban areas, which stands at 81%. This research\u27s outcomes are expected to be valuable for policymakers, healthcare practitioners, and development agencies, providing evidence-based insights for formulating targeted interventions. The study recommends formulation of effective strategies that can improve the safety and security of rural communities in Zimbabwe
Rural Planning Missing link in fast-track Resettlement plots in Zimbabwe
No full textThe Fast-Track Land Reform Programme in Zimbabwe was undertaken to address the land question that the liberation struggle war had hitherto sought to use as a way of trying to correct the racial inequalities of resource distribution embedded in settler colonialism in Rhodesia. The land reform was undertaken mainly to address the poverty that was being faced by poor Zimbabweans in the erstwhile reserves who had limited access to productive agricultural land. Agriculture emerged as the key to poverty alleviation in Zimbabwe to lift most of the poor Zimbabweans and those who had returned from the war landless. The study critically explores how rural planning was not implemented in the resettlement process in Zimbabwe. The article examines the missing link in the Fast-Track Land Reform Programme in Zimbabwe as the government tried to resolve the inherent poverty in black African rural communities. The study used a qualitative methodology with a bias towards the case study design. The study concludes that the land reform has not realised its potential so far. This might be because it has a missing link that is it lacked rural planning. The study recommends the decentralisation of the resettlement process from the central government to the rural councils
Begging As A Livelihood Strategy A Case Of Street Children Of The Harare Central Business District In Zimbabwe
No full textThere is a dearth of academic studies on begging as a livelihood strategy among street children in the context of austerities. The article problematises begging as one of the livelihood strategies of street children of the Harare Central Business District (CBD) in the face of adversities, induced partly by austerity measures. A qualitative research methodology was adopted to generate data for this study. Resilience theory was adopted to analyse the realities of these children. Research findings suggest that the street children of the Harare Central Business District through begging. The article argues that younger children were more involved in begging as a livelihood strategy as compared to the older ones. The article concludes by lobbying and advocating for full implementation of child rights laws, policies and programmes to reduce risks associated with begging among these children
Lessons from Cyclone Idai for Effective Disaster Management in Chimanimani, Zimbabwe
No full textThis study proffers some practical and research-based recommendations to the identified disaster management bottlenecks and lays out solutions to enhance future community disaster management and resilience strategies. The research followed an exploratory sequential design, targeting various key stakeholders who took part in the Cyclone Idai disaster management. A sample size of 57 respondents was selected using purposive and cluster sampling methods. Data were collected through questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using the StatisticalPackage for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0, whereas qualitative data were analysed using the thematic content analysis. Findings indicated that incompetent governance and administrative systems, lack of coordination and weak enforcement contributed to vulnerability. Furthermore, the study revealed that gender insensitivity marginalised women in decision-making, inadequate training and limited access to early warnings, among others, had all compromised preparedness and disaster management of the Cyclone Idai in Chimanimani District. Therefore, recommendations proffered include: strengthening governance, addressing poverty and inequalities, integrating gendersensitive approaches, enhancing training of community members and local authorities, improving communication and early warning systems and establishing well-equipped safety centres
The Role of Technology in Evidence Gathering for Cases of Fraud Case of Bulawayo Central Business District, Zimbabwe
No full textThis article discusses the role of technology in evidence gathering for cases of fraud, drawing reference from the Bulawayo Central Business District (CBD) in Zimbabwe. The research was inspired by the continued and endless occurrence of a plethora of scandalous fraud cases in the Bulawayo CBD. A mixed-method approach was adopted with a pragmatic philosophy. The approach gave inductive and deductive reasoning to conclude the relationship between technology and fraud. In this view, an exploratory design was used. The target population was mainly police officers and magistrates in the Bulawayo CBD. A questionnaire was used as an instrument to gather data, whilst Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for data analysis. Research results revealed that there is a positive relationship between the use of technology and the detection and prevention of fraud cases in the Bulawayo CBD. It was also established that fraudulent activities in the Bulawayo CBD encompassed both direct and indirect forms and the most prevalent fraud activities emanated from e-banking and were committed mostly by employees. The study recommends that there a need to continually train law enforcement agents, judicial officials and company staff on the use of technological tools and ways of detecting the current modus operandi of criminals about fraud-related activities
Changes in the Data and Information Systems in Zimbabwe: Lessons from Legislation and Policy Post 2018
No full textWhile freedom to access and dissemination of information and data are critical pillars of effective communication and data transparency, there is, however, consensus that people of capable age and competent understanding are not completely free to access data and information, sensitive or not, due to the overriding principle of data protection. This article critically explores the changes that have occurred in Zimbabwe\u27s data and information cycles and how the changes of rules and regulations have been of immense benefit to the country\u27s socio-economic and political advancement. Furthermore, it traces the changes in data and information systems in Zimbabwe. This article is alive to the fact that the legislature has made strides in amending section 162 of the Criminal Law Codification (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23), to provide clarity on issues to do with the procedure regarding the collection of evidence, illegal data collection and procedure for the admissibility of electronic evidence. For data collection, the study used qualitative data and textual analysis. Further, the article unpacks the changes that have occurred and provides a critical analysis on whether there is an inherent alignment with the Constitution of Zimbabwe (2013). This article provides and recommends effective ways Zimbabwe needs to implement towards data and information protection and ascertain whether the protection of sensitive data or not will not affect the freedom to access of information
Digitalisation of Financial Services and its Impact on the Relationship between Microfinance Institutions and their Clients in Zimbabwe
No full textThis article presents the impact of financial service digitalisation on the relationship between microfinance institutions and their customers. The study reveals challenges currently faced from digitalisation of financial services and clients‘ readiness for a full digitalisation of financial services. The rate of technological advancement in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) left microfinance institutions without an option but to embrace digital financial technology to allow their clients to enjoy financial services without visiting banking halls. The impact of financial services digitisation on the relationship between microfinance institutions and their clients remains a topic of controversy that has been inconclusive in the scholarly discourse. To contribute to this ongoing debate, this research adopted a mixed method approach in which a sample of 110 microfinance clients were selected through convenience sampling for responding to questionnaires, while 10 loan officers and 10 microfinance clients were chosen through convenience sampling for responding to interview questions. Findings of the study reveal that some clients are not yet ready for full digitalisation but, rather, for a blended approach where traditional banking runs in tandem with digital financial services. The study also establishes that digitalisation of financial services positively affects the relationship between microfinance institutions and their clients, However, microfinance institutions need to use the blended approach. The study recommends microfinance managers to allow the existence of traditional banking and digital financial technology side by side. Financial education is also the need of the hour if majority of microfinance clients are to adopt digital financial services