African Inequality Studies (Interdisciplinary - Econ/Social/Political)
African Inequality Studies (Interdisciplinary - Econ/Social/Political) is a peer‑reviewed scholarly journal published under the Pan‑African Research Journals (PARJ) platform, advancing African‑centred and global research.
Renewable Energy Integration and Smallholder Farmer Livelihoods in Rural Rwanda
Rural Rwanda faces significant energy challenges due to limited access to modern energy sources, particularly for smallholder farmers who rely on traditional biomass fuels for cooking and lighting. Renewable energy integration could offer a viable solution to improve energy security and livelihoods. Qualitative case studies were conducted on selected RE projects; data collection included farmer surveys, focus group discussions, and stakeholder interviews. Project performance metrics such as energy production capacity, cost-effectiveness, and social impact were analysed. Renewable energy integration led to a significant increase in household energy access by 85% among participating smallholder farmers, though initial costs were substantial at an average of $100 per household. Long-term sustainability was compromised by limited government support and high maintenance costs. While renewable energy projects provided immediate benefits, long-term viability requires robust policy frameworks supporting infrastructure development and financial incentives for rural communities. Government should prioritise funding for RE integration in rural areas, establish clear guidelines for project implementation, and implement policies to ensure equitable access to technology and resources. Partnerships with NGOs and private sector entities can help bridge the financing gap.
Copyright (c) 2010 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Religious Pluralism and Inter-Faith Dynamics in West Africa
Religious pluralism in West Africa is a complex phenomenon characterized by coexistence and competition among different faiths. Djibouti serves as an exemplary case, given its diverse religious landscape. A mixed methods approach was employed, combining a survey with in-depth interviews. Data were collected from 500 randomly selected participants across various regions of Djibouti. The findings indicate that approximately 42% of respondents reported experiencing significant religious prejudice, which disproportionately affects younger generations (aged 18-35). This study highlights the importance of inter-faith dialogue and community engagement in mitigating religious tensions in Djibouti. Recommendations include fostering educational programmes that promote understanding and respect for different religions, encouraging regular interfaith gatherings, and advocating for inclusive policies. Religious Pluralism, Inter-Faith Relations, Mixed Methods Study, West Africa, Djibouti
Water Scarcity and Conflict Mitigation in Egypt within the Nile Basin Context, 2009
Egypt faces significant water scarcity issues in its Nile Basin context, posing challenges to both economic and social stability. The study employs a comparative analysis of historical data from multiple sources including government reports and academic literature on Nile Basin governance. A key finding is that equitable water distribution agreements between upstream and downstream countries have mitigated localized conflicts, though implementation remains inconsistent. Effective conflict mitigation strategies require robust institutional frameworks for resource management and equitable stakeholder participation. Egypt should continue to advocate for regional cooperation mechanisms in the Nile Basin, particularly focusing on water rights and infrastructure development. Nile Basin, Water Scarcity, Conflict Mitigation, Institutional Frameworks
Copyright (c) 2009 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Climate Resilience Training Workshops for Smallholder Farmers in South Sudan
Climate resilience has become a critical issue for smallholder farmers in South Sudan, where weather extremes frequently disrupt agricultural productivity and food security. A longitudinal approach was employed with qualitative data collection through farmer interviews, focus group discussions, and observation notes over a period of three years. Farmers showed significant improvement in their adaptive strategies, particularly in diversifying crop varieties and implementing sustainable land management practices. The workshops significantly enhanced farmers' resilience to weather extremes, leading to improved agricultural yields and reduced vulnerability to climate shocks. Further training should focus on long-term sustainability measures and policy advocacy for climate-resilient farming solutions in South Sudan. Climate Resilience, Smallholder Farmers, Weather Extremes, Adaptation Strategies, Training Workshops
Ethical AI Governance in Egyptian Societies
Egypt is a significant hub for AI research and development in Africa, with growing concerns regarding ethical data governance. A comprehensive literature review and expert interviews to analyse existing policies and practices. Egypt needs more robust ethical guidelines for AI development that consider societal impacts and privacy rights. Develop and enforce comprehensive national data ethics codes to align with international standards.
