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Challenges faced in implementing a functional environmental education programme in secondary schools: a case of Mhondoro-Mubaira Cluster, Chegutu District.
No full textThe purpose of this study was to establish the challenges faced in implementing a functional environmental education programme in secondary schools. The researcher used a descriptive survey design because it gave a descriptive picture to the data obtained through observations, interviews and questionnaires. The sample consisted of twelve teachers and forty students from schools in Mhondoro-Mubaira Cluster. Questionnaires, interviews and observations
were used as data generation tools. Research findings established that the teaching of environmental education was limited in schools due to lack of time, lack of qualified environmental educationists, lack of teaching and learning materials, lack of support, lack of funding and huge class sizes. The results suggest that a lot has to be done to improve environmental education in Mhondoro-Mubaira Cluster. Recommendations were suggested as intervention strategies aimed at eradicating the major challenges that were hindering the
implementation of environmental education. Training, making environmental education a core subject, creation of clubs, provision of qualified teachers, sourcing teaching and learning materials from other ministries were some of the ways of improving environmental education in Mhondoro-Mubaira Cluster
Mechanical thermal stresses and creep analysis of boiler tubes
No full textThe boiler tubes are operated continuously at high temperature and pressure. Hence at high pressure for forces acting on the boiler tubes will be high. This research paper focuses on the analysis of one of the long term effect of continued application of high pressure on boiler tubes which causes creeping. By utilizing finite element modelling software, AUTODESK INVENTOR the effect of pressure with the increase in temperature distribution across the steam generator tube was evaluated. The increase of heat transfer rate across the wall caused the oxide scale thickness to grow more rapidly than normal condition. The thermal conductivity in the boiler tubes, life of boiler tubes and creep damage is also analyzed in this research paper. The AUTODESK INVENTOR result is analyzed to determine the main and interactive effects of operating conditions. The effect of steam on boilers and creep damage in comparison with temperature were researched. Optimum condition identification in order to maximize the remnant life of the tubes while minimizing the creep damage was done. Creep is the time dependent deformations that occur when a material is subjected to high level of stresses at elevated temperature for prolonged period. Matlab was also used to analyse how the failure occurs.,Zimbabwe Institution of Engineer
Investigation of the physical and chemical stability of biodiesel produced from Jatropha Curcas Species in Zimbabwe
No full textJatropha curcas L. seeds as a raw material for biodiesel production are a rapidly growing interest over the world because of their high oil content, ecological adaptability, and excellent fuel properties. Though there is an increase in productivity of biodiesel, showing solution for future energy insecurity, there still remains some concern for commercialization due to its susceptibility to degradation during long term storage. The aim of this research work is to investigate the effect of temperature and ambient condition on Jatropha biodiesel storage. A study was conducted for a period of 12 months, where Jatropha biodiesel samples were stored at different temperatures (4°C, 25°C, and 35°C) and environmental conditions (darkness, light, and air). At regular intervals, the samples were taken out to analyze acid value, density, kinematic viscosity, and fatty acid profile to monitor the quality of biodiesel. Analysis showed that acid value, density, kinematic viscosity, and fatty acid content increases with the increase in storage time of biodiesel samples. However, Jatropha biodiesel stored at 35°C, in contact with ambient air and light showed highest degradation compared to that which was stored at 25°C and 4°C. Among all the parameters studied, high temperature and air exposure are the two most important parameters which accelerate the degradation process. Light exposure had mild but significant effect on Jatropha biodiesel degradation over a long storage period.,Zimbabwe Institution of Engineer
Exploring a risk based approach to solvency management in the Zimbabwean short term insurance industry
No full textThe study sought to explore the adoption of a risk based approach to solvency management in the Zimbabwean short term insurance industry. The review of literature was carried out in order to establish what other authors had to say on the subject. To come up with a sample of 17 short term insurers and reinsurers out of a target population of 33 operational insurance and reinsurance companies, the researcher used stratified sampling technique since the study population comprised of different characteristics. The researcher used questionnaires and structured interviews to collect information. Tables, bar graphs and pie charts were used to present responses from the survey. The results indicated that the insurers and reinsurers are facing challenges in meeting the minimum capital requirement and appreciates the benefits of adopting solvency II. However, the challenges and costs associated with the adoption of solvency II makes its adoption in the Zimbabwean short term industry difficult. The study recommends the modification of the current solvency management system so as to encourage insurers and reinsurers to hold risk based capital and the protect policyholders through reporting rules and the establishment of a policyholder protection fund. It also recommends short term insurers and reinsurers to use effective capital management and risk management systems
