National Research Database of Zimbabwe
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“What can she say†Exploring the negative impact of child marriages on women’s meaningful participation in the public sphere
No full textHaving been born in a family of 13 by a woman who got married at 15 years of age and was abused, oppressed and refused her right to education and to participate in the public sphere, as a women’s law researcher I seek explore the negative impact of child marriages on women participation in the public sphere. Child marriage is one of the factors that diminish women capacity and agency which then leads to ineffective participation. The international and regional instruments and the constitution Zimbabwe protect girls from child marriage and provide the right for women participation in decision making positions. Be that as it may, lack of resources, trivialisation of child marriage practise by law enforcement agents, the courts and other state institutions and lack of political will is fuelling early marriages in Epworth. Culture and traditional beliefs and practises that encourage child marriage regard the public sphere as a place for men and that, women should participate according to the roles assigned to them in the family and society. Different methodological approaches where employed in the field research which included the women’s law, grounded and the human rights approach as they unearthed women lived realities through the one on one interviews, focus group discussions, key informants interviews and observations. The interviews revealed that most child brides do not meaningfully participate in the public sphere. Most of them drop out of school, are abused, oppressed and forced into submission. Their capabilities are deformed and most of them have resorted to vegetable vending and sex working as a way of living. The law enforcement agents have trivialised the child marriage practise and the lack of effective implementation of the best interests of the child principle has exposed girls to sexual abuse and exploitation which eventually leads to child marriages. Cultural practise of payment of lobola and poverty has reduced girls into commodities for sell and pushes them into early marriage. Though the
Education Policy and Education Act provides for the right to education and the Constitution has provided for the same right to be provided freely, the right is limited to availability of resources to which the state has prioritised the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of indigenization and very little to state funded education for children coming from poor families. It is recommended that there is need to effectively implement constitutional provisions that protect girls from child marriages and for the state to resource the education policy and social welfare.,NORA
An assessment of child juvenile detainees’ access to legal aid in Tanzania
No full textThis study centres on the access to legal aid for child juvenile detainees in Tanzania
mainland. The study aims at looking at access to legal aid by child juvenile detainees living in the retention home. Further it aims at understanding the juvenile justice system and to develop strategies for ensuring the the justice system is strengthened by protecting the rights of children who come into conflict with the law.
In this study, an investigation was made at the Upanga Retention Home as a starting point where children were interviewed to find out the lived experiences in accessing justice especially free legal aid. The study also stresses that a child juvenile detainee has rights enshrined in various national and international instruments and they deserve to get free legal aid services. These rights should be realised with the help of various stakeholders. It is therefore hoped that the recommendations that have been laid out be forwarded to the relevant stakeholders and that the gaps are tackled in the realisation of access to justice for child juvenile detainees. Chapter one talks about the background of the study, the objectives of the study, the problem statement and the limitations of the study. Chapter two discusses the literature reviewed for this study and the legislative framework. It points out the gaps is the domestic regional and international human rights instruments regarding juvenile justice. The chapter identifies the rights of the child juvenile detainees and discusses some case law that discuss where the law has fallen short in realising the rights of child juvenile detainees in Tanzania. Chapter three talks about the methodology and research methods used when conducting research in the field. It discusses the Grounded approach, human rights approach, actors and
structures, and the legal aid approach. The research methods used include the one on one interviews, cases study method as well as observation Chapter four looks at the findings and analysis of the data was collected during the field research. The chapter reveals the voices of the children who are affected by the lack of legal aid as well as the voices of the government officials and legal aid providers who deal with child juvenile detainees. Chapter five talks about the conclusions and recommendations of how to improve the situation of child juvenile detainees gaining access to legal aid in Tanzania. The recommendations section outlines a recommendation for government (different ministries), legal aid providers, and police officers.,NORA
Food security through conservation agriculture (CA) in Zimbabwe: opportunities, prospects and challenges for Gokwe South District: paper presented at a conference held on the 14th-16th July 2015, Elephant Hills Resort, Victoria Fallls, Zimbabwe
No full textTheme: 1st International Research Conference On Driving Socio-Economic Development Through Value Addition And Sustainable Use Of Resources,Food is basic human need. Without food, human body fails to function normally. Yet, globally food insecurity is a problem. The severity of the problem varies from one continent to the other as well as from one country to the other. Generally food shortages are more intense in developing counties than in developed countries. Reasons for these variations are many and diverse; they include level of technology used in production, processing and storage of food. Food production policies may either support or stifle food productivity.
The study was centred on three fundamental objectives. The first one was to identify attributes of food insecurity in Gokwe South district. The second one was to highlight the opportunities and challenges of CA technology on food security in the district. The last objective was to assess CA attribution to food security in Gokwe South district.
