ZEGU Journals Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University
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Project Resilience: relevant or a far-fetched concept in the context of Zimbabwe\u27s Rural Projects by NGOs?
No full textProject resilience ensures the continued existence and relevance ofprojects. It is a product of a variety of factors, thus a complexphenomenon that requires a systems approach to analysis. Little researchexists on project resilience. For on-governmental organisations (NGOs) toremain relevant and essential, there is need for analysis of their projectsusing project resilience concepts. This article discusses the factors thataffect project resilience in rural projects involving NGOs using a systemsapproach. It then suggests the Panarchy Model be used to do a projectresilience analysis using three eco-cycles. After carrying out a narrativeliterature review. 35 articles were included in this study. A three-layeredeco-cycle in the model is suggested with individual resilience at thebottom layer, community resilience in the middle layer and projectresilience at the topmost layer. These layers have various players thatinteract in a cyclic manner. It was found that collaboration, knowledgegeneration, understanding the context and monitoring and evaluation areamong key issues that ensure project resilience. It is recommended thaNGOs partake in bottom-up collaboration with communities to informtheir projects. Researchers are recommended to also do empirical studiesto test the three-layered eco-cycle suggested for its relevance in practice
Perceptions of Villagers on Traditional Food Crops Production in Response to Climate Change in Bocha Village, Manicaland Province, Zimbabwe
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 o experimentation and innovation in all aspects of life. A sample of 10 was drawn using purposive sampling. Data was gathered using semi structured 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 drought tolerant and climate mitigation potential produced using indigenous knowledge systems. They also reduce poverty through commercial and nutritional benefits derived from their processing
Academic Performance among Girls in Rural Chiredzi District, Zimbabwe: Reasons and Interventions in Addressing Poor Results
No full textGlobal trends on academic performance show that overall, girls outperform boys at primary and secondary school levels. Some have attributed this to affirmative action policies and practices. Even the Zimbabwe Schools Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) reports show similar trends for over 10 years up to 2023. Surprisingly, the trend was different in Chiredzi rural primary schools, thus compelling the study ingrained in the feminist lens, to establish the reasons for the discrepancy with the view for corrective interventions. Drawing from the documented school-based and public Grade Seven academic results from 2020 to 2023 and the girls’ academic records, a qualitative case study constituting two school heads and four of teachers, girls and schools parent board members equitably selected from two primary schools was instituted for face-to-face interviews. The thematic content analysis shows ethnicity, gendered teacher deployment, negative effects of the donor community involvement in girl child socialisation and maternal parent emigration as the major reasons for the poor academic performance among the girls in Chiredzi. School community based donor activities regulatory framework, community resocialisation on migration and gender rights, streamlining of gender in teacher deployment and site-based evaluation of gender policies and practices, are recommended
A Model for Harnessing Financial Intelligence Systems for Money Laundering Prevention: A Systematic Review of Technological and Regulatory Approaches
No full textThe study aims to develop a comprehensive model for harnessing financial intelligence systems to prevent money laundering in Zimbabwe. It systematically reviews the technological and regulatory approaches employed within the country‘s anti-money laundering framework, focusing on key challenges such as economic instability and regulatory deficiencies. The methodology involves a detailed analysis of both technological tools (such as transaction monitoring systems and data analytics) and regulatory measures (including compliance requirements and enforcement mechanisms). Stakeholders were selected based on their involvement in anti-money laundering (AML) efforts, with criteria including their roles in regulatory authorities, financial institutions, law enforcement agencies and technology providers. The study targeted 40 stakeholders involved in anti-money laundering efforts in Harare, the capital city and utilised random sampling to select participants from various sectors. Ultimately, 32 respondents contribute to the research. The findings highlight significant issues, with regulatory deficiencies such as inconsistent enforcement of laws and lack of clear guidelines and economic instability, including hyperinflation and currency volatility, identified as the most pressing challenges. Recommendations include the integration of advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, comprehensive training programmes for stakeholders and centralised information sharing to improve collaboration. The study underscores the need for an integrated model that enhances regulatory frameworks, technological infrastructure and institutional capacity to effectively combat money laundering in Zimbabwe
Environmental Impacts of Unutilised Fly Ash and its Potential Utilisation for Soil Productivity and Food Security
No full textThe combustion of coal during thermal electricity generation produces huge volumes of fly ash solid waste. The disposal and storage of dry fly ash in the environment have resulted in high nutrient concentration levels becoming toxic to humans, air, soil and water environments. Soil nutrient deficiency is limiting sustainable food productivity with soil nutrient deficiencies and limited access to fertilizers or biological options aggravating the predicament of hunger. This study focused on assessing the environmental impacts of fly ash and its potential utilisation in crop production. The study was conducted at Harare Power Station (170 50‘ S and 310 1‘ E) and Harare Experimental Station (170 49‘S and 31o2 ‘ E). Mixed research methods were used. To unearth the environmental impacts of fly ash qualitative research approach guided by the interpretivism paradigm was applied. Purposive sampling of six key informants was implemented and data was gathered using in-depth and semi-structured interviews. Thematic content analysis was used to analyse the data. To evaluate the potential utilisation of fly ash for sustainable crop production, laboratory analysis of the physical and nutrient composition of fly ash was undertaken. To evaluate the effects of fly ash on tomato, cucumber and rape crops, a field experiment was set up. A Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five treatments, replicated three times, was implemented on each of the crops. The analysis of variance was used for analysing the results. Results showed that dumped and stored fly ash caused air pollution, groundwater contamination, human health effects and soil pollution. Fly ash can potentially be used in crop production to control soil-borne pests and diseases and improve the physical and nutrient characteristics of soil for improved crop yields. The application of fly ash had a significant effect (P<0.05) on the growth and yield of tomatoes, cucumbers and rape. The highest yields were realised at 25% fly ash soil concentration, while 100% fly ash was toxic. >
Editorial: Insights into Science, Technology and Societal Advancement
