National Research Database of Zimbabwe
Not a member yet
5897 research outputs found
Sort by
Participation of rural Zimbabwean female students in mathematics: the influence of perception
No full textThe study was premised on the influence of perceptions on the participation of Ordinary Level rural African Zimbabwean female students in mathematics. Qualitative research design grounded in the interpretive paradigm was employed. Eighteen Ordinary Level female students and six teachers purposively selected from three rural co-educational secondary schools participated in the study. Data were generated through lesson observations and semi-structured question type interview guide. Findings revealed that rural female students perceived mathematics as a difficult subject, masculine and irrelevant to their future aspirations. Participants outlined that their perceptions were rooted in the prevailing cultural belief that mathematics is a masculine subject and negative stereotypes about girls’ maths abilities. Further findings indicate that female students’ participation in mathematics was highly influenced by their perception towards the subject. These perceptions result in the development of a general negative attitude to the subject that caused fewer female students to participate in mathematics in large numbers. We recommended parents and teachers to work hard to eliminate the negative gender and cultural stereotypes in order to enhance female students’ confidence in mathematics abilities. Schools should employ female mathematics teachers and expose female students to female role models who have succeeded in life in order to encourage more participation of female students in mathematics. Schools are made responsible for smoothing out difficulties generated by the prevailing culture. There is a gap in knowledge base pertaining to the Zimbabwean rural girls’ participation in Mathematics
The fast track land reform and its impact on indigenous knowledge systems: the case of Zimbabwe A1/A2 Farms 2000-2014
No full textIndigenous Knowledge Systems, also known as ethno-sciences or traditional ways of knowing are critical in
matters of food security, heritage, lifestyles, conservation, relations and the economy among other aspects of
life. The Zimbabwe fast track land reform programme starting 2000, a corrective measure in the distribution
of land post independence dispensation, came and disregarded these centres of traditional knowledge. This
study sets out to assess the impact of the fast track land reform on IKS in resettled areas with emphasis on
matters of food security. A survey of resettled areas shall be conducted in 5 A1 and 5 A2 farms in Chinhoyi
Mashonaland West and the same number in Mavise- Midlands Province. Findings are largely that because
of the relocation of people from communal areas into farmlands, burning of forests, cutting down of trees and
mixing of people from different cultures, some indigenous knowledge got destroyed, eroded and even erase
A critical examination of sexuality education in Malawi: A case study of Blantyre district
No full textThe writer of this dissertation examines how sexual learning (sexuality learning acquired out-of-school, and without written formalities) both complements and contradicts sexuality education in realizing sexual and reproductive health (SRHR) rights in Malawi. Notwithstanding being a State party to various Human Rights Instruments, and having a number of national laws and policies supporting realization of SRHR, Malawi is in breach of the instruments, the laws and the policies and ignore reality that although children are not taught in sexuality education how to play sex, they still know it from sexual learning. The writer therefore carried out a comparative study between sexuality education and sexual learning for realizing SRHR using sexual learning as a benchmark.
The methodological framework was informed by exploring reality of learners’ sexuality lives to interrogate and investigate the law and policies. As a result, Women’s Law approach went together with: grounded approach, human rights approach, ‘charmed circle of sex approach’, open systems approach, and cultural relativism approach. A qualitative data collection method was embraced to aid in collection of non-numerical data. A total of 149 people were involved in the research i.e. 71 males and 78 females. The data collection methods included desk research and interviews of key informants, random individual interviews, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussion.
The findings of the comparative study show that sexuality education is wanting in conceptualization, and competences of teachers teaching sexuality. Further, unlike sexuality learning, there is extreme and unsustainable sexual control of adolescent sexuality in sexuality education. Sex/gender barriers are affecting sexuality education. The research also finds that learners especially girls do not have access to fertility control, let alone information on fertility control in schools and homes of learners. Finally, to avoid culture from blocking human rights, in developing sexuality education curriculum, Malawi did not use Relativist approach.
