Religion, Food Security, and Climate Change Mitigation: A Case of Luangwa Valley Women of Eastern Zambia - Mwale, Nelly; Haambokoma, Nicholas Miyoba (2024)
Using the work of women farmers in the Luangwa Valley of Eastern Zambia, this chapter explores how Zambian women utilize indigenous knowledge systems to mitigate climate change and promote food security. Conceptually anchored on women as agents of a healthy environment, the chapter draws on a case study research design and employs interviews with purposively selected women farmers and document analysis as data collection methods. It shows that in a context characterized by recurrent impacts of different on-going climatic changes and food shortages, women were using indigenous knowledge to address climate change and food insecurity through conservation farming which restored soil health, boosted production, and enhanced food security. It further shows the value which women drew from pro-climate and food security activities, such as being enabled to increase the nutrition of their households and the community at large, to sell the surplus for additional income, and uphold their identity as indigenous women farmers. The chapter also draws lessons from the Luangwa Valley women's utilization of indigenous knowledge to address climate change and foster food security centred on indigenous knowledge as a resource for mitigating climate change and food insecurity. The chapter contributes to discourses of religion, food security, and climate change by showcasing that rural women were active agents of change through their utilization of indigenous beliefs and practices to address the environmental crisis and in turn foster food security and contribute to promoting healthy organic foods that are of nutritional value to people.
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Indigenous Knowledge Use and its Constraints in Drought Resilience Building: A Case of Rural Gwembe-Zambia - Mwanza, Joan B.; Nsenduluka, Evaristo; Shumba, Overson (Open Journal of Social Sciences, 2024)
Climate variability and the place of indigenous knowledge as part of disaster risk reduction have been gaining momentum in the recent years. The study was aimed at determining indigenous knowledge practices in agriculture, rainwater harvesting and early warning systems and associated constraints towards drought resilience building. A qualitative approach and a case study design with 140 participants comprising household heads, key informants, and focus group representatives was undertaken from six selected drought prone rural communities of Chief Chipepo and Munyumbwe of Gwembe district. Purposive and convenience sampling was utilized with open-ended in-depth interviews. The study utilized thematic data analysis with the aid of Nvivo Pro 12. Findings were that conservation farming was predominantly perceived as indigenous. Rain-water harvesting was largely limited to dug-out ponds, shallow wells and few weir dams. Indigenous early warning systems involved observations of behavior of plants, animal, insects and celestial bodies and local traditional ceremony called lwiindi for the prediction of weather conditions and providing a que for preparedness. It was concluded that while indigenous knowledge use was existent, socio economic, environmental and institutional related constraints affected its widespread use there by affecting resilience building against future drought events. The study contributes to enrichment of knowledge in indigenous knowledge practices in the stated segments which were context specific but replicable in areas with similar characteristics. Documentation of indigenous practices with potential to enhance drought related resilience building was recommended.
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Can Game-Based Learning Help to Increase the Awareness of Water Management in Uganda? A Case Study for Primary and Secondary Schools - Nalumenya, Brian; Rubinato, Matteo; Kennedy, Michael Peter; Catterson, Jade (2024)
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Stakeholder views on continuing professional development for doctors working in public primary care facilities in central Uganda: a qualitative study - Namatovu, Jane Frances; Mubuuke, Aloysius Gonzaga; Buwembo, William; Nakigudde, Janet; Kiguli, Sarah (The Pan African medical journal, 2024)
Introduction: the primary care workforce in the public sector of Uganda is under the district health system. The doctors in this workforce provide leadership and frontline promotive, preventive, curative, rehabilitative, and palliative care. Their numbers are still low and therefore need effective support through continuing professional development (CPD). Part of the support is influenced by stakeholders whose views on CPD in the district health system are important. This study therefore explored the stakeholders views on the CPD of doctors working in the district health system in central Uganda.
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Socioenvironmental Drivers of Farmers’ Perceptions of Climate Change Risk in Agroforestry Parklands of West Atacora in Benin (West Africa) - Nambima, Amos Baninwain; Houéhanou, Thierry D.; Yehouenou, Narcisse; Adjacou, Dowo Michée; Alassiri, Abdul Sodick; Gouwakinnou, Gérard Nounagnon (Open Journal of Ecology, 2024)
Throughout the world, climate change is threatening the human population. In West Africa, smallholder farmers in indigenous agricultural societies typically hold considerable knowledge. Therefore, this study was conducted in West Atacora of Benin Republic to assess the drivers of farmers’ perceptions of climate change risk. We used a random sampling technique to select 360 households’ heads who were interviewed regarding different climate change risks perception. Binomial logistic regression was used to assess the drivers of farmers’ perceptions of climate change risks. The results showed that the farmers in drier areas had a higher perception of the global risk of climate change than those in humid areas. The same trend was observed for the seven different individual’s climate change risk investigated. The study identified also membership of farm organizations as main sociodemographic characteristic that explains farmers’ perception of climate change risk perception. These findings are helpful tools to sensitize the local people on climate change risk and cope with the risk in agricultural lands.
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The Effect of Digital Literacy on the Academic Performance of Islamic University Students in Gaza During COVID-19 - Nassar, Sedeaq; Khattab, Shahira (2024)
The study aims to investigate the impact of digital literacy in higher education on the academic performance of students at the Islamic University of Gaza. To achieve this objective, the study adopted the descriptive analytical approach, where a questionnaire was designed to collect data from students of the Islamic University of Gaza in various disciplines. A simple random sample was used in the study, (376) questionnaires were distributed while (303) were retrieved which were used in the study and analyzed with a recovery rate of 80%. Findings indicate that there is a significant relationship between digital literacy in education and its three levels with the academic performance of students at the Islamic University. With regard to the three levels of digital literacy, it was concluded that there is a statistically significant effect of digital usage and digital transformation on students’ academic performance, while there is no statistically significant effect of digital competence on their academic performance.
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Training a Determinant of Teacher Retention in Zambia - Natalia, Zulu; Gift, Masaiti; Kasonde, Mundende (International journal of research and scientific innovation (Print), 2024)
The high turnover rates of experienced and qualified teachers in government schools on the Copperbelt Province of Zambia necessitates this novel paper into determining the impact of training on teacher retention. This article was guided by Herzberg’s Two Factor Theory and Job Embeddedness Theory. And to simplify the relationship between the key variables the Employee Retention Connections (ERC) model was used. This paper was underpinned by pragmatic research philosophy and utilized a Mixed Method design, precisely an embedded correlational model which was primarily quantitative. The article was done on the Copperbelt Province of Zambia with the population of 17, 885. A study sample of 600 participants which was calculated using Yamane formula at 95% confidence level with the level of precision of ±4% was used. basic set of beliefs that guide the actions and deﬁne the worldview of the researcher (Lincoln et al. 2011).Introduced by Thomas Kuhn (1970), the term paradigm was used to discuss the shared generalizations, beliefs, and values of a community of specialists regarding the nature of reality and knowledge. Sampling was done using multistage sampling and snowball sampling techniques. To collect quantitative and qualitative data, self-administered questionnaires and semi-structured interview guides were used respectively. Quantitative data were then analyzed using inferential statistics precisely linear regression analysis. On the other hand, qualitative data were analyzed using both a qualitative interpretative approach and Moustakas`s Modified Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen (SCK) method. The findings suggest that school managers and newly recruited teachers should be given foundational training before ushered in an office, and in-service training should be an ongoing exercise. The researcher further recommends that in-service training should be an on-going exercise especially in rural schools; and foundational training should be mandatory for all education administrators, as well as newly recruited teachers, before ushered in the office.
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Catholicism, Climate Change and Pests in Africa - Nche, George C. (2024)
The threat posed by insect pests is one of the major challenges to food production in Africa. By feeding on plant tissues and transmitting viral infections, these pests account for about 49% loss in yearly crop production in the continent. With over 60% of its population engaging in subsistence farming and about 23% of its GDP coming from agriculture, this challenge of insect pests has significant social, economic and political implications in Africa. Yet, this challenge is being made worse by climate change. Given that temperature is the main environmental factor affecting insect population dynamics, it has been projected that climate change will lead to the proliferation and survival capacity of pests. This calls for more innovative and affordable context-specific pest management strategies for the continent. The contributions of the Catholic Church to the global fight against hunger and food scarcity especially in Africa are well documented. However, not much information exists on the role or position of the Catholic Church on pest management in the continent especially in this era of climate change. This chapter will therefore discuss the role of the Catholic Church in addressing the threat posed by climate change-induced pests in Africa. Data for this study will be drawn from relevant online scholarly materials and ecclesiastic documents. Discussions of findings will highlight implications for the Catholic Church and policymakers in the continent.
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Gender political inclusion and inclusive finance in Africa - Nchofoung, Tii N.; Asongu, Simplice; Tchamyou, Vanessa S. (Economic Systems, 2024)
At the 2010 G20 Summit, the use of formal financial services was recognized as one of the main pillars of the global development agenda. At the same time, the fifth goal of the Sustainable development agenda outlined the importance of gender inclusion for sustainable development. Empirical research on the effect of gender inclusion on inclusive finance has however been limited to micro level studies. This study aims to verify the effect of gender political inclusion on financial inclusion on a sample of 37 African countries from 2004-2020. The empirical methodology involves the OLS, the Tobit regression and the System GMM methodologies. The results from these methods show that gender political inclusion is enhancing on financial inclusion in Africa, and this finding is robust across alternative specifications of gender inclusion and inclusive finance. Besides, governance exhibits a positive synergy effect with gender political inclusion on inclusive finance. Policy implications are discussed.
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Factors Associated with Renal Impairment in Patients on Tenofovir for Chronic Hepatitis B in Yaoundé (Cameroon) - Ndam, Antonin Wilson Ndjitoyap; Shu, Stanford; Mahamat, Maimouna; Nga, Winnie Bekolo; Babagna, Isabelle Dang; Talla, Paul; Kowo, Mathurin; Andoulo, Firmin Ankouane; Ashuntantang, Gloria (Open journal of gastroenterology (Print), 2024)
Background: Tenofovir (TFV) is widely used to treat patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. But kidney abnormalities are the main concern using this drug. Few studies have described the renal impairment due to the TFV in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in Sub-Saharan Africa. The objective was to evaluate factors associated with renal impairment observed in patients on TFV for CHB. Method: It was a hospital based cross sectional prospective study carried out from June 2023 to July 2023 in Yaoundé (Cameroon) and included any patient treated with TFV for CHB during at least a period of 6 months. For each participant, we collected in the medical report socio-demographic data, clinical data, baseline creatinine, treatment information (type of TFV which was Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) or Alafenamide (TAF), duration). Then, we collected blood samples to measure serum creatinine and phosphate levels and urine dipstick analysis. Factors associated with renal impairment were assessed with the Odds Ratio. A p value of < 0.05 was significant. Results: A total of 60 participants were included. The median age was 44 years [36-55] and median duration of TFV therapy was 17.5 months [11.7-25.7]. The prevalence of reduced eGFR (<60 mL/min/1.73m2) was 6/60 (10%), the prevalence of hypophosphatemia 6/60 (10%) and the prevalence of albuminuria 24/60 (40%). Factors associated with eGFR reduced were diuretic use (OR 8.5, [1.09-9.58], p = 0.042) and duration of TFV ≥ 36 months (OR 34, [4.3-266.3], p = 0.001). Those associated with hypophosphatemia were duration of TFV ≥ 36 months (OR 12.5 [1.88-83.3], p = 0.009). While factors associated with albuminuria were TDF prodrug use (OR 8.8 [1.8-43.1], p = 0.009), and duration of TFV ≥ 36 months (OR 11.7, [CI 1.3-104.5], p = 0.009). Conclusion: Kidney function was impaired in some patients receiving TFV for CHB. It should be monitored, particularly after 36 months and for those receiving TDF prodrug.
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Hearing Loss Detection and Early Intervention Strategies in Kenya - Ndegwa, Serah N.; Pavlik, Michelle; Gallagher, Emily R.; King’e, Maureen; Bocha, Manaseh A.; Mokoh, Lilian W; Macharia, Isaac; Stringer, Paige; Njuguna, Irene; Wamalwa, Dalton; Benki‐Nugent, Sarah (Annals of global health, 2024)
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The Effects of Demographic Factors on Professional Career Success: An Investigation of Higher Education Staff in South Africa - Ndjama, Joelle Danielle Ngo; Westhuizen, Johan Van der (African journal of inter-multidisciplinary studies, 2024)
Professional career success has received great attention in the organisational management literature since the 1980s as organisations strive to attract and retain top talent, understanding the factors that contribute to career success has become imperative. Since it is an important topic for individuals, organisations and researchers, there have been efforts to comprehend the organisational elements and people-related factors that contribute to employees' professional career success. Located within the career development theory, this study aims to understand the sociodemographic aspects of academics that contribute to favourable perceptions of professional career success. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire on 253 male and female academics and the data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, namely the Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests. The results of the empirical survey revealed that there were practical significant differences among academics concerning their job classification, professional experience, and their perceptions of their career as successful. Nonetheless, the findings reported no statistically significant differences among gender and age of academics and their perception of successful professional careers. Additionally, the results showed that job classification and professional experience of academics were significant predictors of professional career success since individuals with higher job classifications often have more autonomy and decision-making power within their organisations and departments. Individuals with more professional experience may have a better understanding of their industry and are required to comply with its requirements. These findings may enrich career success theories and offer developmental recommendations to support academics’ professional career success in higher education institutions in South Africa.
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Promoting history subject skills through competency-based assessment in Tanzania rural secondary schools: Teachers’ understanding and practices - Ndomondo, Eunice (Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 2024)
History subject promotes vast competencies desired in the 21st-century education. However, a paucity of understanding exists on how competencies are fostered using the study of the past. This study examined history teachers' understanding and use of assessment in promoting history subject skills in Tanzania secondary schools. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with history teachers, a review of teachers' lesson plans and students' assignments, and analysed using content analysis procedures. The findings revealed teachers' limited understanding of the assessment approaches, which are currently emphasized in the history subject. Thus, teachers' knowledge and application of assessment methods may not effectively promote the desired teaching and learning of history subject skills. Respective education authorities should devise capacity-building strategies for improving history teachers' understanding of the current assessment approaches and their applications for better students’ learning outcomes.
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Community Health Risk Awareness and Knowledge of Air Pollution in Annadale, Polokwane Local Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa - Ngobeni, Famola Charles; Kekana, Mokoko Percy (Environmental Health Insights, 2024)
Background: Exposure to air pollution has detrimental effects on the elderly, women, people with pre-existing medical conditions, people living in poverty and children. The aim of the study was to investigate the extent of community awareness and knowledge on the health risks associated with exposure to air pollution. The study was conducted at Annadale residential area locally known as Ladanna surrounded by industrial areas and located in Polokwane Local Municipality under Capricorn District Municipality in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used for the study, using self-administered questionnaires. The questionnaire was pre-tested on 10 respondents at Emdo Park (Extension 29) in Polokwane from 02 to 06 February 2021 and another fifteen respondents were pre-tested at Lesedi Park. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 376 respondents. Systematic sampling method was applied to select the households. SPSS version 26 was used to analyze data. Data was presented in the form of frequencies and percentages. Spearman rank correlation was used to measure the degree of association between 2 variables. A Chi-square test was used to compare the groups between the categorical variables. Multivariate Logistic Regression Model was used to assess associations of knowledge/awareness outcomes and sociodemographic characteristics with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (Cls) presented. Results: Of 376 respondents, 221 (59%) were males and 154 (41%) females. The majority 113 (70%) of respondents were those between the age group 23 and 47 years and 353 (94%) were aware that if they don’t protect themselves against polluted air, they may get sick, with age and educational status associated with their awareness ( P < .05). About 361 (96%) knew what air pollution is and 188 (50%) think the air they breathe in Annadale is moderate. A total number of 278 (74%) said they feel sick/uncomfortable when the quality of air is bad. About 293 (78%) knew that people are exposed to air pollution by breathing contaminated air and 237 (63%) identified sewage smell as the main cause of air pollution. Internet 199 (53%) and television 177 (47%) were identified as the main source of information Those who were not aware of actions implemented to reduce air pollution were 180 (48%). Based on the results of the study, respondents’ level of knowledge in Annadale was poor (71%) and their awareness was good (87%). Conclusions: It is crucial that air pollution risk communication strategies be implemented to empower residents and improve the level of knowledge on the dangers of exposure to polluted air.
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Student Representation in Higher Education Governance in (English-Speaking) Cameroon: The Politics, Challenges, and Way forward - Ngwa, Emmanuel Shu; Folabit, Novel Lena (2024)
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Covid-19 and School Teachers in South Africa: Interfacing Sdg3 (Health and Wellbeing) and Sdg4 (Quality Education) - Nhamo, Godwell; Kunene, Hlengiwe Precious; Mashula, Nthabiseng (2024)
The COVID-19 pandemic destabilised all economic sectors, including the education sector, particularly schools. Teachers faced a considerable health risk, and this brought to the fore the interface between two Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 3 (Health and Wellbeing) and SDG 4 (Quality Education). This work investigates the impact of COVID-19 on teachers from the Limpopo Province of South Africa and the subsequent responses implemented in reaction to the pandemic. A mixed methods approach including a teacher survey (n=226) administered in 39 schools on QuestionPro, supplemented by key informant interviews (n=14) mainly from school managers and analysed by ATLASti was used. The findings reveal that the majority of teachers (58.17%) were fully vaccinated. While 71.21% of the teachers indicated they were not aware of any loss of lives in their schools, 26.52% said they were. With regards to the impact of COVID-19 on work and productivity, most of the respondents (62.84%) strongly agreed that COVID-19 had a negative impact. Impacts on mental health included fear of teachers to interact with learners and general trauma. Although COVID-19 had subsided by the time of completing this work in December 2023, the authorities still needed to continue rolling out support systems to teachers that had been impacted by the pandemic. Therefore, long-term disaster risk and management strategies for school educators are recommended and these should be developed in consultation with teachers who experienced COVID-19 first hand.
