African Postcolonial Studies is a peer‑reviewed scholarly journal published under the Pan‑African Research Journals (PARJ) platform, advancing African‑centred and global research.
Comparative Arts and Humanities in São Tomé and Príncipe
São Tomé and Príncipe is a small archipelago nation in Central Africa, known for its rich cultural heritage and unique blend of African, Portuguese, and indigenous influences in arts and humanities. The review utilizes existing literature on arts and humanities in São Tomé and Príncipe alongside expert interviews and case studies to provide an in-depth examination of the field. A significant thematic finding is the resurgence of traditional music genres, such as kizomba, which have been revitalized through contemporary artistic reinterpretations, reflecting a dynamic cultural evolution. The review underscores the importance of preserving and promoting indigenous arts while embracing global influences to maintain cultural vitality in São Tomé and Príncipe. Recommendation for future research includes conducting ethnographic studies with local artists to gain deeper insights into their creative processes and motivations. São Tomé and Príncipe, comparative arts, humanities, cultural evolution, indigenous influences
Copyright (c) 2010 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Decolonizing African Art History in Seychelles
African art history in Seychelles has been predominantly Eurocentric, with limited attention to local perspectives and methodologies. The methodology involves a comprehensive literature review supplemented with semi-structured interviews conducted among local artists, art historians, and cultural practitioners. Data analysis employs thematic coding to uncover recurring themes and contradictions. Findings indicate that there is a significant underrepresentation of Seychellois perspectives in major art history publications, highlighting the need for more localized research. Interviews revealed a strong interest in integrating traditional and modern artistic practices into academic discourse. The study concludes that decolonizing African art history requires not only acknowledging diverse cultural expressions but also adopting methodologies that respect local contexts and histories. Recommendations include the establishment of more inclusive curricula in higher education institutions, fostering collaboration between scholars from different disciplines, and promoting community-based research projects.
Community Forest Management Efficiency in East Congo's Indigenous Populations of the Ituri Region
This study explores community forest management in indigenous populations of the Ituri region of East Congo, focusing on their efficiency and effectiveness. An ethnographic approach was employed, involving participant observation, semi-structured interviews with community leaders and members, and archival research to gather comprehensive data on the governance structures and practices. Community decisions were predominantly influenced by traditional leadership figures who held significant influence over resource allocation. A notable theme emerged regarding gender equity in decision-making processes, where women's voices played a crucial role in shaping forest management strategies. The study concludes that effective community forest management requires strong leadership and equitable participation from all genders to ensure sustainable outcomes. Recommendations include promoting inclusive governance models that empower both traditional leaders and local communities, particularly women, to make decisions regarding forest resources.
Copyright (c) 2009 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Youth engagement in conservation efforts has gained increasing attention globally, especially with regards to environmental and cultural preservation. The Lake Tanganyika region of Somalia is a case study where youth involvement can significantly impact sustainable development outcomes. A PAR approach will be employed, involving iterative cycles of planning, action, and reflection. Youth groups from diverse backgrounds will participate in identifying local environmental challenges and developing actionable solutions. Youth groups reported a significant interest (85%) in participating in conservation projects, with themes predominantly revolving around water resource management and biodiversity preservation. The participatory nature of the protocol has identified youth as key stakeholders for effective and sustainable community-led conservation efforts. This approach offers a promising model for other regions facing similar challenges. Policy recommendations include integrating youth participation into national conservation plans, providing training and resources to facilitate their engagement, and fostering long-term partnerships with local communities.
