Environmental Economies, Survival Ecologies, and Economic Interests in Pastoral Uganda

This paper presents a departure from the historical cataloguing of scarcity and poverty, as definitive frames of Karamoja sub-region of Uganda; a narrative that purports to portray the duo as natural, permanent and insurmountable features of the sub-region. This study demonstrates that these were both created in and projected onto the sub-region. The study provides evidence to the fact that; 1. Externally-driven pre-colonial, colonial and post-colonial undertakings (which are underrated in many analyses on Karamoja) are the building blocks of the protracted conflicts, insecurities and ecological damages that ravaged Karamoja; 2. The sub-region offers more potentials than limitations as studies on Karamoja tend to portray. This research report is an invitation to both inward and outward looking (of Karamoja) for diagnosis and solutions. Inspired by critical realism and environmental justice theories, the study interrogates policies, mentalities, actions and inactions that fostered economic and ecological exploitation of Karamoja; endangering environmental and social ecologies of the sub-region. Attention is paid to how these jeopardised the environment-based economy of the sub-region’s population, while highlighting the human, ecological and economic potentials that need and deserve collective action for social and environmental re-address.

Constraints to utilization of improved processing technologies among cassava processors in Oyo State, Nigeria

This study investigated the constraints associated with utilization of improved processing technologies among cassava processors in Oyo State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from a random sample of 176 respondents. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The findings were that most (56.8%) of the respondents had a positive attitude towards utilization of mechanical grater, screw press hydraulic and Hammer mill technologies. However, inadequate funds, lack of technical know-how, lack of information, high cost of purchase and inadequate engineers for the improved processing technologies were identified as severe constraints militating against utilization of improved processing technologies. Significant relationship was established between these constraints and utilization of the improved processing technologies. It is recommended that government 1) builds factories that will lower the cost of the technologies; and 2) ensures that research institutes, departments of Agricultural engineering in universities and polytechnics and adult education programs in the community are adequately funded to promote knowledge of the technologies.RésuméCette étude a examiné les contraintes associées à l’usage des technologies traitantes améliorées parmi les traitants du manioc dans l’état d’Oyo au Nigeria. Un questionnaire structuré fut utilisé pour la collecte de données provenant de 176 enquêtés hasardement sélectionnés du champ d’étude. Les données ainsi collectées furent analysées par moyen de statistiques descriptives (telles que le comptage de fréquence, le pourcentage et la moyenne) ainsi que les statistiques inferentielles. La Corrélation du Moment Produit de Pearson (CMPP) fut employée pour déterminer la relation entre contraintes et usage des technologies traitantes améliorées parmi les traitants du manioc dans le champ d’étude. Les résultats de l’étude ont démontré que l’âge moyen d’enquêtés était de 41.23 ans et que plus d’un quart d’enquêtés (33.0%) avaient six à dix ans d’expérience dans le traitement du manioc. De surcroit, les résultats ont révélé que la plupart d’enquêtés (56.8%) avaient une attitude favorable envers l’usage des technologies traitantes améliorées de rappe mécanique, presse-vis hydraulique et moulin-marteau. Des fonds inadéquats, le manque du savoir-faire technique, le manque d’information, le coût élevé d’achat, et les ingénieurs inadéquats concernant les technologies traitantes améliorées ont été identifiés par les enquêtés comme sérieuses contraintes militant contre l’usage des technologies traitantes améliorées. Une relation significative existait aussi entre contraintes (r=-0.189, p=0.012) auxquelles les enquêtés font face et leur usage des technologies traitantes améliorées. L’étude a recommandé que le gouvernement construise les usines ou industries où les technologies traitantes améliorées seraient fabriquées à coût bas, que les instituts de recherche et département d’ingénierie agronome dans les universités et écoles polytechniques soient financés adéquatement, ainsi que les programmes d’alphabétisation d’adultes dans les communautés de traitants du manioc pour surmonter le défi d’analphabétisation et la saisie du savoir-faire technique concernant les opérations technologies. Tout ceci va renchérir l’usage effectif des technologies traitantes améliorées parmi les traitants du manioc dans le champ d’étude—une chose qui, en long terme, pourra se traduire en haute productivité, augmentation de revenus, et conditions de vie en mieux.