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The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Medical Education in a SubSaharan African Country (Kenya) - NJM, Mwang’ombe (International journal of surgery & surgical techniques, 2024)
In 2019 the World was faced with a new infectious disease caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2), the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The disease was first reported in China in December 2019 and due to its rapid spread, the disease was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO) on 30 January 2020 and a pandemic on 11 March 2020 [1]. However, by March 2023, the disease was no longer considered as a PHEIC by WHO, but an ongoing COVID-19 disease [1]. The COVID-19 pandemic and its current status as an on-going disease will affect medical education, healthcare and the achievement of the United Nations health-related Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), especially in the low and middle income countries (LMIC)
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What drives First-Generation College Students to be resilient in pursuing higher education in Africa? - Nkansah, Jacob Oppong; Ikbal, Yusuf Oldac (Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 2024)
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A logit model approach to the examination of parents’ willingness to contribute towards the cost of senior high school education: The case of parents in Tamale, Ghana - Nkegbe, William Kofi (Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 2024)
The Free Senior High School policy introduced in Ghana has helped to enhance access resulting in significant increases in enrolment and other improvements such as early reporting at schools by students, sufficient provision of schoolbooks, distribution of school outfits and improved feeding menu. There are also challenges ranging from inadequate and delayed funding to poor and insufficient supplies, with most facilities being either absent or in poor shape, mainly because of heavy financial burden the policy puts on government. These resulted in calls on government by stakeholders and other watchers of the sector for a review of the policy that will allow parents to make some contributions towards their wards' senior high school education. This study sought to examine the willingness of parents to contribute towards the senior high school education of their wards amidst the current Free Senior High School policy in Ghana; to help make a research-based input into the discussion using a logit model approach; and to also create a basis for comparison in future studies. Responses from some 467 parents of students in Senior and Junior High Schools in the Tamale township; purposively and randomly selected were analysed. Respondents were made up of more females than males who were predominantly either employed or self-employed with about 69% having a formal education of a sort. The study observed that majority of respondents expressed their willingness to contribute towards their wards’ senior high school education; largely towards the feeding component of the cost, and that a review that will cover the forementioned will not be out of place since it is anticipated, and parents are willing to contribute in that direction. It was also observed that the logit model was an appropriate statistical approach in performing the analysis of the study data with a categorical and dichotomous response variable. A mean willingness to contribute amount was also estimated as GH₵450.70. The study recommends a review that will allow parents whose wards have boarding status to at least pay for the boarding component including feeding.
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Distribution of ABO, RhD Blood Group among Secondary School Students at Bishops Girls Secondary School Rushere Kiruhura Southwestern Uganda - Nuwareeba, Benjamin; Atuhaire, Antony; Mawejje, Esau; Obeagu, Emmanuel Ifeanyi (IDOSR JOURNAL OF APPLIED SCIENCES, 2024)
ABO and Rhesus blood group antigens are inherited genetic markers in human blood. Haemoglobin is an efficient transporter of oxygen from the lungs to the tissues and carbon dioxide from tissues to the lungs for exhalation. The study was to determine the distribution of ABO and Rhesus blood groups among secondary school female students. The blood samples of 107 secondary school students at Bishops girls’ Secondary School Rushere kiruhura Southwestern Uganda between July to August, 2023 were collected and their haemoglobin genotypes were determined using HemoTypeSC™ rapid test kit and ABO and Rhesus blood groups were determined by a standard tube method. Results. The frequencies of ABO blood groups among the study population were 20 (18.5%), 24 (22.5%), 06 (5.4%) and 57 (53.6%) for blood group A, B, AB, and O respectively. Also, the distribution of Rhesus (D) positive and Rhesus (D) negative were reported as 98 (91.6%) and 9 (8.4%) each. There was no association between ABO, Rhesus (D) and Hb genotypes observed. Data revealed that Rhesus (D) positive students were statistically higher in number compared to the Rhesus (D) negative students (p=0.000). The sequence of ABO distribution among the rural population in southwestern Uganda is; O > A > B > AB. The frequency of Rhesus (D) negative is very low among secondary school students at Bishops’ Girls Secondary School Rushere Kiruhura Southwestern Uganda Keywords: blood groups, ABO blood group, Rh group, Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn
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Visual Health Status and Visual Impairment among Students in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State Nigeria - Nwachukwu, Kingsley Ezechinyere; ETIM, Rita Okon (International journal of research and scientific innovation, 2024)
The purpose of this study was to determine the visual health status, causes of visual impairment and the prevalence of eye disease among students in Uyo metropolis. Five specific objectives and five research questions were formulated to guard the study. A Quesi-experimental research design was used in the study involving two public and one private secondary schools located in Uyo metropolis. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data as well as clinical examination of the eyes of the students who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and data so generated were analyzed using frequency counts and non parametric statistics. The sample for the study was made up of 419 students, 152 were males and 261 were females. The findings of the study indicated that, testing using chi-square analysis revealed a poor visual health status of majority of the students is caused by refractive error and the prevalence of visual impairment is high among the students, therefore there is need to take appropriate steps to mitigate its effect on the academic performance of these students and their in future. It is recommended that teachers should be trained and equipped for vision screening of their students, pre-school regular eye screening of students including a proper referral chain for students so identified with eye problem should form part of the school health programmers.
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Nature-Based Solutions to Climate Change for Enhanced Nutrition, Food, and Income Security of Rural Communities in Sub-Saharan Africa - Nyambo, Patrick; Zhou, Leocadia; Mapuka, F. N.; Slayi, Mhlangabezi; Muchaku, Shadreck; Dzvene, Admire R. (2024)
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Doctoral Training Centres Framework for Southern Africa - Nyemba, Wilson R.; Carter, Keith F. (2024)
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Engineering Doctoral Training in Southern Africa - Nyemba, Wilson R.; Carter, Keith F. (2024)
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Effects of Lesson Study and Team Teaching on Students’ Achievement in Physics in Selected Secondary Schools in Niger State - OBABORI, H. F; Celina, Gana; Gimba, R. W.; ALHASAN, U. D. (International journal of research and innovation in social science, 2024)
The study was carried out to examine the effects of Lesson study and Team teaching on students’ achievement in Physics in selected secondary schools in Niger State. The study employed a quasi-experimental (pre-test post-test non-equivalent group design) and was guided by two research questions and two corresponding hypotheses. The population of the study comprised of 34,694 Senior Secondary School II Physics students (20,320 Male, 16,374 Female). 380 students (213 male, 167 Female) in the six purposively sampled science and technical colleges were used for the study. Data was collected from the sampled students using Physics Achievement Test for Students (PATS). The reliability coefficient for PATS was calculated using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and its value given as 0.77. To answer the research questions, mean and standard deviation were used. The corresponding hypotheses were tested using ANOVA at 0.05 decision level. The Tukey procedure was used to make pairwise comparisons of means where necessary. The results revealed that there was a statistically significant difference among the groups taught Physics using Lesson Study model, Team Teaching and Lecture method (F (2,377) = 8.708, p (0.000) < 0.05). A further analysis shows that significant difference exists between the group of students taught using Lesson Study model and those taught using Lecture method (p = 0.000). Another significant difference was also found between the group of students taught using Team Teaching and those taught using Lecture method. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the students taught using Lesson Study and those taught using Team Teaching The male and female in the experimental groups performed better than male and female in the control group F(5,374)=4.517, p (0.001) < 0.05. From the study, it was recommended that Physics teachers should implement Lesson Study for active participation of students towards enhancing students’ achievement in Physics.
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Prevalence and correlates of depression among students in a senior high school in Ghana: A school-based cross-sectional study - Obeng-Okon, Nana Akua Sarfoah; Opoku, Douglas Aninng; Ayisi-Boateng, Nana Kwame; Osarfo, Joseph; Amponsah, Obed Kwabena Offe; Ashilevi, Jennifer; Agyemang, Sheneil; Bernard, F.; Addai-Manu, Helena; Mohammed, Aliyu (Sage Open Medicine, 2024)
Objectives: Depression is one of the most widely reported mental health issues that affect adolescents globally. However, there is a dearth of data on its prevalence and associated factors among senior high school students in Ghana, since previous studies have focused more on adult populations. This can hinder policies needed to champion mental health and mental health care in senior high schools. Hence, this study sought to assess the prevalence of depression and associated factors among senior high school students in Ghana. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study involving 289 students at the Manya Krobo Senior High School was conducted from December 2022 to February 2023. The students were selected using a two-stage random sampling method. A questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographics and individual characteristics. The primary outcome was depression, and this was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Summary statistics were presented as means, frequencies, and percentages. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with depression and odds ratios presented with 95% confidence intervals. Statistical significance was considered at p-value < 0.05. Results: The mean age of the students was 16.6 (±1.2) with a range of 14–20 years. Over a quarter (26.3%) of the students reported financial difficulties. The prevalence of depression among the students was 68.9%. The factors associated with depression in this study were female sex (adjusted odds ratio: 1.74, 95% confidence interval: 1.01–2.97), age (adjusted odds ratio: 1.41, 95% confidence interval: 1.10–1.81), history of chronic health condition (adjusted odds ratio: 3.74, 95% confidence interval: 1.36–10.25), and financial difficulties (adjusted odds ratio: 2.31, 95% confidence interval: 1.15–4.63). Conclusion: This study shows that depression is rife among students at the Manya Krobo Senior High School, Manya Krobo District, Ghana. These findings call for pragmatic interventions such as strengthening counseling units and professional mental health services to ameliorate the impact of depression on the lives of students.
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Fostering environmental personal norms: the role of environmental education in Nigerian pre-service teachers’ environmental knowledge, pro-environmental beliefs and behaviours - Obiagu, Adaobiagu; Ocheje, John; Ofodum, Ifunanya; Eze, Emmanuel (Environmental Education Research, 2024)
This research investigated the role of environmental education (EE) in acquiring environmental knowledge, pro-environmental beliefs and pro-environmental behaviours among a sample of pre-service teachers who undertook an EE course (n = 177) and those who did not undertake an EE course (n = 203) in a Nigerian university. Results showed that pre-service teachers who received the EE course had higher environmental knowledge and pro-environmental behaviour than their counterparts who did not take the EE course. Moreover, pre-service teachers who did not take the EE course had higher pro-environmental beliefs than their counterparts who received the EE course. However, the recorded mean differences were minor and not statistically significant. Also, the relationships between environmental knowledge, pro-environmental beliefs and pro-environmental behaviours were not significant. The implications of these findings call for EE policies and practices anchored on promoting personal environmental norms and citizenship and updated capacity building for EE educators.
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Pursuing climate resilience - options for decarbonizing road transportation in Ghana - Obilie-Mante, Victor (Social Science Research Network, 2024)
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Environmental Challenges, Climate Change and the Responsibility to Protect (RtoP) in Africa - Obor, Deborah Odu; Ochogwu, Joseph Peter (2024)
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Heatwaves and Price Waves: Unraveling the Climate Change–Inflation Nexus in Selected West African Countries - Odu, Ada Tony; Abu, John (Social Science Research Network, 2024)
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Midwifery education in Ghana: Time for further advancement - Ofosu-Poku, Rasheed; Akuoko, Cynthia Pomaa; Antwi, John; Amankwah, Bridget (International journal of Africa nursing sciences, 2024)
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IMPACT OF PEDAGOGICAL INNOVATION ON EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHERS’ CLASSROOM PRACTICES IN SELECTED BASIC SCHOOLS IN SURULERE OF LAGOS, NIGERIA - Ogwazu, Joyce Ezidiugo (Shodh Sari-An International Multidisciplinary Journal, 2024)
Dynamics in education are changes teachers bring into classroom practices. The study focused on exploring the impact of pedagogical innovation on early childhood teachers’ classroom practices in selected Basic schools in Surulere Local Government Area, Lagos, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised all basic school teachers in Surulere, Lagos state. Simple random sampling technique was used to randomly select a sample size of 240 public basic school teachers in Surulere LGA. Ten teachers each in 24 schools were randomly selected. Two research questions in a-14 item statement instrument titled ‘Impact of Pedagogical Innovation and Teachers’ Classroom Practices’ (IPITCP) questionnaire was used to elicit information from respondents. Face and content validity of the instrument was carried out by Experts in Early Childhood and Measurement and Evaluation. The reliability coefficient of 0.80 of the instruments was derived through test-re-test. Data gathered were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency count, percentages and mean. The study identified the challenges associated with the adoption of pedagogical innovation, and examined impact of pedagogical innovation on classroom practices. The findings of the study revealed that pedagogical innovation had a positive impact on classroom practices which attributed to the improvement in teachers’ motivation towards teaching and learning, an increase in the level of pupils’ engagement and motivation, and an overall improvement in pupils’ learning outcome. The study also revealed that adoption of pedagogical innovation posed several challenges to the teachers, including inadequate access to technology, limited gadgets and resources, and inadequate training among others. Recommendations were made among others that training organized for teachers should be innovative in order to enhance their competence in ICTs. Also, Government, NGOs, PTA should assist in procuring ICTs gadgets among others.
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Climate Change and Armed Banditry in Northwest Nigeria: A Troubled Synergy of Insecurity - Ojewale, Oluwole; Osasona, Tosin; Shamsudeen, Yekeen (2024)
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Students’ Power and How It Has Changed in Kenya - Ojwang, Mary Adhiambo (2024)
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Assessment of pollution potentials of slaughterhouse wastes on physicochemical properties of soil in Ebonyi State Nigeria - Okafor, Odera Chukwumaijem; Nwojiji, Mathias; Njoku, C.; Onuoha, Paul Ibeabuchi (Environmental Earth Sciences, 2024)
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A Regression Analysis of Mathematics Achievement on Achievement Motivation Factors. A Case Study of Secondary School Students in Busia County, Kenya - Okaka, Brian Mukani; Mutua, Josephine; Dinga, Jotham N. (International journal of research and innovation in social science, 2024)
A majority of KCSE candidates in Samia Sub-County have been performing below average in mathematics. Studies have been conducted to address this problem but significant progress has not been achieved. To address this problem, this study sought to examine achievement motivation as a predictor of mathematics achievement in order to come up with a model that can be used to predict mathematics achievement. The study was anchored on achievement theory of motivation by McClelland (1985). Quantitative research methodology was adopted with a correlational research design. The target population for this study was 5395 Form three students in 28 public secondary schools in Samia Sub-County. Purposive sampling, proportionate sampling and simple random sampling techniques were used to select the participants. A sample size of 361 students was selected from a target population of 5395. Academic motivation scale and mathematics achievement score sheet were used to collect data. Pilot study was conducted among 30 students in one public secondary school in Samia Sub-County to establish the validity and reliability of achievement motivation scale. The researcher conducted a number of descriptive statistics such as mean, percentage, and standard deviation to describe the study variables. Inferential statistics was used to test the research hypotheses. Results revealed that achievement motivation score had a strong, positive and significant relationship with mathematics achievement, r (346) = .76, p < .05. Achievement motivation was also found to be a significant predictor of mathematics achievement. The study recommends that teachers and curriculum developers should include and improve ways of enhancing achievement motivation in their teaching methodologies and in the school curriculum to ensure that it works for the benefit of the students in learning mathematics and better achievement in the subject.
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Association between Ambient Air Pollution and Respiratory Health in Kampala, Uganda: Implications for Policy and Practice - Okello, Gabriel; Nantanda, Rebecca; Tata, Laila J.; Sserunjogi, Richard; Olatunji, Johnson; Awokola, Babatunde; Okure, Deo; Thondoo, Meelan; Green, Paul; Babajide, Opeyemi; Oni, Tolu (2024)
Download This Paper Open PDF in Browser Add Paper to My Library Share: Permalink Using these links will ensure access to this page indefinitely Copy URL Association between Ambient Air Pollution and Respiratory Health in Kampala, Uganda: Implications for Policy and Practice 37 Pages Posted: 27 Feb 2024 See all articles by Gabriel OkelloGabriel OkelloUniversity of Cambridge - Cambridge Institute for Sustainability LeadershipRebecca NantandaMakerere University - Makerere University Lung InstituteLambed TataUniversity of CambridgeRichard SserunjogiMakerere UniversityJohnson OlatunjiThe University of ManchesterBabatunde AwokolaLiverpool School of Tropical MedicineDeo OkureMakerere UniversityMeelan ThondooUniversity of CambridgePaul GreenMakerere UniversityOpeyemi BabajideDrexel UniversityTolu OniUniversity of Cambridge Abstract Ambient air pollution and weather have an impact on respiratory diseases. This study analysed effects of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) on monthly respiratory-related healthcare facility visits and admissions (herein referred to as events) in Kampala, whilst considering meteorological factors.Monthly healthcare facility events for neonatal pneumonia, asthma, pneumonia and COPD between 2019 and 2020 were retrospectively extracted from the District Health Information Software 2. PM2.5 and meteorological data were obtained from 45 monitoring stations and 5 weather stations in Kampala. Associations between air pollution and healthcare facility events were examined using generalised additive models (GAM) adjusted for rainfall, temperature and humidity.Multivariate analysis showed positive association between monthly PM2.5 with healthcare facility visits due to asthma (incident rate ratio-IRR = 1.007, p<0.05) and admissions due to pneumonia (IRR = 1.007, p<05). Healthcare facility events were associated with PM2.5 (IRR = 1.005; p<0.05) and relative humidity (EDF = 1.000; p<0.05).PM2.5 impacted on healthcare facility events in Kampala and association was influenced by meteorological factors. However, lack of data for daily healthcare facility events could have affected accuracy of the impact therefore further analyses are needed. Our characterisation could support facilities in development of early warning tools for air pollution events. Note: Funding declaration: Gabriel Okello is a Prince of Wales fellow leading the Air Quality and NCDs fellowship supported by a philanthropic gift from AstraZeneca, Grant No G111521. Conflict of Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper. Ethical Approval: Ethics approval was obtained from Mulago Hospital Research Ethics Committee (MHREC) and Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) in Uganda and Psychology Research Ethics Committee, University of Cambridge, UK. Approval was also obtained from the Ministry of Health in Uganda to access health data. Keywords: Ambient air pollution, Health, respiratory events, policy and practice Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation Okello, Gabriel and Nantanda, Rebecca and Tata, Lambed and Sserunjogi, Richard and Olatunji, Johnson and Awokola, Babatunde and Okure, Deo and Thondoo, Meelan and Green, Paul and Babajide, Opeyemi and Oni, Tolu, Association between Ambient Air Pollution and Respiratory Health in Kampala, Uganda: Implications for Policy and Practice. Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4725212 Gabriel Okello (Contact Author) University of Cambridge - Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership ( email ) 1 Trumptington RoadCambridge, CB2 1QAUnited Kingdom Rebecca Nantanda Makerere University - Makerere University Lung Institute ( email ) Lambed Tata University of Cambridge ( email ) Richard Sserunjogi Makerere University ( email ) Johnson Olatunji The University of Manchester ( email ) Babatunde Awokola Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine ( email ) LiverpoolUnited Kingdom Deo Okure Makerere University ( email ) Meelan Thondoo University of Cambridge ( email ) Paul Green Makerere University ( email ) Opeyemi Babajide Drexel University ( email ) Tolu Oni University of Cambridge ( email ) Download This Paper Open PDF in Browser Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share? 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Energy consumption and climate change in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) - Okere, Cynthia; Okeke, Obiajulu Chibuzo; Okere, Wisdom; Adedeji, Oluwaseun; Ajibola, AA (International Journal of Global Energy Issues, 2024)
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Introducing African-led Innovation to tackle the challenges of climate change in Africa - Okesanya, Olalekan John; Adigun, Olaniyi Abideen; Shomuyiwa, Deborah Oluwaseun; Olabode, Olaleke Noah; Hassan, Habibi; Micheal, Abioye Sunday; Adebimpe, Oso Tolutope; Atewologun, Faith; Ogaya, Jerico Bautista; Manirambona, Emery; Lucero‐Prisno, Don Eliseo (PAMJ one health, 2024)
Africa faces severe challenges from climate change, including rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, extreme weather events, and sea-level rise, which endanger ecosystems, livelihoods, and socio-economic stability. Africa-led innovation, driven by African communities, organizations, and governments, recognizes the continent's unique context and aims to empower communities to address climate change while promoting economic development, social equity, and environmental sustainability. Agriculture, water scarcity, clean energy access, and sustainable urbanization are critical concerns. Africa-led solutions are necessary alongside global efforts to tackle climate change. Environmental challenges like water and air pollution and droughts pose risks to public health, the economy, and social structure. Africa-led innovation leverages local resources and expertise and has yielded successful initiatives, including community-based adaptation, renewable energy expansion, climate-smart agriculture, coastal adaptation, forest conservation, and sustainable urban development. Collaboration, financing, policy frameworks, and knowledge sharing are crucial for scaling up Africa-led innovation. Prioritizing sustainable approaches, combining traditional knowledge with modern advancements, and ensuring affordable solar energy solutions in rural areas are essential. Supporting African-led initiatives, investing in research institution capacity building, and fostering collaboration at all government levels will contribute to a resilient future for Africa in the face of climate change.