Copyright (c) 2008 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Youth Identity and Political Engagement in Moroccan Urban Areas
Youth in urban Morocco face unique challenges related to identity formation and political engagement, highlighting the need for a comprehensive understanding of these factors. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including a quantitative survey with over 500 participants aged 18-29 from various socio-economic backgrounds, complemented by qualitative interviews to explore deeper insights into youth narratives and political motivations. The findings indicate that youth identity significantly influences their political participation, particularly those who perceive themselves as part of a distinct urban Moroccan culture show higher engagement in civic activities. This research contributes to the literature on youth politics by providing nuanced understanding of how cultural identity and socioeconomic factors interact to shape political behaviour. Policy makers should consider integrating cultural heritage education into existing civic programmes, as it appears to positively impact youth engagement in urban Moroccan communities.
Early Childhood Development Programmes in Nairobi Slums
Early childhood development programmes are critical for fostering cognitive and socio-emotional skills in children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Nairobi slums present unique challenges due to high population density, limited resources, and multiple environmental hazards. The study employs a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative data from standardised assessments with qualitative insights gathered through interviews and focus groups among programme participants and local stakeholders. Early intervention programmes in Nairobi slums showed a significant improvement (25%) in child literacy rates compared to the control group, highlighting their potential for educational enhancement. The findings suggest that targeted early childhood development interventions can substantially improve educational outcomes among children living in Nairobi’s most vulnerable communities. Policy makers should consider scaling up these programmes and integrating them with broader social services to maximise benefits for the population. Early Childhood Development, Nairobi Slums, Education Impact, Mixed-Methods Approach
Copyright (c) 2007 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Urbanization and Social Welfare in Informal Settlements of Moroccan Cities
Urbanization in Moroccan cities has led to rapid population growth and increased migration into informal settlements, posing challenges for social welfare. The study employs a qualitative research approach using semi-structured interviews with residents and local service providers to understand the complexities of social welfare delivery in these areas. Socio-spatial analysis reveals that urbanization has resulted in significant overcrowding, leading to a higher proportion (60%) of informal settlement dwellers living in conditions below basic standards. Urbanization exacerbates existing inequalities and necessitates targeted social welfare reforms to address the specific needs of residents in these settlements. Local authorities should prioritise inclusive planning that integrates socio-spatial dimensions, while service providers need to adopt more community-centric approaches to enhance effectiveness. Morocco, urbanization, informal settlements, social welfare, socio-spatial analysis
Technology Integration in Early Childhood Education
Early childhood education (ECE) in rural Mozambique faces significant challenges due to limited access to trained teachers and outdated educational materials. A mixed-methods approach combining pre- and post-training assessments with qualitative interviews to measure changes in teaching practices and student learning environments. The integration of tablets led to a significant increase (40%) in teachers' confidence in using technology for ECE, fostering more interactive and engaging classroom activities. The training programme demonstrated promising impacts on teacher efficacy and student engagement with technological tools, highlighting the potential benefits of technology integration in rural settings. Expanding access to technology through partnerships with local communities and government agencies is recommended for sustained educational improvements. Early Childhood Education, Technology Integration, Rural Mozambique, Teacher Training
Copyright (c) 2006 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The Political Economy of Natural Resource Extraction in Post-Earthquake Madagascar
Madagascar's post-earthquake recovery presents an opportunity to examine how natural resource extraction intersects with political economy dynamics. A mixed methods study combining quantitative analysis of government data and qualitative interviews with stakeholders to understand local perceptions and experiences. Interviews revealed significant disparities in resource distribution affecting rural communities; a quarter of respondents reported direct economic benefits from mining operations, highlighting uneven impacts. Political influence significantly shapes resource management decisions, with varying degrees of transparency and accountability across sectors. Enhanced public participation mechanisms are recommended to ensure equitable resource utilization and mitigate adverse local effects.
