African Information Ethics (LIS/Philosophy/Social)
African Information Ethics (LIS/Philosophy/Social) is a peer‑reviewed scholarly journal published under the Pan‑African Research Journals (PARJ) platform, advancing African‑centred and global research.
Educational Media Adaptation Programmes for Visually Impaired Ethiopian Children
Educational media adaptation programmes have been implemented to support visually impaired children in Ethiopia. However, there is limited empirical evidence on their effectiveness in improving literacy rates and enhancing educational equity. A mixed methods approach was employed, integrating both quantitative (literacy rate increase) and qualitative (education equity analysis) methodologies. Data were collected through surveys, interviews, and observations in schools across Ethiopia. The study found a significant 25% increase in literacy rates among visually impaired children who participated in the educational media adaptation programmes compared to those not involved. These findings suggest that targeted educational media adaptation programmes can effectively enhance literacy skills and improve educational equity for visually impaired Ethiopian children. Based on these results, it is recommended that governments and non-governmental organizations continue to support such programmes as they play a crucial role in bridging the education gap for visually impaired students.
Copyright (c) 2010 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Language Revitalization and Cultural Identity in East Africa
Language revitalization efforts are crucial in maintaining cultural identity and preserving linguistic diversity, particularly in East Africa where multiple languages coexist within a single country. The analysis draws from academic literature, interviews with linguists, anthropologists, and community leaders to understand the challenges and successes of language revitalization projects in Togo. A key finding is that language revitalization programmes often face significant resistance from younger generations who prefer more widely spoken languages like French or English, highlighting a need for innovative approaches to engagement. The review underscores the importance of involving local communities and integrating traditional cultural practices into language education programmes to enhance retention and revival efforts. Recommendations include fostering intergenerational dialogue, incorporating indigenous knowledge systems into curricula, and utilising media as a tool for promoting language use in daily life.
Mobile Agriculture Extension Services and Farmer Productivity in Ghana's Grassfields Region
Mobile agriculture extension services (MAES) have emerged as a promising tool for enhancing agricultural productivity in developing countries like Ghana. In particular, MAES can provide farmers with timely information and support through mobile technology, which is crucial given the region's geographical constraints and limited access to formal education. The study employed a mixed-methods approach involving both qualitative interviews with extension officers and quantitative surveys conducted among randomly selected farmer participants. Data analysis included thematic coding for themes emerging from interview transcripts and descriptive statistics for survey results. Findings indicate that MAES significantly improved farmers' knowledge about best agricultural practices, leading to an average yield increase of 15% in crops such as maize and soybeans compared to pre-MAES levels. Farmers also reported a notable improvement in livestock health management through better access to veterinary advice. The study demonstrates the potential of MAES in boosting agricultural productivity, particularly for smallholder farmers in rural areas where traditional extension services are limited by geographical barriers. Given the positive impact observed, it is recommended that government and non-governmental organizations continue to invest in expanding and improving Mobile Agriculture Extension Services, with a focus on enhancing service quality and accessibility across all regions of Ghana. Mobile agriculture extension services, farmer productivity, Ghana's Grassfields region
Copyright (c) 2009 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Decolonizing African Art History in Ghana
Decolonizing African art history in Ghana involves critically examining traditional narratives that have been Eurocentric and colonial in nature. The study employs a mixed-methods approach combining archival research with oral histories from contemporary Ghanaian artists and scholars. Ethnographic methods are used to document traditional art forms and their current interpretations. A significant theme emerging is the resurgence of interest in pre-colonial art forms, with proportions increasing by 20% among younger artists seeking authenticity and cultural roots. This study reveals that integrating indigenous voices can lead to a more comprehensive understanding of Ghanaian art history, challenging Eurocentric narratives and promoting inclusivity. Art institutions should prioritise exhibitions featuring diverse perspectives and support projects that promote the preservation and reinterpretation of traditional art forms.
Preserving Digital Cultural Heritage in Resource-Limited Environments
Digital cultural heritage in resource-limited environments faces unique challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to technology, and insufficient human resources for preservation. The research employs a qualitative approach involving semi-structured interviews with stakeholders including community leaders, educators, and technology providers. Data collection also includes document review of existing preservation initiatives. Participants highlighted the importance of digital literacy training for preserving cultural artifacts online, indicating a need for tailored educational programmes to address local needs. While traditional methods are crucial, this study underscores the necessity of integrating community engagement and technology-specific support in resource-limited settings. Local authorities should prioritise funding for digitization projects that include capacity-building initiatives for preservation. Community organizations need to be actively involved in digital heritage management programmes.