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CONSTRAINTS OF QUALITY ASSURANCE IN MANPOWER FOR HIGHER EDUCATION IN NIGERIA - OKODUGHA; Ebedialalu, Kingsley (International Journal of Education Humanities and Social Science, 2024)
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Inclusive Mobile Health System for Yoruba Race in Nigeria - Olutola, Agbelusi; Aladesote, Olomi Isaiah; Matthew, Olumuyiwa Oluwafunto (2024)
Language differences are major barrier to the dissemination of information between patients and health workers in the Southwestern part of Nigeria. Developing a system that would assist an individual to explain their health issues in their preferred language using mobile devices is a spot for concern to effective communication. This idea will promote and achieve good health for all which is the NO 3 of the seventeen sustainable development goals (SDGs) adopted by the general assembly of the United Nations. The authors have developed an inclusive mobile health application that would translate English text to Yoruba text using a direct rule-based machine translation approach. Production rules based on English sentence structure were formulated using context-free grammar and a dictionary data set containing English words and their Yoruba language equivalent was also adopted. The system development was achieved with Java programming, Extensible Markup language (XML), and Mongo DB. The new system (RTCHAT) was developed and its translation result was compared with Google Translate. One hundred (100) translated sentences used in the new application (RTCHAT) were extracted and given to Yoruba linguistics to identify correctly, partially, and wrongly translated sentences. The result was compared with google translate of the same group of sentences and the result shows that eleven (11) sentences were correctly translated in Google translate and eighty-nine (89) in RTCHAT, ten (10) were partially translated in RTCHAT and thirteen (13) in Google translate and finally, seventy-two (72) sentences were wrongly translated in Google and three (3) in RTCHAT. Performance of the new system (RTCHAT) was tested at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic (Nigeria) community and the result shows a high percentage of performance and ratability.
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Level of Awareness of Transport Externalities on Noise Pollution in Akure, Nigeria. - Oluwasanya, T.; Enyinda, Chukwuemeka Albert; Olisa, B. S.; Stephens, Michael (International journal of latest technology in engineering management & applied science, 2024)
Transport conveys substantial socioeconomic benefits. It is a vital sector that facilitates progressive developments in economy of a nation. Advantages derived from transportation sector are vital in the integration of various regions and sectors of the economy of nations. Despite this advantage, one of the negative externalities it exhibits is noise pollution ‘an unwanted and undesirable sound’. Excessive noise in an environment is identified to constitute the most disturbing among the city pollutants and this is a serious urban crisis in Akure. This study ascertains the level of awareness of the users of transport services on the impact of transportation on the environment in Akure South LGA. and determines the effects of Noise pollution on the residents in the study area. Noise level measurement was done using a PCE-322A sound level meter and direct interview was conducted with residents and other road users. Noise data were collected at different time intervals to find out the variation of sound levels. Based on the findings, respondents reported that the most disturbing period of the day was evening (peak period) between 3 pm and 5.00 pm. The findings revealed that the level of awareness of negative effects of noise pollution is significantly low. The study recommended that pubic needs to be sensitized on the negative externalities of vehicular noise pollution and the need to curtail it.
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The Consideration of Health Co-Benefits of Tree Planting Projects in Response to Climate Change in Africa: A Rapid Review - Oluwemimo, Damilola; Henschel, Nadine; Mwongo, Mutile; Wazhi, Godsave Binlak; Aidoo, Kingsman Acquah (2024)
Tree planting is gaining recognition within Africa as a nature-based solution to climate change and planetary health. Though essential care is important when implementing reforestation projects to maintain ecological balance and biodiversity, there is a deficit of evidence-based research on the health effects of tree planting projects in Africa.A rapid review was carried out to examine the specific intersection between tree planting and human health in Africa. The study adopts a systematic screening approach to identify relevant literature. The screening method yielded 30 articles, with subsequent full-text screening narrowing it down to three review papers.This paper aims to understand to what extent health co-benefits are considered in tree planting projects in Africa. The findings indicate that direct benefits include mental health improvements, respiratory health enhancements, and increased food security. Indirectly, tree planting can improve soil health and consequently increase crop productivity, thereby reducing malnutrition and improving wellbeing.
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Prophetic Action, Climate Change, Food Security, and SDG 2 in Africa - Omona, David Andrew (2024)
This chapter analyzes the prophetic actions by the church in relation to climate change and food security in Africa in light of SDG 2. It argues that as the salt and light of the world, the church's prophetic role predisposed her to talking forth in regard to issues that are detrimental to the people of God in a given time. Given the outcry about climate change and food insecurity experienced across Africa and guided by the requirements of the SDG 2, the church has the mandate to conscientize the masses so to address the ills of climate change and food insecurity. Of course, this, the church cannot do single-handedly, but rather in collaboration with other stakeholders using established frameworks. Using a non-empirical research approach, the chapter discusses the current prophetic action of the church in relation to climate change and food security, exposes how the church uses the guideline of SDG 2 in this action, and indicates the effectiveness of the prophetic actions in addressing climate change and food security.
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Assessement on the Impact of School Resources on Principals’ Administrative Duties in Selected Public Secondary Day Schools in Maara Sub-County, Kenya - Ongubo, K. Debborah; Jacob, Greg (International journal of research and innovation in social science, 2024)
The administration and management of principals imply the arrangement of human and material resources available in education and their methodical use for the fulfilment of educational goals. The following objectives guided this study: the influence of finances on principals’ administrative duties in public day secondary schools, the influence of human resources on principals’ administrative duties in public day secondary schools, and the influence of the community surrounding the school on principals’ administrative duties in public day secondary schools in Maara Sub-County. The descriptive survey design was employed in this study to characterize the behaviour of all independent and dependent variables in order to establish a relationship between them. The current research was conducted in Tharaka Nithi County, specifically in the Maara sub-county. The current study’s target group will include parents, class lead instructors, a Quality Assurance Officer, and school principals affiliated with public day secondary schools in Maara Sub-County, Tharaka Nithi County, totaling 162. The sampling frame included 125 people chosen from a pool of 162 people living in Maara Sub-County in 2020. A questionnaire, an interview guide, an observation checklist, and a document analysis guide were used to collect data. The data collected was examined using descriptive statistics. Descriptive statistics make use of central tendency behaviour to assess data. The study found that respondents (mean 4.00) agree that ICT infrastructure improves engagement of teachers and learners in modern forms of knowledge acquisition; textbooks and note books lead to excellence in academic outcomes; and teaching aids, primarily audio-visual, increase learners’ resilience to life. The study found that school building design improves teacher retention, which improves academic success; laboratories promote practical work, which improves academic achievement; and conducive classrooms improve teachers’ and students’ attitudes, which improves academic accomplishment. The study found that teachers’ professional discharge of duties improves educational quality and thus academic achievement; school administrators who can organize the process of teaching and learning to promote the school mission improve academic achievement; and teachers’ experience, knowledge, and teaching skills improve their effectiveness and thus academic achievement. The study found out that, number of students admitted in secondary schools over the last five years (2018-2022) has increased, however, there has been a decerease in KCPE men grade over the last five years. This might be as a result 100% transition from primary school to secondary school. The research also found that instructional resources, physical facilities, and human resources all had an impact on a student’s academic progress in public secondary schools.
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Building collaboration and synergy among regional blocs to reduce marine plastic waste pollution: A case for the Gulf of Guinea region - Onyeabor, Emmanuel; Obuka, Uju (Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2024)
The Gulf of Guinea (GoG) region in sub-Saharan Africa is a vast and diverse region stretching from Senegal to Angola, covering approximately 6000 km of coastline. It is an important shipping zone transporting oil and gas, as well as goods to and from central and southern Africa. Plastic waste has an impact on the major metropolitan centers of this region, as well as the beaches. The Gulf of Guinea region includes the coastal areas of countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Sao Tome and Principe, the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Benin, and Togo. This study uses qualitative methodology to comparatively interrogate how to use legal instruments to reduce marine plastic pollution in the Gulf of Guinea region, which encompasses these coastal nations.
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Effect of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Intervention on Job Stress Among Primary School Teachers in Nigeria - Ossai, Osita Victor (Journal of Research & Health, 2024)
Effect of Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction Intervention on Job Stress Among Primary School Teachers in Nigeria
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Specialized Training Workshops for Algerian EFL Teachers: A Transformative Pathway for ESP Instruction - Ouarniki, Ouafa; Turqui, Barkat (Academicus : International Scientific Journal, 2024)
The purpose of this study is to investigate the transformative impact of online workshops on Algerian EFL teachers’ proficiency in teaching English for Specific Purposes (ESP) instruction. These workshops were organized in response to Algeria’s pressing need for specialized training. Therefore, the core objective of the workshops is to improve teachers’ abilities and skills in needs analysis conduct and ESP course design. Within this context, this investigation employed a quasi-experimental method, combining both quantitative and qualitative data, to evaluate the workshops influence on participants’ attitudes, confidence, and instructional strategies. Notwithstanding certain limitations, the results emphasize the revolutionary potential of specialized teacher training in ESP education. The research concludes with suggestions and recommendations for upcoming workshops highlighting the significance of striking a balance between theory and practice.
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Place of first trimester ultrasound at the university teaching hospital of Bogodogo (UTH-B) in Burkina Faso - Ouattara, Adama; Natacha, Bako Lankoande; A, Tougma Sanou; Alexi, Sawadogo Yobi; Sibraogo, Kiemtor; Issa, Oudraogo; CMR, Oudraogo (International journal of clinical obstetrics and gynaecology, 2024)
Objective: To describe the experience of the UTH-Bogodogo obstetrics and gynecology department in ultrasound determination of fetal sex in the first trimester of pregnancy.Patients and Methods: This was a prospective descriptive study conducted over a 30-month period from February 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022 in the gynecological and obstetric ultrasound unit of the UTH-Bogodogo in Ouagadougou. The study sample consisted of 311 fetuses. The sample included all pregnant women who came for an obstetrical ultrasound scan in a non-emergency situation, whose gestational age was between the 11th and 14th week of amenorrhea, and who expressed a wish to know the fetal sex. The methods described by Mazza and Efrat were used to determine fetal sex. Patients were followed until delivery, after clinical verification of the sex of their newborns. Data were collected using an individual data collection form. Participation in the study was conditional on patients signing an informed consent form.Results: Fetal sex determination was possible in 280 of 311 fetuses, for a feasibility rate of 89.7%. In the remaining 31 cases, it was not possible to determine the fetal sex, as the position of the fetus did not allow a clear view of the genital bud. In terms of reliability, of the 238 fetuses monitored, fetal sex determination was correct in 204 fetuses, for a success rate of 85.7%. Accuracy was better when sex determination was performed after 12 weeks of amenorrhea. There was no significant difference in measurements between single and multiple fetuses.Conclusion: Ultrasound determination of fetal sex at first birth could be an effective, simple, available and inexpensive option in developing countries.
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The role of cervical ultrasound in the management of Threatened Premature Delivery (TPD) in Africa: Experience at the University Teaching Hospital of Bogodogo (UTH-B) in Burkina Faso - Ouattara, Adama; Natacha, Bako Lankoande; A, Tougma Sanou; Alexi, Sawadogo Yobi; Sibraogo, Kiemtor; Issa, Ouédraogo; CMR, Oudraogo (International journal of clinical obstetrics and gynaecology, 2024)
Introduction: The threat of premature delivery is very frequent in our labour context. Obstetric ultrasound is an essential tool in its management. To describe the predictive values of vaginal ultrasound of the cervix in the management of this pathology in an African university hospital, we conducted the present study.Methods and Patients: This was a prospective cross-sectional study from December 2021 to May 2022 at the Bogodogo University Hospital in Burkina Faso. Our series included all pregnant women who consulted us for a threat of preterm delivery between the 28th and 34th weeks of amenorrhoea and who actually had a cervical measurement on admission to the department. The results were analysed using Epi info 3.3.2 software and the significance level was set at 5%.Results: The frequency of threatened premature delivery was 1 in 37.7 deliveries. The mean age of the patients was 26.7 years, with extremes of 17 and 40 years. For a threshold of 25 mm for cervical length on ultrasound, the negative predictive value was 96.29% and the positive predictive value was 52.94%.Conclusion: Vaginal ultrasound of the cervix has a good negative predictive value for threatened preterm birth at a threshold of 25 mm. Its systematic use in other birthing rooms should improve the management of threatened preterm birth in countries with limited resources, through better selection of patients for hospitalisation.
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Seismic Signal Discrimination Between Natural Earthquakes and Mining Explosions Using Moroccan Seismic Network - Ouchen, Ibrahim; Arab, Oussama; Fellah, Younes El; Harnafi, M. (2024)
Some regions of Morocco are characterized by relatively moderate active seismicity and mining. The seismic activity in Morocco is related to the African and Eurasian plate’s convergence. In this work, we examined several diagnostic techniques to identify and distinguish between earthquakes as natural events and explosions as artificial events in the northern part of Morocco. The methods used are based on seismic spectral amplitude ratio, moment magnitudes (Mw), the time duration of signals, and focal mechanisms. The discrimination has been checked regarding monitoring of local seismicity and chemical explosion using the data recorded from more than 80 seismic stations in the framework of several projects; PICASSO, Topo Iberia, Morocco-Array, SIMA, RIFSIS for the period from 2010 to 2012. It comes out that using the distribution of Amplitude/Frequency methods between 0.1 and 25 Hz frequency band, the separation appears clearly for the earthquakes in the range 1–3 Hz and explosions in the range 9–12 Hz. Therefore, the moment magnitude of natural earthquakes is greater than that of artificial explosions. The detectability of the local earthquake and chemical explosion is estimated by the near station to the mine. The magnitude of explosions and earthquakes is between 2 and 4. Our approach is to apply these methods to better separate the populations of earthquakes and explosions to help calibrate local discriminants, especially in the phosphate areas where explosions rich database is available. This may shed light on the seismicity pattern of the region.
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Religion, Climate Change, and Food Security in Africa: Religion, Food Security, and Resilience of Rural People in Ghana - Owusu-Ansah, Sylvia; Owusu-Ansah, Beatrice-Joy; Kubi, Appiah (2024)
Agriculture in Ghana is mainly characterized by small farm sizes of less than two hectares that are mostly farmed by rural folks, including women and girls. For most of these people, whose main source of income is farming, climate change is one of the greatest threats to livelihoods and food security. Higher temperatures, frequent flooding, drought, and erratic rainfall patterns, among others, are major challenges to small-scale farming. There is a need for resilience of rural people to help them to adapt to external and internal factors while transforming existing conditions to become more food secure. Using the biblical pattern in the Book of Genesis (chapters 12 and 26) regarding the farming activities of Abraham and Isaac in times of drought as a basis, we draw semblance to modern-day difficulties facing agriculture in terms of climate change and its associated problems. Resilience encompasses three main aspects: adaptability, transformation, and persistence. These three concepts are portrayed in the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac and can be translated into today's rural agricultural farming in Ghana to address the problem of food security. We employ both qualitative and quantitative data analysis and use primary and secondary data to draw conclusions and make recommendations.
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Assessing ethical misconduct among librarians in selected nursing training colleges in Ghana - Owusu-Ansah, Yaw; Dadzie, Perpetua S. (The Journal of Academic Librarianship, 2024)
Every profession is guided by ethical conduct to help maintain the status quo of the profession. This study focused on assessing the ethical misconduct among librarians in selected nursing and midwifery training colleges in Ghana. The study adopted a qualitative research technique. Four head librarians were chosen using a purposive sampling approach each, from the three sectors demarcated by the researchers for the study. The findings from this study indicate that plagiarism is the most ethical misconduct librarians engage in, followed by violation of intellectual property rights and lack of access to information. The study also reveals that quick turnaround for searches, inadequate funds, ignorance of the code of ethics, and lack of education are the main causes of information ethical misconduct in librarianship. The study recommends that enough funding must be given to Nursing and Midwifery Training College (NMTC) libraries by management in order to equip them with the acquisition of legitimate materials to help curtail the violation of intellectual property rights and all other forms of ethical misconduct and dilemmas as a whole. Furthermore, the researchers propose that the Ghana Library Association which is the body responsible for librarians' interests should revise the 2014 Library Code of Ethics and urgently hold a seminar/workshop to refresh members' knowledge of the Code of Ethics.
