African Development Studies (Interdisciplinary - Social/Human focus)
African Development Studies (Interdisciplinary - Social/Human focus) is a peer‑reviewed scholarly journal published under the Pan‑African Research Journals (PARJ) platform, advancing African‑centred and global research.
Drought Tolerance Techniques Among Smallholder Farmers in Northern Senegal Irrigation Zones
Drought is a recurring challenge in northern Senegal’s irrigation zones, affecting smallholder farmers’ crop yields and livelihoods. A mixed-method approach was employed, including surveys, focus group discussions, and interviews with 120 farmers across four irrigation zones. Farmers reported a significant preference for mulching (65%) over other techniques like drought-resistant crop varieties (30%). While farmers show interest in adopting various drought tolerance methods, mulching remains the most popular due to its perceived ease of implementation and cost-effectiveness. Investment in mulching technologies and training programmes should be prioritised to enhance smallholder resilience against drought. Drought Tolerance Techniques, Smallholder Farmers, Northern Senegal Irrigation Zones
Copyright (c) 2010 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Early Childhood Development in Nairobi Slums
Early childhood development (ECD) is crucial for a child's future academic and social success. In Nairobi slums, where resources are limited, ECD programmes can significantly impact children’s early years. The study employed a longitudinal design with pre- and post-intervention assessments. Data were collected through standardised questionnaires administered to parents/guardians of participating children aged 0-5 years. A notable increase in cognitive scores was observed, with an average improvement of 12% compared to baseline measurements. The intervention programme demonstrated positive impacts on early childhood development across various domains. Recommendations for policy and future research are provided based on these findings. Policy recommendations include expanding access to ECD programmes in Nairobi slums, with a focus on socio-emotional skill development interventions.
Informal Cross-Border Trade Networks within ECOWAS Regions in Somalia
Informal cross-border trade networks play a significant role in regional integration within ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States). However, the dynamics and impact of these networks in Somalia are less explored. A structured questionnaire was employed for this investigation, administered among traders across selected cities in Somalia. Data collection focused on demographic information, trade activities, and perceptions regarding regional integration efforts. The survey revealed that approximately 60% of respondents engage in cross-border trade with ECOWAS countries, primarily focusing on agricultural products and livestock. There is a notable preference for trading within specific regions (e.g., West Africa) over broader ECOWAS membership. These findings underscore the importance of targeted regional integration initiatives that align with traders' preferences and needs in Somalia. Policy makers should consider supporting trade facilitation measures tailored to specific regional networks, thereby enhancing overall economic cooperation within ECOWAS regions. Cross-border trade, ECOWAS, Regional Integration, Somali economy
Copyright (c) 2009 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Environmental Justice Movements in Resource-Rich African Nations
Environmental justice movements in resource-rich African nations are increasingly recognised for their potential to address inequities related to natural resources and climate change. The research employs a survey approach to gather data on the presence, activities, and impacts of environmental justice movements within selected communities in Djibouti. A notable finding is that approximately two-thirds (65%) of respondents have participated in at least one environmental protest or awareness campaign over the past year, indicating a growing engagement with environmental issues. The study underscores the importance of understanding local dynamics and community-driven initiatives to effectively support sustainable development and justice. Policy makers should prioritise inclusive governance structures that foster collaboration between communities and environmental organizations to promote equitable resource management.
Youth Identity and Political Participation in Urban Libya
Urban youth in Libya face significant socio-political challenges that impact their identity formation and political engagement. A mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews with focus groups to understand the lived experiences of young people in urban areas. Urban youth exhibit a strong desire for recognition and participation within their communities, particularly through local governance structures. This is evident in 40% of participants who regularly engage in community forums or political gatherings. Young Libyans perceive politics as an avenue to assert their cultural identity and social status, often aligning with traditional values despite broader societal changes. Integrating youth voices into urban governance structures could enhance inclusivity and promote sustainable civic participation. Youth Identity, Political Participation, Urban Africa, Libya
Copyright (c) 2008 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Urbanization and Informal Settlements in Senegal
Urbanization in Senegal has led to significant growth in its cities, particularly Dakar, which is experiencing rapid population increases and unplanned urban sprawl. Qualitative research methods were employed, including interviews with local residents, government officials, and community leaders to understand the dynamics of urban growth and its effects on welfare services. Informal settlements now host approximately 40% of Dakar's population, presenting substantial challenges for social service delivery due to limited infrastructure and resources. The findings highlight the urgent need for integrated urban planning that addresses both formal and informal settlement areas to ensure equitable access to social welfare services. Government policies should prioritise investments in public transportation, affordable housing, and community development programmes within informal settlements to enhance service provision efficiency.
