African Legal Philosophy and Theory (Law/Philosophy crossover)
African Legal Philosophy and Theory (Law/Philosophy crossover) is a peer‑reviewed scholarly journal published under the Pan‑African Research Journals (PARJ) platform, advancing African‑centred and global research.
Urban slums in Egypt present unique challenges for accessing justice due to socio-economic disparities and limited legal resources. An action research approach was employed, involving community consultations, legal clinics, and data collection through surveys and interviews among residents of urban slums in Cairo. A significant proportion (35%) of respondents reported facing challenges such as language barriers and inadequate legal knowledge to navigate the justice system effectively. While existing legal aid services were available, their accessibility and effectiveness varied widely across different neighborhoods. Recommendations include enhancing community engagement and expanding outreach programmes. Develop culturally-sensitive educational materials in multiple languages for urban slum residents, strengthen partnerships between local authorities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and allocate more resources to support legal aid initiatives.
Copyright (c) 2010 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Impact Assessment of Microloans on Women's Livelihoods in Ethiopian Rural Villages
Microloans are a form of financial assistance provided to individuals or groups with low credit ratings, especially women in rural areas, who lack access to traditional banking services. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among a randomly selected sample of 300 households comprising both men and women who received microloans from local NGOs over the past three years. Data were collected through structured interviews and analysed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis to measure economic growth metrics. Microloans led to an average increase in household income by 25% compared to pre-loan levels, with women reporting a significant improvement in their ability to invest in agricultural activities and education for family members. Loan repayment rates were consistently high at over 90%. However, there was no statistically significant change in gender-based disparities in loan access. The microloan programme has had positive effects on the economic growth of households led by women in Ethiopian rural areas, particularly in terms of income generation and investment opportunities. Future interventions could focus on enhancing financial literacy training for borrowers to further improve outcomes. Local governments should integrate microfinance programmes into existing development strategies to ensure sustainable support for women's economic empowerment. NGOs should expand their outreach efforts to reach more underserved communities, especially those with limited access to formal banking services.
Labour Law and Workers' Rights in the Informal Economy
São Tomé and Príncipe is an archipelagic country in the Gulf of Guinea with a population engaged in both formal and informal sectors, where workers' rights are often marginalized. The study employs participatory action research involving interviews with community leaders, focus group discussions with workers, and a survey of businesses operating in the informal sector. Findings indicate that while there are legal provisions protecting formal sector workers' rights, they are frequently overlooked or violated in the informal economy. For instance, over 70% of surveyed businesses do not provide social security contributions to their employees. The study highlights significant gaps between law and practice regarding workers' rights in the informal economy, particularly concerning social security contributions. Recommendations include strengthening enforcement mechanisms for Labour Law compliance, prioritising social security contributions for informal sector workers, and enhancing worker awareness of their rights.
Copyright (c) 2009 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Participatory Learning Models and Their Impact on Academic Performance and Dropout Rates Among Adolescents in Tanzania's West Africa Region
This study examines the impact of participatory learning models on academic performance and dropout rates among adolescents in Tanzania's West Africa region. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative data from standardised academic performance tests and qualitative interviews to explore the experiences of students and educators in implementing participatory learning models. Participatory learning models showed a significant improvement in average test scores by 15% compared to traditional teaching methods. Dropout rates decreased by 20%, particularly among girls who reported increased interest in their studies. The findings suggest that integrating participatory elements into educational curricula can enhance student engagement and academic success, especially when tailored to local contexts and cultural norms. Educational policymakers should consider mandating the implementation of participatory learning models as part of a comprehensive strategy to improve education quality in Tanzania’s West Africa region.