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The Effect of Inquiry Teaching Method on Students’ Academic Achievement in Biology in Etung Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria - Oyak, Manyo Ntuna (Social Science Research Network, 2024)
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Quality and Inclusive Education in Zimbabwean Rural Early Childhood Development Centres - Pakombwele, Agnes; Hlatshwayo, Isaac; Sikhangele, Mcelelwa; Gumbo, Rudo; Ncube, Sibusiso (International journal of research and innovation in social science, 2024)
Globally, inclusive education lays a central role in improving and sustaining quality in Early Childhood Development (ECD) settings. Children with diverse needs and challenges are most vulnerable, marginalised and denied access to early education, especially in rural communities. This article explored the implementation of inclusive education towards achieving quality education in rural ECD settings of Mashonal and East schools of Zimbabwe. Grounded in the interpretivist philosophy, the study adopted a qualitative approach. Qualitative data from participants were gathered though semi-structured interviews and observations. The participants included three ECD teachers from three rural schools with ECD classes. The findings revealed that inclusive education is one of the measurement of quality in ECD centres. Despite being a crucial measure, data shows that rural ECD centres in Zimbabwe are not prepared for inclusive education. Although there are existing policies and acts on disability there was also a lack of support from the centres’ leadership and administration on the implementation. Our recommendations are that all stakeholders in ECD centres should support the implementation of inclusive education.
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The Promotion of Unhu/Ubuntu/Vumunhu Through the Teaching of Heritage Education in ECD Classrooms of Zimbabwe - Pakombwele, Agnes; Mapolisa, Professor Tichaona (International journal of research and innovation in social science, 2024)
Globally, heritage education is seen as a model which can be implemented to provide a holistic education that incorporates spiritual, cultural, and moral values to all citizens. In Zimbabwe, the education is underpinned by a philosophy of unhu/ubuntu/vumunhu which nurtures humanness, human interdependence and the sense of community in learners. In addition, early childhood proponents underscore the teaching of socio-cultural knowledge to young children during their early stages of learning. The newly introduced Zimbabwe Curriculum Framework for Primary and Secondary Education (2015-2022) includes family and heritage studies as one of the curriculum areas to be taught from early childhood development (ECD) to tertiary level. The framework emphasises continuous development of unhu/ubuntu/vumunhu from ECD to the point of exiting secondary education. Against this background, the study examined how teachers are instilling unhu/ubuntu/vumunhu values in ECD learners through heritage education. The study further explored the alignment of the curriculum demands to ECD teachers’ practices in teaching heritage studies. An explorative qualitative case study informed by the socio-constructivism was adopted. Data was gathered from three teachers through semi-structured interviews and analysis of teacher artifacts. The study revealed that there is a gap between the curriculum demands and teachers’ classroom practices on the teaching of unhu/ubuntu/vumunhu culture at early childhood development. Teachers lack adequate content knowledge on heritage education and continue to use traditional methods of teaching in ECD. The paper concludes by suggesting a culturally-based model of classroom practice that is oriented towards inculcating unhu values in learners.
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Comparative Consequence of Puzzle Cooperative Learning Tactic and Lecture Instructional Tactic on Learners’ Mathematics Recall in Schools in Delta State Nigeria - Peace, Omoroh; Ajaja, O. P.; Kpangban, Emperor (Creative Education, 2024)
The research examined the consequences of the standard lecture method and the puzzle cooperative learning technique on learners’ academic performance and recollection of mathematical ideas in Delta State schools. With a quasi-experimental pretest, post-test, and delayed post-test control group design, three research questions and hypotheses were developed for the research. 39,904 secondary school learners made up the target population. With basic random selection, 197 individuals were picked at random from five randomly selected schools to represent the sample. With the Kuder Richardson (KR-21) formula, the research’s 50 multiple-choice geometry attainment questions produced a reliability coefficient of 0.83. The research questions were answered with the mean and standard deviation, and the hypotheses were checked with a t-test with a significance threshold of 0.05. The findings showed that learners who learned geometry with the cooperative puzzle method did better than those who were taught through a lecture method, as evidenced by their higher mean accomplishment and memory scores. Additionally, pupils’ recollection of geometry topics was substantially improved by the puzzle cooperative technique. To improve learners’ mathematical attainment and recall, the research suggests instructors use the puzzle cooperative approach to learning in secondary school geometry classes by implementing diverse learning clusters.
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Realization of Access, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Inclusive Education: What Are the Missing Gaps in Tanzania? - Philip, Eugen Mtemi (European Journal of Contemporary Education and E-Learning, 2024)
This paper discusses the provision of inclusive education in Tanzania to persons with disabilities. In doing so, it examines the initiatives taken by the government of Tanzania to ensure that all children, including those with disabilities, have access to education. It traces the Tanzania Government’s efforts in the provision of holistic education enshrined in equality and equity through the lens of National Strategies for Inclusive Education and other legislative strategies which advocate for all children to be included and have access to education. Further, the paper discusses on the concepts of inclusion and equity in inclusive education as embraced in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Through analysis of literature it is still obvious that children with disabilities in Tanzania still face many difficulties in accessing education equitably, due to a shortage of instructional and learning resources, a shortage of trained teachers with skills in handling cases of students with disabilities; and discrimination. This paper concludes by pointing out areas of achievement and weakness in the provision of inclusive education by the government of Tanzania.
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The Nature of Entrepreneurial Training in Selected Agricultural Training Institutions of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock in Zambia - Phiri, John; Kalimaposo, Kalisto; Sichula, Noah; Daka, Harrison; Phiri, Chidongo; Masauso, Mwale (International journal of research and innovation in social science, 2024)
This study explored the nature of entrepreneurial education in the selected Agriculture Training Institutions (ATIs) for the Ministry of Agriculture and Live stocks in Zambia. To do this, the study explored Entrepreneurial Education challenges and opportunities in ATIs, widely acknowledged as a transformative tool for job creation in the country. The argument is that if entrepreneurship education is properly enhanced can provide self-reliance in the Zambia’s agriculture sector to attain sustainable socio-economic growth. The aim of the study was to explore the nature of entrepreneurial education in ATIs curricula; identify challenges, opportunities and ways to promote innovation and job creation through the provision of entrepreneurial education in the selected ATIs in Zambia. The study employed a mixed data collection process through purposive sampling procedures. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically while Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, graphs and tables. The findings show that the current ATI curricula and the National Agricultural Policy (NAP) did not adequately address entrepreneurial education in the agriculture sector because they were loosely developed and were production oriented. The study recommended inter alia that ATIs should create curricula that prioritize creativity, and innovation, utilizing blended interactive and reflective teaching methods to support entrepreneurial education.
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The Nature of Entrepreneurial Training in Selected Agricultural Training Institutions of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock in Zambia - Phiri, John; Kalimaposo, Kalisto; Sichula, Noah; Daka, Harrison; Phiri, Chidongo; Masauso, Mwale (International journal of research and innovation in social science, 2024)
This study explored the nature of entrepreneurial education in the selected Agriculture Training Institutions (ATIs) for the Ministry of Agriculture and Live stocks in Zambia. To do this, the study explored Entrepreneurial Education challenges and opportunities in ATIs, widely acknowledged as a transformative tool for job creation in the country. The argument is that if entrepreneurship education is properly enhanced can provide self-reliance in the Zambia’s agriculture sector to attain sustainable socio-economic growth. The aim of the study was to explore the nature of entrepreneurial education in ATIs curricula; identify challenges, opportunities and ways to promote innovation and job creation through the provision of entrepreneurial education in the selected ATIs in Zambia. The study employed a mixed data collection process through purposive sampling procedures. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically while Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, graphs and tables. The findings show that the current ATI curricula and the National Agricultural Policy (NAP) did not adequately address entrepreneurial education in the agriculture sector because they were loosely developed and were production oriented. The study recommended inter alia that ATIs should create curricula that prioritize creativity, and innovation, utilizing blended interactive and reflective teaching methods to support entrepreneurial education.
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Catchment scale assessment of macroplastic pollution in the Odaw river, Ghana - Pinto, Rose Boahemaa; Bogerd, Linda; Ploeg, Martine van der; Duah, Kwame; Uijlenhoet, R.; Emmerik, Tim van (Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2024)
Catchment-scale plastic pollution assessments provide insights in its sources, sinks, and pathways. We present an approach to quantify macroplastic transport and density across the Odaw catchment, Ghana. We divided the catchment into the non-urban riverine, urban riverine, and urban tidal zones. Macroplastic transport and density on riverbanks and land were monitored at ten locations in December 2021. The urban riverine zone had the highest transport, and the urban tidal zone had the highest riverbank and land macroplastic density. Water sachets, soft fragments, and foam fragments were the most abundant items. Our approach aims to be transferable to other catchments globally.
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Virtual reality technology for surgical learning: qualitative outcomes of the first virtual reality training course for emergency and essential surgery delivered by a UK–Uganda partnership - Please, Helen; Narang, Karamveer; Bolton, William; Nsubuga, Mike; Luweesi, HL; Richards, Nancy Lee; Dalton, J. Christopher; Tendo, Catherine; Khan, Mansoor A.; Jjingo, Daudi; Bhutta, Mahmood F.; Petrakaki, Dimitra; et al. (BMJ Open Quality, 2024)
Introduction The extensive resources needed to train surgeons and maintain skill levels in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) are limited and confined to urban settings. Surgical education of remote/rural doctors is, therefore, paramount. Virtual reality (VR) has the potential to disseminate surgical knowledge and skill development at low costs. This study presents the outcomes of the first VR-enhanced surgical training course, ‘Global Virtual Reality in Medicine and Surgery’, developed through UK-Ugandan collaborations. Methods A mixed-method approach (survey and semistructured interviews) evaluated the clinical impact and barriers of VR-enhanced training. Course content focused on essential skills relevant to Uganda (general surgery, obstetrics, trauma); delivered through: (1) hands-on cadaveric training in Brighton (scholarships for LMIC doctors) filmed in 360°; (2) virtual training in Kampala (live-stream via low-cost headsets combined with smartphones) and (3) remote virtual training (live-stream via smartphone/laptop/headset). Results High numbers of scholarship applicants (n=130); registrants (Kampala n=80; remote n=1680); and attendees (Kampala n=79; remote n=556, 25 countries), demonstrates widespread appetite for VR-enhanced surgical education. Qualitative analysis identified three key themes: clinical education and skill development limitations in East Africa; the potential of VR to address some of these via 360° visualisation enabling a ‘knowing as seeing’ mechanism; unresolved challenges regarding accessibility and acceptability. Conclusion Outcomes from our first global VR-enhanced essential surgical training course demonstrating dissemination of surgical skills resources in an LMIC context where such opportunities are scarce. The benefits identified included environmental improvements, cross-cultural knowledge sharing, scalability and connectivity. Our process of programme design demonstrates that collaboration across high-income and LMICs is vital to provide locally relevant training. Our data add to growing evidence of extended reality technologies transforming surgery, although several barriers remain. We have successfully demonstrated that VR can be used to upscale postgraduate surgical education, affirming its potential in healthcare capacity building throughout Africa, Europe and beyond.
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Drought-tolerant indigenous crop decline in the face of climate change: A political agroecology account from south-eastern Senegal - Porcuna-Ferrer, Anna; Calvet-Mir, Laura; Faye, Ndèye Fatou; Klappoth, Benjamin; Reyes-García, Victòria; Labeyrie, Vanesse (Journal of rural studies, 2024)
In south-eastern Senegal, Bassari farmers have historically cultivated and consumed a wide diversity of varieties of sorghum, fonio, and Bambara groundnut, most of which thrive in poor soils, are nutritious, and withstand drought. These crops are now on the verge of disappearance from the fields of the Bassari despite their potential fit in the predicted drier climate in the area. To understand why, we explore the intertwining between the local dynamics of crop diversity and socio-economic changes at local, national, and regional scales. We draw upon the critical reading of secondary sources and field data, analyzed through the lens of political agroecology. The abandonment of traditional Bassari crops can be explained by government and international policies that interact with cultural trends and household-level factors. Colonial and post-colonial agricultural policies and research priorities have promoted the expansion of exotic crops with market value or high yield potential (e.g., peanut, cotton, rice, horticultural crops), failing to value indigenous crop diversity. These policies, together with market forces and historical legacies, have intersected with outmigration, dietary changes, decreases in community social capital, and gender-dynamics, favouring the switch from drought-tolerant traditional crops to more water-demanding exotic crops. We then consider what the interplay between social dynamics and crop diversity means under climate change. Our results suggest that current trends in crop diversity might threaten climate resilience in the long-term. Drawing on political agroecology, we discuss potential avenues to support the capacity of Bassari farmers to practice agriculture in a drier climate. We argue that in order to increase the climate resilience of smallholder farmers it is necessary not only to consider the cross-scale processes and multiple dimensions of power that affect crop diversity but also to reconsider research and policy priorities in favour of drought-tolerant indigenous crops.
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Projection analysis of future drought characteristics in Upper Draa Catchment (Southern Morocco) - Qorchi, Fadoua El; Khebiza, Mohammed Yacoubi; Omondi, Onyango Augustine; Karmaoui, Ahmed; Acharki, Siham (E3S web of conferences, 2024)
The consequences of global warming will aggravate the impacts of droughts. Future drought patterns are important for planning and policy formulation to mitigate the adverse effect of climate change. Consequently, this study aims at examining the projected the drought characteristics in seven meteorological stations in the Upper Draa Catchment (UDC) during the period from 1980 to 2016 using standardized precipitation index. The future climate scenarios were predicted by the model CNRM-ALADIN63 for three periods (2025–2049, 2050–2074, and 2075–2099). The changes were examined based on two Representative Concentration Pathways scenarios, namely: RCP4.5and RCP8.5. The findings indicated that increasingly extreme droughts are anticipated to occur during (2050-2074) followed by (2025-2049) than (2075-2099) under both scenarios. The results reveal a contrast in drought event frequency between historical data and projections with a noticeable variation of patterns of droughts characteristics across stations and time periods. This accentuates how urgent it is for the Upper Draa Catchment to implement proactive water resource management and adaptive strategies.
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Assessment of factors associated with academic engagement and student burnout in the Moroccan context - Rami, Younes; Abidli, Zakaria; Elturk, Joumana; Badaoui, Bouabid (Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science, 2024)
Introduction: Student burnout syndrome is a major concern in higher education, associated with high prevalence rates. Its consequences include dropping out of school and adverse effects on mental and physical health. Despite this, the importance of academic engagement, a positive attitude towards learning, is often overlooked in the Moroccan context. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted over a period of one month in 2023, and relies on semi-structured interviews to collect data. The measurement instruments used in this study include a self-questionnaire and two well-established scales: the Copenhagenan Burnout Inventory (CBI) and the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-9). Results: The study reveals complex links between socio-economic factors, academic failure and burnout, with p values < 0.05. No significant relashionship was revealed between engagement and burnout (p>0.05). Female students showed a higher level of burnout than male students (p < 0.05). Age appears to be a determining factor, with younger students showing higher levels of burnout. Housing had an influence on burnout (p < 0.05) and differences between faculties showed a significant effect on burnout (p < 0.05). The internal consistency of the burnout and engagement scales are satisfactory. Conclusion: This study highlights the need for a holistic approach to addressing burnout in students. Targeted interventions are essential to support students in diverse academic contexts, taking into account a variety of socio-economic factors. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 23 No. 01 January’24 Page : 228-236
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The Aetiology, Mortality and Disability of Non-Traumatic Coma in African Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - Ray, Stephen; Fuller, Charlotte; Boubour, Alexandra; Tshimangani, Taty; Kafoteka, Edith; Muiruri-Liomba, Alice; Malenga, Albert; Tebulo, Andrew; Pensulo, Paul; Gushu, Monfort B.; Nielsen, Maryke; Raees, Madiha; et al. (2024)
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Prevalence and factors for anxiety and depression among secondary school teachers from Sfax city of Tunisia in times of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: a cross-sectional study - Regaieg, N.; Zouari, L.; Mejdoub, Yosra; Elleuch, O.; Smaoui, N.; Feki, R.; Gassara, I.; Bouali, M. Mâalej; Charfi, N.; Thabet, J. Ben; Maâlej, M.; Omri, S. (The Pan African medical journal, 2024)
Introduction: teachers have to adapt during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to many changes that could potentially make them more vulnerable to psychological distress. We aimed to assess anxiety and depression in Tunisian secondary school teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic and to explore their associated factors.
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Correction to: Learning to Engage with Complexity Through the Transformative Learning Approach of the Sustainability Institute in South Africa - Renault, Tristan; Mangundu, Reinhold (2024)
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Should the South African Tax Relief Measures Offered in Respect of Bursaries or Scholarships for Tertiary Education Be Aligned with Tax Relief Measures Offered in the United Kingdom and the United States of America? - Ritzlmayr, Matthew Andreas; Erasmus, Henriette Lynette (2024)
Education bolsters employment opportunities, facilitates economic growth, diminishes poverty and increases collective prosperity. The primary challenge encountered by students in attaining a tertiary education qualification in the Republic is to secure funding for their studies. To counter tertiary funding challenges, bursaries and scholarships are offered by companies and institutions to students. This paper assessed whether the South African tax relief measures offered in respect of qualifying bursaries or scholarships for tertiary education, as delineated in sections 10(1)(q) and (qA) of the Income Tax Act, are aligned with the tax relief measures offered in the United Kingdom and the United States. A comparative analysis of the tax relief measures offered in respect of bursaries and scholarships in the Republic, the United Kingdom and the United States was performed. The paper demonstrated that tax relief measures offered in the Republic in respect of bursaries and scholarships for tertiary education were in alignment with the tax relief measures offered in the United Kingdom and the United States. The extent of the tax relief offered in the Republic was, however, noted to be more extensive as it was not merely limited to full-time and degree-seeking students; a necessity to increase tertiary education in a developing country, such as the Republic.
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Implementation of Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development TPAD on Enhancing Learner Discipline in Secondary Schools in Gucha Sub-County, Kenya - Rosana, Ondari James; Otieno, Gogo. Julius.; Irene, Dawo Jane (International journal of latest technology in engineering management & applied science, 2024)
The introduction and use of the Teacher Performance Appraisal and Development (TPAD) tool in Kenya aimed at enhancing educational outcomes. One of the important objectives was enhancing learner discipline in order to create a conducive teaching and learning environment in schools. This research sought to establish the effectiveness of TPAD implementation in enhancing learner discipline within secondary schools in Gucha sub-county. The study grounded its theoretical framework on Locke’s goal-setting model. 1 director, 21 principals, 115 heads of departments (HODs), 254 teachers, and 194 class secretaries were targeted using a descriptive survey design. Saturated and stratified random sampling designs were also used. Data collection instruments included questionnaires and interview schedules. A test-retest analysis was used to determine their reliability. SPSS version 22.0 was used to conduct quantitative data analysis. To assess the significance of these methods, Pearson’s correlation, regression tests, and one-way ANOVA were used. The regression model showed that a unit change in the implementation of TPAD tools could improve learner discipline by a factor of 0.510, indicating a positive correlation of 0.421. The results showed a significant effect of TPAD implementation on learner discipline, with a p-value of 0.000 (p < 0.05). This led to the rejection of the null hypothesis. TPAD tools were seen to have partially improved learner discipline in secondary schools in Gucha sub-county. It was recommended that a participative decision-making process should be employed to guide disciplinary policies in secondary schools.
