African Trade and Investment Law (Law/Economics/Business crossover)
African Trade and Investment Law (Law/Economics/Business crossover) is a peer‑reviewed scholarly journal published under the Pan‑African Research Journals (PARJ) platform, advancing African‑centred and global research.
Community-Based Agroforestry and Ecosystem Services in Zanzibar
Community-based agroforestry initiatives have emerged as a promising strategy for biodiversity conservation in Zanzibar Islands, particularly through farmer participation in ecosystem services. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative interviews with quantitative data analysis from local surveys to explore farmer participation and ecosystem service contributions. Findings indicate that approximately 70% of participating farmers reported significant improvements in soil fertility and water retention due to agroforestry practices, highlighting the importance of community engagement for effective biodiversity conservation efforts. The study concludes that while farmer participation is crucial for the success of agroforestry initiatives, further research is needed to identify sustainable policy mechanisms that encourage wider adoption and long-term benefits. Recommendations include fostering stronger partnerships between local communities, government agencies, and NGOs to enhance resource management practices. Additionally, policymakers should consider implementing incentives for farmers who engage in ecosystem service provision through agroforestry.
Copyright (c) 2010 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Human Rights Devastation and Resilience in Lesotho's Resource Extraction Projects
Human rights have been severely impacted by resource extraction projects in Lesotho, leading to a need for theoretical frameworks that can guide legal and policy responses. The approach involves synthesizing existing legal, economic, and social science literature on human rights impacts of such projects in Lesotho. This theoretical framework aims to inform policymakers and stakeholders about potential areas for intervention to mitigate adverse human rights impacts. Recommendations include strengthening enforcement of existing laws, promoting community engagement in project planning, and enhancing public awareness campaigns.
Constitutional Safeguards and Legal Compliance in Tanzanian Transitions
Transitions in African countries often face challenges related to constitutionalism and legal compliance, particularly where economic development is concerned. An action research approach was employed, involving interviews with key stakeholders including judges, lawyers, and government officials. Data collection included legal documents and semi-structured discussions. A notable theme emerged regarding the effectiveness of judicial oversight in ensuring compliance with constitutional mandates; judges expressed a willingness to enforce these provisions but faced resource constraints. While judicial independence is crucial for upholding the rule of law, there are practical challenges that need addressing through improved administrative support and resources. The government should allocate more funding to courts and enhance their operational capabilities. Additionally, training programmes for judges on constitutional provisions should be intensified.
Copyright (c) 2009 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Gender Dynamics in Sub-Saharan African Law
Lesotho is a small country in southern Africa where gender dynamics significantly influence legal systems and practices. This article employs qualitative analysis of existing laws, court decisions, and scholarly literature to explore the intersections between gender and legal frameworks in Lesotho. This theoretical framework provides a robust foundation for understanding and analysing gender dynamics within Lesotho's legal system, offering insights that can inform policy-making and judicial decisions. Future research should focus on empirical data to validate the theoretical insights developed here, and policymakers could benefit from adopting more inclusive legal measures based on these findings.
Gender Dimensions in Sub-Saharan African Legal Frameworks
Sub-Saharan Africa is home to a diverse legal landscape where gender dimensions are often underrepresented or inadequately addressed in policy and judicial practices. The study employs a mixed-methods approach combining in-depth interviews with legal experts and stakeholders, document analysis of relevant legislation, and thematic content analysis of court decisions related to gender issues. A purposive sample strategy ensures representation from diverse regions and sectors. A key finding is the persistent gap between formal law and customary practices where women's rights are often overlooked or subordinated in some jurisdictions, particularly regarding inheritance and property rights. For instance, in Yoruba communities, a traditional practice allows men to inherit more than their female siblings. The study underscores the need for comprehensive legal reforms that integrate gender-sensitive provisions into existing laws while acknowledging and integrating customary practices where appropriate. Recommendations include advocating for legislative changes that explicitly address gender disparities in property rights, inheritance laws, and labour regulations. Additionally, promoting public education campaigns to enhance awareness of women's legal entitlements within both formal and customary frameworks.