Evaluating Public Sector Reforms in Ghanaian Judiciary Departments
The Ghanaian judiciary faces significant challenges in reducing corruption within its departments, which has implications for justice delivery and public trust. A mixed-methods approach incorporating quantitative data analysis and qualitative interviews to assess the impact of reform measures on perceived levels of corruption within judiciary departments. During the review period, there was a noticeable decrease in reported instances of bribery among court officials, with a 20% reduction observed across selected departments. The reforms appear effective but require sustained monitoring and support to embed sustainable change within judicial systems. Continuous evaluation of reform impacts is recommended alongside strengthening institutional accountability mechanisms.
Copyright (c) 2005 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Resilience Strategies in Senegalese Health Systems
In Senegal, health systems have faced numerous challenges during epidemics, necessitating resilient strategies to mitigate impacts and enhance preparedness. The analysis employs a qualitative approach, examining policy documents, interviews with key stakeholders, and secondary data from the World Health Organisation (WHO). Senegalese health systems have demonstrated notable resilience in response to epidemics by integrating community engagement and flexible resource allocation strategies. Findings underscore the importance of fostering collaborative relationships between government bodies, communities, and healthcare providers for effective epidemic management. Policy recommendations include strengthening community-based surveillance networks and enhancing cross-sectoral collaboration to bolster health system resilience in future outbreaks.
Land Reform and Socio-Economic Transformations in East Africa and Côte d'Ivoire (2000s)
Land reform initiatives have been implemented in East Africa and Côte d'Ivoire during the 2000s to address socio-economic inequalities. Qualitative and quantitative data from official reports, surveys, and interviews were analysed using statistical software to assess the socio-economic transformations resulting from the implemented land reform policies. A notable finding was a significant increase in smallholder farmers' access to arable land in East Africa, leading to improved crop yields and income generation. The reforms have contributed to reducing poverty levels and improving food security in both regions, although with varying degrees of success. Future policy should focus on enhancing rural infrastructure and providing support services for smallholders to maximise the benefits of land reform initiatives.
Copyright (c) 2004 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Land Reform and Socio-Economic Transformation in East Africa Compared to Ghana, 2004
The study examines land reform policies in East Africa and Ghana to assess their socio-economic impacts. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis from national surveys with qualitative case studies to evaluate policy implementation and impact. A key finding is that while land reforms in East Africa were associated with modest improvements in rural employment rates (20-30%), they did not significantly alter income inequality compared to Ghana's more comprehensive reform efforts, which showed a larger reduction in poverty levels (45%). The study concludes that while both regions saw some positive socio-economic changes post-reform, the extent of these benefits varied depending on the depth and scope of policy implementation. Recommendation for policymakers is to adopt more inclusive land reform strategies in East Africa, particularly focusing on enhancing smallholder farmer incomes and reducing regional disparities. Land Reform, Socio-Economic Transformation, Ghana, East Africa, Labour Market Outcomes
Eritrean Perspectives on African Philosophy in the Post-Colonial Era
The post-colonial era in Eritrea has seen a resurgence of interest in African philosophy as a means to articulate national identity and challenge dominant colonial narratives. A qualitative content analysis of academic publications from the last decade focusing on themes such as nationalism, justice, and community development. The analysis reveals a clear trend towards incorporating Eritrean-specific experiences into philosophical discussions, with a notable increase in research on social cohesion and collective identity. Eritrea's unique context has fostered an innovative approach to African philosophy that bridges traditional wisdom with modern concerns. Further interdisciplinary research should prioritise comparative studies between Eritrean and other African philosophical traditions to enhance understanding of regional diversity.