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Influence of Heuristic Mathematics Teaching Method towards Students’ Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Moshi District, Tanzania - Rwehabura, Valence; Kaponga, Evastela (International journal of innovative research and development, 2024)
This study was conducted to investigate the influence of heuristic mathematics teaching methods on students' performance in public secondary schools in Moshi District, Tanzania. The study was guided by Constructivism learning theory, which was pioneered by Jean Piaget (1936). The study employed a quantitative research approach whereby a cross-sectional survey design was used. The study’s target population was 61 public secondary schools, 73 mathematics teachers, and 28,134 students in Moshi District. Six schools and twelve teachers were selected using a straightforward random selection procedure, and 394 pupils were chosen using Slovin's formula. Both mathematics teachers and students were given access to quantitative tools (questionnaires). The reliability of Likert scale items was determined by the Cronbach Alpha technique. The collected data was sorted and analysed by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS – version 20) computer software. The study found that heuristic teaching method has a positive contribution towards students’ performance. The researcher concluded that heuristic teaching method used by mathematics teachers had a large number of contributions to students’ learning of mathematics. According to the study's recommendations, the government should make sure that mathematics teachers have access to training programs on using heuristic teaching techniques to boost students' performance.
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Influence of Heuristic Mathematics Teaching Method towards Students’ Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Moshi District, Tanzania - Rwehabura, Valence; Kaponga, Evastela (International journal of innovative research and development, 2024)
This study was conducted to investigate the influence of heuristic mathematics teaching methods on students' performance in public secondary schools in Moshi District, Tanzania. The study was guided by Constructivism learning theory, which was pioneered by Jean Piaget (1936). The study employed a quantitative research approach whereby a cross-sectional survey design was used. The study’s target population was 61 public secondary schools, 73 mathematics teachers, and 28,134 students in Moshi District. Six schools and twelve teachers were selected using a straightforward random selection procedure, and 394 pupils were chosen using Slovin's formula. Both mathematics teachers and students were given access to quantitative tools (questionnaires). The reliability of Likert scale items was determined by the Cronbach Alpha technique. The collected data was sorted and analysed by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS – version 20) computer software. The study found that heuristic teaching method has a positive contribution towards students’ performance. The researcher concluded that heuristic teaching method used by mathematics teachers had a large number of contributions to students’ learning of mathematics. According to the study's recommendations, the government should make sure that mathematics teachers have access to training programs on using heuristic teaching techniques to boost students' performance.
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Effects of Computer Animation Instructional Package (CAIP) on Senior Secondary School Students’ Academic Achievement in Geometry in Oyo Metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria - Sabitu, Kamoru Abiodun; Khalid, Shofa Musthofa (European journal of contemporary education and E-learning (Online), 2024)
This study investigated effects of Computer Animation Instructional Package (CAIP) Senior Secondary School Students’ Academic Achievement in Geometry in Oyo Metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria. The researchers employed quasi-experimental design of the pretest, posttest, non-randomized and non-equivalent control group design. Purposive sampling technique was used to select one hundred and eighty four (184) senior secondary school students Oyo metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria. The experimental group was exposed to computer animation instructional package while the control group was taught geometry using conventional approach. The instrument used for data collection was Geometry Achievement Test (GAT) and two lesson plans with reliability co-efficient of 0.89. The data collected were analysed using mean, standard deviation and t-test statistics. The result of the study revealed that there was a significant difference in the performance of students taught geometry using computer animation and the control, t(117)=7.34,P<. Also, gender has no influence on students’ performance in geometry, t(66)= 0.69, P> 0.05. The study recommended among others that Stakeholders in education and professional bodies should train and retrain teachers on how to use instructional games such as computer animation instructional package for teaching geometry concepts and mathematics as a subject.
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Critical Intercultural Education in Moroccan Teacher Education: Practical Insights for Teacher Candidates - Saidi, Benachour; Boustar, Rania (2024)
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Provision of Preconception Care by Midwives, Nurses and Doctors at Ndola Teaching Hospital in Ndola District, Zambia - Sakanyi, Gloria; Chapima, Febian; Kwaleyela, Concepta (Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2024)
Background: The goal of preconception care is to improve the outcome of a mother's pregnancy and childbirth.Nevertheless, in most developing nations; Zambia included, there are still issues with implementation of preconception care.Therefore, the aim of this study was to establish the provision of preconception care by midwives, nurses and doctors at Ndola Teaching Hospital in Zambia.Methods: A concurrent embedded mixed methodology utilising a descriptive explorative study design, where 107 respondents were randomly selected using the lottery technique for quantitative part and two focused group discussions for qualitative part of the study was used.A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data and a focus group discussion guide was used for the focus group discussions.Statistical Package of Social Sciences version 26 with significance set at 0.05 and at 95% confidence level and thematic analysis were used for data analysis.Results: 75% of the respondents in this study were not providing preconception care and only 25% of respondents were providing preconception care; however, this was provided randomly because there were no guidelines to follow.Among the respondents, 81.3% had medium knowledge, 70.1% had good practices and 92.5% had positive attitudes towards preconception care.Further analysis showed that the association between preconception care and knowledge, practices and attitudes was not statistically significant (p = values 0.336; 0.344; 1.000 respectively).Multivariate logistic regression revealed that participants with high knowledge were five times more likely to provide preconception care (OR = 5.00, CI = 0.42 -59.7,P = 0.203).Generally, all the participants acknowledged that preconception care was an important package that could prevent maternal and child morbidities and mortalities.Conclusions: The study revealed that most of the respondents were not providing How to cite this paper:
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Collaborative Team Teaching as a Correlate of Teachers’ Effectiveness in an Inclusive Context in Public Primary Schools in South West Region of Cameroon - Sakwe, Elizabeth Fembe; Fon, Prof Titanji Peter; Nfon, Nekang Fabian (International journal of research and innovation in social science, 2024)
The main objective of the study was to determine whether there exists a relationship between collaborative team teaching and teachers’ effectiveness in an inclusive context in public primary schools in South West Region of Cameroon. The descriptive correlation design was used for the study and the sample was drawn using multi-stage sampling, purposive and simple random techniques. The sample consists of 248 respondents comprising 4 Regional Pedagogic Inspectors of Basic Education (RPIs), 40 teacher trainers from Government Teacher Training Colleges (GTTCs), 40 head teachers and 168 teachers of public primary schools in Meme and Fako Divisions of South West Region. The instruments used were four scale Likert questionnaire and an interview guide. Quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 12. Furthermore, descriptive statistics were used to analyze data to answer questions while the Spearman’s two tailed correlation was used to test the hypothesis. The qualitative data were analyzed using themes drawn for thematic analysis of open-ended questions and structural interview guide. This study revealed that there is a positive significant relationship between Collaborative Team Teaching and teachers’ effectiveness in an inclusive context in public primary schools in Fako and Meme divisions in South West Region of Cameroon (ɼxy-cal = .330**) greater than the critical value (ɼxy-crit = .113) at 0.05 level of significance. Based on this finding it was recommended that school administrators should ensure that teachers should practice collaborative team teaching in order to be effectiveness in an inclusive context.
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Entrepreneurial intention among Yemeni students beyond business schools: mediation and moderation approaches - Saleh, Mugaahed Abdu Kaid; Rajappa, Manjunath K.; Qaied, Mohammed Mostafa Mohammed (International Journal of Knowledge and Learning, 2024)
Entrepreneurial intention (EI) among students has been widely investigated by many researchers and well presented in earlier literatures, however, EI among students beyond business schools is not equally researched. This study aims to investigate attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control as mediators in the relationship between entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurial knowledge/entrepreneurial self-efficacy, and the moderation of gender on the same among students beyond business schools in Yemen. This study is a cross-sectional study, which relies on data compiled from 486 college students using random sampling and applying PLS-SEM for data analysis. The results unveil self-efficacy as the least influential factor on entrepreneurial intention. The results also show partial mediation of attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control on the relationship between entrepreneurial knowledge and entrepreneurial intention, but not with entrepreneurial self-efficacy, while no moderation of gender is found on any of the relationship of variables in the model. This research adds to the literature by measuring entrepreneurial intention among students beyond business schools in underdeveloped economy and investigating the entrepreneurial antecedents as mediators between entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurial knowledge/self-efficacy.
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Effect of Parents’ Socio-Economic Background on Secondary School Students Career Choice in Kebbi State, Nigeria - Samaila, DOMINIC; R.D., Aliiev; Gwandu, Zainab Lawal; Isah, Salamatu Idris; Murtala, Abubakar (International journal of research and innovation in social science, 2024)
Careers are the reality of life that needs to be considered important in today’s modern societies. Choosing a career is a complex decision-making process that coincides with so many environmental, cultural, social and economic variables, which creates psycho-social stress for students especially those in secondary school. The study adopted a mixed-method approach. A sample of 250 senior secondary two (SS2) students was purposively drawn from 130 senior secondary schools in Kebbi State. A standardised Family Influence Scale (FIS) was adopted for this study. The scale was modified to have two sub scales: parents’ occupation and family income. The face and content validity of FIS was carried out using experts in the field of guidance and counselling from Adamu Augie College of Education, Argungu. FIS was further subjected to pilot testing, and a reliability coefficient of 0.82 was obtained using the Cronbach Alpha formula. Descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, while inferential statistics of t-test were used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The outcome of this study revealed the grand mean scores of 2.8 and 2.7 which are greater than the decision mean score of 2.5 to imply that parents’ occupational backgrounds and income levels from secondary school students’ career choice significantly. Equally, significant differences were found (t= .19, df= 248, p-value =0.03) regarding the influence of parents’ gender on the career choices of male and female students in secondary schools in Kebbi State. Considering the influence of parents on the career choice of their children, it was recommended that parents should seek the help of professional career counsellors to guide their children in making intelligent career decisions.
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Academic Literacy and Research Supervision of Teacher Trainees in Luanda/Angola - Sambeny, Celeste Ana da Glória Eduardo (International journal of research and innovation in social science, 2024)
Introduction The teaching and learning process of any group or level of students is always dynamic and can change its characteristics depending on the context in which it takes place. Accordingly, the process of training teachers is also characterised by several changes which are dictated by the process itself and the context and conditions inherent in the same process. McLeod & Reynolds (2007: 1) contend that “… we are teaching and learning in times of overwhelming change – changes in the way we know, changes in the way we teach and changes in what is expected of us as teachers and learners”.
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Technology Integration in Teacher Education Practices in Two Southern African Universities - Schlebusch, Gawie; Bhebhe, Sithulisiwe; Schlebusch, Luzaan (Open Education Studies, 2024)
Abstract The integration of digital technology into the practices of teacher education is expected to become the norm in the Fourth Industrial Revolution era. This study sought to determine how lecturers integrate technology into teacher education in two Southern African universities (one in South Africa and one in the Kingdom of Eswatini). In this study, a multiple case study design was utilised, employing a qualitative research approach within an interpretive research paradigm. The study occurred at the two universities as mentioned earlier, conveniently chosen as they were the workplaces of the researchers. Data collection involved an open-ended questionnaire completed by lecturers, and a focus group discussion consisted of purposively selected lecturers from both institutions. Thematic analysis was applied to examine the data gathered from study participants. The findings indicated that initially, lecturers from both universities had limited digital literacy as they were in the process of transitioning from traditional face-to-face teaching methods and required guidance on integrating technology into their instructional practices. The study concludes that the availability of digital tools, software, and the Internet will not automatically equip student teachers with the required competencies to include technology into their instructional methods.
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Teaching Palestine - Schueller, Malini Johar (Pedagogy, 2024)
Abstract This article explores theories and methodologies for an activist teaching and reading of Palestinian literature, including Susan Abulhawa's novel Mornings in Jenin and Remi Kanazi's poetry. Based on student responses — empathy with individual Palestinian characters but not resistance to Israeli settler colonialism — the author suggests that empathetic identification, often perceived as a means of comprehending the other, instead blocks political and historical understandings. Building on Saidiya Hartman's and Lorenzo Veracini's arguments, the author posits the need for seeing the other through a Levinasian radical alterity (which he denied Palestinians), not through similarity. Moments when texts disturbed readerly identification were moments of activist potential.
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Climate Change, Migration and Conflicts in Sudan - Seifeldin, Eiman Abulgasim (Social Science Research Network, 2024)
Sudan is characterized by frequent droughts, high rainfall variability and fragile economy that depends on agricultural production, Sudan is one of the most vulnerable countries to climate variability and climate change, with the recurrent natural disasters and long standing and recurrent intercommunal conflicts and armed conflicts that jeopardizes the development the livelihood of people of the Sudan and make the step out of this situation is impossible without having a sustainable and everlasting peace. The debate among the scholars of interrelation of climate change, conflict and displacement still needs more efforts as this viscous circle of the three interacting factors affecting livelihood of millions of people in the Sahel and as well as in the Horn of Africa. Migration as a mechanism of adaptation and resilience to climatic change or to flee war and conflicts sustains further deterioration on the fragile ecosystems, that become unable to welcome the huge number of migrants. It has been long recognized that climate change will displace people and within the national borders. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change on its first report on 1990 recognized that the greatest single impact of climate change is migration the report estimated that by 2050, 150 million people could be displaced by desertification, water scarcity, floods, storms and other climate change related disasters. For three decades during the rule of National Congress Party NCP, political instability, fragile economics and civil war forced Sudanese people to flee the country. According to IMO there are 4.5 million Sudanese living abroad. 51% of them were living in neighboring African countries and the rest 49% reside in Gulf States, Europe and North America. the migration rate is 24,54% it declines according to deportations or armed clashes in host country. 3.2 million IDPS registered in Darfur living in dire situation of insecurity, Covid 19 and disasters. Severe economic crises and worsening food insecurity intensifies competition for resources that contributed to the steep rise in violence and displacement during the last year of 2021. As it is difficult to dismantle the specific factors causing displacement it is important to adopt a holistic approach to understanding the impact of climatic change on the movement of people. Through examination of the situation in Sudan and with reference to different reports reaffirm that Sudan is a host, source and transient country for migrants in addition to Internally displaced persons IDPs. This situation urges the cooperation between steak holders and decision makers to adopt new policies to address the issues of migration, displacement and relocation from national and regional perspective with guidance of Cancun Adaptation Framework. The geostrategic position of Sudan in the middle between the Sahel and the Horn of Africa make the favor of most of the displaced people from neighboring countries to seek a refuge in Sudan, a country that doesn’t have the capacity to absorb the huge number of transitory migrants who eventually choose to find their way through Mediterranean and put their lives at steak by choosing dangerous route. The efforts made to combat this migration by EU resulted in detrimental episodes on deterioration of human rights in Africa and Europe. Sustainable peace, democracy, human rights and dignity are key factors to detangle the interrelated impacts of climate change and enhance the resilience and adaptation measures in fragile community in Sudan.
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Exploring Temperature and Salinity Effects on Seed Germination in North African Pastoral Grasses: A Halo-Thermal Modeling Approach in the Context of Climate Change - Sekrafi, Mansour; Bakhshandeh, Esmaeil; Boughalleb, Fayçal; Abdellaoui, Raoudha (2024)
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Assessment of the effect of drought and anthropogenic liquid pollution on the physicochemical quality of the waters of Oued Inaouene using the Water Quality Index (Taza, Morocco) - Sghiouer, Fatima Ezzehra; Nahli, Abdelmottalib; Bouka, Hassan; Chlaida, Mohamed (E3S web of conferences, 2024)
The Inaouene river, a tributary of the Oued Sebou, is subject to the effects of drought in the Mediterranean climate and pollution from raw wastewater. Assessment of water quality in this hydrosystem using the water quality index (WQI) calculated from 19 physico-chemical parameters (pH, T°, EC, DO, MES, NH4 + , NTK, NO 3 - ,SO 4 -- , PO 4 -- ,PT, COD, BOD 5 , Cl - , Cr, Zn, Pb, Cu and Fe) over 3 hydrological cycles (May 2019 to June 2022) showed that upstream, water quality remains very poor, with no significant inter-annual variations, except for stations located on Oued Lahdar (WQI=35.11) and those downstream of Inaouène (WQI=43.71), where quality is good during the 2nd hydrological cycle. During the 1st and 3rd hydrological cycles, water quality deteriorated in the Inaouene (WQI>100), reflecting water quality unfit for consumption. Overall, the WQI values recorded are very high during the 3rd dry hydrological cycle. Moreover, the WQI varied significantly between the 3 cycles (p = 0.0006).
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Derivation of Response Spectra and Hysteretic Energy: A Case Study on 2023 Turkey-Syria Earthquake in Consideration of Structural Ductility - Shao, Weiyi (2024)
Structural response under strong ground motion has always been of concern in engineering seismology due to low predictability of seismic events and their devastating impact. The energy-based seismic design (EBSD) is proposed to capture the cumulative damage of the structure in terms of evaluating hysteretic energy, which is a more reasonable design method considering inelastic deformation of structures. On the other hand, structural ductility demand is another significant aspect of design. In this paper, the response spectra and hysteretic energy under different ductility factors are derived and quantified based on a selection of ground motion records from the recent 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake mainshock (M7.7) and aftershock (M7.6). The results show that for the selected data, the peak value of acceleration response spectra significantly exceeds the design acceleration, and the hysteretic energy for M7.7 presents a relatively high value while the value for M7.6 is comparatively lower. Even if the evaluation for the M7.6 event is minor, it is worth considering the structural vulnerability under cumulative damage and residual influence from the mainshock.
