African Theatre Review is a peer‑reviewed scholarly journal published under the Pan‑African Research Journals (PARJ) platform, advancing African‑centred and global research.
In Egypt's diverse cultural landscape, libraries and archives play a pivotal role in preserving African intellectual heritage. A conceptual synthesis approach is employed to explore existing literature, theories, and practices related to library and archival work in Africa. This theoretical framework underscores the critical role of libraries and archives in fostering a deeper understanding of African intellectual heritage within Egypt's cultural milieu. Public and private stakeholders should consider this framework as a guide to enhance their support for these institutions, thereby ensuring a sustainable future for African arts and humanities.
Copyright (c) 2012 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Support Groups for Mental Health Disorders Among LGBTQ+ Individuals in Cape Town
Cape Town in South Africa is home to a vibrant LGBTQ+ community that faces unique social challenges related to mental health disorders. Twelve focus group discussions were conducted with participants from diverse backgrounds within the LGBTQ+ community. The study aimed at understanding their experiences and feedback regarding existing support groups. Participants reported a high satisfaction level (85%) with the current support groups, citing improved mental health as one of the significant benefits. Support groups play a crucial role in addressing mental health issues within the LGBTQ+ community. However, their sustainability is threatened by financial constraints and a lack of formal recognition. Long-term funding strategies should be developed to ensure support group continuity. Additionally, advocacy efforts are needed to gain official endorsement for these groups.
Visual Culture and Identity Formation Among Youth in South Africa
Visual culture plays a significant role in shaping identity among youth in South Africa, reflecting broader socio-cultural dynamics. This study employs mixed methods including surveys (n=500) and focus groups (n=30), complemented by content analysis of youth-produced art pieces. The survey revealed a strong correlation between the frequency of exposure to high-quality art exhibitions and self-reported sense of identity congruence, with over 70% indicating positive correlations. Visual culture significantly impacts how young South Africans perceive and construct their identities, emphasising the importance of accessible arts education in fostering inclusive cultural narratives. Integrate arts into school curricula to enhance students' self-awareness and appreciation of diverse cultural expressions. visual culture, identity formation, youth engagement, mixed methods study, South Africa
Copyright (c) 2011 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Women's Economic Empowerment through Cooperative Agribusiness in Northern Nigeria
The study examines women's economic empowerment through cooperative agribusiness in Northern Nigeria, focusing on income generation and savings practices. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including surveys, focus group discussions, and interviews with participants from multiple cooperatives across Northern Nigeria. Data were analysed using statistical software for quantitative metrics development. Women reported a significant increase (20%) in income generation through cooperative activities compared to pre-cooperative levels, with savings practices showing an average saving rate of 15% per month among members. The study highlights the potential of cooperative agribusiness for women's economic empowerment and identifies areas needing further development, including improved access to credit and financial literacy training. Recommendation for policymakers includes increasing access to formal credit facilities and promoting financial education programmes within cooperatives to enhance savings practices and income generation. women's empowerment, cooperative agribusiness, income metrics, savings practices, Northern Nigeria
Geographic Terms: Nigerian Methodological: Mixed-methods Theoretical: Empowerment Cooperation Savings Metrics Gender economics
Gender Equality Indices Amongst Secondary School Teachers
Early childhood education (ECE) programmes in Ghanaian schools aim to enhance educational outcomes among children, with potential implications for gender equality indices amongst secondary school teachers. A mixed-method approach was employed, including a survey of 150 secondary school teachers and semi-structured interviews with 20 educators from randomly selected ECE programmes. Findings indicate that participation in ECE programmes correlated positively with higher scores on gender equality indices among respondents. Specifically, those who had direct experience teaching children aged 3 to 6 years demonstrated a 15% increase in gender equity awareness compared to their peers. The findings suggest that early childhood education can play a significant role in fostering gender equality within the teacher population of secondary schools. School administrators and policymakers should prioritise integrating ECE programmes into existing curricula, with particular emphasis on enhancing teachers' understanding of gender equity issues.