CA is a farming system or practice which aims to conserve soil, labour and water by using blanket cover (mulch) to minimise runoff and improve the conditions for plant establishment and growth. This practice includes various mechanisms like use of hand hoes for basin formation, jab-planter, animal drawn direct seeder, animal drawn ripper and motorised equipment like tractor mounted direct seeder, tractor mounted sub-soiler and multi row tractor mounted direct seeder.
Survey results indicated that although CA contributes significantly to household food security, ‘as a best practice’ but it’s not a ‘best fit’ practice since results fluctuates from one area to the other. Introduction of CA in Zimbabwe was input driven supported mostly by non-governmental organisations hence sustainability of the concept is highly questionable. The results revealed that CA is more of a farming system than technology and its key principles are not of equal eminence and farmers are practising CA at a small scale citing labour constraints. Markets play a crucial role in attainment of sustainable food security
Screening indigenous nematicidal plants in Zimbabwe against Meloidogyne javanica: paper presented at a conference held on the 14th-16th July 2015, Elephant Hills Resort, Victoria Fallls, Zimbabwe
No full textTheme: 1st International Research Conference On Driving Socio-Economic Development Through Value Addition And Sustainable Use Of Resources,Plant parasitic nematodes are one of the major economically important pests of Solanaceous plants in many regions of the world including Zimbabwe, with Meloidogyne javanica, (rootknot nematode) being considered the most destructive. Recent prohibition of main soil chemical fumigants for the control of Meloidogyne javanica has prompted for the search of other alternatives to manage root knot nematodes in the horticultural industry. The present research explored plants with nematicidal properties against root knot nematode, M. javanica. Depending on plant medicinal value, leaves or bark or roots of 19 indigenous medicinal plants were screened invivo on highly susceptible tomato variety (Red khaki). Ten plant
extracts caused more than 50% gall reduction during screening under acetone extraction method. Application of botanicals was found to significantly (p≤ 0.05) reduce the formation of root galls on tomato plants. It was concluded from this study that plant extracts are potential botanical nematicides as they have ability to suppress the attack of tomato plants by phyto- nematodes and they can be used as a safe and resourceful control strategy, which can complement other control tools
An assessment of the impacts of climate change on the hydrology of Upper Manyame Sub-Catchment, Zimbabwe.
No full textClimate change has caused devastating impacts worldwide. The impacts include erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts and increase in mean temperatures. Inthe Upper Manyame sub-catchment (UMSC) in Zimbabwe, no impact assessment study has been conducted despite the strategic importance of the sub-basin in providing water to over 2 million people. The aim of this study was to assess the impacts of climate change on the hydrology of the UMSC. The study specifically assessed the historical trends in precipitation and temperature, downscaled the projected climate variables (temperature and precipitation) for the 2030s (2021-2050) and 2060s (2051-2080)for the UMSC and estimated the impacts of the projected variables on runoff. In assessing historical precipitation and temperature trends, the Mann-Kendall trend and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used. The Statistical DownScaling Model was used to downscale the projected global precipitation and temperature for the 2030s and 2060s using data from two General Circulation Models (GCMs), Hadley Center Coupled Model, version 3 (HadCM3) and Canadian Earth System Model (second generation) (CanESM2). Simulation of the changes in runoff and reservoir inflows was done using theHydrologic Engineering Centre-Hydrological Modeling System(HEC-HMS) model. Results for both the Mann Kendall and Wilcoxon signed rank tests showed a declining trend in precipitation and a statistically significant rising trend in maximum and minimum temperature. The projected temperature analysisthrough the HadCM3A2a scenario showed that the maximum temperature will increase by about 0.39°C and 0.64°C for the 2030s and 2060s respectively as compared to an increase by 0.35°C and 0.51°C for the same time periods using the HadCM3B2a scenario. The minimum temperature will generally increase by 0.15°C and 0.25°C for the 2030s and 2060s respectively for HadCM3A2a scenario as compared to an increase by approximately 0.11°C and 0.2°C for the same periods respectively in the HadCM3B2a scenario.The downscaled CanESM2 data showed that maximum temperature will increase by 0.5°C to 0.9°C for the two extreme Representative Concentration Pathways, RCP2.6 and RCP8.5. The minimum temperature will increase by around 0.3°C to 0.8°C for the two RCPs. The projected monthly potential evaporation will on average increase by 1.2 % (HadCM3A2a) and 0.97 % (HadCM3B2a) whereas for CanESM2 it will increase by 1.9 % (RCP2.6) and 2.3 % (RCP8.5) for the two projected periods.According to projections for HadCM3, the amount of precipitation will decrease in October and generally increase in November and December. In January and March the amount of