No full textThe article seeks to explain the meaning and understanding of Oikos within the science, technology and advancement in Zimbabwe. It is derived from ‗oikos’, a Greek word which means different things to different people depending on the context, environment, cultural context and country. A desktop review and contextual and textual analysis were used. There is a need for education in universities to advance and enhance science and technology in the global future. It argues that there is a need for innovation and a good behaviour relationship between African youth and technology in the 21st century
A Review on Territorial Development Planning: Putting the Great Zimbabwe World Heritage Site into Perspective
No full textCultural heritage stands as a vital driver for sustainable development in the 21st century, embodying historical, symbolic and socio-economic values. This literature review scrutinises the Territorial Development Plan for the Great Zimbabwe World Heritage Site Area, examining the convergence of heritage conservation and local socio-economic development. Through an extensive review of literature from diverse sources, including books, journals, Google Scholar and government policy documents, this study employs textual analysis to elucidate the relationship between heritage policies and urban planning. The analysis reveals a paradigm shift in recognising heritage as a key contributor to national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and a catalyst for sustainable economic progress. The study highlights the necessity of addressing legal gaps and ambiguities to safeguard tangible and intangible aspects of Zimbabwe\u27s cultural legacy. It draws valuable lessons from global, regional and local perspectives, emphasising the integration of heritage policies into urban planning as crucial for fostering global resilience and sustainable development. Major recommendations include collaborative efforts on local, national and international fronts to integrate heritage policies into urban planning, ensuring equitable growth and preservation of cultural identity. The conclusion underscores the intricate relationship between cultural preservation and sustainable development, advocating a holistic and inclusive approach
Succession Planning in International Humanitarian Organisations in South Sudan
No full textThe article explores succession planning in international humanitarian organisations in South Sudan, as succession planning is central to business continuity. For organisations to function successfully and sustainably, there is need for a clear leadership succession plan wherein the incumbent prepares their replacement by imparting the knowledge and vision of the organisation. Business leadership was used as the conceptual framework guiding the study. The study utilised a qualitative methodology with a bias towards the descriptive research design. Purposive sampling was used as a sampling method. The study used in-depth interviews and narrative data analysis for data collection. A review of the literature was drawn from facts from books, journal articles and policy documents. For data analysis, the study used textual analysis. The study found that humanitarian organisations use the identification of pivotal positions to plan succession. The findings show that humanitarian organisations use a system of assessing job performance for planning succession. The study indicated that humanitarian organisations utilise strategic leadership development to plan succession
Geospatial Intelligence : A Panacea to the Mozambique-Zimbabwe Border Insecurity?
No full textThe study critically examines the efficacy of geospatial intelligence (GEOINT) on bilateral cross-border governance, focusing primarily on the Nyamapanda Border, a border separating Mozambique and Zimbabwe to the North-Eastern, as a case study grounding the study. The central thrust informing the study stems from the background that, despite an Integrated Border management (IBM) framework involving many security details and other organisations, the proliferation of unwanted goods, substances and humans has exposed the porosity of the border. The missing nexus or link is the critical role that GEOINT could play in the improved securitisation of the border. The main thread of argument that informs and grounds the study is premised on the following inquiry to the effect that since GEOINT has been employed in other regions such as the Mexico-USA border with significant success, could it also be adopted in the existing local IBM for improved securitisation of the border? The study contemplates a perspective of what constitutes an effective and efficient model of border management. In constructing and conceptualising the tropes of the article, a mixed research paradigm or approach was employed, where data were first gleaned through indrepth interviews, followed by questionnaire responses in line with the sequential exploratory design of mixed methods. The study brought to the fore the fact that insignificant progress had been made to implement GEOINT at the Nyamapanda Border. The perceived benefits of GEOINT implementation were realised to revolve around reduced border management costs and improved securitisation intelligence. The pivotal recommendation arising from the study is that, to effectively implement GEOINT, there is need for the government to align its border management policies with those from the region and at bilateral level and there is also need for harmonisation of such with Mozambique. The training and resourcing of border agencies and the co-optation of the border communities are a priority that and enhance the efficacy of GEOINT
Decent Work Job Security And Performance In Manufacturing Small To Medium Enterprises In Mashonaland West Province Zimbabwe
No full textSmall to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) dominate both developed and developing economies in terms of employment creation and number of companies, yet their full potential remains untapped. The study is aimed at assessing the moderating role of decent work on job security and the performance of manufacturing SMEs in Mashonaland West Province of Zimbabwe. The study is guided by Positivism Research Philosophy. Structured questionnaires were used to collect quantitative from 50 respondents. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and correlations. It was established from the main study findings that there is a positive relationship between job security and performance of retail SMEs. Study findings show that job security plays a crucial role in fostering a culture of innovation and creativity within manufacturing SMEs. When employees feel secure in their positions, they are more likely to take risks, think outside the box and propose new ideas without fear of negative consequences. The study also reveals that decent work practices, including job security, have a positive impact on employee engagement. When employees feel secure in their jobs, they are more likely to be emotionally invested in their work and feel a sense of ownership and commitment to the organisation\u27s goals. Engaged employees are known to be more productive, innovative and willing to contribute their discretionary effort, significantly enhancing the performance of SMEs. The study discovered that manufacturing SMEs that prioritise decent work practices, including job security, build a positive reputation as socially responsible employers. Such organisations tend to attract and retain quality talent, enjoy better relationships with stakeholders and gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. This positive reputation can further enhance the performance of the SME. The recommendation proffered by the study is that government should provide the necessary support such as decent work policies that enhance manufacturing SMEs productivity