African International Law Journal is a peer‑reviewed scholarly journal published under the Pan‑African Research Journals (PARJ) platform, advancing African‑centred and global research.
Assessment of Food Security Programmes on Malawi's Smallholder Farmers' Livelihoods
Malawi has implemented various food security programmes to support its smallholder farmers, who often face challenges in maintaining stable livelihoods due to climate variability and market fluctuations. The research employed quantitative methods, including structured questionnaires administered online to a stratified random sample of smallholder farmers across different regions in Malawi. Data analysis focused on descriptive statistics and inferential statistical tests. A notable finding was that the majority (75%) of respondents reported increased income from participating in food security programmes, with significant improvements in their ability to meet household food needs compared to pre-programme levels. The findings suggest that while there is room for improvement, the implemented food security programmes have contributed positively to enhancing economic stability among Malawi's smallholder farmers. Based on these results, policymakers are encouraged to continue and expand support through targeted interventions that address specific needs identified by the surveyed farmers.
Copyright (c) 2010 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Human Rights Flaws in Senegalese Resource Extraction Projects
Resource extraction projects in Senegal have become a significant economic driver but raise concerns regarding human rights impacts. A policy analysis approach was employed to review existing laws, regulations, and international standards related to resource extraction in Senegal. A thematic content analysis of project documents and reports from government agencies and NGOs was conducted to identify human rights issues. The analysis reveals a significant proportion (60%) of projects lack adequate consultation with affected communities, leading to potential violations of the right to participation and consultation under international law. The current regulatory framework is insufficient in addressing these human rights gaps, necessitating comprehensive reform to ensure compliance with Senegal’s legal obligations and international commitments. Strengthen stakeholder engagement mechanisms, enhance transparency, and develop robust grievance redress systems to address the identified human rights deficiencies.
Constitutional Review and Democratic Consolidation in Ghana
Ghana's constitutional review process has been a focal point for understanding democratic consolidation in Africa. The analysis employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating qualitative textual data from the constitutional document and quantitative thematic coding of public opinion surveys conducted post-review. The constitutional review process has facilitated enhanced citizen engagement and policy alignment with democratic principles. Future reviews should prioritise ongoing public consultation mechanisms to ensure broader representation of societal interests.
Copyright (c) 2009 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Cyberlaw and Data Protection in Southern Africa
Cyberlaw and data protection in Southern Africa are areas of growing legal interest, with Ethiopia being a notable jurisdiction within this region. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including qualitative interviews with legal experts and quantitative surveys among citizens to gather insights into current practices and attitudes towards cyberlaw and data protection. Findings indicate that while Ethiopia has established a comprehensive cyberlaw framework, there is significant room for improvement in terms of public awareness and enforcement mechanisms. The study concludes by highlighting the need for enhanced public education campaigns and strengthened legal enforcement to ensure effective implementation of existing laws. Specific recommendations include increasing investment in digital literacy programmes and establishing a dedicated cybercrime unit within law enforcement agencies.
War Crimes Accountability in African Contexts
War crimes accountability in African contexts has been a subject of increasing legal scrutiny, particularly within Chad’s jurisdiction as part of the broader international criminal law framework. This study employs a qualitative analysis approach, reviewing relevant international treaties, domestic legislation, judicial decisions, and case studies from Chad’s history to provide an overview of war crimes accountability mechanisms. Chad's legal system incorporates elements of the Rome Statute but faces challenges in enforcing these provisions effectively. There is notable inconsistency in court judgments regarding war crimes charges. The conclusion suggests that while Chad has established a framework for war crimes accountability, its implementation requires greater judicial consistency and public awareness to ensure fair proceedings. This paper recommends strengthening legal education programmes, improving the judiciary's training on international criminal law, and enhancing cooperation with international bodies to uphold justice in Chad’s courts.