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
An investigation of social accountability practices by NGOs operating in the UMP District
No full textCivic society all over the world has been demanding formal democratic systems in states, where states are expected to be accountable to citizens. There is a tendency for development actors, mainly NGOs, to pressurise governments to exercise accountability, by advocating for, and, strengthening citizen voice and the engagement. Some NGOs tend to ignore their own accountability obligations to the communities and citizens they serve. Accountability as good governance means allowing people, in particular the poor and marginalized to have a say: in how they are governed; and in how decisions that affect them are made and implemented. Social accountability in the NGO sector is about: creating opportunities for information exchange, dialogue and negotiation between beneficiary communities and the NGO; the ability of NGOs to demonstrate accountability both to communities they serve and the government;; transparency and open information sharing, attitudes, skills and practices supporting listening and constructive engagement between the beneficiary community and the NGO as a service provider. Stakeholder participation as a key element of social accountability is meant to ensure good governance, based on a system of checks and balances. NGOs are not-for profit businesses, but still have to practice corporate governance, which is a system by which the organisations are directed and controlled. Since corporate governance is about improving business performance, there is need to place stakeholder participation at the centre of business strategy. A study was carried out in Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe District in 2016 to establish social accountability practices by NGOs in the district. The research population was 95 respondents selected from NGO management and board members; Officials in Government Departments that work with the NGOs; Officials in institutions that receive donor support; and Influential members of communities that receives NGO support. The study found that there were neither documented nor implied Social Accountability practices in NGOs. The research further concluded that there were no clear governance frameworks in NGOs, that guaranteed genuine and effective participation where all stakeholders could have a voice in decision-making, either directly or through legitimate intermediate institutions/sub-structures that represented their interest
Assessment of river health using physico-chemical parameters and macroinvertebrates: A case study of Mungonya River in Kigoma, Tanzania.
No full textMungonya River is subjected to anthropogenic activities impacts from upstream to downstream, because of rapid population increases in the basin. The main pollution sources include irrigation, washing, bathing, brick making, sand mining and grazing. This study was conducted from December 2015 to March 2016 at six selected sampling points from the upper reaches of the river. The main aim was to assess water quality for river health using selected physico-chemical, biological parameters and macroinvertebrates using the TARISS scoring system in relation to land use and land cover changes. The National Sanitation Foundation Water Quality Index (NSFWQI) and TARISS scoring system methods were used to assess the water quality of the river. Eleven water quality parameters were analyzed and only two were tested in-situ, namely temperature and DO, and four were tested on-site namely, pH, EC, TDS and turbidity, while five were tested in the laboratory (BOD5, PO4-3, NO3-, TSS and FC). The physico-chemical and biological results were within acceptable standards, except for turbidity (202.5-413.2 NTU) and FC (270.0-616.5 cfu/100ml). It was concluded that the significant increases in irrigation and settlements Land Use Land Cover from 2013 to 2016 were correlated to changes in water quality parameters. The current water quality status of the river was within acceptable standards, except for turbidity and faecal coliforms, with the NSFWQI confirming that the water quality status was medium or average. The TARISS rapid bioassessment method also showed that the river health was fair and there was a weak significant correlation between NSFWQI and TARISS, suggesting complimentarity of the two indices. It was recommended that there should be means of control and mitigation of further pollution of the river and that further studies should be carried out along the river, covering different seasons, in order to establish the status of water quality of the entire river and to establish proper means of managing the river as proposed in the Integrated Water Resources Management and Development Plan (2015) for LTBWB. It is also recommended that the LTBWB should develop a water quality database in order to facilitate improved water quality monitoring.,WaterNe