According to the findings, there is need for advocacy and public awareness campaigns to sexuality education. Ministry of Education and Malawi Human Rights Commission should take lead in managing the desired change in collaboration with Ministry of Health, Ministry responsible for Youth, and Ministry responsible for Gender and children.,Norwegian Agency for the Development Co-operation (NORAD
Magnetic nanopore composite beads for simultaneous removal of organic and inorganic pollutants in highly acidic water
No full textA novel magnetic nanocomposite bead was synthesised for the simultaneous removal of cationic, anionic and organic pollutants removal in highly acidic water. Copper, chromium (III), phosphate and toluene were used as representative cationic, anionic and organic pollutants respectively. A 3:4:1 aspect ratio (alginate: nanocomposite: xanthan gum) was used for the beads. The magnetic nanocomposite was characterised using, FT-IR, SEM – EDX and XRD. The beads showed greater removal percentage for phosphate at (97.8 %), followed by copper and chromium at 81.8 % and 81.1 % respectively and toluene also at 81.8 %. Isothermal study showed that both the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models were the governing equations for sorption with a more perfect fit for the Freundlich isotherm. Pseudo-second-order model was the governing equation for sorption. This sorbent showed great potential to be used for simultaneous removal of cationic, anionic and organic pollutants removal in water
Regulating the Accountancy Profession: An Examination of the Regulatory framework for the Accountancy Profession in Zimbabwe
No full textThe accountancy profession in Zimbabwe has been evolving for the past three decades. The
past two decades witnessed regulatory framework changes leading to the setting of a regulatory
body under the Public Accountants and Auditors Board (PAAB) through a statutory instrument
of Parliament (PAA Act: 27:12). This research paper examines potential regulatory gaps that
may exist in the framework, structural setting and legal instrument governing PAAB with the
aim to establish evidence to support future developments in the accounting profession in
Zimbabwe. The research conducted a desk review of legal instruments and organisational
documents. Further, a narrative enquiry was explored with audit firms and professional
accountants in Zimbabwe. The findings show that despite the progressive regulatory
framework developments, there are gaps in the structural setting, framework and regulatory
instruments governing the accounting profession in Zimbabwe. The findings show that the
regulatory framework is predominantly private sector orientated and there is limited inclusion
of the public sector and the no-for-profit sectors in framework and structural setting of
PAAB
Effectiveness of livelihood projects in reducing gender based violence: Case of Nyanga District, Ward 27, Manicaland Province.
No full textThis study is an investigation into the effectiveness of livelihood projects as a strategy in reducing Gender Based Violence (GBV). The study explored and highlighted the major causes of GBV, the livelihood options for women, the relationship between GBV and livelihoods and the extent to which livelihood projects as a strategy have reduced GBV and empowered women using the case study on Nyanga, Ward 27. The major causes of GBV are poverty, lack of economic independence among women, patriarchal norms and values and unequal representation of women in decision making processes. The study noted a negative and positive relationship between GBV and livelihoods was noted. GBV impacts negatively on women’s livelihoods in that it leads to failure of projects hence negative livelihood outcomes. A positive relationship was noted in that, with livelihood projects women have increased income which they use to access food, education and health services and other material things necessary for survival. The study employed mixed research methodologies and data was collected through in-depth/one-on-one interview, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Data analysis was guided by Sara Longwe’s Women Empowerment Framework and the DFID Sustainable Livelihood Framework. The study also discovered that financial, human, physical, natural and social assets/resources are required to sustain the women’s livelihoods in Nyanga. The women in Nyanga are being negatively affected by the economic, political and technological context in which they are living. Natural disasters such as drought and diseases are also affecting women’s livelihoods negatively. The study also noted that traditional and religious practices have a negative impact on women’s livelihoods in the district. Livelihood projects as a strategy have reduced GBV and empowered women socially and economically. Women engaged in livelihoods projects have managed to achieve eight of the nine sustainable livelihood outcomes which are economic security; nutrition security; food security; health security; education security; community participation; access to institutions and gender. Therefore, there is need to embark women to start livelihood projects. While those already in such process intensify their efforts in order to get maximum returns
Gender dimensions of accessing business loans for micro and small businesses: A case study of Chipata District in Eastern Province of Zambia
No full textThis dissertation explores why despite women traders in Chipata District in Eastern
Province of Zambia being provided with business loans the end result is failure. Microfinance providers exclusively target women traders in the informal sector for group
finance. The author reveals this state of affairs between availability of group finance and
failure by using the Women’s Law Approach in his research. This approach enabled him