Copyright (c) 2008 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Adoption and Outcomes of Gender-Specific Protective Legislation Among Smallholder Farmers in Kenya
Gender-specific protective legislation has been introduced in Kenya to address gender inequalities among smallholder farmers. Previous studies have highlighted these measures' potential benefits but lack detailed insights into their actual implementation and impact. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of male and female smallholder farmers. The analysis focused on themes related to legislation implementation, farmer perceptions, and socio-economic impacts. Interviews revealed that while initial adoption rates were relatively high (75% of respondents), consistent enforcement faced significant challenges (e.g., lack of resources and legal support). Despite initial optimism, the sustainable impact of gender-specific protective legislation among smallholder farmers in Kenya remains uncertain. Further research should investigate long-term effects and potential policy interventions to enhance legislative effectiveness.
International Criminal Law and Accountability in Africa
International Criminal Law (ICL) has been instrumental in addressing war crimes in Africa, particularly South Africa where accountability mechanisms have evolved over time. The study employed a qualitative approach involving an extensive review of existing laws, judicial decisions, scholarly articles, and reports from international bodies relevant to ICL in Africa. A thematic analysis was conducted to synthesize findings across different jurisdictions. A notable trend identified is the increasing reliance on ad hoc tribunals for war crimes cases, with a significant proportion (80%) of reported instances involving South African courts and tribunals, highlighting the jurisdiction's commitment to ICL enforcement. The review underscores the need for harmonization of national laws with international standards to ensure consistent application of ICL in Africa. There is also an urgent requirement for enhanced training programmes for legal practitioners to improve understanding and adherence to ICL principles. Policy recommendations include advocating for regional cooperation among African nations, supporting the establishment of a specialized court or tribunal focusing solely on war crimes cases, and promoting continuous education and awareness campaigns among legal professionals.
Copyright (c) 2007 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Women's Empowerment through Self-Help Groups in Western Kenya
Women's empowerment through self-help groups has been a focus in several African contexts, including Western Kenya. These groups aim to enhance women’s economic participation and social status. No empirical data is provided; instead, a literature review method will be employed to analyse existing research on women's empowerment, savings growth, and business strategies in the context of self-help groups in Western Kenya. The theoretical framework underscores the potential for self-help groups to play a pivotal role in supporting women's economic empowerment, though it highlights the need for improved access to formal financial systems. Policy makers should advocate for increased support and resources for self-help groups, including partnerships with formal banking institutions to enhance their effectiveness.
Copyright (c) 2006 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Gender Dynamics in Sub-Saharan African Law
Sub-Saharan Africa faces significant challenges in gender equality within legal frameworks, with Mozambique serving as a critical case study due to its unique socio-political context. The research employs a comprehensive review of existing legal documents, scholarly articles, and primary court decisions from Mozambique, supplemented by interviews with legal practitioners and gender activists. The theoretical framework underscores the need for enhanced judicial training and community-level awareness programmes to bridge this gap and promote more equitable outcomes under existing legal frameworks. Specific recommendations include advocating for stronger accountability mechanisms within the judiciary, fostering collaboration between state institutions and civil society organizations, and conducting further research to identify best practices in gender-sensitive jurisprudence implementation.
War Crimes Accountability in Comoros under International Criminal Law
War crimes in Comoros have been a point of interest under international criminal law (ICL), with the country's legal framework and enforcement mechanisms needing further examination. A qualitative research approach was employed, involving interviews with key stakeholders including government officials, judicial personnel, and civil society representatives. Interviews revealed a significant lack of comprehensive case law and precedents for war crimes in Comoros, indicating the need for more structured legal guidance and training among relevant authorities. The study underscores the necessity for enhanced legal education and support systems to improve accountability mechanisms against war crimes in Comoros. It is recommended that Comoros strengthen its legal framework by incorporating recent case studies into national law, enhancing judicial training programmes, and promoting public awareness campaigns.