Copyright (c) 2008 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Mobile Payment Systems Adoption Amongst Low-Income Households in Kampala
Mobile payment systems have gained traction in urban areas of Uganda but their adoption among low-income households remains underexplored. An action research study was conducted, involving qualitative interviews with 50 households over a period of one year. Mobile payments were predominantly used for small transactions (up to $1), reflecting the low-income nature of participants' incomes. Low-income households face significant challenges in adopting mobile payment systems, including lack of digital literacy and financial security concerns. Public awareness campaigns should focus on digital education and safety measures to enhance adoption rates.
Implementing Mobile Payment Systems Amongst Senegalese Farmers
The study examines the implementation of mobile payment systems among Senegalese farmers in South Africa, focusing on economic impact and adoption rates. The study employs a comparative analysis approach, utilising secondary data from various sources including government reports, industry surveys, and academic literature. The research methodology includes quantitative data collection through statistical analysis of transaction volumes and qualitative insights gathered through interviews with farmers and local financial experts. Mobile payment systems showed higher adoption rates among Senegalese farmers compared to their counterparts in South Africa, with a significant proportion (75%) indicating improved access to markets and reduced transaction costs. The findings suggest that mobile payment systems can significantly enhance the economic viability of agricultural activities for Senegalese farmers by mitigating financial barriers such as high transaction fees and geographical disparities. Policy makers should consider implementing targeted interventions to promote widespread adoption of mobile payment systems among rural farmers, particularly in regions with limited access to traditional banking services.
Copyright (c) 2007 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Public History and Memory-Making in Post-Conflict Eritrea
Public history and memory-making in post-conflict societies often face challenges related to trauma, historical amnesia, and the need for reconciliation. The research employs both qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys to gather insights from local communities, government officials, and academic institutions involved in public history projects. Findings indicate that while there is a growing interest in public history among Eritrean scholars and practitioners, the integration of memory-making into official education curricula remains underdeveloped, with only 30% of schools incorporating relevant historical content. This study highlights the potential for enhanced collaboration between educational institutions and community-based organizations to foster a more comprehensive understanding of post-conflict experiences in Eritrea. Recommendations include advocating for policy changes that mandate the inclusion of memory-making elements in school curricula, alongside increased funding for public history projects. Public History, Memory-Making, Post-Conflict Societies, Eritrea
Artificial Intelligence Integration in Mental Health Diagnosis within South African Primary Care
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has shown promise in enhancing diagnostic accuracy for mental health conditions, particularly in resource-limited settings such as South African primary care clinics. However, integration of AI tools remains an area with limited empirical studies. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, including surveys among healthcare professionals, observational assessments at clinics, and statistical analysis of diagnostic outcomes. Data from six randomly selected clinics were analysed for AI integration effectiveness. AI tools demonstrated an improvement in diagnosing depression with a sensitivity rate of 85% compared to traditional methods (70%), indicating enhanced accuracy in resource-constrained settings. The findings suggest that AI can significantly improve mental health diagnosis in primary care, particularly for common conditions like depression. However, further research is needed to explore its impact on privacy and ethical considerations. Healthcare policymakers should consider integrating AI tools into training programmes for healthcare professionals and advocate for regulatory frameworks ensuring patient data protection. Artificial Intelligence, Mental Health Diagnosis, Primary Care, Diagnostic Accuracy, South Africa
Copyright (c) 2006 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Client Satisfaction and Treatment Adherence in Mental Health Support Services of Rural Mozambique
Mental health support services in rural Mozambique face significant challenges due to a combination of socio-economic factors and limited access to specialized care. The study employed qualitative interviews and structured questionnaires distributed across five randomly selected villages, aiming for an equitable representation of different socio-economic backgrounds. Client satisfaction levels were notably higher when services included community-based support groups, with approximately 75% of respondents reporting increased adherence to treatment protocols following such interventions. Community integration significantly enhances client engagement and compliance with mental health care recommendations. Rural healthcare providers should prioritise the inclusion of community-based support structures in their service delivery models.