precipitation will also decrease and increase in February. Average monthly precipitation will decrease by 8 - 28% and 9 - 37% for the 2030s and 2060s respectively for HadCM3A2a. For the HadCM3B2a scenario, the precipitation will drop by upto 23% and 26% for the 2030s and 2060s respectively. The decline in precipitation for RCP2.6 will range from 20% to 40% whilst for RCP8.5 it will drop by as high as upto 50%. Calibration of the HEC-HMS model for a period from 2000 to 2010 in the Mukuvisi and Marimba basins revealed satisfactory model efficiencies of 4.3% (RVE) and 0.1(Bias) and 9.5%(RVE) and 0.15(Bias) respectively. HEC-HMS model simulations revealed that runoff for the UMSC will decrease by approximately 7 - 27 % for HadCM3 for the 10 micro-catchments. Specifically, Mukuvisi and Marimba micro-catchments will experience decline in runoff ranging from 7.4-13.5 % and 7.4 - 16.2 % respectively for HadCM3. For CanESM2 runoff will decrease by 2- 35 % for the 10 micro-catchments and specifically for the key micro-catchments Mukuvisi and Marimba, the runoff will drop by 4.5 -30.3 % and 2.5 - 26 % respectively.The reservoir inflows for Lake Chivero and Lake Manyame will decrease by 10- 18% for HadCM3 and by upto 34 % for the CanESM2.The results are very important for forecasting, planningand coming up with informed decisions for integrated water resources management in the context of climate change.,WaterNe
The effectiveness of the tax amnesty towards promoting compliance and increasing revenue inflow for Zimra
No full textThe government of Zimbabwe enacted Finance Act no 2 of 2014 that introduced a tax amnesty program in order to make further provision of revenue in light of the fiscal crisis that has seen government failing to meet its expenditure. Proponents of tax amnesties point out that an amnesty may positively affect revenue and compliance. Other scholars argue that anticipation of future amnesties will result in a long term negative influence over revenue and compliance. The research sought to analyze the effectiveness of the tax amnesty introduced in October 2014 towards promoting tax compliance and raising revenue for Zimra. In order to draw a conclusion to the findings of this research a literature review and investigative research methods were employed to gather data for presentation and analysis. The major findings of the research indicate that the tax amnesty program was a failure, and this can be attributed mainly to the prevailing socio economic condition. As such recommendations from the study were provided
Modeling floods in the Middle Zambezi Basin using remote sensing and hydrological modeling techniques.
No full textMbire District, in the Middle Zambezi Basin, experiences floods annually. The study aimed at applyingremote sensing and hydrodynamic modeling tools to map, and understand flood processes in order to improve flood management in the district. In determining the spatial and temporal variation of flood inundation in the district, NDVI MODIS images for the period 2005-2006, 2008-2009, 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 were processed in ILWIS GIS environment. The above period was classified by the Civil Protection Unit and ZINWA as flood years. Validation of the MODIS derived flood areas was done using 68 GCPs collected using participatory GIS mapping methods. A binary logistic regression modelthrough the SPSS software was used to determine the spatial variation of flood hazard as a function of environmental factors. The results were confirmed using hydrologic modeling techniques, where the HEC-HMS model helped to quantify the peak flow and runoff contributed by the three sub-basins in the Mbire District (Angwa, Musengezi and Lower Manyame). The HEC-RAS model was used to map inundated areas for the Lower Manyame Basin for the flood return periods, 10, 25, 50 and 100 years. Flood mapping using MODIS images showed that the maximum areas flooded is 1934km2 on 16 January 2006, and 1 895 km2 on 8 January 2015. A good agreement of (R2=0.86) between GCPs and MODIS derived flooded area for 8 January 2015 was recorded. Environmental factors that significantly explained flooding are distance from water bodies (p<0.05). Simulations through the HEC-HMS model indicated an average yearly observed flow rates of 15.6 * 107 m3 16.2 * 107 m3, and 25.7 * 107 m3 for Lower Manyame (Mapomha), Musengezi (C109) and Angwa (Angwa) basins respectively. These flows were against an average discharge of 19.7 * 107 m3/yr.,18.3 * 107 m3/yr. and 25.4 * 107 m3/yr. for Lower Manyame, Musengezi, and Angwa respectively. Model performance was evaluated and theefficiency for Musengezi showed a RMSE of 5.25 %, RBIAS of 0.04 % for Angwa the RMSE was 3.94 % and RBIAS of -0.003 % and Manyame gave a RMSE of 5.25 % and RBIAS of 0.07 %. The HEC-RAS simulated inundated areas are 56.3 km2, 57.3 km2, 58.4 km2, 58.7 km2, 59.1 km2 for the 2008-9 season, 10 year, 25 year, 50 year and 100 year return floods respectively and these are in and around Chikafa, Hunyani and Mushumbi Pools areas. The study concludes that Mbire District is vulnerable to floods hence the need for a flood protection measure framework that provides practical and feasible solutions, basic constructional guidelines for the protection of settlements and agricultural lands as well as a near real-time monitoring framework provided by this study.,WaterNe
An assessment of non-revenue water for Norton Town in Zimbabwe.