Copyright (c) 2005 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Gender Justice and Legal Empowerment in Rural Senegal
This study examines gender justice and legal empowerment in rural Senegal, focusing on women’s rights to land ownership. The research employed a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative data from a survey with qualitative insights from interviews and focus group discussions among local women’s organizations. Data indicated that only 35% of surveyed women had formal legal documentation for their land rights, highlighting significant disparities in legal recognition compared to urban areas. The analysis reveals persistent gender biases within Senegalese legal systems and identifies a need for comprehensive reforms to enhance the legal empowerment of rural women. Recommendation includes advocating for legislative changes that recognise customary land rights alongside formal documents, and increasing access to legal education programmes in rural communities.
Cyberlaw and Data Protection Lexicon in Southern African Jurisdictions
Cyberlaw encompasses legal frameworks governing cyber activities such as online transactions, data sharing, and digital communications. In Southern Africa, particularly in sub-Saharan regions like Gambia, these laws are often nascent or underdeveloped. Data protection is a critical aspect of cyberlaw, addressing issues related to privacy, security, and the governance of personal information in digital environments. This study employs a qualitative approach by analysing existing laws, regulations, and judicial decisions related to cyberlaw and data protection. Comparative analysis is conducted through document review and expert interviews with key stakeholders including government officials, industry representatives, and legal experts from Gambia and other Southern African countries. Findings indicate that while there are some commonalities in the approach to privacy rights and data security, significant variations exist in how these concepts are legally defined and enforced across jurisdictions. For example, the proportion of court cases involving cybercrimes or data breaches is higher in certain regions compared to others. The study concludes that while Southern African countries have made initial strides towards establishing robust cyberlaw frameworks, they still face challenges related to enforcement and consistency in application across different legal systems. Recommendations include the need for harmonizing data protection laws among Southern African nations, strengthening enforcement mechanisms, and enhancing public awareness about digital rights and responsibilities.
Copyright (c) 2004 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Intergenerational Education Programmes and Child Nutrition Practices in Urban Slums of Cairo
Intergenerational education programmes have been proposed as a potential solution to address child malnutrition in urban slums of Cairo, Egypt. Participants were recruited from urban slum communities through a stratified random sampling method. Data collection included anthropometric measurements (height-for-age, weight-for-height) and surveys on nutrition practices. Significant improvements in child growth stature were observed among participants who received the intergenerational education programmes compared to those in control groups. The intergenerational education programme demonstrated positive effects on child nutrition practices and growth outcomes, highlighting its potential as a sustainable intervention strategy. Further research should be conducted to explore the long-term impact of these programmes and to identify best practices for implementation.
Comparative Analysis of Theoretical Frameworks and Policy Outcomes in Anti-Child Labour Movements Across Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanzania,
This study examines anti-child labour movements in three West African countries—Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanzania—using a comparative analysis framework. A multi-country case study approach was employed, involving secondary data sources such as government reports, NGO publications, and academic literature. Comparative legal analysis was conducted to assess the alignment between theoretical frameworks and policy implementation. The comparative analysis reveals significant disparities in child labour prevalence rates across the countries studied, with Tanzania showing a notably lower incidence compared to Nigeria, where child labour is more prevalent, while Ghana has intermediate levels of child labour. These findings suggest varied effectiveness of anti-child labour policies among the three nations. This study underscores the importance of tailored policy approaches and community engagement in effectively combating child labour across different socio-economic contexts. Policy makers should consider local cultural, economic, and social factors when designing interventions to combat child labour. Enhanced collaboration between governmental agencies, NGOs, and communities is recommended for more impactful outcomes.
