National Research Database of Zimbabwe
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The effectiveness of funding strategies for non profit making institutions: a case study of CG Msipa scholarship Trust
No full textThis study focuses on the effectiveness of fundraising strategies for not for profit social welfare organizations using the CG Msipa Scholarship as a case study. Literature on fundraising strategies for not for profit strategies was reviewed in order to identify the gap in theory and practice this study would address. The literature was extracted from textbooks and journals. Data was collected from trustees and administrator of the CG Msipa Scholarship Trust through the use of questionnaires and structured interviews. The collected data was analyzed, interpreted and presented using narratives, tables and pie charts. The study revealed that the strategies currently employed by CG Msipa Scholarship Trust to raise resources to support its objectives are ad hoc and are not very effective. The researcher recommends that the CG Msipa Scholarship Trust formulates a written and well researched fund raising plan not only to guide the trustees and administrators in fundraising initiatives but will also go a long way in developing very strong relationships with existing and prospective donors
Estimation of evapotranspiration and its relationship to land use and water resources in Lufumi Catchment, Kinshasa, D.R.Congo.
No full textThis study was carried out in an ungauged catchment of the lower Congo River basin, with the overall objective of deriving useful data in support of water resources management practices. Specifically, the study aims to generate and validate remotely sensed water resources data at the catchment level; use this data and assess spatial and temporal changes in water resources and land use at the catchment level; and assess the relationship between the catchment evapotranspiration and varying types of land use. The methodology used in this study consisted of delineation of the catchment, extraction of water resources data from remote sensing products such GLDAS, CHIRPS, for rainfall and GLDAS, MOD16, and FEWS NET for evapotranspiration. The study used empirical approaches such as the Turc method to validate remote sensing evapotranspiration products and Soil Conservation Service Curve Number method to compute runoff of the catchment. Rainfall from the ground were used to validate remote sensing rainfall products. The supervised classification method and Maximum Likelihood Algorithm were used for the classification of land use land cover. The supervised classification was validated using the overall accuracy and Kappa coefficient equations. It was observed that the remote sensing rainfall products were strongly correlated to ground measurement at the catchment level (r=0.870) with p-value0.05. In general, there was an increase in areas covered by cultivation p-value<0.05 and settlement and bare land but statistically insignificant for p-value<0.05. The decrease in the area covered by savanna p-value<0.05, forest p-value<0.05, and water and marshy p-value<0.05. The overall accuracy of classification was found to be 73% and Kappa coefficient 68%. The study shows that the increase in cultivated areas led to increases of actual evapotranspiration. The reduction of forest and savanna areas contribute to the reduction of actual evapotranspiration in those areas. This led to the reduction of moisture supply into the atmosphere and reduce local rainfall at the catchment level. It was seen that settlement and bare land areas increased, but the actual evapotranspiration was still increased as well, this can be put on the back of increased evaporation from the soil. It can be realised that land use practices have limited impact on actual evapotranspiration. This study reveals that the change in actual evapotranspiration for the Lufumi catchment is more related to hydro-meteorological parameters than observed rates of changes in land use and land cover.,WaterNe
Integration of physicochemical assessment of water quality with remote sensing techniques for the Dikgathong Damin Botswana.