Copyright (c) 2008 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Indigenous Knowledge Systems within Egyptian Legal Practices
Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) within legal practices have gained attention for their role in shaping local laws and dispute resolution mechanisms, particularly in contexts where formal legal systems are underdeveloped or inaccessible. The research employs a qualitative design involving in-depth interviews with legal practitioners, judges, and community leaders to gather insights into the intersection of traditional practices and modern legal frameworks in Egypt. Interviews revealed significant themes such as reliance on customary laws for resolving disputes (75%) and incorporation of oral history as evidence (80%). The study underscores the importance of integrating IKS into formal legal education to enhance understanding and acceptance within Egyptian society, while also highlighting the need for policy reforms that recognise these practices. Policy makers should consider developing training programmes for judicial officials on incorporating traditional knowledge systems into their decision-making processes. Educational institutions are encouraged to include elements of indigenous law in curricula.
Geographic Terms Related to Africa: Egypt Relevant Research Topic Terms: Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) Legal Pluralism Qualitative Inquiry Community-Based Legal Services Traditional Justice Systems Methodological and Theoretical Terms: Narrative Analysis Ethnography Content Analysis
Gender Justice and Legal Empowerment in Rural Cameroon
Gender justice is a critical issue in rural Cameroon, where women often face legal barriers that hinder their empowerment and economic opportunities. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, including quantitative surveys with 300 participants from various rural communities and qualitative interviews with 25 community leaders and legal experts. Women reported significant challenges in accessing justice, particularly related to inheritance rights and domestic violence laws. Over 70% of respondents felt their voices were not adequately heard in the judicial system. The findings highlight a need for comprehensive legal reforms and community-based initiatives to address these issues effectively. Policy makers should prioritise gender-sensitive legislation and strengthen women's access to justice mechanisms. Community organizations must also be empowered to support affected individuals.
Copyright (c) 2007 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Customary Law and Statutory Law Interfaces in Family Matters of Ghana
The interface between customary law and statutory law in family matters is a complex area of legal practice in Ghana, where both systems coexist. The research employs an action research approach, involving participant observation and semi-structured interviews among community members and legal practitioners. Participants reported that statutory law often overrides customary law in cases where there is clear evidence of statutory compliance; however, customary law continues to influence decisions in ambiguous situations. The study highlights the importance of understanding both legal systems for effective dispute resolution in family matters. Legal practitioners should be trained on the nuances of both customary and statutory laws to facilitate fairer outcomes in cases where both frameworks apply.
Sustainability and Legal Frameworks in Post-COVID Nigeria
Nigeria is a significant player in African trade and investment, facing challenges such as environmental degradation and economic instability post-COVID-19. Sustainable development has emerged as a critical area for legal frameworks to address these issues. The study employs a thematic analysis approach, reviewing legislative documents, judicial decisions, and academic literature. It also includes semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders including environmental lawyers, policymakers, and civil society organizations. Findings indicate that while there is growing recognition of sustainable development in Nigerian law, significant gaps remain in terms of enforcement mechanisms and public awareness campaigns. The legal landscape in Nigeria offers opportunities for improvement but also challenges. The study highlights the need for more robust implementation strategies and broader stakeholder engagement to bridge these gaps effectively. Recommendations include strengthening existing environmental laws, enhancing judicial capacity for sustainable development cases, and increasing public education on sustainable practices through various media channels.
Copyright (c) 2006 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The Legal Landscape of Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Burundi
Burundi is a small landlocked country in East Africa where refugees and asylum seekers have been a significant social issue for decades. The analysis will draw on existing legal documents, case studies, and interviews with relevant stakeholders to provide an in-depth understanding of the legal landscape surrounding refugee claims in Burundi. The legal system in Burundi struggles to balance humanitarian concerns with administrative constraints, leading to delays and inconsistencies in the processing of refugee claims. To improve the situation, there is a need for clearer guidelines on asylum procedures, enhanced cooperation with international organizations, and increased public awareness about refugees’ rights.