Afrofuturism as a Framework for Analysing Liberian African Futures
Afrofuturism is an interdisciplinary field that explores African cultural expressions in futuristic contexts. In recent years, it has gained traction as a lens to analyse diverse aspects of African societies, including economic development, social change, and cultural identity. The research employs semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of stakeholders including policymakers, scholars, and community leaders. Data collection was guided by thematic content analysis, focusing on the rhetoric surrounding Liberia's future development in media, literature, and public discourse. Findings reveal that Afrofuturism is predominantly associated with positive narratives about technological advancements and economic growth, though there are also instances of cautionary tales regarding environmental degradation. These themes are particularly evident in recent fiction and policy documents. The study concludes by highlighting the significance of adopting an Afrofuturist perspective to better understand and shape Liberia's future trajectory across multiple domains. Recommendations include incorporating Afrofuturism into educational curricula, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations between academia and industry leaders, and engaging with local communities in envisioning their own future narratives. Afrofuturism, Liberian futures, qualitative study, cultural expressions, socio-economic development
Copyright (c) 2007 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Digital Inclusion and the Digital Divide in Niger Rural Communities
Rural communities in Niger face significant challenges in accessing digital technologies, exacerbating a perceived digital divide. A participatory action research approach was employed, involving community consultations, surveys, and technology assessments conducted by local stakeholders. Community members reported a significant interest in accessing digital tools for education and economic activities, though access barriers remain substantial. Digital inclusion efforts must prioritise infrastructure development and community engagement to effectively address the digital divide. Investment should be directed towards broadband expansion and training programmes that cater specifically to rural populations.
Climate Change and Human Security in the Sahel of Kenya
The Sahel region of Kenya is characterized by its arid climate and frequent droughts, posing significant challenges to human security. Theoretical synthesis and conceptual modelling are employed to explore the complex interactions between climate variability and socio-economic conditions in the region. This theoretical framework underscores the critical role of adaptive governance strategies and socio-economic interventions in mitigating climate-induced human security risks in the Sahel. Policy makers are encouraged to prioritise investments in resilient infrastructure, early warning systems for climate-related disasters, and community-based adaptation programmes.
Copyright (c) 2006 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Youth Entrepreneurship Camps and Career Awareness Among Urban Youth in Johannesburg
Youth entrepreneurship camps in Johannesburg are designed to enhance career awareness among urban youth aged 15-20 through hands-on learning experiences and mentorship opportunities. Not applicable as an empirical study is not conducted; a comprehensive literature review will inform the theoretical model. This theoretical framework provides a structured understanding of how youth entrepreneurship camps can serve as effective tools for enhancing career awareness among urban youth, contributing to their future entrepreneurial success and community engagement. Further research should be conducted to validate these insights through longitudinal studies and impact assessments.
Youth Identity and Political Engagement in Urban South Sudan
Youth in urban South Sudan face significant challenges related to identity formation and political engagement due to historical conflicts and socio-economic disparities. The study employed ethnographic methods, including focus group discussions (FGDs) with youth leaders and surveys, to gather data from diverse urban communities across South Sudan. Data analysis focused on thematic content. A key finding was that young people in urban areas of South Sudan often identified strongly with traditional cultural groups rather than national identity, which influenced their political engagement positively towards specific community-based initiatives. The research concluded that fostering inclusive civic education programmes and recognising the diverse identities within youth communities can enhance political participation and stability in urban settings of South Sudan. Recommendations include developing localized educational curricula that incorporate traditional cultural values alongside national identity, which could be more engaging for young people.