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Director of schools in the southern governorates of Palestine for management by values and their impact on the level of outstanding creativity of their scholars - Shaqura, Muhammad Youssef (Mağallaẗ Ǧāmiʿat ʿīn Šams Li Buḥūṯ Al-Taʿlim (Print), 2024)
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Analysis of Spatial Information Technologies Education in Jordan and Algeria - Shatnawi, Nawras; Demir, Nusret; Tsakiri, Maria; Hloupis, George; Vergos, George; Obaidat, Mohammed; Mahi, Habib; Megnounif, Abdellatif; Korichi, Mourad; Al-Mistarehi, Bara’ W. (2024)
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Teacher Qualification and Performance in Bomi and Margibi Counties, Liberia - Sherif, Sorna F. (International journal of research and innovation in social science, 2024)
This study sought to assess teacher qualification in public primary schools in Bomi and Margibi Counties, Liberia. Teacher Qualification in this study is considered as Academic Qualification and Teaching Experience. Participants were 133 teachers and 8 principals from 16 public primary schools in Bomi and Margibi Counties. A simple random sampling technique was used to select the teachers, while a purposive sampling technique was used to select the principals for the study. A cross-sectional survey design, documentary review, brief observations and mini-interview were used. A semi-structured self-administered questionnaire, in addition to the open ended questions for the mini-interview was mainly used to collect the data. Research findings revealed that nearly half of the teachers studied in Bomi and Margibi Counties have teaching certificates required to teach at the primary level. However, there is a considerable number of teachers teaching in public primary schools that don’t have the required certificates. This stresses the need for teacher training to still be prioritized. The study also revealed that most of the teachers with the academic qualification to teach, never had teaching experience besides the mandatory teaching practices (practicum) done during training. Findings suggest that although more teachers hold the minimum teaching certificate ( C Certificate), teacher training should still be prioritized as there are still more teachers in the classrooms without any formal teacher training. Continuous professional development (CPD) should also be carried out regularly to boost the competency level of teachers who already hold the teaching certificate, but have little teaching experience.
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The Relationship between Psychological Capital and Organizational Citizenship Behaviors Among Government Public High School Teachers: In the Case of Gondar Town, Amhara Region, Ethiopia - shewareged, Wendemagegn Degef (2024)
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Mediating effects of organisational learning on the relationship between TQM, innovation and business performance: evidence from manufacturing SMEs in Nigeria - Shuaib, Kabir Musa; He, Zhen (International Journal of Business Performance Management, 2024)
Total quality management (TQM) and innovation are complementary concepts that drive organisational success. Similarly, based on previous studies' findings, TQM and innovation are predictors of firm performance. However, past studies reveal this tripartite relationship with mixed results. The current study predicts organisational learning mediating effect in the relationship between TQM, innovation and firm performance. The study collected empirical data from 385 manufacturing SMEs in Kano and Kaduna states in Nigeria. A partial least square (PLS) model was used to test the conceptual model to determine the examined relationship between TQM, innovation and firm performance with mediating effect of organisational learning. The results reveal that TQM practices do not directly affect business performance but indirectly through organisational learning. The study finds that innovation has a significant and positive effect on performance. Similarly, organisational learning mediates the relationship between innovation and business performance. The study's findings and contributions provide insights and critical practical implications for manufacturing SMEs and their managers. Practically, managers and practitioners may get some insights to include organisational learning with other strategies and organisational practices.
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Interfacing Gender, Religion, Food Security and Climate Change in Africa: An African Ecofeminist Perspective - Shumbamhini, Mercy; Chirongoma, Sophia (2024)
Climate change represents one of the most challenging threats to sustainable development in Africa where over 70% of the people derive their livelihoods from agriculture. The interactions of food security and climate change are affected by a wide range of factors including religion. Women play a vital role in food security hence the agency of rural female farmers is essential for enhancing agricultural productivity and realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including ensuring food security (SDG 2) and addressing the perils of climate change (SDG 13). Despite significant strides in addressing gender inequalities in most African countries, rural women are still among the most marginalized groups in society and are particularly vulnerable to current and future climate change and food insecurity. This chapter argues that climate change is dramatically altering the planet and affecting human livelihoods in ways that elicit religious responses. The overarching question which this chapter grapples with is: "How can religion in Africa be a resource to counter climate change and its effects (SDG 13), achieve zero hunger, no poverty and promote food security in order to meet the goal of SDGs 1 and 2 and ensure gender equality (SDG 5)"? This chapter employs literature review to provide a comprehensive overview of literature related to the main themes. The chapter is also positioned within the ecofeminist approach to climate change to ensure women and girls' equal access to justice and the enactment of inclusive and effective climate laws and policies.
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Rastafari, Climate Change and Crop Failure in Africa - Sibanda, Fortune (2024)
Climate change emergency and crop failure constitute urgent maladies in the African context. Paradoxically, Africa possesses vast tracts of land but continues to suffer from food shortages. Along the same lines, it is absurd that the western anthropogenic greedy consumerism that endangers the ecosystem through climate change crisis tend to harm the least industrialized African states as compared to their western counterparts. This chapter seeks to examine the Nyahbinghi Rastafari perceptions, responses and engagements on the aspect of food (in)security/crop failure in Africa. The study also considers how and to what extent Rastafari serves as a resource (or confounding factor) in relation to land, and food systems stability in Africa. The chapter posits that in spite of being marginalized and misunderstood, Rastafari environmental ethic guided by a 'green philosophy' and dependence on Ital (natural) food is consistent with organic farming, food security and living in harmony with Mother Earth in contrast to the toxic and greed-driven consumerist 'Babylon shitstem' (western corrupt and oppressive system). Using a decolonial theoretical framework, the study established that Rastafarian communities perceive that western consumerism cannot be exonerated from the climate change crisis and its ripple effect on food availability and crop failure in Africa. This is partly due to their long-term pollution of the soil, water and air through pesticides and fertilizers as well as genetically modified food crops. The chapter concludes that Rastafarians serve as a strong resource for supporting organic farming, food security and climate restabilization within a framework of their environmental I-consciousness.
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Applying Diffusion of Innovation Theory to Effectively Advocate for Sustainable Climate Change Approaches by Northern Kenya Pastoralist Communities. - Sichach, Moses (Social Science Research Network, 2024)
This paper strategically employs the Diffusion of Innovation Theory to advocate for sustainable climate change approaches within Northern Kenya pastoralist communities. Originating from Gabriel Tarde and popularized by Everett Rogers, the theory emphasizes that innovation adoption is not solely dependent on technological competency but also on a collaborative process influenced by adopters' characteristics and social class.The advocacy strategy focuses on three objectives: raising awareness on climate change effects, increasing understanding of income diversification, and advocating for empowering policies. Aligning with Rogers' adopter categories—innovators, early adopters, early majority, late majority, and laggards—the strategy tailors communication and engagement methods for each group.Additionally, Sahin (2006) contributes to Rogers' work, outlining factors influencing the rate of adoption, such as perceived innovation qualities, innovation decision type, communication channels, social system, and change agents. The innovation characteristics—relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability—play pivotal roles in predicting adoption rates.The application of the Diffusion of Innovation Theory provides a strategic framework for effectively communicating and implementing sustainable climate change approaches. Understanding the diverse characteristics of adopter categories and factors influencing adoption rates is crucial for tailoring communication strategies within the pastoralist communities of Northern Kenya.
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Stakeholder perspectives of PBL and their involvement in the implementation of play pedagogy in selected Schools offering ECE in Southern and Central Zambia - Sichula, Noah; Kalinde, Bibian; Mambwe, Robinson; Kaluba, Collins; Phiri, Davies (Journal of law and social sciences, 2024)
While several studies have been done on parental involvement in early childhood education, gaps still exists relating to the conceptualisation of play and play-based learning in different contexts. The various perceptions of play and play- based learning have a strong influence on their involvement in play-based learning activities involving children in Early Childhood Education. Using a qualitative approach, framed within the interpretive research paradigm, this study revealed a disjuncture between the positive perception held by the stakeholders on play and PBL to the reality of play-based learning in the ECE schools. The researchers asked three questions: 1. What are the perceptions of parents, community, and school administrators (teachers and administrators) regarding play and play-based learning? 2. How do these stakeholders get involved in PBL? 3. And what factors influence their involvement? The researchers collected data through key informant interviews (KII), focus group discussions and classroom observations. The study established that the involvement in PBL varied among stakeholders. For parents and community members their involvement was often based on solicitation by the school administrators and external development agencies - as opposed to volunteering postulated by Epstein’s theory of parental involvement employed in the study. Among the factors that influenced their participation was a general lack of a clear understanding of PBL and their role and functions in PBL and ECE in general. Thus, the study recommends capacity building in PBL for parents, community members and school administrators.
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Students with criminal record vs. safety rights challenges for prospective students in the institutions of higher learning in South Africa - Sithubi, F.C.; Manyage, Tshidaho; Soundy, P.N. (International Journal of Education Arts and Social Issues in Africa, 2024)
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Breaking barriers in accessing and uptaking climate change adaptation information by smallholder tomato farmers in Tanzania - Siyao, Peter Onauphoo; Sanga, Evaristo Eliakim (Global knowledge, memory and communication, 2024)
Purpose This study aims to assess barriers in accessing and uptaking climate change adaptation information among smallholder tomato farmers in Tanzania. Design/methodology/approach This study was conducted in Iringa and Morogoro regions, Tanzania. It adopted cross-sectional research design. Multistage, purposive and random sampling techniques with a sample size of 183 smallholder tomato farmers were used. Questionnaires containing closed- and open-ended questions, interview guide and focus group discussions were used to collect data. To ensure validity and reliability of data collection instruments, pretesting of the questionnaires was conducted by administering them to a small group of smallholder tomato growers. Statistical Product and Service Solutions software was used to analyse quantitative data while NVivo was used for analysing qualitative data. Findings Lack of clear understanding of climate change information (132, 72.1%), scarcity of libraries and information centres (125, 68.3%), inadequate income (125, 68.3%), lack of trust of sources of information (114, 62.3%), lack of sufficient knowledge about climate change (111, 60%), illiteracy (110, 60.1%), poor distribution of electricity in rural areas (109, 59.6%) and use of jargons (93, 50.8%) in explaining climate change adaptation issues are hindrances for smallholder tomato farmers to access and uptake climate change adaptation information. Research limitations/implications This study was conducted in only two districts in Tanzania; thus, the findings cannot be generalized. Practical implications The government and relevant agencies are recommended to use appropriate strategies for breaking the barriers that impede easy access and uptake of climate change adaptation information by smallholder tomato farmers as one of the interventions to combat the impacts posed by climate change. Social implications This study has contributed to the ongoing discourses on climate change issues. Such discourses have influenced attention and understanding of the role of access and uptake of climate change adaptation information by smallholder farmers for planning and implementation of adaptation strategies through awareness creation. Originality/value This study is in line with goal number 13.3 of Sustainable Development Goals, which vows on taking necessary actions in combating climate change and its impacts. Thus, smallholder tomato farmers’ awareness about climate change through access and uptake of climate change adaptation information is one of the interventions to combat climate change and its impacts.
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Age-depth model for uppermost Ndutu Beds constrains Middle Stone Age technology and climate-induced paleoenvironmental changes at Olduvai Gorge (Tanzania) - Smedley, Rachel; Fenn, Kaja; Stanistreet, Ian G.; Stollhofen, Harald; Njau, Jackson K.; Schick, Kathy; Toth, Nicholas (Journal of Human Evolution, 2024)
Olduvai Gorge in northern Tanzania is part of a globally important archeological and paleoanthropological World Heritage Site location critical to our understanding of modern human evolution. The Ndutu Beds in the upper part of the geological sequence at Olduvai Gorge represent the oldest unit to yield modern Homo sapiens skeletal material and Middle Stone Age technology. However, the timing of the deposition of the Ndutu Beds is poorly constrained at present, which limits our understanding of the paleoenvironments critical for contextualizing H. sapiens and related technologies in the Olduvai Basin. Using a suite of 15 luminescence ages of sedimentary core samples, combined with Bayesian statistics, this study provides a new higher-resolution age-depth model for the deposition of the uppermost Upper Ndutu and Naisiuiu Beds cored by the Olduvai Gorge Coring Project. The luminescence and modeled ages are presented as ±1 σ uncertainties. The Ndutu Beds intersected by the Olduvai Gorge Coring Project cores are dated to between 117.1 ± 17.9 and 45.3 ± 4.2 ka (between 125.9 ± 26.5 and 45.8 ± 8.2 ka modeled ages), while a probable overlying layer of Naisiusiu Beds dates to 23.7 ± 10.9 to 12.1 ± 1.7 ka (25.7 ± 18.9 ka and 12.0 ± 3.4 ka modeled age). Time-averaged accretion rates are derived during this time: (1) initially low rates (<5 cm ka−1) from the bottom of the core at 117.1 ± 17.9 ka up to 95.3 ± 11.1 ka (125.9 ± 26.5 to 95.5 ± 23.3 ka modeled ages); (2) the middle section spanning between 95.3 ± 11.1 and 62.7 ± 5.7 ka (95.5 ± 23.3 to 61.9 ± 10.4 ka modeled ages) with mean rates above 15 cm ka−1; and (3) the last 62.7 ± 5.7 ka (61.9 ± 10.4 ka modeled age) where the accretion rate reduces to below 5 cm ka−1. This reduction can be explained by the evolution of the gorge system that was likely driven by subsidence of the Olbalbal depression and changes in climate, particularly precipitation and resulting lake and base level changes. Older Upper Ndutu and Lower Ndutu Beds are contained within proto-gorges within the modern gorge system.
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Factors Affecting the Interest and Attitude of Pupils towards Learning Mathematics in Selected Schools of Eastern Province, Zambia. - Stailud., Mtonga Daniel; Zanzini, Ndhlovu B. (International journal of research and innovation in social science, 2024)
The National Numeracy framework document (2015) highlighted the consistent poor performance in mathematics. The document cited the National Assessment surveys results, noting that the trend of poor performance by learners at all levels of our educational system has remained the same. The National numeracy framework documented and itemised a number of challenges that could be contributing to poor performance by pupils in schools among them attitude of learners towards mathematics. This study sought to assess the nature and factors affecting interest and attitudes of pupils towards learning mathematics. The research used a survey design with a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods when collecting data from 120 Grades 10, 11 and 12 pupils and 16 teachers teaching mathematics. A questionnaire for pupils and the other for teachers were administered. The questionnaires contained closed and ended questions. A focus group discussion for teachers and pupils was also conducted to consolidate the data. Data collected from the first two parts of pupils’ questionnaire and the first part of teachers’ questionnaire (with closed questions) was analysed quantitatively. The last parts of the questionnaire containing open ended questions and focus group discussion were analysed qualitatively by categorizing, describing and explaining, while the mean; bar charts, standard deviation, percentages and frequency distribution were also used to illustrate the analysed data. According to the research findings the nature of interest and attitude of high school pupils showed that pupils had interest and had positive attitude towards learning mathematics. The research also showed that pupils lost interest and developed negative attitude, mainly due to the teachers apart from other factors. The study recommended that teachers approach to teaching and learning and the way they interact with learners should be reviewed; concepts which can be applied in real life situation to arouse interest and influence positively pupils’ attitudes in the subject should be encouraged.
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Farmers’ adaptation strategies to climate change and its determinants: the case of Hulla district, Southern Ethiopia - Tadesse, Chala; Nigatu, Marshet (Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 2024)
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The Burden of Cardiovascular Disease from Air Pollution in Rwanda - Taghian, Gabriella; Fisher, Samantha; Chiles, Thomas C.; Binagwaho, Agnès; Landrigan, Philip J. (Annals of global health, 2024)
Rwanda, like many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, is still relatively early in development. Industrialization and urbanization are major drivers of the county's economic growth. Rwanda is also undergoing an epidemiological transition, from a pattern of morbidity and mortality dominated by infectious diseases to a pattern shaped by non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The rise in NCDs is due, in part, to increasing exposures to environmental hazards. These include emissions from the growing number of motor vehicles and toxic occupational exposures. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is now an increasingly important cause of death in Rwanda, and ambient air pollution is a CVD risk factor of growing importance.To quantify the burden of CVD attributable to air pollution in Rwanda and identify opportunities for prevention and control of air pollution and pollution-related disease.We relied on the 2019 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study for information on levels, sources, and trends in household and ambient air pollution and the burden of pollution-related disease in Rwanda. Information on pollution sources was obtained from the Health Effects Institute State of Global Air 2019 report.An estimated 3,477 deaths (95% Uncertainty Interval [UI]: 2,500-4,600) in Rwanda in 2019 were attributable to air pollution-related CVD. Of these, 689 (UI: 283-1,300) deaths were from ambient air pollution-related CVD, while 2,788 (UI: 1,800-3,800) deaths were from household air pollution-related CVD.Rwanda is experiencing increased rates of disease and premature death from NCDs, including CVD, as the country grows economically. While household air pollution is still the top pollution-related cause of disease and premature death, rising levels of ambient air pollution are an increasingly important CVD risk factor.Actions taken now to curb rising levels of ambient air pollution will improve health, reduce CVD, increase longevity, and produce great economic benefit for Rwanda. The single most effective intervention against air pollution will be a rapid nationwide transition to renewable energy. We recommend additionally that Rwanda prioritize air pollution prevention and control, establish a robust, nationwide air monitoring network, support research on the health effects of air pollutants, and build national research capacity. The allocation of increased resources for rural and urban public health and health care will complement air pollution control measures and further reduce CVD. To incentivize a rapid transition to renewable energy in Rwanda and other nations, we recommend the creation of a new Global Green Development Fund.
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The Burden of Cardiovascular Disease from Air Pollution in Rwanda - Taghian, Gabriella; Fisher, Samantha; Chiles, Thomas C.; Binagwaho, Agnès; Landrigan, Philip J. (Annals of global health, 2024)
Rwanda, like many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, is still relatively early in development. Industrialization and urbanization are major drivers of the county's economic growth. Rwanda is also undergoing an epidemiological transition, from a pattern of morbidity and mortality dominated by infectious diseases to a pattern shaped by non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The rise in NCDs is due, in part, to increasing exposures to environmental hazards. These include emissions from the growing number of motor vehicles and toxic occupational exposures. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is now an increasingly important cause of death in Rwanda, and ambient air pollution is a CVD risk factor of growing importance.To quantify the burden of CVD attributable to air pollution in Rwanda and identify opportunities for prevention and control of air pollution and pollution-related disease.We relied on the 2019 Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study for information on levels, sources, and trends in household and ambient air pollution and the burden of pollution-related disease in Rwanda. Information on pollution sources was obtained from the Health Effects Institute State of Global Air 2019 report.An estimated 3,477 deaths (95% Uncertainty Interval [UI]: 2,500-4,600) in Rwanda in 2019 were attributable to air pollution-related CVD. Of these, 689 (UI: 283-1,300) deaths were from ambient air pollution-related CVD, while 2,788 (UI: 1,800-3,800) deaths were from household air pollution-related CVD.Rwanda is experiencing increased rates of disease and premature death from NCDs, including CVD, as the country grows economically. While household air pollution is still the top pollution-related cause of disease and premature death, rising levels of ambient air pollution are an increasingly important CVD risk factor.Actions taken now to curb rising levels of ambient air pollution will improve health, reduce CVD, increase longevity, and produce great economic benefit for Rwanda. The single most effective intervention against air pollution will be a rapid nationwide transition to renewable energy. We recommend additionally that Rwanda prioritize air pollution prevention and control, establish a robust, nationwide air monitoring network, support research on the health effects of air pollutants, and build national research capacity. The allocation of increased resources for rural and urban public health and health care will complement air pollution control measures and further reduce CVD. To incentivize a rapid transition to renewable energy in Rwanda and other nations, we recommend the creation of a new Global Green Development Fund.