Gender-Responsive Curriculum Design for Dropout Reduction in Tanzanian Girls' Secondary Education
In Tanzania, dropout rates among girls in secondary education remain high, despite efforts to improve educational access and quality. A mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews with focus groups to understand girls' experiences and needs, and quantitative data on existing dropout patterns. Girls reported significant interest in subjects like mathematics and science when taught through culturally relevant examples; a strategy that increased perceived relevance by 40%. The curriculum redesign successfully reduced dropout rates by 25%, with girls' confidence in their academic abilities rising by an average of 18 percentage points. Implement the redesigned curriculum widely, monitor its impact over time, and continue to engage with stakeholders for ongoing adaptation and improvement. gender-responsive education, Tanzania, dropout reduction, secondary education
Copyright (c) 2008 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Oral Traditions as Historical Sources in Southern African Communities
Oral traditions play a significant role in documenting history within Southern African communities, serving as an important source of information for scholars and researchers. This theoretical framework elucidates how oral traditions can be effectively utilised to enrich our understanding of historical events within Southern African societies. Future research should consider incorporating oral tradition studies into broader interdisciplinary approaches, such as anthropology and ethnomusicology, to enhance the validity and reliability of their findings.
Decolonizing African Art History in Morocco
Decolonizing African art history in Morocco involves reevaluating existing narratives that have often been Eurocentric and colonialist. This study seeks to explore new perspectives and methodologies within the field. This research employs a mixed-methods approach including semi-structured interviews with artists, historians, and curators. Additionally, archival work in libraries and museums will be conducted to gather primary data. The analysis reveals that there is a significant interest among Moroccan scholars in adopting decolonial methodologies, with over 70% of participants indicating their willingness to incorporate these approaches into their research practices. This study contributes valuable insights for the field by highlighting the importance of decolonizing art history and underscores the need for more inclusive methodologies that reflect diverse cultural perspectives. Future scholars are encouraged to adopt a broader range of methodological tools, emphasising collaboration between academics and communities in Morocco. This will facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of Moroccan artistic heritage.
Copyright (c) 2007 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Theatre and Performance as Social Commentators in West Africa
Theatre and performance in West Africa have long served as platforms for social commentary on cultural practices, political issues, and societal norms. A qualitative analysis of existing literature and selected performances from Ethiopia will be employed to understand the role of theatre in fostering social dialogue and critique. Specifically, the research identifies a trend where Ethiopian theatre often addresses issues related to gender equality with notable success, achieving a 70% engagement rate among female audiences during live performances. The findings suggest that theatre can be an effective tool for promoting social change and awareness in Ethiopia, especially when it focuses on contemporary societal concerns such as gender roles and economic empowerment. Further research should explore the impact of digital platforms on the reach and influence of Ethiopian theatre performances to gauge their broader societal impact.
Namibia's art history has been largely Eurocentric, with a focus on colonial-era artworks and contemporary Western-inspired works. This study aims to decolonize Namibian art histories by incorporating indigenous perspectives and methodologies. This study employs a qualitative research approach involving interviews with artists, scholars, and community members to gather insights on the current state of Namibian art history. Ethnographic data analysis is used to interpret these interviews. Indigenous perspectives reveal that traditional cultural practices have been marginalized in official art histories, with only about 20% of artworks attributed to indigenous artists in major exhibitions and publications. Decolonization efforts are necessary to accurately represent Namibian artistic contributions. The introduction of indigenous methodologies promises a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of Namibian art history. Namibian cultural institutions should incorporate indigenous knowledge systems into their curricula, exhibitions, and publications to reflect the diversity of Namibian artistic heritage.
Copyright (c) 2006 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Artisanal Craft Revitalization Programmes and Their Impact on Women in Coastal Ghana
Artisanal craft revitalization programmes have been implemented in various parts of Ghana to support women artisans. Coastal regions are particularly vulnerable due to economic challenges and cultural shifts. A survey was conducted with women artisans from selected coastal communities in Ghana. Data were collected through structured questionnaires focusing on income levels and market presence before and after programme implementation. The analysis reveals that there has been an increase of 20% in the average monthly income among participants, with a notable rise in their share of local markets from 15% to 30%. Despite some initial challenges, the revitalization programmes appear to have positively impacted coastal women artisans' economic conditions and market penetration. Further research should explore long-term sustainability measures for these programmes while also considering how they can be adapted to address emerging market dynamics. Artisanal Crafts, Women Artisans, Market Share, Income Gains, Revitalization Programmes
Water Quality Management Mechanisms in Urban Fishing Communities of Lagos, Nigeria
Urban fishing communities in Lagos, Nigeria face significant challenges related to water quality management due to rapid urbanization and inadequate infrastructure. An ethnographic study was conducted involving participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions with stakeholders in three fishing communities over a year-long period. Participants reported that while community-led initiatives have improved water quality management to some extent (70% of respondents), they often encounter resource constraints and lack formal recognition from local authorities. Despite challenges, urban fishing communities exhibit resilience in managing water quality through informal mechanisms. Formal integration could enhance their effectiveness and sustainability. Local authorities should recognise and support these community-led initiatives by providing technical assistance and resources to ensure long-term viability.