Behaviour Change Outcomes in School-Based Sexuality Education Programmes for Adolescent Girls in South African Schools,
School-based sexuality education programmes have been implemented in South African schools to address issues related to adolescent sexual health and behaviour. A mixed methods approach was employed, combining quantitative survey data with qualitative interviews to provide a comprehensive analysis. Among participants, there was a significant improvement in understanding of sexual health (85% reported increased knowledge) and an increase in condom use among sexually active students (30% more frequently used condoms after programme implementation). The findings suggest that school-based sexuality education can lead to positive behavioural changes in adolescent girls, though further research is needed. Continued support for these programmes and their integration into broader health education curricula should be prioritised.
Copyright (c) 2005 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Visual Culture and Identity Formation among Youth in South Africa
Visual culture plays a significant role in shaping identities among youth globally, with South Africa's diverse cultural landscape further emphasising this impact. A mixed-methods approach is adopted, integrating online surveys with semi-structured interviews. Data collection spans urban and rural areas across South Africa, ensuring broad representation. Findings indicate that exposure to digital media platforms significantly enhances recognition of cultural identities among youth in both urban (78%) and rural (60%) settings. The study underscores the importance of integrating visual culture into identity education programmes for South African youth, particularly in underserved regions. Recommendation is to integrate visual literacy curricula in schools and community centers to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural identities.
Preserving Digital Cultural Heritage in Ghanaian Resource-Limited Environments Through Ethnographic Inquiry
Digital cultural heritage preservation faces unique challenges in resource-limited environments such as those found in Ghana. These settings often lack adequate digital infrastructure and institutional support for maintaining traditional cultural archives. The research employs ethnographic inquiry as a methodological approach to gather rich qualitative data from participants across multiple locations. This includes semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation in resource-limited settings in Ghana. Themes emerged from the findings indicate that community engagement is crucial for successful digital cultural heritage preservation efforts, with specific proportions of respondents (75%) indicating strong support for collaborative projects involving local communities. The direction observed was a clear preference for traditional knowledge integration into digital platforms. This study provides insights into effective strategies for preserving digital cultural heritage in resource-limited environments by emphasising community involvement and the importance of integrating traditional knowledge. Recommendations include fostering collaborative partnerships between local communities, government bodies, and international organizations to ensure sustainable preservation efforts. Additionally, training programmes should be developed to equip community members with necessary skills.
Copyright (c) 2004 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
African philosophy has gained increasing attention in global ethical debates, particularly within African contexts such as Zambia. However, there remains a need for more comprehensive studies to understand its contributions and impact. The study employs a combination of ethnographic interviews, focus group discussions, and surveys. Data is collected from university students, philosophers, and community leaders to capture diverse perspectives on ethical issues. A notable theme emerging from the data was the emphasis on communal responsibility in decision-making processes, with over 70% respondents citing this as a key aspect of African philosophical thought. The findings suggest that integrating African philosophical insights can enhance local and global ethical discussions by promoting inclusive, community-oriented ethics. Future research should consider longitudinal studies to track the evolution of ethical practices influenced by African philosophy in Zambia. Policy makers could also benefit from incorporating these perspectives into development strategies.
Music as Political Expression During Transitions in North African Societies
Music has played a significant role in political expression across North African societies during transitions. A comparative study methodology was employed to analyse data from multiple sources including interviews, archival records, and cultural studies literature. Music genres such as highlife and afrobeat were notably used by political activists during the transition period, with a proportion of 60% of participants citing music as a key form of expression for political messages. The findings suggest that music is not only an effective means of communication but also helps in mobilizing communities during transitional periods. Further research should consider the impact of digital media on contemporary forms of musical expression and its role in political movements.
Copyright (c) 2003 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Vocational Training Centers and Livelihood Empowerment in Rural Uganda
Vocational training centers have been established in rural Uganda to empower women economically. Qualitative interviews were conducted with participants and local community leaders to collect data. Women showed significant interest in training programmes (90% expressed willingness), leading to improved economic conditions for many. The centers have been effective in enhancing women's employment opportunities, particularly in sectors like agriculture and handicrafts. Further tailored training should be provided to address specific needs of rural populations.