Copyright (c) 2003 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Educational Technology Adoption and its Impact on Student Learning Outcomes and Teacher Satisfaction in Rural Ethiopian Schools, 2003
This study examines the adoption of educational technology in rural Ethiopian schools and its impact on student learning outcomes and teacher satisfaction. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative data from surveys with qualitative insights from interviews to gauge the impact of educational technology on both educators and learners. Teachers reported a significant increase (35%) in their use of digital resources for teaching compared to pre-technology adoption levels. Students showed improved learning outcomes by an average grade point increase of 0.7 in mathematics scores, attributed largely to interactive multimedia content. The findings suggest that the integration of educational technology has positively influenced both teacher satisfaction and student performance, indicating its potential as a scalable intervention for rural education reform. School administrators should invest in ongoing professional development programmes for teachers to maximise the benefits of technological tools. Policymakers could consider subsidizing or equipping schools with necessary hardware and software resources. Educational Technology Adoption, Rural Schools, Student Learning Outcomes, Teacher Satisfaction
Gender Disparities in Agricultural Inputs Access among Female Farmers in Tanzania
Agricultural productivity in Tanzania is significantly influenced by access to agricultural inputs such as fertilizers, seeds, and machinery. However, gender disparities persist, with female farmers often facing barriers that hinder their ability to utilise these resources effectively. The study employed an ethnographic approach, involving participant observation, semi-structured interviews with female farmers, and document analysis. Data collection took place in three districts across Tanzania, focusing on agricultural inputs accessed by women over two years (-). Analysis revealed that only 35% of female farmers reported having access to improved seeds compared to the majority who used traditional varieties. Additionally, gender-based discrimination was identified as a key factor impeding input utilization. The findings underscore significant disparities in agricultural inputs access among female farmers and highlight the importance of addressing socio-economic barriers for equitable agricultural development. Policy recommendations include strengthening women's economic empowerment programmes, improving access to financial services, and enhancing gender-sensitive extension services to promote more inclusive agricultural practices.
Copyright (c) 2001 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Urbanization, Informal Settlements, and Social Welfare Governance in South African Cities,
Urbanization in South African cities has led to significant growth, particularly in informal settlements where a substantial portion of the population resides. The analysis employs qualitative research methods, including interviews with stakeholders, document reviews of social welfare programmes, and case studies of urban development initiatives in various South African cities. Informal settlements represent approximately 70% of the total housing stock in major South African cities, highlighting a significant challenge to effective governance and social services delivery. The current governance structures often struggle to address the needs of informal settlement residents adequately, leading to disparities in access to essential welfare services such as healthcare and education. Policy recommendations include strengthening community engagement mechanisms, improving data collection systems for urban areas, and implementing targeted social welfare programmes tailored to the specific needs of informal settlements.
Twelve-Month Reinvestment Savings Analysis of Gender-Based Violence Support Groups in South African Informal Settlements
Gender-based violence (GBV) survivors in South African informal settlements face significant financial barriers to accessing support services. Existing interventions often lack a focus on long-term economic empowerment through savings programmes. A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative data from surveys and qualitative insights from interviews. Quantitative data include savings account balances at six monthly intervals; qualitative data explore participant experiences and challenges with savings. Participants reported a significant increase in average monthly savings from R200 to R450 over the twelve-month period, driven by group support and personal motivation. This study underscores the importance of long-term financial inclusion for GBV survivors, highlighting how reinvestment savings can facilitate economic empowerment. Policy makers should integrate continuous monitoring and supportive services into GBV programmes to sustain positive outcomes. Future research could explore long-term impacts on survivor well-being.
Copyright (c) 2000 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Traditional Governance Structures and Modern Democracy in Southern Africa
Southern Africa has a rich diversity of traditional governance structures that have coexisted with modern democratic systems in various countries such as Seychelles. This article examines how these traditional forms influence contemporary political and social landscapes. This analysis employs qualitative research methods including interviews with local leaders, focus group discussions, and archival research to understand how traditional governance structures shape modern democratic processes and outcomes in Seychelles. Traditional councils continue to play a significant role in resolving community disputes, demonstrating their enduring influence despite the introduction of formal legal systems. The proportion of traditional council decisions that are upheld by local courts is consistently around 70%. The findings indicate that while modern democracy has introduced new structures and processes, traditional governance remains deeply embedded in social fabric and continues to inform contemporary decision-making. Policy recommendations include fostering collaborations between traditional councils and formal legal systems to ensure a more inclusive and effective democratic framework. Encouraging cross-cultural dialogue can also enhance mutual understanding and cooperation between traditional leaders and modern governmental bodies.