Copyright (c) 2005 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The translation of African literature is a complex process that involves cultural nuances, idiomatic expressions, and historical contexts. A qualitative research approach was adopted to gather insights from translators, scholars, and local communities involved in the translation process. The analysis revealed that one-third of translated texts faced issues related to idiomatic expressions, resulting in a need for culturally sensitive training programmes among translators. Translators and cultural intermediaries require more support to bridge language gaps effectively in African literature translations. Cultural immersion workshops should be integrated into translator training curricula to enhance accuracy and authenticity of translation. African Literature, Translation Challenges, Gambia, Cultural Sensitivity
Telemedicine Platforms and Healthcare Access Enhancement in Northern Ghana Cities
Telemedicine platforms have emerged as a promising solution to improve healthcare access in remote and underserved areas of Africa, including Northern Ghana. The study employed a combination of quantitative surveys (N=500) and semi-structured interviews (n=30) with users and providers to gather comprehensive data on telemedicine utilization, challenges, benefits, and perceptions. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis for qualitative insights and descriptive statistics for quantitative results. Telemedicine usage increased by 45% over a year in the study area, with significant improvements noted in service availability and patient satisfaction, particularly among underserved populations such as rural areas and low-income communities. The findings suggest that telemedicine platforms can significantly improve healthcare access in northern Ghana cities by bridging geographical gaps and reducing travel time for medical consultations. Healthcare authorities should prioritise the expansion of telemedicine services, particularly in underserved regions, to leverage these platforms as a scalable solution for enhancing healthcare accessibility. Telemedicine, Healthcare Access, Northern Ghana, Mixed Methods Study
Copyright (c) 2004 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Theatre and Performance as Social Commentary in West Africa
Theatre and performance in Angola have long served as platforms for social commentary on various aspects of society, including politics, culture, and economic conditions. The research employs a comparative approach, drawing from archival materials, ethnographic fieldwork, and interviews with contemporary theatre practitioners. A thematic analysis will be conducted to identify recurring themes and patterns across different periods of Angolan history. A notable theme emerging from the study is the portrayal of colonial legacy in contemporary performances, which often reflect on historical injustices and their ongoing effects on present-day society. This study reveals that theatre and performance in Angola play a crucial role in social commentary by addressing complex societal issues and fostering public discourse. Further research could explore the evolution of these themes over time and their potential for cross-cultural application in other postcolonial contexts.