harness complementary methodologies such as the Grounded, Human Rights and Actors and Structures in a gender sensitive way so as to investigate the legal, socio-cultural and economic challenges (factors) which constrain women’s entrepreneurship potential. The methods used for data collection included desk research of the relevant literature, policy and law. He also used focused group discussion with women traders while applied in-depth interviews with government, MFIs, and NGOs officials. He finds that the group finance schemes implemented by micro-finance providers follow the Grameen Bank model. It is assumed that providing women with money for income generating (IGAs) projects is enough when in actual fact it is not. He also finds that the needs of micro and small businesses in the informal sector have not been met and their active role in economic development has been ignored by government and NGOs in their policy formulation and implementation. The author finds three factors that constrain women’s capacity to businessdevelopment and these are: legal, legislative and policy provision, socio-cultural factors and economic challenges. He suggests that the solutions to failure lies in the following: Mentoring and networking were experienced women entrepreneurs can provide much needed support for new and emerging women entrepreneurs. Secondly, women must be assisted with subsidized day care centers for them to balance business activities and family responsibilities. To resolve marital issues where husbands interfere with the wives’ business, the only way out of this is through sensitization, educating the men on the importance of supporting women’s business activities. Thirdly, women not only need credit for business but also business training and entrepreneurship skills. To further improve the situation of business women in the informal sector the author recommends the following: enshrine socio-economic rights in the Zambia Constitution and make them justiciable. Finally there need is to stop stereotyping women as poor and needing small amounts of money to venture in to small income generating projects.,NORA
An analysis of the law and the effectiveness of government and non governmental organisations’ interventions in curbing under age commercial sex work in Epworth and along the Mukuvisi river bank Harare, Zimbabwe
No full textChild prostitution has become a global phenomenon which raises concern and alarm. In Zimbabwe children as young as eight years old are engaging in prostitution in the area along the Mukuvisi River and in Epworth, Harare. Child prostitution has become an acceptable source of livelihood in these two communities, due to lack of alternatives. Despite the prevalence of the practice and a comprehensive legal framework to curb it implementation of the law is lacking and the young girls continue to be sexually abused. This study investigates interventions that have been made by the government and by nongovernmental organisations in curbing the practice, in line with human rights obligations. The research adopted several methodological approaches. The women’s law approach was important to show the interplay between the law, policy and life. Lived experiences of the young girls in prostitution were used as the starting point. This approach in combination with the grounded approach unearthed the reasons behind this disturbing practice as well as the gaps in the implementation of the law. The human rights approach was employed to show the deficiencies in the law and its implementation in comparison to international human rights standards. Qualitative research methods were an important source of information through the
use of interviews. The research revealed a number of factors which have pushed children into prostitution. The demand side of child prostitution was investigated and findings were made as to why young girls were in demand. Emerging issues such as the influence of relatives and peers offered new perspectives on the issue under research. The role of law enforcement and social services is also investigated to highlight the deficiencies in the law and policy. Interventions and strategies are proposed to effectively end the abuse and exploitation of children involved in prostitution. The interventions include legal, social and political interventions. The strategies point to the need to fully implement the law and policy in order to afford full protection against child sexual abuse to children in prostitution.,NORA
A new product development framework for a timber processing company
No full textConference paper,Customer perceptions of products continuously change over time. Marketing specialists are generally tasked with the responsibility of rebranding and product changes. However this is normally technology driven, with inputs from engineering designers and manufacturers providing the designs and feasibilities for either modifying existing designs or developing new ones. An opportunity arose at a timber processing company where a variety of products such as domestic and commercial furniture are manufactured. This paper reports on the development of a framework for formulating new products using the wide array of hard and soft wood that the company processes. A detailed work study was conducted focusing on the company’s production capacity, sales history of the company’s twenty-three products, market trends and interviews with current customers. The research set out to develop innovative and new product platforms (product families) that are unique and represent the company while satisfying customer needs and requirements. A stage-gate model of the New Product Development (NPD) using the stage gate model, Weighted Objectives and Quality Function Deployment (QFD) methods were the engineering techniques employed in this model and a four-wheeler coffee table was developed into a prototype using QFD. Implementation of the stage-gate model and further research into the four-wheeler coffee table were recommended as well as other areas related to NPD