Factors Affecting Citizen Participation in Local Development Planning in Murewa District, Zimbabwe

2022 ◽  
pp. 002190962110696
Author(s):  
Vellim Nyama ◽  
Geofrey Mukwada
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Citizen Participation ◽  
Questionnaire Survey ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Development Planning ◽  
Field Observations ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions

Local governments are the bedrock for sound public administration because of their role in promoting bottom-up socio-economic development. Although Zimbabwe has made strides in ensuring citizens’ participation in local government processes, local authorities and other stakeholders still rely on the top-down approaches, marginalising the needs of the local citizens. The purpose of this paper is to determine the factors that affect the active participation of citizens in local governance in the Murewa District in Zimbabwe. Based on a multistage sampling approach, involving purposive sampling and stratified random sampling, interviews were conducted with 30 local government officials, while a questionnaire survey was administered to 396 citizens in four wards within the district. Complementary data were collected through focus group discussions and field observations. Thematic analysis was employed on data generated from interviews, focus group discussions and field observations, while the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (Version 16) was used to analyse quantitative data from the questionnaire survey. The results show that more than 50% of the residents in the district felt that local government leadership side lined them in development planning. Some citizens reported that officials used development planning meetings to further their political agendas. The study recommends enhancement of citizen participation through citizen empowerment programmes such as educational and political leadership training programmes that transform the marginalised communities into autonomous communities that are capable of determining their own destiny.

scholarly journals Investigating the Contributions of International Oil and Gas Firms to Local Development in Ghana: Dilemmas and Challenges

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (28) ◽  
Author(s):  
Remy Nyukorong
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Oil Companies ◽  
Priority Needs ◽  
Oil And Gas Firms

Ghana is relatively new to oil and gas extraction and there is little empirical knowledge about the key players in the oil and gas business, what they do to contribute to local socio-economic development, and the quandaries these firms struggle with while operating under difficult circumstances. The purpose of this study was to assess the contribution of international oil companies to local development in Ghana and to evaluate the challenges and dilemmas faced by these firms. The study adopted a qualitative, interpretive case study design that relied on face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions to gather primary data. Interview responses were analysed, compared, and categorised with the results of transcription of the focus group discussions, and later triangulated and interpreted to draw conclusions. The study revealed that most international oil companies in Ghana are transparent in reporting on their business activities and operations. Despite the efforts by these firms to support local development by funding developmental projects, paying taxes, and providing employment opportunities to local youth, international oil companies are still a target of criticism for unsatisfactory performance. Local populations would like to see extractive firms finance community infrastructural projects matching with local priority needs and focus more on impact rather than the quantity of money disbursed or the number of projects funded. International oil companies should change their engagement approach from a mere consultation to a realistic, democratic, and broad-based involvement of the publics. This study has enriched existing frameworks applied to evaluate business organisations’ contributions to local development.

scholarly journals Social Accountability for Local Government in Ghana

2013 ◽  
pp. 61-76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rudith King ◽  
Amponsah Owusu ◽  
Imoro Braimah
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Service Provision ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Social Accountability ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Legal Provisions ◽  
Key Informant ◽  
Building Components

Social accountability is considered as one strategy of deepening Ghana’s decentralised development administration. Some attempts have been made to empower local people to demand transparency and accountability from the local government system as required by law. The purpose of this paper was to assess the effectiveness of these attempts in 14 Metropolitan and Municipal Assembles. The data for the analyses were sought through key informant interviews with core Assembly staff, and focus group discussions with selected Assembly Members. The analyses revealed that the legal provisions made room for social accountability but the weak capacity of Assembly Members in terms of resources, the understanding of legislative provisions, and the acceptability of the concept challenged its implementation. It is thus recommended that service provision in local communities should have capacity-building components that promote social accountability.

scholarly journals ANALYSIS OF FORMS OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT

2020 ◽  
pp. 60-66
Author(s):  
Nataliia Krivokulska ◽  
Yurii Bohach
Keyword(s):  
Local Government ◽  
Public Participation ◽  
Citizen Participation ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Local Governance ◽  
Local Development ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Adoption And Implementation ◽  
Government Body ◽  
The One