No full textABSTRACT
Water is an important natural resource and urban water utilities in Southern Africa are facing challenges in the provision of potable water supply. Non-Revenue Water (NRW) is one of the challenges affecting water provision in developing countries. Norton Town Council is mandated by the government to provide safe and adequate water to the residents of Norton. The town is faced with a challenge of limited water supply, with a supply of 7 500m3/day against an estimated demand of 15000 m3/day. This is against a background of high NRW in the region. Therefore, this study sought to assess the extent of NRW for Norton and its components. An evaluation of possible strategies to control NRW was also done. To determine NRW for the town, historical data from 2004 to 2015 was collected and analysed. From the historical data comparison of the bulk water received and billed consumption volume was done to determine overall NRW. Partitioning of water losses was done through Minimum Night Flow (MNF) analysis focusing on two distinct zones of the town which are Galloway and Katanga-Ngoni. Norton town is characterised by intermittent supply, therefore to perform MNF the water supply system was manipulated in order to create continuous flows as recommended. The results obtained were true for the testing period and to correct for intermittent supply correction factors were applied. Correction factors were determined based on the leakage theory which relates pressure to leakage. To evaluate the operating practices in the water supply system qualitative and quantitative data was collected through key informant interviews, questionnaires and meter testing. Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) was used to evaluate strategies to control NRW. MCDA used the data and information collected in the study to determine criterion and objectives in the analysis. Results from the study showed that the average NRW for the town from 2004 to 2015 was 34 % which is above regional benchmarks of 20 % to 25 %. This was attributed to absence of active leakage management, high metering inaccuracies, partial water billing in some areas of the town and manual meter reading instead of use of available automated data loggers. Partial billing suggests that residents in those areas may have free access to water contributing to NRW. Meter testing showed that 73 % of the tested meters were under registering consumption. The average NRW for the two areas were 65 % for Galloway and 76 % for Katanga-Ngoni. Partitioning of water losses for Galloway revealed that real losses were 26 % and apparent losses 74 %. In Katanga-Ngoni, real losses were 35 % and apparent losses 65%. The apparent losses for both areas are above recommended limit range of 20 % to 40 %, indicating a poorly managed system in terms of billing and metering. Apparent losses were attributed to a poor metering system characterised by use of non-functional meters and absence of a regulatory policy on metering and billing. Management of the water supply system by the local authority is fragmented between the departments responsible for water supply. This has resulted in inefficient use of equipment and infrastructure provided for improving water management. Controlling commercial losses was ranked first as a strategy to control NRW followed by integrated management and reduction of physical water losses respectively. The recommendations were to update the customer database and improve on metering. It was also recommended that utilisation of available zonal meters and data loggers be done so that both apparent and real losses are controlled. The study also suggested integrated management of the water system so that departmental goals on water services are the same.,WaterNe
The rise of ‘the Joshua generation?’: perspectives and attitudes on Facebook activism in Zimbabwe.
No full textThe research focuses on Facebook users’ perceptions and attitudes of social media activism in Zimbabwe. Following a rise in social media campaigns in Zimbabwe, particularly in 2016, political participation has shifted to social media with a number of people demonstrating awareness and interest in the national issues. Drawing insights from Critical Discourse Analysis, this research discusses how the Facebook community responds to this new dispensation of social media activism. By focusing on the comments posted on Facebook handle “ThisFlag-IfulegiLeyi-Mureza†in response to a video posted as part of the fight against state failure in Zimbabwe, the research examines how Facebook users imagine new leaders in the mould of the Biblical Joshua and share insights on the several aspects which are deemed to matter as far as changes in the political field are concerned
Zimbabwe’s land reform programme, migration and identity in Lawrence Hoba’s The Trek and other stories
No full textZimbabwe’s land reform programme in 2000 has generated a lot of local, regional and global attention complemented by a surge of historical and sociological analysis of the land question in Zimbabwean society. In addition to this coverage and analysis, the land reform programme also polarised people within and outside the country with some viewing it as a revolutionary and progressive move in the decolonisation of the country. Others, conversely, object to this narrative and project it as the suicidal actions of a government disrespectful of property rights and desperate to cling onto power. This perspective perceives the programme as inherently chaotic and a key moment in what has come to be known as the Zimbabwean crisis which imploded post 2000. However, what is often occluded in these studies is the fact that central to the land reform programme is migration and the attendant identity (re)formation. These are the issues underscored in my examination of Lawrence Hoba’s The Trek and Other Stories