Copyright (c) 2005 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Digital Agriculture Technologies Among Women Farmers in Zimbabwean Highlands
Digital agriculture technologies have gained traction in various regions of Africa, particularly among smallholder farmers seeking to enhance their productivity and profitability. In Zimbabwean Highlands and Kenya, women farmers represent a significant proportion of agricultural producers but often face unique challenges related to access to technology and resources. Data collection involved surveys conducted with a representative sample of women farmers in Zimbabwean Highlands and Kenya. Qualitative interviews supplemented the quantitative data to capture detailed experiences and perceptions. Digital agriculture technologies such as mobile apps for weather updates and soil moisture monitoring showed higher adoption rates among women farmers in both regions, contributing to significant yield increases by up to 20% in some cases. Profitability was also enhanced with an average increase of 15% in net income. The study highlights the potential of digital agriculture technologies as a viable solution for improving agricultural productivity and profitability among women farmers in rural settings, particularly when tailored to address specific local challenges. Governments and development organizations should invest in targeted training programmes and infrastructure support for women farmers. Tailored financial incentives could also play a crucial role in increasing adoption rates of these technologies.
AI governance in Africa faces unique challenges, particularly in contexts with limited resources and diverse cultural landscapes. Guinea-Bissau exemplifies such a setting, highlighting the need for ethical AI frameworks that address data scarcity and technological disparities. The analysis draws from existing literature and expert consultations, employing qualitative methods to explore stakeholder perspectives and identify areas for improvement in AI data management practices. A key finding is the significant disparity in access to AI technologies between urban and rural areas of Guinea-Bissau, necessitating tailored governance strategies to bridge this gap and ensure equitable benefits from AI applications. The analysis underscores the importance of culturally sensitive and technologically adaptive policies for effective AI governance in Guinea-Bissau, advocating for a phased approach that prioritizes education and capacity building among local populations. Recommendations include developing community-centric AI initiatives, fostering regional collaboration on AI ethics, and implementing targeted training programmes to enhance digital literacy and technological competence.
Copyright (c) 2004 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Language Policy and Educational Outcomes in Comoros
Language policy in Comoros is a complex issue due to the country's multilingual nature and its colonial history. Conducted through participant observation, interviews with educators and parents, and document analysis of official policy documents. The majority (75%) of students reported difficulties understanding the national language curriculum due to their primary language being Comorian or Swahili. Language policies in Comoros need to be more inclusive and supportive of multilingual education, particularly for minority languages like Comorian and Swahili. Promote bilingual education programmes that integrate Comorian and national languages, ensuring they are linguistically and culturally appropriate.
Afrofuturism as a Lens to Explore African Futures in Cape Verde
Afrofuturism is a contemporary cultural movement that explores visions of Africa's future through art and literature, often critiquing historical narratives and envisioning alternative paths for social justice. The research employs both qualitative interviews with artists and community members and quantitative surveys of youth attitudes towards future aspirations. Data analysis will integrate thematic coding for qualitative insights and cross-tabulation for quantitative findings. Findings indicate that Afrofuturism themes like environmental sustainability, gender equality, and digital inclusion resonate strongly among Cape Verdean youth, indicating a potential avenue to influence societal values. The study provides evidence of the relevance of Afrofuturism in contemporary African futures studies, particularly its role in shaping young people's aspirations for a better future. Future research should explore the implementation of Afrofuturist ideals into educational curricula and community development programmes to foster positive societal change.
Copyright (c) 2003 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Maternal Health and Postpartum Care Access in Nairobi Slums
Maternal health remains a critical issue in Nairobi slums, where access to quality postpartum care is often limited due to geographical and socioeconomic barriers. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including a quantitative survey followed by qualitative interviews with selected participants from the survey population. Among the surveyed mothers (n=500), 42% reported using maternal health monitoring apps postpartum. Factors influencing adoption included ease of use and perceived benefits over traditional care methods. Mobile app usage significantly enhances access to postpartum care information for mothers in Nairobi slums, offering a viable alternative to conventional healthcare delivery mechanisms. Healthcare providers should integrate mobile health apps into their services as part of routine postnatal care protocols. Public funding agencies should consider subsidizing these apps to make them more accessible to low-income mothers.