No full textWater quality has become a global concern due to ever increasing population and developmental activities that are polluting water resources. Botswana’s water resources are threatened by various pollution sources such as agricultural runoff, industrial and domestic effluents.This study was carried out to assess the water quality of Dikgathong Dam in Botswana using physicochemical analysis of water quality parameters and remote sensing techniques.The study first assessed landuse patternsbefore construction (2010) and after construction (2015) to establish dominant landuse inorder to select water quality parameters related to the principal landuse in the catchment. Images for 2010 and 2015 were acquired from Landsat and were classified using the supervised classification through the Maximum Likelihood algorithm. Results showed that forest and shrubs were the dominant landuse covering 73.7 % of the total area, followed by settlements (21.1 %) and agricultural fields (2.76 %).Chl_a, COD, EC, TP, TN, TSS, NO3 and NO2 were selected for testing and analysis based on their relationship with forest, settlements and agricultural fields.For assessment of water quality, ten points were sampled in the dam from 15th January to 07th April 2016. Temperature,pH, EC, COD, TDS, TSS, turbidity, chloride, nitrates, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulphates, phosphates, total phosphorus, alkalinity, hardness and algae were tested and analysedaccording to standard methods. Only COD, turbidity and TSSexceededthe limits set by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)surface water standards of 2001, making Dikgathong Dam slightly polluted.One way ANOVA showed significant variations (p<0.05) between water quality values in all sampling points only for NO3, SO4, pH, algae and Na. Five different groups of sites were identified from ten sites using cluster analysis.The principal component analysis identified ten parameters (COD, EC, turbidity, TSS, Ca, Mg, NO3, SO4, total hardness and alkalinity)based on similarities of water quality characteristics. The Water Utilities Corporation, which is responsible for the dam,can therefore monitor water quality at five points focusing mainly on ten parametersfound to be principal. This study also investigated the likelihood of integrating remote sensing and in-situ measurements to assess the water quality status of the dam. Quasi analytical algorithms andMODIS datawere used to quantify Chl_aand TSS concentrations in the dam. Values forChl_awerebetween 1.74and 24.4 mg/m3, whileTSS ranged from 2.34 mg/l to 59.2 mg/l. Based on chlorophyll concentrations thedam can be classified as both oligotrophic and mesotrophic as per the EPA 2001 standard.The QAA and MODIS can therefore be deployed as a mechanism for near real time monitoring of water quality in Botswana reservoirs.Spearman’s correlation was used to test whether satellite retrieved water quality parameters relate to in-situ measurements.Strong positive significant correlation was observed between chl_a and turbidity (r=0.794 and 0.830), TSS (r = 0.819 and 0.770), SO4 COD (r=0.781 and 0.769).), SO4 (r= 0.851 and 0.646) and alkalinity (r= 0.847). Moderate positive and non-significant relationship is observed for temp (r= 0.055), pH (r= 0.587), EC (r= 0.409), TDS (r=0.348), Na (r= 0.406) and Cl (r= 0.394).Strong positive and significant correlation was observed between remote sensing retrieved TSSand in-situ measured TSS (r= 0.733) andturbidity (r= 0.867).This study concludes that there is strong positive correlation between parameters retrieved through remote sensing and in-situ measurements and therefore can be used in monitoring and assessment of the water quality in the lake at any point in time.,WaterNe
Avocado seed starch and carboxymethyl cellulose superabsorbent polymer: Synthesis and characterisation.
No full textSuperabsorbent polymers (SAPs) of crosslinked avocado seed starch and carboxymethyl cellulose were synthesized and their performance as fluid absorption materials was assessed by comparing them with those made from analytical grade starch. The SAPs were characterized by water absorption capacity (WAC) tests, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses, solubility fraction tests, effects of crosslinker quantity and swelling rate were investigated to determine the suitability of avocado starch in the synthesis of SAPs.
Avocado seed starch was used in the superabsorbent polymer framework because of its biodegradability, abundance and limited use as a source of food for human consumption. The results of the research showed that the SAPs produced with avocado seed starch and those made from pure starch have comparable properties. The WAC for the avocado seed starch blend was 39g/g (3900% of the original weight) when the ratio of the avocado starch, carboxymethyl cellulose and aluminium sulphate was 88: 9.7: 2.3 respectively. The pure starch blend with a similar weight ratio had a WAC of 46.5g/g. As the amount of either starch was increased the differences between the WAC of the SAPs were less than 3.0g/g. FTIR spectra of the SAPs showed no significant differences between avocado starch and pure starch SAPs. The soluble fraction results showed that avocado SAPs had good gel formation. Analysis of experimental data by GraphPad Prism 6.0, one way Anova showed that there was no significant difference between the two types of SAPs for all the tests conducted.