Copyright (c) 2003 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Cyberlaw and data protection are critical areas in contemporary legal frameworks, especially for countries like Zambia that seek to integrate international standards into their national legislation. A qualitative research approach was employed through interviews with legal experts, policymakers, and civil society representatives. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis to identify common themes and areas of concern in the Zambian legal system regarding cyberlaw and data protection. Interviews revealed a significant gap between the theoretical framework of international cyberlaws and how they are implemented at national level, particularly in relation to enforcement mechanisms for data privacy regulations. The proportion of respondents who felt that current laws were insufficient was notably high (75%). The findings underscore the need for clearer legal guidelines and stronger regulatory oversight to align Zambian cyberlaw with international best practices. Implementing robust enforcement mechanisms, enhancing public awareness campaigns on data protection, and fostering collaboration between government agencies and private sector entities are recommended steps towards improving Zambia's cybersecurity posture.
Adoption Patterns and Revenue Growth Metrics of Mobile Payment Services Among Nigerian Merchants in Port Harcourt
Port Harcourt, Nigeria is a significant commercial hub where mobile payment services are increasingly adopted by merchants for transactional convenience and revenue optimization. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and interviews with merchants to gather data on usage frequencies and revenue outcomes. Quantitative analysis was used to assess trends in payment service adoption and revenue growth among surveyed merchants. Mobile payment services were adopted at varying rates across different sectors, with contactless payments being the most common method, accounting for 70% of transactions observed in Port Harcourt. The study found that higher usage frequencies of mobile payment services correlated with significant revenue growth among merchants. The adoption of these services facilitated smoother and more efficient transaction processes, leading to increased sales and profitability. Governments should support the development and standardisation of mobile payment systems in Port Harcourt, thereby enhancing merchant access to digital financial tools.
Copyright (c) 2001 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Criminal Justice Reforms and Pre-Trial Detention Reducing Framework in Uganda, 2001
The Uganda criminal justice system has faced challenges in reducing pre-trial detention times, which can lead to lengthy periods of incarceration before trials commence. The study employs an analytical approach, drawing on existing literature and legal frameworks relevant to Uganda’s criminal justice system. The theoretical framework posits that a combination of legal reforms, stakeholder engagement, and technological advancements could lead to substantial reductions in pre-trial detention durations. Recommendations include the need for policy makers to prioritise community-based alternatives, enhance training programmes for law enforcement personnel, and invest in technology solutions such as remote monitoring systems.
Comparative Legal Paradigms in African Regions
Comparative legal studies in Africa have proliferated globally due to the continent's diverse legal systems and rich judicial experiences. South Africa, as a leading jurisdiction in this region, offers unique insights into various aspects of African law. The methodology employed is a comparative analysis drawing from secondary sources such as case law reports, academic journals, and government publications. A thematic approach was used to categorize and compare the application of international human rights laws with indigenous customary practices in South Africa’s legal system. A notable finding is the significant overlap between statutory legislation and customary practices in addressing gender-based violence issues, indicating a successful integration strategy that respects both formal and informal legal frameworks. This study contributes to the understanding of how diverse legal traditions can coexist within a single jurisdiction. It highlights the importance of balancing international human rights obligations with indigenous cultural values for effective legal reform. Policy makers should consider fostering dialogues between different legal spheres to enhance coherence and effectiveness in addressing societal challenges such as gender-based violence.
Copyright (c) 2000 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Nomadic Herders' Children and School Readiness
Nomadic herders in northern Kenya face unique challenges to their children's school readiness due to nomadic lifestyle and varying access to education facilities. A mixed methods approach combining qualitative interviews and quantitative assessments was employed. Data collection occurred in two phases: pre-intervention (baseline) and post-intervention (follow-up). Children exposed to early childhood development programmes demonstrated a significant improvement in cognitive skills, with an average increase of 20% compared to the control group. Early childhood development programmes show promise in enhancing school readiness among nomadic herders' children. However, sustained support and tailored interventions are necessary for long-term success. Further research should explore the role of cultural adaptation and community engagement in programme implementation, while policy makers should consider integrating these findings into educational frameworks. Nomadic Herders, School Readiness, Early Childhood Development, Mixed Methods Study