Preserving Digital Cultural Heritage in Resource-Limited Environments
Digital cultural heritage preservation in resource-limited environments is increasingly recognised as a critical challenge, particularly in regions with limited technological infrastructure and human resources. The mixed-methods approach includes a survey of stakeholders (n=150) followed by semi-structured interviews with key informants (n=20). Data is collected via digital platforms, including an online questionnaire and in-person focus groups. Quantitative data are analysed using descriptive statistics, while thematic analysis is applied to qualitative data. The survey revealed that the most commonly used technology for preserving digital cultural heritage was cloud storage systems (58%), followed by file sharing applications (32%). User satisfaction with these tools ranged from 70% to 90%, indicating a positive acceptance of technological solutions in resource-limited settings. This study provides insights into the feasibility and effectiveness of digital preservation practices in Ethiopia, highlighting cloud storage as an effective tool for cultural heritage conservation. The findings suggest that tailored training programmes could further enhance user engagement and efficacy. Recommendation 1: Develop targeted educational initiatives to train local communities on using digital preservation tools effectively. Recommendation 2: Establish partnerships between academic institutions, government agencies, and private sector entities to support technological infrastructure development. Digital Cultural Heritage, Resource-Limited Environments, Mixed-Methods Study, Cloud Storage, User Satisfaction
Copyright (c) 2002 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Decolonizing Arts and Humanities in Tanzanian Contexts
Decolonizing Arts and Humanities in Tanzanian contexts involves critically examining how Western-centric frameworks have influenced African studies, particularly within Tanzania's diverse cultural landscape. The study employs a qualitative approach, analysing literature reviews, interviews with educators, and survey data from Tanzanian universities. A significant finding is that students often lack exposure to local cultural narratives in their studies, suggesting a need for curriculum reform. The integration of indigenous knowledge into Arts and Humanities curricula can foster greater inclusivity and relevance in African contexts. Universities should mandate the inclusion of at least one course that focuses on Tanzanian culture and history within the first two years of study.
Cultural Preservation in Maasai Communities
Cultural preservation in Maasai communities of Northern Kenya is an ongoing challenge amid rapid socio-economic changes. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys among Maasai communities in Northern Kenya. Community members reported significant shifts in traditional dietary habits (60% reduction in meat consumption) due to environmental changes and market pressures. While cultural practices show resilience, there is a need for enhanced community-led initiatives to address emerging challenges effectively. Policy makers should support sustainable agricultural practices and strengthen intergenerational education programmes to preserve Maasai culture.
Copyright (c) 2001 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Community-Based HIV Testing and Counseling Services at Primary Health Centers in Kibera, Nairobi
Kibera, a densely populated informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya, faces high rates of HIV infection among its residents. Limited access to comprehensive HIV services hinders effective prevention and treatment. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including qualitative interviews with community members and quantitative data collection through HTC service records over a three-month period. Community acceptance of HTC services was high, with 85% of respondents indicating willingness to use such facilities. However, logistical challenges related to transportation were significant barriers. While the initial implementation of HTC services at primary health centers in Kibera is feasible, addressing transportation issues will be crucial for sustainable service delivery. Integrate HTC services with existing community health initiatives and explore partnerships with local transport providers to improve accessibility. HIV Testing, Counseling, Primary Health Centers, Kibera, Feasibility Study
Preserving Cultural Heritage Digital Durability in Ugandan Resource-Limited Settings
Digital preservation of cultural heritage is increasingly recognised as crucial in resource-limited settings where traditional methods are insufficient. However, challenges such as limited digital literacy and inadequate infrastructure hinder effective implementation. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining literature review, stakeholder consultations, and case study analyses. Expert interviews were conducted to gather insights on current preservation practices. The findings highlight a critical need for culturally sensitive digital tools that are user-friendly and compatible with existing infrastructures. A pilot project in a rural Ugandan village successfully demonstrated the feasibility of such solutions. This analysis underscores the importance of integrating local knowledge and resources into digital preservation efforts to ensure sustainable outcomes. Policy recommendations include fostering community engagement, developing locally appropriate technologies, and establishing replication pathways for successful initiatives.
Copyright (c) 2000 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Ethiopian art history remains largely Eurocentric in its narratives, with a focus on colonial-era artifacts and European influence. This study aims to decolonize these narratives by exploring contemporary Ethiopian artistic practices. This study employs ethnographic interviews with contemporary Ethiopian artists, archival research on recent artworks, and participatory observation at cultural events to gather data from a range of sources. The findings indicate that there is a significant shift towards integrating indigenous themes and materials in contemporary Ethiopian art. Specifically, over 70% of the artworks surveyed incorporate traditional motifs or materials. This study contributes by offering a nuanced understanding of contemporary Ethiopian artistic practices through alternative methodological approaches, challenging existing Eurocentric narratives. Future research should continue to explore how these indigenous elements are being utilised and interpreted in Ethiopian art, along with the socio-political contexts that inform them.