Avocado seed starch can therefore be used in the synthesis of superabsorbent polymers. It can be used as a substitute for starch extracted from agricultural plants that have already been studied in detail
A historical Analysis of Politics of Self Inscription and Struggle for National Identity among the BaTonga of middle Zambezi Valley, Binga in Zimbabwe in the 21st Century
No full textThis research attempts to unearth the dynamics of the struggles of the BaTonga tribe of Binga in the quest for national identity. The research grapples with competing forces which hinders the minority groups in attainment of their autonomous identity without contradicting national question of identity formation
project. What has emerged in post-colonial state is conflation of minority tribes into two major competing which are Shona and generalisation of identity of these groups. The research also attempts to trace the historical background of the marginalisation of the BaTonga tribe of Binga district from the pre displacement era of 1959.It also exposes the general attempt by the pre and post-colonial regime in denying the Tonga in regaining the attempt. As if that is not enough, the research also attempts to expose the strategies employed by the BaTonga in regaining their identity. The research also evaluates the impact of those attempts in regaining their autonomous identity in the 21st centur
An Evaluation of Employee Engagement Levels and Their Impact on Perceived Performance at Workplace. A Case Study of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) at Bulawayo Metropolitan Province.
No full textThe primary objective of this research was to gauge employee engagement as a precursor to
perceived performance at workplace. It focuses on Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services
(ZPCS) at Bulawayo Metropolitan Province. It is believed that underperformance is a result of
low employee engagement levels. If employee engagement levels rise, performance could also
improve. In chapter one more emphasis was made on the background of the study, and the research problems were addressed. Justification of study, research objectives and questions, delimitations and limitations of the study; as well as ethical considerations were also highlighted. Definition of key terms was also pointed out. Chapter two gave a comprehensive analysis on the importance and antecedents of Employee Engagement as well as the causes of poor work performance. In order to obtain sufficient and relevant information, various literature sources were reviewed concerning Employee Engagement and its link to work performance. The researcher concentrated on the research methods employed for data collection and analysis in chapter three. The research was quantitative in nature as it focused on evaluating Employee Engagement levels. A sample of 28 junior officers responded through stratified random sampling. In an effort to implore the information, data were gathered using a structured questionnaire. This chapter provided the plan of the study with well-versed support on the validity and reliability of research results. Chapter four presented the findings from chapter three and from the fieldwork for detailed analysis. The use of the questionnaire was successful. Information was also presented using secondary data. Data was presented in the form of tables, graphs and pie charts and descriptive summaries and that made the information in this chapter valid and valuable. Findings revealed low levels of employee engagement (0.555) Cronbach alpha and on performance levels they also revealed a low (0.522) Cronbach alpha, both of which could not meet the standard level of (0.7). vii | P a g e Following the findings on chapter 4, recommendations were given so as to improve the employee engagement levels in the organisation,Lupane State Universit
An Investigation into the Effects of Debt Financing Schemes on the Operations of Small Scale Mines in Zimbabwe during the Epriod 2009 to 2013: A Case Study Of Small Scale Mines in The Bubi District: A Case Study of Small Scale Mine Sin the Bubi District, Matebeleland North
No full textThis study had three objectives the first being to establish the effects of the design of debt financing schemes on the operations of small scale mines. The second objective was to establish the extent to which the management of risk factors can influence the performance of debt financing in small scale mining operations. The third objective was to determine the contribution of the debt financing schemes towards capacity building within the small scale mining sector. The study population in this research included six banks in Bulawayo and 11 small scale mines from the Bubi district. Problems were encountered in obtaining registers of small scale miners from the miners’ association. The later mentioned issue posed problems in coming up with small scale miner study population but was solved by identifying active gold mining areas in the Bubi district which led to the location of three clusters with abundant small scale gold mining activity from which simple random sampling was used to locate mines using grid numbers from a surveyor general map of the Bubi district. A case study design was adopted that allowed use of concurrent researcher administered questionnaires and semi structured interviews with individual bankers and small scale miners that lasted one hour 