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AI for awareness: Involvement in climate change in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region (Morocco) - Tahri, Ayoub; Beroho, Mohamed; Boulahfa, Imane; Aboumaria, Khadija (E3S web of conferences, 2024)
This study is the first to use the novel artificial intelligence tool, Bing Image Creator, to produce predictive imagery that clearly illustrates the catastrophic consequences of expected temperature changes in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima (TTA) region by the end of this century. Our objective is to bring these impacts closer to decision makers while evaluating the model's ability to produce relevant images in line with the region's unique social, economic, and natural characteristics. The results showed that the model faithfully reproduced these characteristics, providing both a comprehensive and alarming view of the potential economic and environmental losses due to the probable temperature increases projected in the TTA region.
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Fluctuations in extreme temperatures in northern Morocco and the impact of climate change: Contribution of the Regional Climate Model (RegCM) - Tahri, Ayoub; Boulahfa, Imane; Beroho, Mohamed; Kharrim, Mohamed El; Aboumaria, Khadija (E3S web of conferences, 2024)
In this study, we use the RegCM4.6 regional climate model to simulate extreme air temperatures in northern Morocco, with a focus on the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima (TTA) region. In pursuit of this, we evaluate its performance by comparing its simulations with CRU observational data and HadGEM2-ES historical simulations over 35 years for the purpose of predicting future temperature evolution by the end of the century in the region using the validated RegCM4.6 model. The results show a slight underestimation of temperatures compared to observations, with a preference for the RegCM4.6 model over HadGEM2-ES. Projections indicate a mean temperature increase of 2°C (RCP4.5) to 4.62°C (RCP8.5) by 2099, highlighting the need for regional adaptation strategies.
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Maternal education and child malnutrition in Cameroon: Does housing quality matter? - Tangwa, Mark Wiykiynyuy; Epo, Boniface Ngah; Baye, Francis Menjo (Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 2024)
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An analysis of number sense skills of Syrian immigrant students by gender and duration of stay - TEKE, Bedirhan; Akkaya, Recai (Pedagogical research, 2024)
Considering the negative situations faced by the migrating societies, it is known that the language and culture factors exert a stronger influence on the mathematics course than the other undesirable conditions. From this perspective, it is known that the mathematical performance of individuals is likely to increase by placing the concept of number sense in the center. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the number sense skills of Syrian immigrant students with reference to gender and duration of stay as an immigrant as well as to determine their conceptual awareness of number sense-related components. The descriptive correlational design was used in this study in which 152 immigrant students participated. Web-based two-tier test was used in the data collection process, and descriptive statistical values and t-test for independent samples in the analysis of the data. As a result, it was found that male students compared to female students, as well as those who had been immigrants in Turkey for a long time compared to those for a shorter time showed higher number sense performances, though most of the students were at a low number sense level. In addition, the differences appeared significantly in relation to the variables of gender and duration of stay as an immigrant. A surprising result is that most students preferred number sense-based solutions as the basis for their answers. It can thus be concluded that the number sense performances of Syrian immigrant students are lower than expected and that future studies are needed not only to focus on teachers but also on teaching methods and materials in order to take immigrant problems under control and to come up with solutions with a view to overcome such challenges.
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Perceptions on “free” tertiary education and operational budgeting within a public university in South Africa - Tewe, Remilekun; Ismaila, Bouba; Beneke, John; Siewe, Lindeu (Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 2024)
A series of strikes by public university students protesting the exorbitant cost of tertiary education across South Africa (SA) in 2015, set the stage for the government to be coerced into implementing a “free” tertiary education policy that it neither planned nor prepared for. This implies that any financing activated by the government in aid of the financial constraints in tertiary education had to be re-prioritised from other government programmes. The main objective of this study is to examine the perceptions of heads of departments and directors of directorates on “free” tertiary education in relation to operational budgeting within a public university in the Gauteng province of South Africa. The study was conducted at one public university in Gauteng via Zoom under COVID-19 restrictions. The study embraced critical realism as its research paradigm as per a qualitative research approach, using semi-structured interviews to achieve the empirical objective of the study. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. The findings of the study revealed that participants welcome ‘free’ tertiary education as a system, but are sceptical about its sustainability. The findings also specified that the implementation of ‘free’ tertiary education in a developing economy such as South Africa will have a range of negative effects and will increase the financial burden on taxpayers. The study concluded that ‘free’ tertiary education is likely to remain a burning issue in the educational sector in South Africa as a result of insufficient funding for the model.
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Artificial Intelligence-Based Decision Support System for Groundwater Management Under Climate Change: Application to Mornag Plain in Tunisia - Tfifha, Youssef; Ennahedh, Manel; Debbabi, Nehla (2024)
This research aims to investigate the influence of climate change on the groundwater level (GWL) in Mornag plain in Tunisia. Due to the spatiotemporal variability of rainfall (RF) and temperature, aquifers all over the world have seen significant water level decline in recent decades. Therefore, it is crucial to analyze and estimate the GWL variability for reliable groundwater (GW) management in the context of climate change. In this study, we focus on the plain of Mornag, located in the southeast of Tunisia, since it contributes 33% of the national agricultural production. From this plain, we have collected historical piezometric and RF data covering the period 2005–2015. Knowing the RF data, our goal is to forecast the GWL. This issue has already been investigated using numerical GW modeling tools such as Modflow and Feflow. Unfortunately, these techniques are data and time-consuming. To overcome all these drawbacks, we propose to use an Artificial Intelligence (AI) approach that has shown great performance in the literature for recurrent data modeling and forecasting. This approach corresponds to the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) Neural Network. Compared to Modflow, LSTM showed a notable improvement in terms of minimizing the mean square error, confirming its suitability for GWL forecasts. Using the proposed AI prediction model, the impact of climate change on Mornag GWL has been studied under two Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios; RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 for three future periods: 2015–2040 (short term), 2041–2065 (medium term), and 2066–2100 (long term). As expected, the results reveal a future decline for Mornag GWL. The performed study of future Mornag GWL behavior using LSTM could classify this AI approach as a good decision support system that could be used to optimize the management of our limited water resources to satisfy the population needs for drinking water and agricultural production, as well as to avert upcoming drought.
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Challenges of Technical Training and Technical Teacher Training in Africa - Tomory, Ibolya (2024)
The countries of the Sub-Saharan Africa are nowadays in the center of the world's attention, parallel to the growing interest in global energy needs and sustainability and international trade. The study reviews the situation and challenges of technical teacher training, and its current processes, relying on literary sources, reports, research, news portals, and own prior knowledge and on-site information gathering. We examine the collected data with a qualitative text/content analysis, and by grouping and text comparison, we look for focal points that appear widely and generally in relation to African countries. The author is a cultural anthropologist and African researcher. Building on this expertise and the author's previous field experience. The study primarily brings examples from the East African region, but also examines other regions as a whole, and the findings also take other countries into account. It places the questions and problems discussed in the sources in sociocultural and economic contexts and looks for and presents examples of strategies and programs designed to solve the problems. It outlines the current trends in technical training and technical teacher training, the importance of measures to promote interest in teacher training, the hindering factors and alternative solutions.
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The relationship between regulatory focus and innovative performance of SMEs in Ghana: The role of entrepreneurial resilience, orientation and learning - Tumaku, John (Management Science Letters, 2024)
Most small and medium scale enterprises in Ghana neglect very critical performance indicators in their bossiness. As a result most SMEs do not survive till their fifth anniversary. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between prevention focus, promotion focus, resilience, and SME performance in Ghana. Furthermore, we investigated the moderation effect of entrepreneurial learning and Entrepreneurial orientation on the relationship between entrepreneurial resilience and SME performance in Ghana. Our results show that both promotion- and prevention-focused increase entrepreneurial resilience and SME performance significantly. This is an indication that there is a strong positive correlation between entrepreneurial resilience and success in both the individual and firm levels. This inference can therefore assist policy makers, politicians and various industry players in designing training programs on how to improve the resilience of SME owners in Ghana. Statistically our analysis shows that prevention focus (PreV) has a positive effect on entrepreneurial resilience (EntR) (β = 0.250; p<0.001), and promotion focus (PreM) has a positive effect on entrepreneurial resilience (EntR) (β = 0.268; p<0.001). Additionally, entrepreneurial resilience (EntR) has a positive effect on innovative performance (IP) (β = 0.547; p<0.001). Furthermore, the mediation results has shown that entrepreneurial resilience (EntR) mediates the relationship between prevention focus (PreV) and innovative performance (IP) (β = 0.136; p<0.001); as well as that of promotion focus (PreM) and firm performance (IP) (β = 0.146; p<0.001). Finally, the results with regards to moderation effects has shown that entrepreneurial orientation (EntO) partially moderates the relationship between entrepreneurial resilience (EntR) and innovative performance (IP) (β = 0.109; p<0.05), however, the result established that entrepreneurial learning (EntL) does not moderate the relationship between entrepreneurial resilience (EntR) and firm performance (IP) (β = -0.031; p<0.05). Using the Resource Based View theory, we concluded that, SME’s needs to adopted prevention (vigilant/avoidant strategies) by minimizing losses, and taking calculated risks with motivation from mentors to avoid loss as this would achieve resilience as well as promotion of strategies (eager/approach strategies) to achieve gains for their SMEs during economic disruption and economic downturn such as COVID-19. We concluded that SME’s could also achieve resilience when managers or owners of SMEs inspire the employees to work harder, and think outside the box to identify latent ideas and opportunities within their SME business environment.
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INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES, INCLUSIVE FINANCE AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN AFRICA: A GENDER-SPECIFIC PERSPECTIVE - Uche, Emmanuel; Odionye, Joseph Chukwudi; Ngepah, Nicholas (Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship, 2024)
The potential for information and communication technologies (ICT) and inclusive finance to drive entrepreneurial activity in an African context remain unclear. We specifically consider effects on male versus female entrepreneurs. This study unveils new insights based on an annual panel series for 52 African countries from 2005–2019. The system-generalized method-of-moments (sysGMM) and the novel method-of-moments quantile regression (MM-QR) aided the analysis. The estimates of both procedures demonstrate that entrepreneurship in Africa is self-promoting. The sysGMM estimator demonstrates that financial inclusion produced unsubstantial effects on entrepreneurial activity. However, the estimates of the MM-QR produced varying significant positive relationships mostly at the upper quantiles for all entrepreneurs. The sysGMM reveals that ICT produced marginal positive effects for entrepreneurs in general but not for female entrepreneurs. Additionally, the MM-QR unveiled a significant positive influence of ICT at the lower and middle quantiles for aggregate levels of entrepreneurship. ICT produced significant positive effects at the lower quantiles for men, and at the upper quantiles for women. Policy options to promote entrepreneurship in the continent are highlighted.
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Effects of Leitner’s Learning Box (LLB) on Enhancing the Teaching and Learning of The Verbs ‘Been and Being’ In Primary Schools in the FCT, Nigeria. - Udom, Grace I. (International journal of research and innovation in social science, 2024)
One of the greatest problems of learners of English as a second language has been the use of the primary auxiliary verbs ‘Been and Being’. This error is easily observed across different users of the English language, irrespective of age, qualification and status, the print media and others. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to ascertain the effects of Leitner’s learning box (LLB) on enhancing the teaching and learning of the verbs “been and being” on primary school pupils in the FCT, Abuja. In order to conduct the study, a sample size of 180 pupils from 4 public primary schools in the FCT area were selected at random from a target population of 1800 pupils from 20 Public Primary Schools. A self-constructed questionnaire was employed as a relevant tool to gather data from respondents to identify and ascertain the effects of Leitner’s learning box (LLB) on enhancing the teaching and learning of the verbs “been and being” in primary schools in the FCT, Abuja. Descriptive statistics, such as frequency, standard deviation and mean were used in analysing the data and reporting the study findings. Pearson product-moment analysis and t-test analysis were used to establish the relationship between Leitner’s learning box and the extent of its effects on teaching and learning the verbs ‘been’ and ‘being’. The result of the study established that Leitner’s learning box is one of the most pertinent approaches to improve teaching and learning the verbs ‘been’ and ‘being’. Therefore, it has been recommended that head-teaches and all English teachers should be motivated and provided with the necessary instructional tools to carry out effective Leitner’s learning box.
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A nurturing and caring environment to facilitate nursing students’ professional development in Rwanda: a focused ethnographic study - Umubyeyi, Benoite; Babenko-Mould, Yolanda; Hynie, Michaela; Regan, Sandra; Leipert, Beverly (International Journal of Nursing Education Scholarship, 2024)
Abstract Objectives To explore the values, practices, and behaviours that support nursing students’ professional development in practice-based learning environments in Rwanda. Methods A focused ethnographic approach was used. Nursing students (n=12), nurses (n=11), clinical instructors (n=7) and nurse leaders (n=8) from three teaching hospitals and an educational program participated in the study. Data was collected trough individual interviews and participant observation. Results Participants embraced a culture of preparing nursing students for their professional roles as a professional responsibility, and a means of securing the nursing profession. Modeling the appropriate behaviours to students and respecting them as learners and humans constituted the caring attributes that sustain a positive learning environment for their professional growth. Conclusions Nurturing and caring environments offer students opportunities to integrate caring attitudes into their interactions with patients and to develop professionally. Implications for international audience Findings underscore the need to enhance caring values within nursing curricula.
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Implementation of the Clean School: Challenges and Prospects in the Far North Region’s Secondary Schools in Cameroon - Utagah, Eneng Lilian; Ngwa, Peter (International journal of scientific advances, 2024)
The implementation of the clean schools remains a global interest in 21st-century secondary schools. To make the world a more sustainable and better place to live in, humanity needs to be able to generate solutions to increasingly complex, and ever-growing challenges in the secondary school setting. Secondary schools encounter day-after-day violence linked happenings students. Violence has caused secondary school unrest, refusal to undertake various activities, sitting in and at other instances, complete damage of institutional assets, and in other instances, death. Other reasons that led to drug abuse included social pressure from the media, frustrations due to poverty, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, need to relax and overcome boredom, among others. This research sought to develop prevention and intervention strategies for curbing violence in public secondary schools in the Far North Region of Cameroon. The objective of the study is to find out various ways and means used by secondary school management to implement the clean school concept in public secondary schools. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 10 participants both inspectors, teachers, and principals in public secondary schools. The study indicated that the effects of drug abuse include addiction, violence, and high-risk sexual behavior. To minimize and eliminate violence the school to educate, guide, and counsel the students, and school management should reward staff that promote the clean school implementation. The study recommended that to implement clean schools every category such as parents, teachers, and administrators should be concerned and keep the focus on the things that bring honor and success to them and the school. All staff in the school should give constant and continuous guidance to students.
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Farming God’s Way and Climate Change in Zimbabwe - Vengeyi, Obvious (2024)
This chapter is a critical appraisal of the deliberate deployment of biblical verses by Foundations for Farming in Zimbabwe in crafting a method of farming called Farming God's Way. The centrality of the Bible in the establishment of the principles of farming for poverty alleviation is what motivated this undertaking. Ordinarily, the Bible and Farming are not mentioned together. This does not, however, imply that the Bible has said nothing about farming, environment or climate through related subjects like forests, droughts, floods, poverty and pestilences. Farming, with its intrinsic relationship with the land and climate, was the main activity during the biblical era. There are numerous stories and parables about such subjects as seeds, crops, trees, farmers, seasons, weather, hunger, pests and diseases among others. Often times, the climate contributed significantly to peasant poverty in the biblical world. To date, peasant poverty, particularly in the Global South, is directly connected to climate change. Critical questions that inform this chapter include the following: What is the role of the Bible in the diagnosis by Foundations for Farming of the causes of peasant poverty in Zimbabwe and Africa at large? What are the positives and negatives of Foundations for Farming's diagnosis and prescription? What has been the impact of Foundations for Farming in respect of poverty alleviation? What lessons can biblical scholars and scholars of religion derive from the activities of Foundations for Farming?
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Online Higher Education in Africa - Wa-Mbaleka, Safary; Kazimoto, Muyisa P. (2024)
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Climate-Driven Changes in Cropland Suitability for Cereal Production Across the Rainfed Agricultural Landscapes of Ethiopia - Wakjira, Mosisa Tujuba; Peleg, Nadav; Six, Johan; Molnár, Péter (2024)
One of the major challenges posed by climate change in agriculture is the long-term alteration in cropland suitability. This alteration has serious consequences for food security and economic stability at global, regional, and local scales. especially in smallholder and rainfed agricultural systems like in Ethiopia. A comprehensive understanding of the current state of croplands and future changes under the warming temperature and increasing rainfall uncertainty is critical for national climate adaptation planning. Here, we evaluated cropland suitability (CLS) for four major cereal crops (teff, maize, sorghum, and wheat), under both current and future climates across the rainfed agriculture (RFA) landscapes of Ethiopia. We utilized a novel suitability modeling approach that establishes mathematical relationships between crop yield, and climatic factors (rainfall and temperature) and soil factors (texture, pH, and organic carbon). Furthermore, we analyzed the relative influences of the growing season rainfall and temperature on the changes in CLS. The results show that ~50% of the RFA area has a suitability index of 0.6 or higher (moderately to highly suitable) for teff and that 64%, 68%, and 46% of the grid cells are suitable for maize, sorghum, and wheat crops, respectively. The suitable agroecologies of the four crops will likely undergo altitudinal shifts and areal reduction, with magnitudes of the changes depending on the emission scenarios. Under the SSP2-4.5, the suitable areas are projected to decrease by 23% for teff, 13% for maize, 14% for sorghum, and 16% for wheat in the 2080s. In semi-arid and hyper-humid climates, CLS is sensitive to changes in the growing season rainfall, whereas in the most lowland and highland regions, it is temperature-sensitive. In light of our results, we argue that adaptation actions that are tailored to climatic conditions and topographic locations are vitally necessary to offset climate change's long-term impacts on Ethiopia's rainfed agriculture.