Introduction. Today, local governments carry out their own activities aimed at ensuring local development, providing services to citizens in the conditions of limited material, financial and technical resources. This makes it necessary to use effective mechanisms for cooperation of local governments with citizens, the establishment of feedback mechanisms. The purpose of the article. Research and analysis of the forms of public participation in local self-government, identification of their shortcomings in order to define vectors for further application of these forms. Method (methodology). The methodological basis of the article consists of general scientific and empirical methods of scientific research, such as: the system method and the generalization method. Results of work. The forms and corresponding (levels) of public participation in local self-government are systematized. The analysis of the existing practice on the forms of public participation in the Pidvolochysk village united territorial community is carried out. The regulations that regulate the use of forms of public participation in the Pidvolochysk community are indicated and analyzed. It is established that the forms of public participation in the Pidvolochysk village united territorial community are represented by: informing, public consultations, studying and taking into account the opinion of residents in the process of forming directions of local development. Conclusions. Under a centralized system of public administration, citizen participation in local self-government was minimal, and mechanisms for public participation were imperfect, as they existed only on paper. Adopting a model of participatory democracy requires the active participation of the public in the management of local affairs. Such participation should take appropriate forms and be based on appropriate legal mechanisms and procedures. Sphere of results application. Forms of public participation in local governance, adoption and implementation of management decisions to ensure local development should be accompanied by public awareness of the possibilities of such participation, on the one hand, and the desire of officials and employees of local governments to listen to citizens, respond adequately, take into account her – on the other. Only under such conditions will the involvement of citizens in solving local government issues become mutually beneficial both for the residents of the respective territory and for the local self-government body.

scholarly journals Identification, characterization and evaluation of honeybee floras in Kafa, Sheka and Benchi Maji Zones of Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR), Ethiopia

2021 ◽  
pp. 310-326
Author(s):  
Shegaw Tesfu ◽  
Giorgis Dawit Habte
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Field Observations ◽  
Botanical Origin ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Seasonal Performance ◽  
Source Plant ◽  
Croton Macrostachyus ◽  
Nectar Flow

The study was aimed with identifying and characterizing honeybee floras and their flowering seasons in south western parts of the country. Relevant data were collected through conducting questionnaire survey, focus group discussions, field observations and lab analysis of pollen and honey samples. In addition, seasonal performance of colonies in terms of brood area, adult population, pollen and nectar stores were evaluated. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS-ver.20 and MsExcels. Accordingly, a total of 200floral species categorized under 77families identified. Of which, 26(13%) grouped under 16 families characterized as major bee floras. Seasons, January to February, July to August were considered as Dearth periods; March, September to October were brooding seasons, April, November to December were major nectar flow seasons. March to April and November to December were major honey flow seasons being the first for high land and mid land areas and the later for lowland areas whose major botanical origin was Schefflera abyssinica and Guizetia scabra respectively. However, in some areas with better forest covers, Manilkara butij become a major honey source plant. Whereas, January, June to July, March (in low lands) were considered as minor/mini harvesting seasons whose major botanical origin was Vernonia species, Croton macrostachyus and Combritum species respectively. It was noted that there was a significant correlation among brood area, adult population, pollen store and nectar stores at p<0.01.

Dari Idealisme ke Pragmatisme: Pergeseran Paradigma dalam Pengembangan Hukum Ekonomi Syariah di Indonesia

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 191-210
Author(s):  
Addiarrahman Addiarrahman ◽  
Illy Yanti
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Business World ◽  
Key Informants ◽  
The Public ◽  
Financial Products ◽  
Legal Consideration ◽  
Economic Law ◽  
Islamic Economic

This study seeks to understand the pragmatism of the development of sharia economic law, and its implications for Islamic financial products in Indonesia. The data comes from the results of interviews and focus group discussions with key informants from academics, practitioners, authorities, and the public. This research finds that pragmatism in the development of Islamic economic law is an approach that still dominates the DSN-MUI fatwas. The pragmatism style used is complex-eclectic pragmatism which is represented through makhārij al-fiqhiyyah, which is to choose a mild opinion by sticking to the strongest method or also called "taysīr al-manhajī". The use of this method is intended to ensure that the fatwa is truly able to answer the needs of the business world, as well as being in line with sharia principles. DSN-MUI also does not use maslahah as a legal consideration in a free or liberal way. Rather, it returns maslahah in consideration of the method, so that it is permissible to use the bay’ al-'inān contract only in a forced state (ḍarurah).

scholarly journals “Stages of change, smoking behavior and acceptability of a textmessaging intervention for tobacco cessation among cigarette, dokha and shishasmokers: A qualitative research study.”

