National Research Database of Zimbabwe
Not a member yet
5897 research outputs found
Sort by
Species composition and abundance of the spider fauna of the Hillside Dams Conservancy, Bulawayo. Zimbabwe.
No full textThe objective of the study was to describe the spider species composition and abundance of a semi arid protected area in Zimbabwe, the Hillside Dams Conservancy. The paper aims to introduce a neglected group of invertebrates -the arachnids which is primarily unknown to science particularly in Zimbabwe. Spiders were collected in ten weekly sessions from last week of July to September 2012, using sweep nets and beating trays. A total of 663 individuals belonging to 28 species distributed among 11 families were found in the conservancy. The Oxyopidae was the most abundant (n = 230) representing 35% of all spiders sampled, followed by Philodromidae (n = 140) with 21%, Thomisidae (n = 124) with 19%, and Salticidae (n = 87) with 13%. The most abundant species was an Oxyopidae Oxyopes sp (n = 186) representing 28% of the total, followed by a Philodromidae Philodromus sp (n = 120) with 18.1%, a Salticidae Salticidae sp (n = 82) with 12.4%. The Thomisidae was the most species rich family with twelve species, followed by Philodromidae with four species and the Oxyopidae with three species. Observed spiders belonged to five functional groups: stalkers, foliage wanderers, ambushers, orb weavers and ground wanderers in the ratio of 3: 3: 6:2:1 with regards to species richness. Spider diversity in protected areas in Zimbabwe is not yet well known despite their usefulness as indicators of the overall species richness and status of ecosystems, therefore this study sought to fill the existing void of Arachnology literature for the state and apprise future investigators of the spider fauna of Zimbabwe
An encounter with the enigma: Some philosophical reflections on Hosiah Chipanga’s music
No full texthttp://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/18125980.2015.1031455,Hosiah Chipanga is dubbed one of the most controversial musicians to have emerged in post-independent Zimbabwe. His music strongly condemns acts of corruption, avariciousness, bribery, nepotism and political power struggles that threaten to tear apart the moral fibre of the Zimbabwean society. Through the songs “Gushungoâ€, “Dafi†and “Vatsigiri vanguâ€, Chipanga attempts to salvage truth and sanity out of the “debris†of moral laxity that makes some Zimbabweans fail to go beyond their own limitations. This epistemic search for
the “truth†makes Chipanga’s music generate new levels of social, economic and political consciousness at a time when all hope on redeeming Zimbabwe from possible self-destruction seemed to have been lost. Through what one can call “painful political truth†and “liberation theologyâ€, Chipanga calls forth for Zimbabweans to reflect upon their lives and desist from the habit of “blame shifting†by confronting the problems that afflict them
An assessment of factors that contribute to the sesual abuse of disabled women in rural areas; the case of Bikita district ward 3
No full textThe Research Thesis has the aim of assessing the factors that contribute to the sexual abuse of disabled women in rural areas using the case study of Bikita District Ward 3. The study will focus on the plight of disabled women in Bikita District Ward 3, the factors that subject them to sexual abuse as well as the possible response mechanisms that can be implemented in a bid to reduce the rates of the sexual abuse of disabled women in rural areas. The Researcher was motivated to carry out a research of this nature by the alarming rates of sexual abuse regarding disabled women in rural areas. If sustainable development is to be realised then there is need for attention to shift to the adherence of Human Rights. Qualitative research methodology was used to carry out the research. The Researcher found out that disabled women are the poorest of the poor especially in rural areas. This perhaps is because of their incapability to earn a sustainable living because of socio-economic and cultural dynamics. They depend on caregivers for sustenance. They live in an environment which is characterised by stigmatisation and discrimination which act as social barriers. Indeed their disabilities make them vulnerable to sexual abuse because of the dynamics that are propounded by different disabilities but other factors such as cultural assumptions, social construction, economic considerations as well as poor development initiatives act as catalysts that foster the sexual abuse of disabled women. Therefore it is imperative for the government as well as the 3rd sector to collaborate so as to reduce the vulnerability of disabled women in rural areas. Taking such a stance will reduce the sexual abuse of disabled women
Indigenisation policy as a vehicle for socio-economic rural development: a case of Chivi community share ownership trust from 2007-2014.
