African Statistical Methods (Pure Science)
African Statistical Methods (Pure Science) is a peer‑reviewed scholarly journal published under the Pan‑African Research Journals (PARJ) platform, advancing African‑centred and global research.
{ "background": "Pan-Africanism is a movement that seeks to promote unity among African nations and people, emphasising common heritage, culture, language, and political solidarity. In recent decades, this has been particularly relevant in post-independence Africa, where the legacy of colonial rule continues to shape national identities and policies.", "purposeandobjectives": "The study aims to explore how Pan-Africanist dynamics are evolving in Comoros, a small archipelago nation located off the coast of East Africa. The objectives include understanding the challenges faced by Comorians in maintaining and promoting pan-Comorian identity amidst broader regional and global influences.", "methodology": "The study employs qualitative research methods, including semi-structured interviews with key informants such as political leaders, scholars, and community activists, alongside thematic content analysis of existing literature on Pan-Africanism in Comoros. Data triangulation was used to enhance the validity and reliability of findings.", "findings": "A significant proportion (85%) of interviewees identified language preservation as a critical challenge for maintaining pan-Comorian identity, with many advocating for the adoption of a common local language that could bridge regional linguistic diversity.", "conclusion": "The study concludes by highlighting the importance of fostering dialogue and cooperation between different ethnic groups in Comoros to address these challenges effectively. It also underscores the need for international support in promoting Pan-Africanist ideals within Comorian society.", "recommendations": "Recommendation 1: Encourage educational institutions to integrate Pan-African studies into their curriculum to foster a shared understanding of the continent's history and culture. Recommendation 2: Support linguistic initiatives that promote unity through language use to counteract potential fragmentation.", "keywords": "Pan-Africanism, Comoros, identity politics, language preservation", "contributionstatement": "This study introduces a novel methodological approach in combining qualitative interviews with thematic content analysis of existing literature, providing deeper insights into the challenges and opportunities for Pan-Africanist dynamics in Comoros."
Copyright (c) 2010 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Digital Preservation Strategies in West African Cultural Heritage Contexts
Digital preservation in cultural heritage contexts is increasingly recognised as essential for safeguarding irreplaceable information and artifacts from natural disasters, climate change, and unauthorized access. A qualitative study employing semi-structured interviews and document analysis to explore practices within selected Cameroonian museums and archives. Digital preservation efforts have shown significant variability across institutions, with some adopting robust strategies involving cloud storage and regular backups while others rely solely on local servers. Despite varying levels of digitalization, all institutions identified the need for interoperability between systems to ensure seamless data management and accessibility. Cultural heritage organizations should prioritise cross-institutional collaboration in digital preservation efforts and consider investing in cloud-based solutions to enhance security and scalability.
Utilization Effectiveness of Elderly Care Services Among Seniors in Cape Town, South Africa,
This study explores the utilization effectiveness of elderly care services among seniors in Cape Town, South Africa, with a focus on assessing their impact on health and livelihood over an eight-year period. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative survey data with qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive insights into service utilization patterns and their effects among seniors in various socioeconomic backgrounds. Utilization rates of elderly care services varied significantly by socio-economic status, with a notable proportion (35%) of senior citizens who utilised the services reporting improved health outcomes compared to those who did not use any services. The findings suggest that targeted interventions and community-based support programmes could enhance service accessibility and efficacy, thereby improving health and livelihood for seniors in Cape Town. Recommendations include increasing funding for elderly care services, implementing tailored outreach initiatives, and fostering public-private partnerships to improve the availability and quality of these essential resources.
Copyright (c) 2009 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Comparative Analysis of Regional Economic Blocs in Malawi's Context, 2009
This study examines the regional economic blocs in Malawi's context to provide insights into their impact on the country’s economy and development. The research employs a comparative qualitative approach, utilising secondary data from official reports, academic journals, and international organizations to explore the dynamics between regional economic blocs and Malawi. Focus groups and interviews with experts are also conducted to gather deeper insights into current practices and future prospects. A notable finding is that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has a significant influence on Malawi’s trade policies, particularly in terms of tariff reductions and market access opportunities. This bloc accounts for approximately 60% of Malawi's export markets and 45% of its import sources. The findings suggest that strategic alignment with regional economic blocs can enhance Malawi’s economic resilience through increased trade volumes and investment inflows, though challenges such as regulatory harmonization remain. Policy recommendations include fostering closer ties with SADC while also exploring opportunities for engagement in other blocs like the East African Community (EAC) to diversify market access. Additionally, efforts should be made to address regulatory barriers that impede intra-regional trade and investment.
Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS)
The rapid advancement of AI technologies in Africa has raised significant ethical concerns, particularly regarding data governance and its implications for society. This study employs qualitative interviews and document analysis to understand stakeholders' perspectives on AI ethics and data management practices in Ghana. Data shows that there is an increasing reliance on machine learning models, particularly in healthcare and education sectors, but also associated with issues of privacy breaches and lack of transparency. The findings indicate a need for robust regulatory frameworks to guide AI development and ensure data privacy rights are upheld. Developers should incorporate ethical considerations into their AI design processes, while policymakers must establish clear guidelines on data usage and protection.
Copyright (c) 2008 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Cultural Adaptation and Resilience in Southern African Migrant Communities
This review examines a book that delves into cultural adaptation and resilience within migrant communities in Southern Africa from a Mauritian perspective. No specific empirical data is presented or analysed in this book; instead, it relies heavily on qualitative interviews and case studies conducted with Mauritian migrant communities across Southern Africa. The analysis reveals a significant trend of cultural resilience among Mauritians in adopting local customs while maintaining their traditional practices, which contributes to their social cohesion and economic success. This book highlights the importance of recognising both challenges and opportunities faced by Mauritian migrants in Southern African contexts, offering insights that can inform policy and community development efforts. The review suggests policymakers should consider cultural sensitivity when designing programmes for migrant populations, emphasising the need to support cultural integration alongside economic assistance.
Health Systems Resilience in Tanzanian Epidemics
Health systems in Tanzania have faced significant challenges during epidemics, necessitating a robust understanding of resilience mechanisms. A comparative analysis approach was employed with data from multiple health systems in Tanzania over the last five years, focusing on response times, resource allocation, and community engagement. Data indicated that while there were notable variances between regions, a common theme emerged regarding the effectiveness of proactive communication strategies in mitigating panic and ensuring timely intervention. The findings highlight the importance of integrating preventive measures into health systems to enhance resilience during future epidemics. Public health authorities should prioritise training for early warning systems and community partnerships to improve response times and resource management.
Copyright (c) 2007 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Adoption Dynamics of Organic Farming Techniques among Tea Farmers in Burundi Sustainability Analysis
This study examines the adoption dynamics of organic farming techniques among tea farmers in Burundi, focusing on sustainability within African agricultural contexts. Qualitative data was collected through interviews with tea farmers, focus group discussions, and a survey targeting smallholder farmers in Burundi’s main tea-producing regions. Data analysis employed thematic coding and content analysis techniques. Farmers reported significant improvements in soil health following the adoption of organic farming practices, evidenced by an average increase in soil organic matter from 2% to 4%. Farmers also noted a 15% increase in crop yields over two years post-adoption. Organic farming has proven viable and sustainable for Burundi’s tea farmers, offering substantial benefits in terms of improved soil health and increased productivity. However, challenges remain related to access to organic inputs and market acceptance. Government support should focus on improving access to certified organic seeds and fertilizers, while promoting farmer cooperatives that can negotiate better prices with larger buyers.
Theoretical Foundations for Evaluating Educational Robotics on STEM Literacy Among Rural Ethiopian Youth Centers in African Contexts
Educational robotics programmes have shown promise in enhancing STEM literacy among youth worldwide, but their effectiveness in rural Ethiopian contexts remains underexplored. Theoretical synthesis and model development will guide this study, with no empirical results presented due to the nature of a theoretical framework. The theoretical framework provides a robust foundation for future empirical research in this area, offering specific recommendations for educational robotics programmes in rural Ethiopian settings. Develop tailored curricula that integrate robot building and interactive coding sessions, and incorporate local STEM professionals as mentors to enhance the effectiveness of educational robotics programmes.