Labour Rights Deficiencies in Nigeria's Informal Economy
Nigeria's informal economy constitutes a significant portion of its gross domestic product (GDP), employing millions of people who do not benefit from formal labour protections. The study employs qualitative research methods including literature review, expert consultations, and thematic analysis of existing laws and regulations pertaining to the informal economy in Nigeria. Labour rights deficiencies are prevalent, with a majority (80%) of workers reporting inadequate protection against exploitation and unfair treatment. The most significant theme is the absence of social security benefits for informal sector employees. The analysis reveals that current labour laws fail to adequately cover the workforce in Nigeria’s informal economy, leading to widespread vulnerability among these workers. Aimed at bolstering worker protections and ensuring equitable treatment within the informal economy, recommendations include expanding social security coverage, enhancing labour rights enforcement mechanisms, and promoting policy dialogue between stakeholders.
Copyright (c) 2008 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Southern Mozambique faces significant deforestation issues, necessitating innovative youth engagement strategies in forest conservation initiatives. Longitudinal data collection from multiple forest conservation programmes across Southern Mozambique; mixed-methods approach including surveys, interviews, and community observations. A consistent theme is the preference by young people for reforestation over other activities (78%), with an average participation rate of 45% across all projects. Replanting success varied significantly based on project duration and local support level. Young Mozambicans show strong interest in forest conservation but require sustained community engagement and supportive policies to enhance reforestation outcomes. Develop targeted youth-focused educational programmes, increase community support for projects, and implement long-term policy frameworks that incentivize reforestation efforts.
Drones have emerged as a promising tool for precision agriculture, enabling smallholder farmers to enhance crop management and reduce environmental impact. A qualitative approach was employed to gather insights from rural development experts and smallholder farmer groups, focusing on current challenges and potential benefits of integrating drones into crop monitoring and management. The analysis reveals a significant interest among Ethiopian smallholders for using drones for field mapping and targeted spraying applications, indicating a willingness to adopt new technologies for improved productivity and sustainability. Despite initial concerns about cost and technical proficiency, the findings suggest that supportive policies could facilitate wider adoption of drone technology in agriculture. Policymakers are encouraged to invest in infrastructure support and training programmes to assist smallholder farmers in leveraging drone technology effectively for sustainable farming practices.
Copyright (c) 2007 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Policy Implications of Legal Research in Egypt's African Context
Egypt is a significant African country where legal research can offer valuable insights into broader African contexts. An action study was conducted involving interviews with key stakeholders, document analysis, and qualitative thematic coding. The findings highlight a significant proportion (45%) of Egyptian laws that align closely with international human rights standards, suggesting potential for harmonization in other African jurisdictions. Action research has revealed substantial policy implications from Egypt's legal landscape, particularly regarding alignment with global human rights norms. Policy-makers should consider integrating these findings into national legislative processes to enhance compliance and efficacy of laws.
War Crimes Accountability under International Criminal Law in Central African Republic
This article examines the implementation of international criminal law in Central African Republic (CAR), focusing on accountability for war crimes. A qualitative approach was employed through an examination of existing laws, international agreements, and case studies from CAR and its neighbors. The analysis revealed a significant disparity between the legislative framework and actual prosecution rates for war crimes in CAR, with only one successful conviction recorded over the past decade. While CAR has ratified key international instruments, practical implementation remains deficient due to resource constraints and political instability. Enhanced cooperation among regional states is recommended to bolster CAR's legal capacity. Additionally, improved funding for judicial systems could support more effective prosecution of war crimes.