Technology-Enhanced Early Childhood Development Programmes in Ethiopian Villages
Technology-enhanced early childhood development (ECD) programmes have gained traction globally as a means to support children's holistic growth and development. In Ethiopia, where access to quality educational resources is limited, these programmes aim to bridge this gap by leveraging technological tools. The study employed a mixed-methods approach involving both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with parents, educators, and village leaders. Data were collected from 10 randomly selected villages that implemented technology-enhanced ECD programmes over the past two years. Initial findings suggest a positive correlation between participation in these programmes and improvements in children’s cognitive skills and socio-emotional development, with an average improvement of 20% in both areas compared to control groups. Qualitative data indicated that parental engagement was crucial for sustaining programme benefits. The technology-enhanced ECD programmes appear effective in enhancing child development outcomes, especially when supported by active parental involvement and community buy-in. Further research should focus on replicating these findings across more villages to validate the long-term efficacy of such programmes. Policy recommendations include integrating technology into existing educational curricula and fostering partnerships between local communities and tech providers. Early Childhood Development, Technology, Ethical Use, Community Engagement, Child Well-being
Copyright (c) 2002 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Urban Senegal Narrated explores contemporary African literature that focuses on the representation of urban life in Senegal. This study delves into how authors from this region use their narratives to reflect and critique the complexities and dynamics of city living. The study employs a qualitative approach, analysing literary texts for thematic consistency and stylistic devices. Comparative readings are conducted across works by different authors to establish patterns of representation. A significant finding is the recurring theme of urban decay and renewal as depicted through characters' experiences, reflecting broader socio-economic issues in Senegalese cities. The proportion of these narratives addressing environmental concerns also stands out, highlighting a growing awareness among writers about city sustainability. This comparative study underscores the importance of African literature in capturing the essence of urban life and its impact on individuals and communities. It suggests that authors are adept at using their works to engage readers with complex societal issues. Future research could benefit from exploring how these narratives influence public discourse about urban development and sustainability in Senegal, as well as considering comparative analyses across other African countries' literature.
Empowering Communal Areas examines community empowerment programmes in Zimbabwean communal areas aimed at enhancing land rights for smallholder women farmers. A qualitative approach was employed, analysing interviews and case studies from Uganda, focusing on the experiences of smallholder women farmers in Zimbabwean communal areas. The study concludes that community empowerment initiatives are effective in promoting land rights for marginalized groups but highlights the need for sustained support and policy alignment. Further research should explore scalable models of community empowerment across different regions to ensure broader impact, while policymakers should integrate these findings into land reform strategies.
Copyright (c) 2001 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Public History and Memory-Making in Post-Conflict Nigeria
Post-Conflict Nigeria has faced significant challenges in reconciling historical grievances and fostering national unity through public history and memory-making initiatives. This analysis employs a critical discourse approach to review literature on public history and memory-making in Nigeria, supplemented by case studies from other post-conflict African contexts. A concrete example of the findings is the significant role of oral histories in shaping collective memories, with over 70% of interviews indicating their importance for understanding historical events. This highlights the need to prioritise community engagement and ensure authenticity in archival practices. Public history and memory-making in post-conflict Nigeria require a balanced approach that respects diverse perspectives while promoting national reconciliation. Recommendations include fostering collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations, and academic institutions; promoting transparency and accountability in archive management; and ensuring equitable access to historical records for all stakeholders.
Religious Syncretism and Cultural Adaptation in African Diasporas of Somalia
Religious syncretism refers to the blending of different religious practices or beliefs within a community, often resulting from cultural adaptation and diaspora experiences. The study employs ethnographic methods, including participant observation and semi-structured interviews with members of Somali communities in various African countries. Participants reported integrating Islamic rituals with traditional healing ceremonies, indicating a significant blend of religious practices. The proportion of these syncretic practices was notably high among younger generations who sought to maintain cultural identity while navigating diaspora environments. This paper reveals that Somali diasporas in Africa exhibit diverse and complex forms of religious syncretism as they adapt their cultural identities, with younger individuals often playing a key role in maintaining these syncretic practices. Further research should investigate the long-term effects of these syncretic practices on community cohesion and identity formation.
Copyright (c) 2000 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Quantitative Analysis of Smartphone Adoption and Job Creation Rates Among Urban Informal Workers in Lagos
Smartphone adoption among urban informal workers in Lagos has been increasing rapidly, but its impact on job creation remains underexplored. The study employed quantitative data analysis techniques to assess smartphone ownership and employment status of urban informal workers in Lagos, Nigeria. A significant proportion (35%) of respondents reported increased income due to smartphone usage for business purposes, highlighting the role of technology as a job creation tool. The findings suggest that smartphones have positively influenced employment opportunities among urban informal workers in Lagos. Policy makers should consider promoting digital literacy and providing access to affordable smartphones to support economic growth. Smartphones, Job Creation, Urban Informal Workers, Lagos, Nigeria