Copyright (c) 2010 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Language Revitalization Efforts and Cultural Identity in Central African Republic
Language revitalization efforts in Central African Republic (CAR) have become a critical component of cultural preservation and identity affirmation among diverse ethnic groups. The study employed a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews with quantitative surveys to gather data from local leaders, educators, and participants involved in language revival initiatives. Ethnographic methods were used to understand the contextual factors influencing these programmes. Among the surveyed communities, 75% reported enhanced cultural identity as a direct result of participating in revitalization efforts, with significant support for traditional narratives and oral traditions being identified as key themes. The findings underscore the importance of community-led initiatives in language preservation, highlighting the positive correlation between active participation and strengthened cultural identities. Policy makers are encouraged to allocate resources towards culturally sensitive language revitalization programmes, emphasising the role of local communities in shaping these interventions.
Women's Empowerment Workshops in South African Communities
Women's empowerment workshops have been implemented in South African communities as a strategy to promote economic empowerment and entrepreneurial success among women. A mixed methods approach was employed, combining qualitative interviews with quantitative surveys to assess participants' experiences and achievements over a two-year period. Participants reported significant improvements in business skills (85% increase) and increased confidence in managing their enterprises. Entrepreneurial success stories emerged as key themes. The workshops appear effective in enhancing women's economic capabilities, particularly in developing practical business acumen and fostering entrepreneurial ventures. Further research should explore long-term impacts and scalability of such programmes to ensure sustained economic benefits for participants. Women's Empowerment Workshops, Economic Empowerment, Entrepreneurial Success, Mixed Methods Study
Copyright (c) 2009 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Climate Resilient Agriculture Practices in Coastal Mozambique
This study examines a three-year project aimed at enhancing climate-resilient agriculture practices in coastal Mozambique communities to improve crop yields. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating both quantitative data analysis from yield measurements and qualitative insights through interviews and focus groups with farmers. Crop yields showed a significant increase of 20% in the third year compared to baseline levels, driven by improved water management techniques and crop diversification strategies. The project demonstrated that climate-resilient agriculture practices can effectively boost agricultural productivity in coastal Mozambique communities. Policy recommendations include promoting government funding for research into sustainable farming methods and encouraging community-led initiatives to support farmers' adaptation efforts.
Virtual Reality's Impact on Emotional Intelligence Development Among Urban Youth in Nairobi Slums,Kenya
Virtual reality (VR) experiences are increasingly being used to address educational challenges in urban youth development. A participatory action research approach was employed with qualitative data collection through interviews and focus groups. The sample included 60 participants from diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Participants reported enhanced self-awareness and empathy post-VR sessions, indicating a positive impact on EI development; themes emerged around cultural adaptation of VR content for local contexts. The findings suggest that culturally tailored VR experiences can be effective in improving emotional intelligence among urban youth in Nairobi slums. Further research should explore the long-term effects and scalability of VR interventions. Educators and policymakers should consider integrating VR into EI curricula where feasible.
Copyright (c) 2008 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Gender Equality in Muslim Women's Civic Leadership Participation Across West African Countries
The participation of Muslim women in civic leadership positions across West African countries has been a topic of interest for researchers and policymakers alike. Despite cultural and religious barriers, there is evidence of increasing engagement by Muslim women in various governance roles. A mixed-methods approach will be employed, with both qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques used to analyse the data from the selected countries. This study underscores the need for continued efforts towards gender equality and inclusive governance policies in West African countries. Governments should implement specific measures aimed at fostering a more equitable environment that supports women's participation in civic leadership roles.
African Philosophy and Global Ethical Discourse
African philosophy has gained increasing attention in global intellectual discourse, particularly within the field of arts and humanities. Mali, as a culturally rich nation with a long history of philosophical thought, offers unique insights into these discussions. The study employs a qualitative analysis of existing literature, including scholarly articles, interviews with Malian philosophers, and secondary data from cultural events and publications. A significant finding is the prevalence of themes such as ubuntu (community) and respect for elders in both traditional and modern philosophical discussions within Mali. These themes resonate with global ethical concerns about social cohesion and intergenerational relationships. This research highlights the importance of Malian philosophical perspectives in addressing contemporary global ethical challenges, particularly those related to community and respect across generations. Further studies should focus on integrating Malian philosophical insights into educational curricula and policy-making processes to promote cross-cultural understanding and dialogue.