Copyright (c) 2006 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Maternal Mortality Reduction through Community Health Worker Programmes in Rural Ethiopian Villages
Maternal mortality remains a significant public health concern in rural Ethiopian villages, despite national efforts to reduce it through various interventions. A longitudinal study design was employed, collecting data from two rural Ethiopian villages over a period of five years. Data were collected through structured interviews with CHWs and village leaders, as well as cross-sectional surveys conducted among pregnant women and their families. CHWPs in both studied villages significantly reduced maternal mortality rates by approximately 30% compared to baseline levels, demonstrating the positive impact of community-based healthcare initiatives. The findings underscore the crucial role of CHWs in addressing maternal health disparities in rural settings and highlight the need for sustained support and resource allocation. Expanding CHW programmes should be prioritised with additional resources to ensure continuous coverage, including training, incentives, and infrastructure development. Community engagement is also essential for programme sustainability. Maternal Mortality, Community Health Workers, Rural Ethiopia, Longitudinal Study
Labour Law and Workers' Rights in Ghana's Informal Economy
Labour law in Ghana's informal economy is underdeveloped, leading to significant gaps in workers' rights protection. The analysis employs a mixed-methods approach combining legal document review with semi-structured interviews among informal economy stakeholders, including workers, employers, and government officials. Interview data reveals inconsistencies in how labour laws are applied across different regions of Ghana's informal economy. For instance, while some areas enforce provisions strictly, others observe compliance loosely, resulting in uneven protection. The proportion of workers who report having access to basic rights such as health insurance or social security is notably low. Current policies inadequately address the needs of the majority of Ghana's informal economy workforce, necessitating a more comprehensive and equitable approach to labour law reform. Develop targeted legislative amendments and enforcement mechanisms tailored specifically for the challenges faced by workers in the informal sector. This includes strengthening legal frameworks related to health insurance and social security rights.
Copyright (c) 2005 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Intellectual Property Law and Technology Transfer Dynamics in African Universities of Angola
Intellectual Property (IP) Law in Africa is a developing area of law with significant implications for technology transfer and innovation within universities. Qualitative research methods were employed, including semi-structured interviews with key informants such as university administrators, researchers, and industry partners. Data was analysed using thematic content analysis. A notable finding is the underutilization of existing IP Law provisions for technology transfer in Angola’s academic environment, with a significant proportion (40%) of potential transfers not proceeding due to legal complexities and institutional inertia. The study concludes that while there are opportunities for improving technology transfer through better integration of IP Law into university policies and practices, current legal frameworks need further development and enforcement. University policymakers should prioritise the adoption of robust IP Law provisions in their strategic plans. Additionally, continuous training programmes on IP Law for researchers and staff are recommended to enhance understanding and compliance.
Community-Based Food Security Initiatives in Urban Slums
Community-based food security initiatives have been implemented in various urban slums across Africa to address malnutrition and poverty among vulnerable populations. In Chad, these programmes aim to provide sustainable solutions through community participation and resource mobilization. Qualitative research methods, including participant observation and semi-structured interviews with stakeholders, were employed to gather detailed insights into the implementation and impact of these programmes. Data was analysed using thematic coding techniques to identify common themes and patterns across different slums. A significant proportion (70%) of participants reported improved food security outcomes as a result of the initiatives, though there is variation in effectiveness across urban slums due to local socio-economic factors. The study concludes that while community-based food security programmes show promise for enhancing food security in urban slums, their success is contingent on effective resource management and tailored implementation strategies. Future research should focus on replicating these findings across different regions and over longer periods to validate the observed outcomes. Additionally, policymakers should consider integrating cost-effectiveness analyses into programme design to maximise public investment.
Copyright (c) 2004 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Community Health Programmes and Early Childhood Development in Ethiopian Tigray
Community health programmes in Ethiopia's Tigray region have been implemented to improve child well-being and development outcomes. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative analysis with qualitative observations from existing health records and interviews. Community health initiatives significantly enhance the cognitive and motor skills of young children, warranting broader implementation across Tigray and beyond. Further research should explore long-term developmental impacts and sustainability factors of these interventions.
Youth Engagement in Legal Paradigms of Guinea-Bissau
Youth engagement in legal paradigms is increasingly recognised as crucial for sustainable development in Africa. Guinea-Bissau's youth population presents a significant demographic challenge and opportunity. A qualitative approach was employed through interviews with youth leaders and consultations with relevant government agencies to gather insights on current legal issues affecting them. Youth in Guinea-Bissau are particularly interested in access to justice and protection against human rights abuses, indicating a strong need for legal education and community-based support programmes. The findings underscore the importance of integrating youth perspectives into legislative processes and highlight the necessity of fostering a culture of respect for human rights among young citizens. Policy recommendations include enhancing legal literacy programmes targeting youth and establishing more accessible courts to ensure fair justice delivery in rural areas.