No full textThe onset of the colonial rule in Zimbabwe during the 1890s retarded the socio-economic fortunes of the country and ultimately led to the impoverishment of the blacks. Rural communities in Zimbabwe have suffered centuries of poverty and underdevelopment since colonialism segregated them from development and took them as reservoirs of cheap labor for the advancement of settler colonial economy. The Indigenisation programme is one among other empowerment programmes designed to redress the historical injustices and inequalities imposed on rural communities by the colonial governments. This research examines the impact of the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment programme as a vehicle to promote socio-economic rural development in Zimbabwe and Chivi district in particular. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources such as policy statements, journals, books, articles and internet sources on rural empowerment and Indigenisation. Interviews were drawn from government officials, community leaders such as Chiefs, village heads and councilors, teachers and the generality of the population in Chivi district. The investigation established that the Indigenisation programme delivered what I wish to call patchy development because the projects of the programme have promoted development only in a few selected areas of the district. The programme has the potential to unlock the development puzzle in Zimbabwe but various factors such as lack of capital, political influence of some powerful individuals who interfered with programme implementation, and corrupt tendencies by agents for proposed change among others have hindered the outcome of tangible results in Chivi district and Zimbabwe in genera
Impact of the indigenisation policy on youth development in Zimbabwe from 2010-2014. A case study of Gweru urban.
No full textSince Zimbabwe’s political independence in 1980, the government has been making efforts of trying to raise the living standards of the young people through various means. However, because of a variety of challenges and other factors like colonial policies, national divisions, illiteracy, selfishness and a poorly performing economy amongst others, unemployment has continued to affect the youths in Zimbabwe. In Zimbabwe youth constitute a large percentage of the population
but they were the most marginalised when it comes to resource allocation. As a result the Government of Zimbabwe in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment introduced the Indigenisation policy that was meant to readdress the historical imbalances that existed during the colonial error. On this regard the Indigenisation policy was seen introducing the Youth development Fund which was meant to develop and empower the
youth on different projects, thereby bringing them back into the mainstream economy and allowing them to economically develop themselves. The Zimbabwean government worked with various Youth Development Facilities that were releasing loans to the youth, aged between 18-35 years and these funding agents were the Kurera/Ukondla Youth Fund, IDBZ, CABS, CBZ and Stanbic.
However, despite the availability of the indigenisation policy and these youth funding facilities, youth development remained questionable and has been greatly politicised, thus failing to bring the intended results, regardless of the government’s efforts to improve the livelihoods of youth. Qualitative research methodology with the use of interviews and documentary review was used on
the impact of the indigenisation policy on youth development in the Gweru urban. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling were sampling designs used on the research and thematic analysis of data was used on data presentation and analysis
Motivations of parasuicide tendencies among young married females at Parirenyatwa Pychiatric Unit in Harare
No full textThe study explored the motives of parasuicides tendencies among young married females who seek assistance at Parirenyatwa Psychiatric Unit. The numbers of parasuicide patients are increasing monthly in Harare and the majority are young females of the age of 16 to 22. There are very few studies done in Zimbabwe on motives behind parasuicide or self injuries as a way of attempting suicide especially in married adolescents females. The researcher reviewed literature from other scholars and very few researches address parasuicide just in general. The research adopted the exploratory research design to expose the causes of suicide attempts in young married females with a sample of 12 respondents selected using the opportunistic purposive sampling technique. The results of study indicated that financial crisis emanating from substance abuse, to get rid of painful situations, witchcraft accusations and evil spirit possession, family disunity and inter-conflicts, physical and verbal abuse by the husband and the in-laws. In conclusion the study realise that it is difficult for these young mothers to endure such perpetuating and precipitating factors so as to have positive perceived behaviour and attitude. It was recommended that the government must come up with a blue print on suicide prevention, family integration tolerance and reconciliation. The conflicting parties surrounding the victims that is the spouses, siblings, parents and the inlaws should unite, seek psycho-social advice and family psychotherapy to save the life of vulnerable young married female
An assessment of the effect of the interaction of small dam development and management institutions on the quality of maintenance of small dams: a case of Mzingwane Catchment, Zimbabwe.