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. e029144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yusra Elhidaia Elobaid ◽  
Andrea Leinberger Jabari ◽  
Aisha Al Hamiz ◽  
Abdul Rizzak Al Kaddour ◽  
Sherif Bakir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Text Messaging ◽  
Tobacco Cessation ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions

ObjectivesTo explore: (A) the underlying motivators and barriers to smoking cessation among young Arabic speaking smokers and (B) to examine the suitability and preferences for tobacco cessation interventions (specifically text messages) and study the possibility of enrollment methods for a randomised controlled study using text messages as an intervention for tobacco cessation.DesignQualitative research using focus group discussions and content analysis.Setting(s)Two universities, one of them is the first and foremost comprehensive national university in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The third setting is the largest hospital in the UAE and the flagship institution for the public health system in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.ParticipantsSix focus group discussions with a total of 57 participants. Forty-seven men and 10 women. Fifty-three of them were current smokers.ResultsThe analysis of six focus groups was carried out. Main themes arose from the data included: preferences for tobacco cessation interventions and acceptability and feasibility of text messaging as tobacco cessation intervention. Different motives and barriers for quitting smoking including shisha and dokha were explored.ConclusionInterventions using text messaging for smoking cessation have not been used in the Middle East and they could potentially be effective; however, tailoring and closely examining the content and acceptability of text messages to be used is important before the conduction of trials involving their use. Social media is perceived to be more effective and influential, with a higher level of penetration into communities of young smokers.

scholarly journals Perspectives of future pharmacists on the potential for development and implementation of pharmacist prescribing in Qatar

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 110-123
Author(s):  
Mohammad Issam Diab ◽  
Angham Ibrahim ◽  
Oraib Abdallah ◽  
Alla El-Awaisi ◽  
Monica Zolezzi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Pharmacist Prescribing ◽  
Barriers To Implementation ◽  
Special Training Program

AbstractBackground Pharmacists in many developed countries have been granted prescribing authorities under what is known as “non-medical prescribing” or “pharmacist prescribing”. However, such prescribing privileges are not available in many developing countries. Objective The objective of this study was to determine the perspectives of future pharmacists (recent pharmacy graduates and pharmacy students) on pharmacist prescribing and its potential implementation in Qatar. Methods A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used: (1) a cross-sectional survey using a pre-tested questionnaire and; (2) focus group discussions to allow for an in-depth understanding of the issue, with a focus on pharmacists prescribing competencies as well as barriers for its implementation. Main outcome measures Future pharmacists’ perspectives and attitudes towards pharmacist prescribing in Qatar. Results The majority of the respondents (94.4%) indicated awareness of the prescribing competency related to selecting treatment options. Furthermore, the majority (92.4%) believed that pharmacists should undergo prescribing training and accreditation before been legally allowed to prescribe, a point that was reiterated in the focus group discussions. Participants generally expressed support for collaborative and supplementary prescribing models when developing prescribing frameworks for Qatar. Four categories emerged under the theme barriers to implementation of pharmacist prescribing: lack of prescribing competency, pharmacist mindset, lack of accessibility to patient records and counseling rooms, and diversity of education and training background. Conclusion The majority of recent pharmacy graduates and students were in favor of pharmacist prescribing been implemented in Qatar. However, a special training program was deemed necessary to qualify pharmacists to prescribe safely and effectively.

scholarly journals Nairobi Early Childcare in Slums (NECS) Study Protocol: a mixed-methods exploration of paid early childcare in Mukuru slum, Nairobi

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. e000822
Author(s):  
Robert C Hughes ◽  
Patricia Kitsao-Wekulo ◽  
Sunil Bhopal ◽  
Elizabeth W Kimani-Murage ◽  
Zelee Hill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Epidemiological Methods ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Early Childcare ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Childcare Providers