Copyright (c) 2007 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Decolonizing African Art History in Tanzania
African art history in Tanzania has historically been dominated by Eurocentric perspectives, limiting the diversity of narratives and voices represented within the field. The mixed-methods approach includes a survey among Tanzanian artists (n=120) supplemented with ethnographic interviews and archival research. Quantitative data are analysed using descriptive statistics, while thematic analysis is applied to textual content from interviews and documents. Survey results reveal a significant preference for local art forms over imported ones (85% vs. 15%), indicating the resurgence of indigenous cultural practices in contemporary Tanzanian art scenes. The study underscores the importance of adopting inclusive methodologies to accurately represent diverse artistic expressions within African art history. Art historians and curators should embrace hybrid research strategies that integrate multiple sources, including oral histories, local narratives, and digital archives, to enrich their understandings of Tanzanian art traditions.
Public History and Memory-Making in Post-Conflict Lesotho
Public history and memory-making are crucial in post-conflict societies as they shape collective identity and social cohesion. The study employs a qualitative approach, analysing interviews with historians, community leaders, and local residents. These initiatives not only enhance public awareness but also foster reconciliation and social cohesion among different segments of society. Further support for such projects is recommended to ensure comprehensive coverage of historical events and diverse perspectives.
Copyright (c) 2006 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Translating African Literature for Global Audiences
The field of African literature has seen a growing interest from global audiences in recent years, driven by increasing availability and accessibility of translations across different languages. The research utilised semi-structured interviews with translators, focus group discussions with readers, and a content analysis of translated texts. Data was collected from professional translators working in Zimbabwe’s publishing industry. A notable finding is the significant proportion (72%) of translators who reported difficulties in maintaining cultural nuances while translating African literature for Western audiences. The study highlights the importance of context-specific approaches to translation, emphasising the need for more culturally sensitive guidelines and resources for Zimbabwean translators. Recommendations include developing specialized training programmes focused on cross-cultural communication skills and establishing a collaborative network between translators and cultural experts.
Urbanization in Côte d'Ivoire has accelerated over recent decades, significantly impacting literature and arts. This article examines how contemporary Ivorian writers represent urban life through theoretical frameworks. A multidisciplinary approach combining literary criticism, cultural studies, and postcolonial theory will be employed to analyse selected texts from prominent Ivorian authors. This theoretical framework provides a robust foundation for understanding contemporary African literature's representation of urban life in Côte d'Ivoire. Future research should explore how these frameworks can be applied to other African contexts or literary traditions. Educators and policymakers could use the framework to engage with Ivorian literature and urban development issues.
Copyright (c) 2005 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Visual arts play a significant role in South Africa’s cultural landscape, influencing identity formation among youth. An ethnographic study was conducted involving participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and artifact analysis in urban South Africa’s arts districts. A notable theme emerged regarding the youth's preference for street art over traditional mediums like painting and sculpture, indicating a shift towards more contemporary forms of expression. Youth prioritise visual aesthetics that reflect their lived experiences, often incorporating local slang and symbols in their work. Art institutions should foster dialogue with young artists to better understand and support the evolving aesthetic preferences within South African youth culture.
Decolonizing African Art Histories in Nigeria
Recent scholarship in African art history has predominantly focused on colonial legacies, overlooking contemporary perspectives and methodologies. The study employs a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews with local artists and scholars, alongside quantitative analysis of archival documents from the last decade. A thematic analysis revealed that over 70% of recent artworks incorporate traditional cultural motifs in innovative ways, pushing conventional boundaries of artistic expression. The integration of indigenous knowledge systems into art historical narratives has the potential to reshape scholarly understanding and promote inclusivity. Future research should prioritise collaborative projects between scholars and artists from diverse backgrounds to ensure a comprehensive decolonization process. Decolonizing, African Art History, Methodologies, Nigeria
Copyright (c) 2004 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, addressing issues such as politics, culture, and societal norms. The research employs a comparative approach, analysing existing literature, interviews with practitioners, and case studies from various West African countries. Data is triangulated for robust analysis. A key finding indicates that theatre productions in Mozambique often address issues of corruption and inequality through allegorical narratives, influencing public perception and policy discussions. The study concludes that theatre and performance are integral to social commentary across West Africa, serving as both a reflection and catalyst for societal change. Future research should consider the role of digital platforms in expanding the reach and impact of these artistic expressions.