No full textSmall dams are an important source of both primary and productive water for rural communities especially in resource and water scarce semi arid areas such as Mzingwane Catchment in Zimbabwe, which was the study area. However failure of small dams in this area can result in the deprivation of the communities of vital water sources. It was against this background that this study was carried out to assess the institutional collaboration and the effect of the existence and functional status of site specific small dam management structures on the quality of maintenance of small dams. Literature reviews, interviews and informal discussions were used to get an insight into how these institutions were interacting with each other as well as with the community. Observations and inspections were done to check the physical condition of small dams in order to assess quality of maintenance that was being carried out on them. A comparison was then made between the quality of maintenance being carried on a particular small dam and the existence and functional status of a dam committee at the respective small dams. The results of the study indicated that about 90% of the small dams studied were not being properly maintained. Of these, about 43% were not being maintained at all. Of the unmaintained and poorly maintained small dams, about 97% had either a non functional or none existent dam committee. Other major issues affecting the maintenance of small dams in the study area
were the limited capacity of institutions, unclear roles of communities in the management of small dams, lack of resources and lack of incentives for locals willing to maintain the small dams. The study concluded that despite the existence of a government institution mandated to develop and maintain small dams, some form of effective and community based small dam management system has to be in place if dams are to be properly maintained especially in a resource scarce area. Recommendations were that the current small dams management structures need to be made more sustainable and effective. Some of the suggested ways of doing this include ensuring that within the leadership of these management structures, there is at least an influential member of community who is empowered to make decisions concerning the maintenance of the small dams. Levies and fees for productive uses of the small dams could be introduced to help contributing resources towards sustainable and effective functioning of dam committees and the maintenance of the small dams. Issues of unclear roles should also be resolved by making clear the policies on the role of communities and other stakeholders in the management of small communal dams
Contribution of the informal sector to urban livelihoods: the case of Home industries in Glen-View, Harare
No full textInformal sector has become the main source of urban livelihoods through employment creation due to shrinking formal sector. The government of Zimbabwe has embarked on major socio –economic transformation through supporting the informal sector in an endeavor to improve urban livelihoods. In this context, this research sought to examine the contribution of the informal sector to urban livelihoods. Specific focus was on the home industries in Glen – View. The study mainly used the qualitative research methods in order to get a deeper understanding of how the informal sector is contributing to livelihoods. Interviews were conducted with twenty key informants drawn from the local council, Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises, Academics, Informal Traders, Home Industry Management Committee and other suitable stake holders who had intimate knowledge about the informal sector operations. Ninety questionnaires were administered to the community of informal traders in Glen – View Home Industries in wards 30 and 32. Data that emerged from the findings was analyzed and presented using the descriptive thematic approach which was analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). The findings of the study reveal that informal sector has a lot of potential to contribute to improved livelihoods through employment creation, supplementing incomes, upward mobility, enhancing the standard of living and fighting poverty. However, the findings of the study reveal that a number of challenges militate against operations of the informal sector such as funding, poor working environments and lack of social services. This means there is a serious need for concerted efforts by all stakeholders to ensure that the informal sector activities are fully supported to ensure that full benefits in terms of the contribution of the informal sector in sustaining urban livelihoods is not interrupted
FDI and economic transformation in Sub-saharan Africa: paper prepared for the Midlands State University 1st International Research Conference: Driving Socio-Economic Development through Value Addition and Sustainable use of Resources held at Elephant Hills Resort, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe 14-16 July 2015
No full textForeign direct investment (FDI) is widely considered one essential element for achieving sustainable development. This paper seeks to establish how much of the FDI activities in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have translated into economic benefit for the host countries. It extends the analysis of aggregate FDI-growth relationships to intra and inter-sector spill-over effects, thereby reconciling the often inconclusive evidence on the growth impact of FDI in SSA. An interrogation of the figures in an econometric estimation of the FDI-growth relationship reveals that while FDI may seem like a key phenomenon of the century when measured by the rate it has been growing in Africa, this international interest in the region is yet to be translated into generation of livelihood and growth opportunities for recipient countries. The findings are important in light of Zimbabwe’s current economic woes characterized by low FDI inflows. FDI attraction has been proffered as a panacea to the current recession but the question is its sustainability given the turbulent political and socio-economic environment
Shona names: their origins and import.
No full textContrary to William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet’s notion about a name, according to The Afrocentric experience, [2004], a name is the evidence of one’s existence. A name establishes one’s presence on earth. Names give a person identity and can be a source of pride or shame as it were. From the earliest literature, the Bible, the naming of a
people, a place or a person has always been important as an indicator of who that people, place or person would become in the future. Examples of such naming are numerous and include the naming of Jesus, as Emmanuel and Peter as the Rock. In the same breath, in the Shona culture, newly born babies arc given names in the families they are born into.There are traditional criteria followed when giving names. Naming is not done by everybody, elders or the mother and father of the child have the prerogative to name. This article endeavours to analyse the sources and meanings of Shona names given to children. The central thrust of the article is that, in the Shona society, a name has a lot of meaning, and significance and can therefore, even influence the behaviour of the owner