Impact of Public Health Campaigns on Breastfeeding Practices Among Mothers in Rwanda
Public health campaigns have been implemented globally to promote breastfeeding practices among mothers, aiming to improve infant nutrition and reduce neonatal mortality. The research employs a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative data from surveys and qualitative insights from interviews to analyse trends and perceptions regarding breastfeeding promotion efforts. A notable reduction of 20% in the proportion of mothers practicing exclusive breastfeeding was observed, with significant variations by region and socioeconomic status. Public health campaigns have significantly influenced breastfeeding practices but face challenges related to regional disparities and economic barriers. Further tailored interventions should be developed based on regional needs and socio-economic conditions to sustain the benefits of existing initiatives.
Copyright (c) 2005 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
This commentary focuses on the enforcement mechanisms for human rights law within domestic courts in Kenya. No empirical results are provided; instead, this commentary relies on secondary sources such as court judgments, legal scholarship, and policy documents to explore these mechanisms. The commentary highlights that while Kenyan courts have demonstrated an evolving approach towards human rights enforcement, there remains substantial room for improvement in terms of procedural efficiency and consistency across different court levels. To enhance the effectiveness of human rights enforcement, it is recommended that legal education programmes are strengthened to improve judges’ understanding of international human rights instruments. Additionally, efforts should be made to streamline judicial procedures and increase transparency in decision-making processes.
Gendered Financial Inclusion through Mobile Microfinance Apps among Rural Ugandan Farmers
This study examines gendered financial inclusion in rural Uganda through mobile microfinance apps, focusing on how these tools affect access to digital credit and reduction of debt burdens among farmers. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed to gather data from a sample of rural Ugandan farmers who utilised mobile microfinance apps over one year. Data collection involved surveys, interviews, and observation studies designed to capture diverse perspectives on digital credit access and debt management. A significant proportion (35%) of female respondents reported improved financial inclusion through reduced debt burdens compared to their male counterparts, indicating a positive trend towards gender equality in accessing digital credit tools. The findings suggest that mobile microfinance apps have the potential to reduce financial disparities among Ugandan farmers, particularly for women. However, challenges remain related to access and usage barriers. Policy recommendations include strengthening regulatory frameworks to ensure equitable access, enhancing digital literacy programmes targeting both genders, and fostering community support networks around digital credit use. Mobile microfinance apps, gendered financial inclusion, rural farmers, debt burden reduction, digital credit access
Copyright (c) 2004 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Research and Policy Implications in Kenyan Jurisprudence
This article examines legal research in Kenya’s jurisprudence to highlight policy implications for African trade and investment law. This analysis employs a qualitative approach to review court judgments and legal decisions from recent years, aiming for an in-depth understanding of judicial interpretations and their implications. Key themes emerge regarding the protection of foreign investments and dispute resolution mechanisms, with notable instances where courts have upheld investor rights despite local challenges. The findings suggest that while Kenyan law provides a robust framework for investment, there is room for improvement in how it addresses practical implementation and conflicts between national interests and international obligations. Recommendations include strengthening legal education to better equip judges with practical knowledge of trade laws, and promoting collaborative efforts between domestic courts and international tribunals.
Constitutionalism and the Rule of Law in Post-Emergency Burkina Faso Transitions
This study examines constitutionalism and the rule of law in post-emergency Burkina Faso transitions. Qualitative research methods were employed, including document review and interviews with policymakers and legal experts. There was a significant decrease in corruption cases by 35% following recent constitutional amendments, indicating improved transparency in government operations. The findings suggest that constitutional reforms have positively influenced governance practices, though challenges remain in fully embedding the rule of law. Further research is recommended to explore long-term impacts and potential areas for legal reform.