Professional Institutional Engagement as a Framework for Negotiating Space for Teacher Autonomy in Authoritarian Work Environments

Teacher involvement in decision making at school leads to increased motivation, engagement and empowerment. Using the Participatory Action Research (PAR) framework to increase opportunities for teacher participation in school affairs, we found that traditional hierarchical power relations and bureaucracy are barriers to teachers’ autonomy, participation and engagement in the day-to-day decision making process. The conceptual model of Professional Institutional Engagement (PIE) was used to enable teachers to frame the challenges to autonomy and decision making within their professional practice, craft interventional strategies to mitigate them, which included open communication, reflection and dialogue within the school environment. The results highlighted that PIE provided a practical mechanism through which traditional hierarchical relations and bureaucracies were circumvented, resulting in increased collaboration, improved institutional communication; which motivated and engaged teachers.RésuméL’engagement des enseignants dans le processus de prise de décision à l’école conduit à une augmentation de motivation, engagement et affranchissement. Faisant usage du cadre de Recherche d’Action Participative (RAP) dans le but d’augmenter les opportunités pour la participation des enseignants dans la gestion de l’école, nous avons trouvé que les hiérarchies traditionnelles de relations de pouvoir ainsi que la bureaucratie sont des barrières à l’autonomie, participation et engagement des enseignants dans le processus quotidien de prise de décision. Le modèle conceptuel d’Engagement Institutionnel Professionnel (EIP) fut utilisé pour permettre aux enseignants de formuler les défis à l’autonomie et processus de prise de décision dans leur pratique professionnel, d’élaborer des stratégies interventionnelles pour les mitiger, incluant la communication ouverte, réflexion et dialogue dans le milieu scolaire. Les résultats ont montré que EIP a fourni un mécanisme pratique à travers duquel les relations hiérarchiques traditionnelles ainsi que bureaucraties étaient dépassées, résultant ainsi en une grande collaboration et une communication institutionnelle améliorée, chose qui avait motivé et engagé les enseignants.

Role of Radio in Improving Livelihoods: The Case of Central Broadcasting Services’ Project to Empower Women in Savings and Loan Associations in Nsangi Sub-County, Wakiso District, Uganda

This study investigated Central Broadcasting Services’ Project to Empower Women in Savings and Loan Associations (CBS-PEWOSA) in Nsangi sub-county, Wakiso district, Uganda. Data was gathered from members of the associations using questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. The findings showed that the project has increased awareness about and knowledge of solutions to community development problems ranging from culture, rural development, education, and women empowerment to agriculture. Communities have been mobilized to form groups, save and borrow to invest in Small and Medium Enterprises, which has led to improvements in their livelihoods. However, illiteracy, resistance to new ideas, under funding and limited airtime allocated to development programs on the radio are constraining the project. Recommendations for the improved effectiveness of the project are made. Keywords: Media; Radio; CBS PEWOSA; Livelihoods

Investigating the Relationship between Diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease:

Ageing is associated with a number of diseases. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and diabetes are among such most common diseases. These two diseases are considered to be fundamentally similar disorders because they share some common elements, though they differ in the time of onset, tissues affected as well as the magnitudes of their specific traits. The present study was undertaken to prospect the association between the genes involved in Diabetes and AD; and their common pathophysiology. Using a network system biology approach, the genes common between Diabetes and AD were retrieved from DisGeNET database. The common genes were analysed using in silico tool, Cyctoscape’s various plug-ins, ClusterONE, CytoHubba, ClueGO and CluePedia. Eleven genes which can act as potential marker for both Diabetes and AD namely IL4, ICAM1, ALB, INS, CSF2, IL6, TNF, IL10, GAPDH, TLR4, and AKT have been identified in the present study. This is the first study of its kind in which relationship between Diabetes and AD has been investigated to identify their common genes, which can help in better understanding of pathophysiology of these age-related diseases.