Copyright (c) 2003 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Microfinance's Role in Enhancing Women's Livelihoods within Ugandan Informal Urban Markets
Microfinance initiatives have been introduced in various African countries to address poverty and economic disparities. In Uganda, these programmes are often targeted at informal urban markets where women play a crucial role in livelihoods. The study employs a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including interviews with microfinance clients, surveys of market participants, and document analysis of microfinance records. This theoretical framework underscores the potential of microfinance to catalyze economic growth in Ugandan informal urban markets, particularly for women entrepreneurs. Future research should focus on developing more sustainable financial mechanisms that address existing constraints. Policy recommendations include advocating for regulatory reforms that reduce interest rates and increase access to collateral-free lending options for female entrepreneurs.
Land tenure security is a critical issue in African countries, particularly in Rwanda where land laws have undergone significant reforms. The analysis is conducted through a literature review and comparative case study approach, examining official government documents and academic research publications. The study underscores the need for sustained efforts towards legal clarity and administrative support to ensure effective land tenure security policies are implemented. Recommendations include enhancing judicial capacity, providing more comprehensive training to government officials, and promoting public awareness campaigns on new land laws.
Copyright (c) 2001 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Natural Resource Governance and Community Rights in DRC and Senegal
Natural resource governance is a critical issue in both Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Senegal, where legal frameworks often struggle to balance state control with local community rights. The research employs a comparative legal analysis approach, examining existing legislation, judicial decisions, and policy documents from both countries. Interviews with stakeholders and case studies provide additional insights into current practices and challenges faced by local communities. A key finding is the significant disparity in how DRC and Senegal allocate rights to natural resources: while DRC's laws allow for extensive community participation, Senegal's policies often favour centralized state management. This discrepancy affects resource exploitation and community livelihoods differently. The study concludes that both countries have room for improvement in aligning their legal frameworks with international best practices, particularly in enhancing the rights of local communities to natural resources. Recommendations include revising Senegal's resource management laws to increase community participation and implementing DRC's successful models where possible. Strengthening enforcement mechanisms is also crucial to ensure compliance and effective implementation of these reforms.
Interfaces Between Customary and Statutory Law in Ghanaian Family Matters
Customary law and statutory law coexist in various legal systems around the world, often intersecting in complex ways. A theoretical framework is developed through a review of existing literature on customary law, statutory law, and their intersection in African contexts. A theoretical understanding of the interaction between these legal systems can inform policy recommendations aimed at harmonizing them for more equitable outcomes. Policymakers should consider establishing clear guidelines to facilitate smoother transitions from customary to statutory law in family matters, particularly regarding gendered inheritance rights.
Copyright (c) 2000 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Climate-Resilient Seed Varieties and Market Access for Central African Smallholder Farmers
Climate change poses significant challenges to agricultural productivity in Central African countries, particularly for smallholder farmers who rely on traditional seed varieties that are less resilient to extreme weather events. A triennial comparative study involving interviews, focus groups, and field observations was conducted among smallholder farmers across different regions of Morocco to assess the impact of climate-resilient seed varieties on productivity and market integration. The analysis revealed that climate-resilient seed varieties led to a 20% increase in crop yields compared to traditional seeds, with over half of farmers reporting improved access to markets due to higher production levels. This study underscores the potential of climate-resilient seed varieties as an effective strategy for enhancing agricultural productivity and market integration among smallholder farmers in Morocco. Government policies should prioritise the promotion and distribution of climate-resilient seeds, along with support for farmer training programmes to maximise their benefits.