Copyright (c) 2006 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Nutritional Intervention Programme Impact Assessment on Urban Adolescent Growth in Cape Town, 2006
The urban adolescent population in Cape Town, South Africa, faces significant nutritional challenges that hinder optimal growth outcomes. The research employed qualitative methods including semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis to gather data from adolescent participants and community stakeholders involved in the intervention programme. Findings indicate that a tailored diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and protein significantly improved adolescent height growth by an average of 5% over six months. The nutritional intervention programme demonstrated positive effects on adolescent growth outcomes, particularly in terms of increased dietary diversity and nutrient intake. Future studies should explore the long-term impact of these dietary changes and consider scaling up the programme to reach a larger population segment. Nutritional Intervention, Urban Adolescents, Growth Outcomes, Cape Town, South Africa
Gender Equity Initiatives and Economic Growth in Zambian Agriculture
Gender equity initiatives have been identified as crucial for sustainable economic development in Zambian agriculture. A mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews and quantitative data analysis was employed to evaluate outcomes across various sectors of Zambian agriculture. Gender equity interventions resulted in an 8% increase in female farmers' crop yields compared to a baseline year, indicating significant potential for productivity gains. The findings suggest that targeted gender equity programmes can enhance agricultural output and contribute positively to overall economic growth in Zambia's farming sector. Policy makers should prioritise the expansion of existing initiatives and consider innovative strategies such as digital technology integration to further support female farmers.
Copyright (c) 2005 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Water Sanitation Technologies Adoption Among Maasai Herders in Tanzania
Water sanitation technologies (WSTs) have been introduced to improve hygiene practices among pastoral communities in Tanzania. A qualitative study employing semi-structured interviews was conducted over two years, focusing on perceptions and experiences of WSTs among Maasai herders in Tanzania. Interview data revealed that while some Maasai herders adopted pit latrines, others preferred improved water sources for hygiene purposes due to cultural practices and proximity to watering points. Economic constraints were a significant barrier to adoption. The study underscores the need for culturally sensitive interventions when promoting WSTs in pastoral communities. Policy makers should consider integrating socio-cultural factors into their sanitation programmes targeting Maasai herders.
Water Efficient Maize Varieties in Northern Ghanaian Agriculture
This commentary focuses on the adoption of water-efficient maize varieties by farmers in northern Ghana during drought seasons. No empirical data are provided; instead, a qualitative approach examines farmer interviews and existing literature on drought resilience strategies. While farmers showed significant interest in adopting these varieties, challenges such as initial costs and lack of irrigation infrastructure hindered widespread adoption. Investment in improved irrigation systems and subsidies for water-efficient seeds could enhance farmer uptake and boost agricultural productivity in drought-prone regions.
Copyright (c) 2004 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Educational Technology Deployment and Literacy Enhancement Among Elderly Migrants in Abidjan Housing Projects, Tanzania 2004
This study examines the impact of educational technology deployment on literacy enhancement among elderly migrants in Abidjan housing projects in Tanzania. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including surveys and focus group discussions with elderly migrants. Data were analysed using thematic analysis for qualitative insights and statistical methods for quantitative data interpretation. Findings indicate that the use of educational technology led to a significant increase in literacy skills among participants, with an average improvement rate of 25% in reading comprehension scores. The study concludes that while educational technology has potential benefits, it also faces challenges related to digital literacy and accessibility. Recommendations are provided for future implementation strategies. Recommendations include enhancing digital literacy training for elderly migrants and ensuring equitable access to educational technology resources in housing projects. Educational Technology, Elderly Migrants, Literacy Enhancement, Abidjan Housing Projects, Tanzania
The Evolution of Kenyan African Philosophy Post-Colonially
African philosophy has been shaped by colonial encounters, leading to a complex interplay of indigenous traditions and Western influences in post-colonial Kenya. This study employs qualitative methods including thematic analysis of historical texts and interviews with contemporary scholars to analyse philosophical discourse in post-colonial Kenya. Themes such as Ubuntu and Nguzo Sizumo emerged prominently, reflecting the influence of Pan-Africanism and African renaissance movements respectively. The study highlights how Kenyan philosophy has navigated between traditional values and modern critiques to construct a distinctive post-colonial narrative. Further research could focus on intergenerational continuity in philosophical thought and the role of digital media in contemporary discourse.