Climate Change-Induced Migration:

This paper examines processes that make migration possible among climate change affected communities in Shinyanga Rural District of Shinyanga region, Tanzania. Questionnaires and in-depth interviews were used to gather data. Whereas qualitative data was analyzed thematically, numerical data was analyzed descriptively. Findings show that short term migration, plays an important role in soliciting resources necessary for permanent migration. Further, climate change-induced migration in the study area involves the realization that the eco-system is no longer livelihood supportive. The migration process also involves identification of opportunities in destination prior to moving out from the original home. Finally, migrants need to solicit resources to cater for en route costs and for investing in destination. The study concludes that climate change impacts ignite the desire to migrate. However, for migration to happen there are multiple facets that need to be addressed. The study recommends improved access to information about opportunities available elsewhere for people in climate change affected areas.

Doing good the wrong way

Using a narrative summary, this article synthesizes NGO history, highlights the political economy and pro-NGO arguments; and uses these to examine what contemporary NGOs in the global South do. It raises contradictions between what these organizations do and historical arguments that justified their growth in the development sector. It shows that NGOs are doing good the wrong way, a contradiction obscured by the functional approach used to measure their effectiveness in research and evaluation. The article argues that because this approach focuses on the linear logics of NGO aid projects, they are assessed against what they choose to do and not what history argued they would. Arguments for the return of the Developmentalist State and changes from the looming end of the liberal international order, inherently flag the need to establish NGO contribution to development without comparisons to the State or market; then strategically adjust the NGO ‘Articles of Faith’.

Problem-based learning and action learning in Ugandan universities

The purpose of the study was to compare the action learning approach with the traditional didactic learning and establish the relationship between problem-based learning and action learning. We employed a quasi experiment where the Marquardt Action Learning model was combined with the constructivist theories of learning. The quasi experiment was composed of three groups, namely the treatment group (action learning group), the traditional group and the control group. To stimulate participant thought and reflection, a community of practice environment was created and just-in-time classes were conducted, based on the constructive theories of learning. Although the study involved various constructivist theories, the article concentrates on problem-based learning; hence, it is quiet about other constructivist theories. The results indicate significant differences between the action learning and traditional didactic learning. Furthermore, a significant relationship between problem-based learning and action learning was established. The robust strength of reflective practice and self-directed learning in the prediction of action learning is also highlighted. The findings can be utilised to design future training programmes in universities and other workplaces in order to equip workers with reflective practice and self-directed learning skills that are vital in solving workplace problems.

Motivation and perseverance of women in education leadership in the United States of America

This study examined executive women leaders in higher education administration in the United States of America. It examined factors influencing women to attain leadership positions. It also looked at the challenges facing female leaders and established strategies women use to overcome these challenges. A sample of 11 women leaders in higher education was selected purposively based on experience, seniority and roles. Multiple sources of data collection were utilised including interviewing, observation and document analysis, which served as a way of triangulation. The nature of the study was exploratory. The qualitative phenomenological method was utilised to organise and analyse the data. The researched data was collected from both primary and secondary sources such as journals, interviews and observations. Findings reveal that senior women leaders in higher education positions are intrinsically moved by a great desire to make a positive difference and a need to help others. External forces influencing women to leadership include mentoring, self-efficacy, networks, prior experience, leadership training, and career planning. The results indicated that the women desire is to achieve personal growth and development. The results are consistent with both leadership and motivation theories (Maslow, 1970; Burns, 1978; Bandura, 1997). The findings are limited to women leaders in the education sector; they cannot be generalised to other business sectors.

The role of Civil Society Organisations in post-conflict development of northern Uganda

This article examines the role of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in post-conflict reconstruction and development of northern Uganda. The analysis is informed by the increased spate of violent conflicts in Africa since the end of the Cold War; the destruction caused by violent conflicts; and the significant role played by CSOs in post-conflict reconstruction and development. The northern part of Uganda witnessed the most protracted and devastating Lord‘s Resistance Army (LRA) conflict in the country‘s post-independence history, which forms the central focus of the study. To generate a deeper analysis of the role of CSOs, this article delves into the historical evolution of civil society from the classical thought of ancient Greece to the modern and contemporary perspectives of civil society. The analysis of the role of CSOs in post-conflict reconstruction and development is framed in the war-topeace transition; and recognises the dialectical relationship between peace and development. The article examines the community‘s perceptions on the role of CSOs and its responsiveness to community needs. It concludes with a reflection on simmering issues, which if not properly addressed, could destroy the positive inroads and peace dividends being realised in northern Uganda. A constructivist and qualitative methodology guided the study, which sought to interpret reality from the context of the espondents.