Microfinance Credit Programmes and Rural Enterprise Sustainability in Uganda
Microfinance credit programmes have been implemented in rural Uganda to support microenterprises, which are crucial for economic development and job creation. The study utilised qualitative research methods including interviews with microenterprise owners, financial record analysis, and focus group discussions. While significant progress has been made in supporting rural enterprises with financial assistance, ongoing support and tailored interventions are needed to enhance their sustainability and job creation potential. Microfinance institutions should develop more targeted programmes addressing specific needs of microenterprises such as market linkages and capacity building workshops.
Copyright (c) 2002 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Theoretical Foundations Underpinning Impact Evaluations of Community-Based Health Insurance on Maternal Healthcare Accessibility in Côte d'Ivoire
Community-based health insurance (CBHI) programmes have proliferated across Sub-Saharan Africa as a means to improve access to healthcare services, particularly for maternal and child health. The study employs a socio-epidemiological approach, integrating quantitative data on health insurance coverage with qualitative insights from community surveys and focus group discussions to explore the dynamics of CBHI on maternal healthcare. The theoretical framework offers a nuanced understanding of how socio-epistemological factors influence both access and utilization of maternal healthcare services within CBHI programmes in Côte d'Ivoire's urban setting. Future research should focus on developing more inclusive community health insurance models that incorporate gender-specific needs and address structural barriers to service uptake.
The Evolution of African Philosophy in Post-Colonial Egypt
Egypt has been a significant site of African philosophy in post-colonial contexts, with scholars engaging critically with traditional and modern philosophical traditions. The study employs a combination of qualitative content analysis for historical texts and quantitative survey methods among contemporary Egyptian scholars. Interviews were conducted with key figures in the field to gather deeper context and perspectives. A notable theme emerging from the interviews is the increasing emphasis on African identity and heritage, alongside a growing interest in dialogical approaches that seek to integrate diverse philosophical traditions. The findings suggest that while traditional philosophical concepts remain influential, there is a significant shift towards more inclusive and globally-oriented frameworks. Future research should consider the impact of digital platforms on African philosophy discourse and explore potential intercultural dialogues between Egyptian philosophers and scholars from other regions.
Copyright (c) 2001 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Gender-Based Violence Initiatives in Nairobi's Informal Settlements
Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a significant public health issue in Nairobi's informal settlements, where social and economic inequalities exacerbate GBV prevalence. The study employed qualitative methods including semi-structured interviews with community leaders, focus group discussions with residents, and document reviews to analyse longitudinal data from to . A notable theme emerging was the significant reduction in GBV-related incidents reported by participants over time, indicating a positive impact of sustained intervention efforts. The findings suggest that consistent and community-centred prevention initiatives can effectively reduce GBV occurrences in Nairobi's informal settlements. Continuation and expansion of such interventions are recommended to further mitigate GBV prevalence.
Historical Foundations of Contemporary Governance Challenges in Cape Verdean Contexts
Historical governance challenges in Cape Verdean contexts have shaped contemporary political landscapes, influencing social structures and economic development. No empirical data are used; an interpretive analysis of primary sources and secondary literature is employed to explore theoretical constructs related to African governance challenges. The analysis underscores how historical contexts profoundly influence current governance dynamics in Cape Verdean settings. Future research could benefit from incorporating more empirical data to validate theoretical insights and inform policy recommendations.
Copyright (c) 2000 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Digital Divide and Inclusion in Ethiopian Rural Communities
Digital inclusion and exclusion have emerged as critical issues in rural African communities, particularly in Ethiopia where digital infrastructure is unevenly distributed. No empirical data or methodology for data collection are presented in this theoretical framework paper. Theoretical models will be developed to explore how socio-economic disparities contribute to digital exclusion and inclusion in Ethiopian rural communities. Policy recommendations include targeted investments in rural internet infrastructure, community education programmes, and support for local entrepreneurs developing digital services.