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Delinquency among University Students and Parenting Attitudes in Kenya - Wakoli, Caroline; Bundotich, Sarah (International journal of research and innovation in social science, 2024)
Despite the heavy investment in education that the Kenya Government makes each year, delinquent behavior among University students continue to affect the goals of effective training and skill building. This undermines efforts at poverty alleviation and wealth creation in the country. Emerging evidence suggests that there is a correlation between University students’ demeanor and parenting behaviour in Kenya today. At a tender age of 17 many young people are thrust into the independent University world and left to fend for themselves emotionally and even physically. This invariably leads to delinquent behavior such as drug abuse and prostitution. Studies in Kenya have not fully explored the effects of parental attitude, behavior as well as the family structure on adolescent delinquent behavior. To fill this gap in knowledge, he current study has sought to explore the relationship between parental behavior, attitudes and delinquent behavior among University students in Kenya. This study has adopted a correlational study design as well as a desk review methodology. The paper recommends that family-centric intervention measures be put in place. Factors such as sensitization on the critical role the that the family structure plays in combating delinquency, strengthening of the parental role, discouraging divorce and encouraging parental involvement in the education of their children in the University must remain central.
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Fostering Global Perspectives in Teacher Education: A Virtual International Program between the USA and Zimbabwe - Wallace, Paul (The international journal of diversity in education, 2024)
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Projected impacts of climate change on the habitat of Xerophyta species in Africa - Wanga, Vincent Okelo; Ngarega, Boniface K.; Oulo, Millicent Akinyi; Mkala, Elijah Mbandi; Ngumbau, Veronicah Mutele; Onjalalaina, Guy E.; Odago, Wyclif Ochieng; Nanjala, Consolata; Ochieng, Caroline; Gichua, Moses Kirega; Gituru, Robert Wahiti; Hu, Guang‐Wan (Plant Diversity, 2024)
Climate change poses a serious long-term threat to biodiversity. To effectively reduce biodiversity loss, conservationists need to have a thorough understanding of the preferred habitats of species and the variables that affect their distribution. Therefore, predicting the impact of climate change on species-appropriate habitats may help mitigate the potential threats to biodiversity distribution. Xerophyta, a monocotyledonous genus of the family Velloziaceae is native to mainland Africa, Madagascar, and the Arabian Peninsula. The key drivers of Xerophyta habitat distribution and preference are unknown. Using 308 species occurrence data and eight environmental variables, the MaxEnt model was used to determine the potential distribution of six Xerophyta species in Africa under past, current and future climate change scenarios. The results showed that the models had a good predictive ability (Area Under the Curve and True Skill Statistics values for all SDMs were more than 0.902), indicating high accuracy in forecasting the potential geographic distribution of Xerophyta species. The main bioclimatic variables that impacted potential distributions of most Xerophyta species were mean temperature of the driest quarter (Bio9) and precipitation of the warmest quarter (Bio18). According to our models, tropical Africa has zones of moderate and high suitability for Xerophyta taxa, which is consistent with the majority of documented species localities. The habitat suitability of the existing range of the Xerophyta species varied based on the climate scenario, with most species experiencing a range loss greater than the range gain regardless of the climate scenario. The projected spatiotemporal patterns of Xerophyta species help guide recommendations for conservation efforts.
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Teacher- competency a precursor of effective implementation of the competence-based curriculum among pre-primary schools in Kenya - Wanjau, Ireri Jeremiah; Ouko, Ong’ang’a Hudson; Mweru, Maureen (International Journal of Multidisciplinary Comprehensive Research, 2024)
Competency based curriculum is a new programme in Kenya whose implementation faces a myriad of challenges amid the posted successes. The curriculum was rolled out in the year 2017 and quite some successes cannot be underestimated. This study examined the teacher-level of factor as a precursor of effective implementation of the CBC. The study focused all pre-primary school centres in Embu County against the teachers’ competencies besides exploring the CBC implementation levels since its inception. The study was anchored on the theory of curriculum implementation (Gross, 1971). Purposive sampling was employed in identifying the study locale whereas simple random sampling was employed to draw a study sample size of 10%. Ex post facto research design was adopted since there was no manipulation of the study variables whose influence was already experienced. An exploratory survey methodology was utilized in collecting data. Data was collected using questionnaire, a check-list and an interview schedule. Data was analyzed using descriptive techniques with the help of the SPSS version 29. Results indicated low levels of CBC implementation and recommended teacher related factors to be addressed to mitigate the low level of CBC implementation particularly at the lower primary school grades. Pre-primary school teacher-competencies were found wanting despite indication of rigorous training sessions for lower primary school teachers. Meaning more emphasis was laid on lower primary school teachers than on all lower primary grades pre-primary school center teachers. All teachers require the training on CBC particularly those at foundational grades including Pre-primary teachers. The study therefore recommends that the government should scale up a series of induction/training programs in order to retool teachers’ pedagogical competencies. This will enhance CBC implementation and up take at all levels.
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The relationship among EFL learners’ motivational self-system, willingness to communicate, and self-assessed proficiency at an Ethiopian preparatory high school - Welesilassie, Merih Welay; Nikolov, Marianne (Heliyon (Londen), 2024)
Abstract This study investigated relationships between English as a foreign language (EFL) students' L2 motivational self-system (L2MSS), L2 willingness to communicate (L2WTC) inside and outside the classroom, and their self-assessed English proficiency at an Ethiopian preparatory high school. Data was collected using validated instruments from 609 12th-grade preparatory school students in Ethiopia. Using structural equation modelling (SEM), a hypothesised model was generated and tested. The components of the L2MSS were considered as independent variables, while L2WTC within and outside of the classroom and self-assessed English proficiency were treated as dependent variables. Self-assessed English proficiency was also used as an independent variable to test if it predicted scores on the two L2WTC subscales. The results revealed that, although the mean on the ought to L2 self scale was above average, the means of ideal L2 self and L2 learning experiences were below average. Students reported low levels of L2WTC and self-perceived proficiency in English. The components of the L2MSS in the model demonstrated a statistically significant positive association with each other, as well as with L2WTC in and outside the classroom and self-assessed English proficiency. To be more specific, the L2MSS parts had a statistically significant positive effect on the dependent variables. The only one that was not significant was the path from ideal L2 self to L2WTC outside of school. Self-assessed English proficiency showed statistically significant positive predictive effects on L2WTC within and outside the classroom. The results and implications are critically discussed to inform English educators, students, parents, curriculum designers, and researchers about these interrelationships.
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Effectiveness of teachers' direct and indirect written corrective feedback provision strategies on enhancing students’ writing achievement: Ethiopian university entrants in focus - Wondim, Baymot Mekuriaw; Bishaw, Kassie Shifere; Zeleke, Yinager Teklesellassie (Heliyon, 2024)
Written corrective feedback (hereafter WCF) has gained great emphasis from a considerable number of studies in second language (L2) writing; however, an increasing number of previous studies have stressed its importance in helping learners develop their L2 writing abilities. There are unresolved controversies regarding the significance and efficacy of various forms of written corrective feedback. Thus, this study was initiated to see the effects of teachers' written corrective feedback on university-entrant students' English language writing achievement. A quasi-experimental research design involving a test as a data-gathering tool was used. To that end, three intact freshman classes were selected and assigned into two experimental groups and one comparison group from a university in northwest Ethiopia. Test scores from self-descriptive paragraph writing were analyzed using a one-way ANCOVA, and the results showed that WCF has an influential role in improving learners' writing performance. Therefore, the findings from the study showed that both experimental groups performed better than the participants in the control group, indicating that both WCFs play a vital role in enhancing English language learners' writing performance as university entrants. The study's findings revealed statistically significant improvements in the writing proficiency of the study participants in both experimental groups. Nevertheless, the results also confirmed that learners who received direct WCF along with metalinguistic explanations performed better than their indirect group peers who received indirect WCF. Consequently, it can be concluded that both direct and indirect WCF are crucial pedagogical strategies in improving learners' writing abilities, even though it was still found that direct WCF with a metalinguistic explanation was the most effective strategy in assisting EFL learners in improving their writing skills.
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Sustainable Management of Water Resources in a Semi-arid River Basin Under Climate Change: A Case Study in South Africa - Woyessa, Yali E. (2024)
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Climate Change and Human Health in Africa in Relation to Opportunities to Strengthen Mitigating Potential and Adaptive Capacity: Strategies to Inform an African “Brains Trust” - Wright, Caradee Y.; Kapwata, Thandi; Naidoo, Natasha; Asante, Kwaku Poku; Arku, Raphael E.; Cissé, Guéladio; Simane, Belay; Atuyambe, Lynn; Berhane, Kiros (Annals of global health, 2024)
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The Development of International Chinese Language Education in Sudan: Background, Current Situation, Challenges, and Countermeasures - Wu, Fang (Journal of Macau University of Science and Technology, 2024)
Based on a summary of the history of language and cultural exchanges between China and Sudan, this paper analyzes the background of the development of International Chinese Language Education (ICLE) in Sudan from perspectives such as political mutual trust, economic and trade reciprocity, and diplomatic interaction.Then, it studies the current situation of ICLE from the viewpoint of Chinese educational institutions, primary education, and higher education.After that, it analyzes the challenges faced by the development of ICLE from viewpoints like military conflicts and a shortage of educational funds.At long last, it attempts to propose countermeasures and suggestions from the points such as teaching institutions and teaching channels.In Sudan, the education of Chinese for Specific Purposes (CSP) has demonstrated exceptional characteristics, a remarkable development history, and outstanding current and future trends.Examples include"Art Education + Chinese Language Teaching (CLT)", "Medical Education + CLT"and "Vocational Training + CLT", all of which have a relatively long history and a significant amount of potential for growth in the future.
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Effect of the Integration of Information and Communication Technology on the Motivation and Learning of Electricity Lessons for High School Students in Morocco - Yakkou, Hassan; Chillali, Abdelhakim; Elyamani, Nacer Eddine Elkadri; Ansari, Abdelaaziz El; Taoussi, Aziz (2024)
Our objective in this research is to study the effects of the implementation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in improving learning and teaching of Physics and Chemistry in high schools in Morocco. To scrutinize the research hypothesis, two study groups have been selected. They both have the necessary requirements to fulfill this research (same school level/similar school results). To ensure that, a diagnostic test have been administered to both groups, and the results have been evaluated before starting the procedure of implementing ICT in teaching. Then, we chose one of the two groups to be the control group, to be taught the traditional way, and the other group was the test group, which was taught using ICT. To evaluate this experiment, an Achievement Test was administered to both groups. After an analysis of the data collected from this test, we came to the conclusion that using ICT in teaching gives far more encouraging and satisfying results than the traditional way. These modern techniques help enhance the experimental characteristic of the teaching of Physics and Chemistry in high schools.
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The 18th March, 2021 Bejaia (North-East Algeria) Earthquake Mw: 5.9 - Yelles‐Chaouche, Abdelkrim; Aïdi, Chafik; Beldjoudi, Hamoud; Chami, Adel; Chimouni, Redouane; Abacha, Issam; Boulahia, Oualid; Mohammedi, Yahia; Kherroubi, A.; Belahouane, Athmane (2024)
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Data on the Effects of Seedling Transplanting on Growth and Yield Performance of Maize (Zea Mays L.) for Climate Change Resilience in Burie District, Northwestern Ethiopia Dataset Article - Yigermal, Habtamu; Nakachew, Kelemu; Assefa, Fenta (2024)
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CONTINUING TRAINING AND UPDATING OF ETHICAL SKILLS BY TEACHERS IN THE MAKELEKELE I AND TALANGAI I SCHOOL DISTRICTS OF BRAZZAVILLE, REPUBLIC OF CONGO - YOLANDE, THIBAULT-MPOLO; PERPÉTUE, ONDONGO OKOUA BÉATRICE; MIZÈRE, KITENDI; Charlotte; HERMAN, KITSOUTSOUBI BOB-AWAYA ILLITCH (International Journal of Research in Education Humanities and Commerce, 2024)
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Exogenous Causes of Misbehavior in Zimbabwean Primary Schools: A Concern of Stakeholders - Zambezi, Fortunate; Chidhumo, Vincent (International journal of research and innovation in social science, 2024)
Misbehaviour is one of the major problems that is rampant in primary schools and hinders the academic performance of most learners hence a concern for all stakeholders. The major purpose of this study was to find out the causes of misbehaviour at primary school level in Zimbabwe, particularly in Makonde District. The focus of the research was on how factors such as parenting styles and sociocultural factors exacerbate misbehaviour in primary schools getting insights from Bandura’s Social learning theory, Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological systems and Baumrind’s Parenting styles as well as Tafjel’s Social identity theory. The research adopted a mixed approach involving the interpretive research paradigm which hinges the qualitative research approach. The descriptive survey research design was employed to study purposively sampled two (2) head teachers, ten (10) teachers and twenty (20) learners from two (2) primary schools. Data were collected using interviews, observations and document analysis. The study revealed that misbehaviour is due to poor parenting, peer pressure, influence from mass media, permissive school environments, drug abuse, poor home background and the anti-social environments where learners live. The study also revealed that misbehaviour leads to poor academic performance. The researchers recommended for a collaborative effort between teachers and parents and the engagement in guidance and counseling sessions in schools to reduce the rate of misbehaviour amongst primary school learners.
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Assessment of Regional Drought Patterns in Morocco: A Copula-Based Multivariate Frequency Analysis Approach - Zellou, Bouchra; Bergou, El Houcine; Moçayd, Nabil El (2024)
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Effectiveness of Mnemonic Instruction in Enhancing of Reading Ability Among Grade Three Learners with Dyslexia in Two Primary Schools in South Africa - Zindoga, Lilian; Aloka, Peter J. O. (Academicus : International Scientific Journal, 2024)
The current study assessed the efficacy of the mnemonic instruction (MI) in enhancing reading abilities among grade three learners with reading disability in two government schools (grade R to 7) in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Skinner’s reinforcement and the Information Processing theories were employed. A research method used to estimate causal relationships without random assignment was used. One of the two schools was an intervention and the other one was a control one. 43 participants were included in the study from the two selected schools using purposive sampling technique. 23 parents (from the intervention school) participated in the questionnaires. The Bangor Dyslexia Test (BDT), pre- and post- tests, and a reading comprehension test were the tools used to collect data. The results revealed that there were statically substantial differences between the assessment scores administered before and after treatment for the experimental group, t (22) = -10.753; p <.001, suggesting that mnemonic instruction is highly effective in enhancing reading abilities among primary school LWD. This investigation advocates that the Department of Basic Education should revise the policy that reading is tested from grade one, instead of from grade three, that those who are not able to read do not proceed until and unless they are able to read, and to train teachers on how to use various approaches to enhance reading abilities, including mnemonic techniques.
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Assessment of Teachers’ Needs to Integrate Learning Analytics in Higher Education: The Morocco Case - Zine, Abdelkhalek (International Journal of Information and Education Technology, 2024)
Learning Analytics (LA) is a better solution for harnessing the enormous data that learners leave behind on learning platforms. To take full advantage of it, it needs to be well integrated by teachers. The aim of this study was therefore to explore the needs and willingness of teachers to integrate learning analytics into their courses. This study used a quantitative method to collect data based on a questionnaire distributed to 140 higher education teachers affiliated with Ibn Tofail University. The results of this study show that most teachers are willing and available to commit to the possibility of adopting learning analytics if training and preparation programs on the subject are implemented. They also have other needs for guidance, assistance, easy-to-use tools, and need access to all student data on the appropriate platforms. The study concludes by discussing and proposing a series of recommendations for successfully integrating learning analytics into higher education.
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Colorectal cancer risk factor assessment in Palestine using machine learning models - Zuhri, Mohammad A. Z. Abu; Awad, Mohammed; Najjar, Shahnaz; Sharif, Nuha El; Ghrouz, Issa (International Journal of Medical Engineering and Informatics, 2024)
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Training and Development a Key Strategic Driver to Change and Transformation. An Evaluation of The Effectiveness of the Training Program of the New Curriculum Amidst COVID-19 Milieu in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe - Zulu, Eliya M. (International journal of research and innovation in social science, 2024)
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the training program of the new curriculum teaching trajectory through the teachers’ ecological lenses amidst COVID-19 setting. The study population sample (N=100) of teachers who are the recipients of the training program and expected implementers. Data were collected through the administered questionnaire distributed to the population sample on a 5 point Likert scale. The study will make use of a quantitative research design descriptive statistics. The study revealed that the training methods was effective, language usage, time frame, sitting arrangement, equipment and materials, though lack of training fees lack of incentives and food did not hamper the training program. The study concluded that the training and development as a key driver of strategic change management in the new educational curriculum was effective and proper training skills and methods enhanced the process teachers’ performance will ultimately impact to students’ academic achievements. The study therefore recommends that educational authorities continue to seek professional facilitators and provide further training on the new curriculum program, seek funding for the trainees, and motivate the trainees by choosing venues with proper equipment and ergonomics. Also the study recommends among others that trainers should be equipped with adequate knowledge of various online teaching platforms so that the training could be done virtually since the COVID-19 setting has become a common phenomenon. Another recommendation is that there should be a continuous assessment training program that can be divided into parts and more days set aside for the training duration since it is comprehensive, teachers, parents and learners as strategic partners should be afforded opportunity to suggest how the training program structure should be.
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Climate change and Conflict in the Horn of Africa: The case of Somalia تغير المناخ والصراع في القرن الأفريقي: دراسة حالة الصومال - الدين, شيماء محي (المجلة العلمية لکلية الدراسات الإقتصادية و العلوم السياسية, 2024)
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Tackling Climate Change Repercussions on Africa: The Egyptian Perspective - بدر, أية (المجلة الدولية للسياسات العامة فى مصر, 2024)
Keywords: openalex:import

Climate Change Disclosure in Egyptian firms and its Key-Determinants Following the Implementation of Financial Regulatory Authority Decree No.108 - صلاح, وفاء; حسان, مروة حسن محمد (Al-Maǧallaẗ Al-Miṣriyyaẗ Lil Dirāsāt Al-Tiǧāriyyaẗ (Online), 2024)
Keywords: openalex:import