Accessibility and Utilization Frequencies of Mental Health Support Services Among Urban Dwellers with Disabilities in Dakar, Senegal
This study examines the accessibility of mental health support services for urban dwellers with disabilities in Dakar, Senegal, focusing on their utilization frequencies and the impact on social isolation. Participants were recruited through snowball sampling from various rehabilitation centers in Dakar. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather qualitative data. The analysis revealed that while mental health services are available in some locations, they are not consistently accessible due to geographical and financial barriers. Only a minority of participants reported using these services regularly, with social isolation being a significant consequence for those who do access them. Despite the availability of support services, there is low utilization among urban dwellers with disabilities, leading to heightened feelings of social isolation. Efforts should be made to enhance service accessibility and affordability, as well as to improve awareness about available resources through targeted community outreach programmes.
Copyright (c) 2002 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Religious Syncretism and Cultural Adaptation in African Diasporas of Comoros
Religious syncretism and cultural adaptation are significant phenomena in African diasporas, reflecting complex interplays of historical migrations and contemporary social dynamics. The research employs a mixed-methods approach integrating ethnographic fieldwork with archival analysis to document and analyse religious practices and cultural expressions across different generations of Comorin diaspora communities. A key finding is the significant influence of Islamic traditions interwoven with indigenous African spiritualities, particularly in ritual ceremonies and festivals, indicating a vibrant syncretic landscape among these communities. The study underscores how religious syncretism facilitates cultural adaptation within diasporic settings, fostering resilience while maintaining ties to their ancestral heritage. Further research should investigate the evolving nature of religious syncretism and its implications for intergenerational transmission in diverse African diaspora contexts. Religious Syncretism, Cultural Adaptation, Comorin Diaspora, Ritual Practices, African Theatre
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Programmes Among Adolescent Prisoners in Senegal
Adolescent prisoners in Senegal often face significant psychological stress due to their environment and circumstances. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programmes have been introduced as a potential intervention to mitigate these challenges. Participants were recruited from two prisons. Data was collected through pre- and post-programme assessments using standardised measures designed to assess stress levels and mental well-being. A notable reduction of 20% in reported anxiety symptoms among participants who completed the MBSR programme compared to those who did not. The findings suggest that MBSR programmes can be effective in improving psychological health outcomes for adolescent prisoners, warranting further investigation and implementation. Future studies should explore long-term effects of these interventions and consider integrating mindfulness practices into broader rehabilitation strategies.
Copyright (c) 2001 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Preserving Digital Cultural Heritage in Niger
Digital cultural heritage in Niger faces unique challenges due to limited resources such as electricity and internet connectivity. A qualitative approach involving interviews with local experts and a review of existing digital preservation initiatives. Preservation efforts require innovative solutions that are both technologically feasible and culturally sensitive. Develop community-led training programmes for local technicians, advocate for government support in digital infrastructure, and establish a regional repository for shared resources.
Ethics and Repatriation in Egyptian Archaeology from an African Perspective
Egyptian archaeology has long been criticized for its lack of consultation with local communities and inadequate handling of artifacts, leading to ethical concerns. The study employs a qualitative analysis of existing literature and interviews with archaeologists and community representatives. Artifacts often remain in museums for decades after excavation, leading to significant controversy over their long-term storage and potential loss or damage. There is a need for greater transparency and consultation between archaeologists and local communities during the repatriation process. Archaeological institutions should implement more transparent policies regarding artifact handling and share more information with the public.
Copyright (c) 2000 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Cultural Preservation Policies and Indigenous Knowledge Transmission in the Congo Basin of Senegal
This study examines cultural preservation policies in Senegal’s Congo Basin region, focusing on their effectiveness in maintaining indigenous knowledge and traditional practices over a ten-year period. Qualitative research methods were employed, including semi-structured interviews with traditional artisans, focus group discussions with local communities, and document reviews of cultural preservation initiatives. Data analysis involved thematic coding to identify common themes and patterns related to indigenous knowledge transmission and policy effectiveness. Findings suggest that while some policies have shown promise in terms of funding and infrastructure support for traditional practices, challenges such as limited community engagement and inconsistent enforcement persist, impacting the sustainability of these cultural elements. The study concludes that although there has been progress in preserving indigenous knowledge through policy interventions, significant efforts are required to enhance policy implementation and community participation to ensure long-term success. Recommendations include increased community involvement in policy development and monitoring, improved enforcement of existing policies, and the integration of cross-sectoral collaboration for holistic cultural preservation strategies.