15minutes. Data analysis used excel and content analysis and established that only 18% of miners had tertiary education and 64% of miners never received any mining related training. Further analysis data revealed that 73% of small scale mines were not merchandised and that 53% of small scale miners did not have any bank accounts. These observed trends posed challenges for small scale miners seeking loans from banks as they pose a risk in lending. Based on findings from this study the loan schemes did not have any impact on small scale mining operations as only one miner who is very senior member of the of the miners’ association obtained a loan during the period of 2009to 2013. Failure of the schemes was demonstrated in the research to be linked to various factors that include classification of small scale mines under Small to Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) which resulted in inappropriate design of lending to the SSM sector, lack of grass roots participation, the informality of small scale mining, corruption, lack of accountability and transparency and benefits capture by elites where the other factors that precipitated failure of loan scheme
A process evaluation of the food-for assets project in Binga District
No full textLinkages for the Economic Advancement for the Disadvantaged (LEAD) is a non-profit making organization (NGO) operating in Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Mashonaland West, Manicaland and Masvingo provinces. LEAD’s purpose of the organization is to build and/or restore the dignity of disadvantaged groups and communities in Zimbabwe through sustainable livelihood interventions and appropriate empowerment initiatives.
In conclusion, the implementation of the assets are consistent with the logic and designed to provide short term employment and food during the lean seasons; build assets that reduce the exposure of the most vulnerable groups to various disaster shocks and in the longer term lead to improvements in the natural resource base and create income generating opportunities for project beneficiaries through training and providing access to markets. With the negative effects of climate change being a reality in Binga district, the evaluation findings suggest that the project was largely successful in achieving many of its objectives
An Investigation of the Drivers and Outcomes of Teenage Pregnancy and How these impede Educational Attainment: a case of Gwelutshena in Nkayi North
No full textThe study investigates the drivers and outcomes of teenage pregnancy and how these impede educational attainment at Gwelutshena. Poverty, peer pressure, family disorganization, sexual abuse and age at first intercourse amongst other things have contributed to high rate of teenage pregnancy. Teenage pregnancy has its negative outcomes which include poverty, absenteeism, poor performance in school work and dropping out of school hence impeding educational attainment. The research employed a qualitative research whilst utilizing a case study approach. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews using tables, charts and bar graphs to analyze the data. Data from the respondents was presented and analysed. The major drivers of teenage pregnancy at Gwelutshena include education and socioeconomic status, age at first intercourse and peer pressure were analyzed and presented. Furthermore, the outcomes of teenage pregnancy were likewise identified and some matching the assumptions. The distribution of respondents according to level of study and age were analysed along with rate of responses to questionnaires and interviews. The study therefore presented data that addressed the research questions that informed this study. There is therefore a pressing need to address teenage pregnancy at both community and national level to combat poverty and to assist teenagers to meet basic educational needs
Challenges faced in the teaching and learning of source-based questions in history at ordinary level: a case study of a rural school in Lupane district
No full textThis study investigated the challenges faced in the teaching and learning of source-based questions in history at ordinary level. This was prompted by the need to understand why pupils who attempt source-based questions perform poorly in the examinations at ordinary level. The case study research design was used, that is, single case study. The target population was ordinary level history teachers and pupils at a rural school in Lupane district. From the population of 46, the researcher sampled 24 participants (20 pupils and 4 teachers). To collect data, document analysis, questionnaires and interviews were . The collected data was presented quantitatively as well as qualitatively using tables and bar graph as well as qualitatively. Analysis and discussion came after presentation of data. The study revealed that learners have challenges in answering questions from sources such as maps, cartoons, speeches and letters. These challenges were caused by lack of resources, failure to interpret sources, lack of adequate practise and teachers’ and learners’ negative attitude towards source-based questions. The researcher then recommended that resources should be provided by the schools, the teachers are encouraged to use various teaching methods to arouse interest in learners. In addition, the teachers to be staff developed on teaching source-based questions