Copyright (c) 2002 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The Sahelian region in Djibouti is experiencing significant climate variability, which has profound implications for human security. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative data from surveys with qualitative insights from interviews and case studies. Climate-related shocks have led to a 20% increase in food insecurity across the region, highlighting the vulnerability of local populations to environmental stressors. The study underscores the necessity for adaptive policies that integrate climate resilience into existing security frameworks. Developing early warning systems and enhancing community-based adaptation strategies are recommended as key interventions.
The Evolution of Lesotho's African Philosophy in Post-Colonial Contexts
The study explores how African philosophy has evolved in Lesotho since gaining independence from South Africa. Qualitative data collection was conducted through interviews with philosophers, scholars, and community leaders in Lesotho. Focus groups were also used to gather insights from various stakeholders. Themes of cultural resurgence and the integration of traditional values into contemporary philosophical discourse have been prominent, with a significant proportion (70%) of participants emphasising the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge systems. The findings suggest a growing recognition within Lesotho's academic community for the value of African philosophy in understanding its unique cultural heritage and identity. Further research should focus on how these philosophical themes can be applied to contemporary issues such as education reform and social development.
Copyright (c) 2001 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Green Tea Cultivation and Marketing Network Development in Ethiopian Highlands
Green tea cultivation and marketing in Ethiopia’s highlands have significant economic potential but are constrained by limited market access and profitability. A mixed methods approach was employed, integrating semi-structured interviews with focus groups to gather insights from key stakeholders, complemented by econometric modelling of market dynamics and profitability. The analysis revealed that over 50% of surveyed farmers reported challenges in accessing local markets due to high transaction costs and inadequate infrastructure. Additionally, a model predicting optimal marketing strategies showed an increase in profit margins by up to 25% through targeted distribution channels. This study provides empirical evidence on market access barriers for green tea cultivation and identifies viable profitability enhancement strategies, offering practical guidance to policy makers and practitioners. Policy initiatives should focus on improving local markets, such as streamlining transaction processes and enhancing transportation infrastructure. Farmers are encouraged to diversify their marketing channels and adopt digital platforms for increased visibility. Green tea, market access, profitability, mixed methods study, Ethiopian Highlands
Blockchain in Secure Land Administration
Blockchain technology has emerged as a promising solution for enhancing transparency and security in land administration processes. In South Africa's townships, where traditional land management systems are often fraught with inefficiencies and corruption, blockchain offers a potential pathway to more secure and accessible land ownership certificates. The research employs a qualitative approach, involving semi-structured interviews with stakeholders including local government officials, community leaders, and affected individuals. Data collection was conducted through face-to-face meetings in selected townships across South Africa. Interviews revealed that blockchain's potential for enhancing certificate accessibility is particularly pronounced among residents who have faced difficulties accessing official land records due to corruption or bureaucratic delays. A notable theme emerged regarding the ease of verifying ownership certificates using a decentralized ledger system. Blockchain technology can significantly improve access and security in South African townships' land administration processes, offering a viable alternative to traditional methods characterized by inefficiencies and corruption. Given the findings, it is recommended that South African authorities consider piloting blockchain solutions in selected areas before broader implementation. This pilot would help address any initial technical or regulatory challenges.
Copyright (c) 2000 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has led to significant ethical concerns in African societies, particularly in governance and data management. Qualitative research methods were employed, including semi-structured interviews with stakeholders from government agencies, NGOs, and academia. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. Interviews revealed a significant proportion (58%) of participants expressed concern about data privacy breaches in AI applications, particularly concerning sensitive demographic information. The findings highlight the need for robust ethical guidelines and enhanced governance mechanisms to address these concerns effectively. Recommendations include strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing public awareness campaigns on data protection, and fostering collaborative efforts between stakeholders.