Zimbabwean transnational migration, (in) visible masculinities, and the reconfiguration of gender in Shimmer Chinodya’s chairman of fools
No full textThis article examines the effect of the relationship between Zimbabwean transnational migration and gender on the concept of “invisible masculinities†and how the space that would have been evacuated by these “masculinities,†as a direct consequence of the migratory experience, is reorganized or reconfigured in Shimmer Chinodya’s Chairman of Fools. This space, both marital and familial, compels us to reconfigure our conceptualization of masculinities and femininities, gender relations, and gendered identities in general. However, men’s temporary or permanent return migration results in return masculinities being forced to accept the changes provoked by their absence and in the process transforming gender relations and gendered identities into more democratic spaces of interaction. The transformation of these gender relations and gendered identities also triggers changes in the marriage institution as spouses begin to see and interact with each other as partners and equals. In addition, the changes witnessed in gender relations and gendered identities result in the production of a tolerant masculinity that is adaptive, flexible, and reflexive
Factors associated with defaulting among women initiated on option B+ in urban clinics- 2015
No full textIntroduction: We carried out this study to describe the demographic characteristics of the mothers on Option B+ at Budiriro, Mabvuku, Rutsanana and Kuwadzana poly-clinics. To determine the patient level factors, the service related factors, the provider-patient relationship factors, the environmental, socio- cultural factors and the drug related factors associated with defaulting among women initiated on Option B+ at the four poly-clinics, 2015.
Methods: A 1:2 unmatched case control study was conducted. A total of 195 participants were recruited, 65 cases and 130 controls. The study was carried out at four polyclinics, Rutsanana, Mabvuku, Kuwadzana and Budiriro. Simple random sampling technique was used to select study participants from the Option B+ registers. A case was an HIV positive pregnant or lactating woman registered and initiated for Option B+ at any one of the four sites from January to April 2015 but missed at least one resupply visit or medicine pick up appointment for ART. A control was an HIV positive pregnant or lactating woman registered and initiated on Option B+ at any one of the four sites from January to April 2015 and attended all resupply visits or medicine pick up appointments for ART. Data were collected using interviewer administered questionnaires, in depth interviews, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using Epi infoTM 7 to generate tables and graphs. Qualitative data were analysed manually using themes. The median age for cases was 27 years (Q1 = 23.5, Q3 = 32 years) while that of controls was 30 years (Q1 = 26.5, Q3 = 35.5 years).
Results: Non-disclosure of HIV status and having experienced stigma because of HIV status were significant patient level factors that were associated with defaulting with OR 16.6 and 14.3 respectively, (p<0.05). Running short of medication at some point and having experienced drug side effects were significant drug related factors associated with defaulting with OR 52 and 4.0 respectively, (p<0.05). Receiving inadequate information during counselling and not having attended individual counselling sessions were significant service related factors associated with defaulting with OR 9.4 and 3.7 respectively, (p<0.05).
Conclusions: Factors associated with defaulting among women initiated on Option B+ vary. Some of the factors have to do with the patient while some are related to the service that they receive and their relationship with the health care provider. Some are however related to the availability and the effects of the drugs themselves. We recommend providing adequate information on all the factors that might affect the women, encouraging disclosure of status so that they get support from others and strengthening of follow up mechanisms
An analysis of the factors leading to rising credit risk in the Zimbabwe banking sector
No full textThe study sought to analyse the factors that lead to rising credit risk in the Zimbabwean
banking sector. The objective was to ascertain the impact of macroeconomic, industry and bank specific factors on rising credit risk in in Zimbabwe. The study aimed at contributing to credit risk management literature by providing evidence Sub Saharan context. Being anchored on the positivist quantitative research approach, a survey was carried out to gather the data that were analysed using descriptive, correlation and regression analyses. The results revealed that the most significant factors leading to credit risk in the Zimbabwean banking sector were macroeconomic and bank specific
factors. The industry factors did not show a significant influence on the rising credit risk. The research findings of this study will a valuable addition to the existing knowledge and provide a platform for further research on how the credit risk problems can be dealt with. While credit risk is known as one of the risks inherent to any banking institutions, the alarming levels of credit risk in the Zimbabwe banking sector has motivated this current study to critically analyse the factors that have led to the high credit risk level