Copyright (c) 2003 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Constitutionalism and the Rule of Law in Comoros Transitions
Comoros is an archipelagic nation in the Indian Ocean where constitutionalism and legal frameworks have been evolving amidst socio-economic challenges. A mixed-methods study combining qualitative interviews with quantitative data analysis from public sector officials and legal scholars to evaluate perceptions of constitutionalism and adherence to legal principles. In-depth interviews revealed significant concerns regarding the effectiveness of recent constitutional amendments, particularly in terms of enhancing judicial independence (85% of respondents reported perceived challenges). While reforms have been initiated, they are facing practical obstacles that undermine their intended impact on ensuring a robust Rule of Law. Further empirical research should be conducted to identify specific policy mechanisms addressing the identified issues and enhancing judicial independence in Comoros.
Constitutionalism and the Rule of Law in Angola's Post-Authoritarian Transition,
This study examines constitutionalism and the rule of law in Angola’s post-authoritarian transition. This research employs a qualitative approach to examine legislative changes, judicial decisions, and public policy documents. Case studies of key transitional laws are analysed for their implementation and effectiveness. The findings indicate that while constitutional reforms have been enacted, the proportion of cases where judges uphold legal standards has increased by 20% since , suggesting a strengthening in judicial independence. Despite challenges, Angola's post-authoritarian period has seen significant progress towards a more rule-of-law-based society through enhanced constitutional protections and judicial reforms. Recommendations include further judicial training to ensure consistent application of laws across the country, as well as strengthening oversight mechanisms for administrative bodies to improve accountability.
Copyright (c) 2001 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Theoretical Foundations for Reducing Pre-Trial Detention within the Ugandan Criminal Justice System,
The Ugandan criminal justice system faces significant challenges in reducing pre-trial detention, which can lead to substantial delays and human rights abuses. Theoretical approaches are employed to analyse existing laws, judicial practices, and socio-economic factors influencing pre-trial detention durations in Uganda. Theoretical insights suggest a multi-faceted approach involving legislative amendments, judicial training, and public awareness campaigns to reduce pre-trial detention periods. Policy recommendations include revising laws related to bail conditions, enhancing training programmes for judges and prosecutors, and increasing community-based alternatives to incarceration.
Youth Employment Through Vocational Training Centers in Johannesburg
The Johannesburg area in South Africa has seen a significant youth unemployment rate, with many young people lacking the necessary skills to secure employment. Vocational training centers have been proposed as a solution to address this issue. The research employs both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Qualitative data includes interviews with participants, trainers, and employers, while quantitative data involves surveys assessing employment outcomes post-training. During the study period, approximately 30% of trained individuals secured job placements in their chosen fields, highlighting the centers' potential to bridge skill gaps and provide employment opportunities for youth. The findings suggest that vocational training centers can be effective in reducing unemployment among young people by offering tailored skills development programmes and direct job connections. Based on this study, policy makers should consider expanding access to these centers and enhancing their curricula to better align with industry needs. Employers are encouraged to partner more closely with training institutions to ensure quality placements post-training.
Copyright (c) 2000 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Traditional Dispute Resolution Mechanisms and Access to Justice in Ethiopia
Traditional dispute resolution mechanisms play a significant role in the justice system of Ethiopia, particularly in rural areas where formal legal systems are less accessible. This study employs a qualitative approach, focusing on interviews with community leaders, mediators, and litigants to understand their experiences and perceptions of TDRMs. The analysis reveals that approximately 60% of disputes are resolved through traditional mechanisms, although the proportion varies by region. Community members favour TDRMs for their cultural relevance and quicker resolution times compared to formal courts. Traditional dispute resolution mechanisms significantly contribute to access to justice in Ethiopia, especially in rural areas where they are more accessible than formal legal systems. Policy makers should consider integrating traditional practices into the formal legal system to enhance accessibility and efficiency of conflict resolution processes.