IntroductionThe early years are critical. Early nurturing care can lay the foundation for human capital accumulation with lifelong benefits. Conversely, early adversity undermines brain development, learning and future earning.Slums are among the most challenging places to spend those early years and are difficult places to care for a child. Shifting family and work structures mean that paid, largely informal, childcare seems to be becoming the ‘new normal’ for many preschool children growing up in rapidly urbanising Africa. However, little is known about the quality of this childcare.AimsTo build a rigorous understanding what childcare strategies are used and why in a typical Nairobi slum, with a particular focus on provision and quality of paid childcare. Through this, to inform evaluation of quality and design and implementation of interventions with the potential to reach some of the most vulnerable children at the most critical time in the life course.Methods and analysisMixed methods will be employed. Qualitative research (in-depth interviews and focus group discussions) with parents/carers will explore need for and decision-making about childcare. A household survey (of 480 households) will estimate the use of different childcare strategies by parents/carers and associated parent/carer characteristics. Subsequently, childcare providers will be mapped and surveyed to document and assess quality of current paid childcare. Semistructured observations will augment self-reported quality with observable characteristics/practices. Finally, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with childcare providers will explore their behaviours and motivations. Qualitative data will be analysed through thematic analysis and triangulation across methods. Quantitative and spatial data will be analysed through epidemiological methods (random effects regression modelling and spatial statistics).Ethics and disseminationEthical approval has been granted in the UK and Kenya. Findings will be disseminated through journal publications, community and government stakeholder workshops, policy briefs and social media content.

scholarly journals The usability of Jordan stillbirths and neonatal deaths surveillance (JSANDS) system: results of focus group discussions

2021 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yousef S. Khader ◽  
Khulood K. Shattnawi ◽  
Nihaya Al-Sheyab ◽  
Mohammad Alyahya ◽  
Anwar Batieha
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
System Performance ◽  
Surveillance System ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Focal Points ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Neonatal Deaths ◽  
Technical Issues

Abstract Background Jordan Stillbirths and Neonatal Deaths Surveillance system (JSANDS) is a newly developed system and is currently implemented in five large hospitals in Jordan. This study aimed at exploring the healthcare professionals’ perception about the usability of JSANDS. Methods A descriptive qualitative approach, using focus group discussions, was adopted. A total of 5 focus groups including 23 focal points were conducted in five participating hospitals in Jordan. Results Data analysis identified nine main issues related to the JSANDS system: the system usefulness, the system performance, data quality, the system limitations, human rights, female empowerment, nurses’ competencies strengthened, the sustainability of the JSANDS, and COVID-19 impact on the system. Users reported that JSANDS data were useful, the system was simple and easy to use, and the data were accurate and complete. However, some users reported that some technical issues need to be enhanced. Conclusions JSANDS was perceived positively by the current users. According to them, it provides a formative and comprehensive data on stillbirths and neonatal deaths and their causes, and therefore, was recommended to be adopted by its users and scaled up.

scholarly journals A comparative assessment of two tools designed to support patient safety culture in UK general practice

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ian Litchfield ◽  
Kate Marsden ◽  
Lucy Doos ◽  
Katherine Perryman ◽  
Anthony Avery ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
General Practice ◽  
Patient Safety ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Safety Culture ◽  
Improve Patient Safety ◽  
Patient Safety Culture ◽  
Focus Group Discussions ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Practice Team

Abstract Background The NHS has recognised the importance of a high quality patient safety culture in the delivery of primary health care in the rapidly evolving environment of general practice. Two tools, PC-SafeQuest and MapSaf, were developed with the intention of assessing and improving patient safety culture in this setting. Both have been made widely available through their inclusion in the Royal College of General Practitioners’ Patient Safety Toolkit and our work offerss a timely exploration of the tools to inform practice staff as to how each might be usefully applied and in which circumstances. Here we present a comparative analysis of their content, and describe the perspectives of staff on their design, outputs and the feasibility of their sustained use. Methods We have used a content analysis to provide the context for the qualitative study of staff experiences of using the tools at a representative range of practices recruited from across the Midlands (UK). Data was collected through moderated focus groups using an identical topic guide. Results A total of nine practices used the PC-SafeQuest tool and four the MapSaf tool. A total of 159 staff completed the PC-SafeQuest tool 52 of whom took part in the subsequent focus group discussions, and 25 staff completed the MapSaf tool all of whom contributed to the focus group discussions. PC-SafeQuest was perceived as quick and easy to use with direct questions pertinent to the work of GP practices providing useful quantitative insight into important areas of safety culture. Though MaPSaF was more logistically challenging, it created a forum for synchronous cross- practice discussions raising awareness of perceptions of safety culture across the practice team. Conclusions Both tools were able to promote reflective and reflexive practice either in individual staff members or across the broader practice team and the oversight they granted provided useful direction for senior staff looking to improve patient safety. Because PC SafeQuest can be easily disseminated and independently completed it is logistically suited to larger practice organisations, whereas the MapSaf tool lends itself to smaller practices where assembling staff in a single workshop is more readily achieved.

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