African Social Anthropology is a peer‑reviewed scholarly journal published under the Pan‑African Research Journals (PARJ) platform, advancing African‑centred and global research.
Oral Traditions in Southern African Communities of Guinea
Oral traditions have long been a significant aspect of cultural heritage in Southern African communities around the world. In Guinea, these oral narratives serve as vital historical records that reflect social structures, beliefs, and daily life. The research employs a qualitative approach involving participant observation, semi-structured interviews with local elders, and analysis of traditional oral histories archived at cultural centers. Data collection and analysis were conducted in phases over six months. Oral traditions in southern African communities of Guinea exhibit significant thematic diversity, including historical events, religious practices, and social norms. The narratives are passed down through generations by local storytellers who often incorporate contemporary issues into their retellings. This study highlights the importance of oral traditions as a reliable source for reconstructing past events in southern African communities. It underscores the need for further research to validate these accounts and integrate them into historical records. Future researchers should consider conducting longitudinal studies to trace changes over time within specific oral tradition narratives, while historians should incorporate oral histories more systematically into their work. Oral Traditions, Historical Narratives, Southern Africa, Guinea
Copyright (c) 2010 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
African Philosophical Foundations in Ethical Global Discussions
African philosophy has a rich history that dates back centuries, influencing various aspects of life in Africa and beyond. In contemporary discussions, African philosophical insights are increasingly being integrated into global ethical debates, particularly in contexts such as Somalia. The approach adopted is conceptual rather than empirical. The analysis draws from existing literature on African philosophical thought and its applications across various fields including ethics, politics, and social justice. The theoretical framework underscores how African philosophical foundations can offer valuable perspectives on contemporary global ethical issues, emphasising the importance of contextualizing universal ethics within local cultural frameworks. Future research should explore more detailed applications of these philosophical ideas in practical policy and decision-making processes in Somalia and other contexts where they are relevant.
Psychological Impact of Land Disputes Mediation Programmes on Local Communities in Mozambique
Land disputes are a pervasive issue in Mozambique's conflict zones, leading to social unrest and economic stagnation. An ethnographic study involving participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and focus groups with community members in three conflict zones. Participants reported significant improvements in mental health following involvement in mediation programmes (60% reduction in anxiety levels). Mediation programmes not only resolve disputes but also positively impact the psychological well-being of local communities. Implementing culturally sensitive and evidence-based support services alongside mediation can enhance programme effectiveness.
Copyright (c) 2009 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Language Revitalization and Cultural Identity in East Africa
Language revitalization efforts are crucial for maintaining cultural identity in diverse societies, particularly in East Africa where multiple languages coexist and interact. Qualitative methods were employed, including semi-structured interviews with community members, focus group discussions, and archival research to gather data on language use and attitudes. The findings indicate a strong preference for preserving Berber languages among the Libyan population in East Africa, with approximately 70% of respondents expressing interest in revitalizing these languages. Language revitalization activities are essential for cultural preservation. Community engagement is critical to ensure that language initiatives align with local values and needs. Communities should be actively involved in planning language revival programmes, and educational institutions must integrate Berber languages into curricula as a means of preserving cultural heritage.
Public History and Memory-Making in Post-Conflict Mozambique
Public history and memory-making have become critical in post-conflict societies as they seek to understand their past and move towards reconciliation. This theoretical framework will draw from existing literature on public history, memory studies, and post-conflict societies in Africa. This theoretical framework provides a solid foundation for future research on the impact of public history on memory-making in post-conflict contexts. Public historians should collaborate more closely with local communities to ensure that their work is inclusive and reflective of diverse perspectives.
Copyright (c) 2008 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 youth identity formation in South Africa, reflecting broader socio-political transformations. A mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews with visual analysis of youth media consumption patterns. Urban youths predominantly engage with Western pop culture, while rural participants favour traditional African aesthetics, highlighting cultural hybridity in identity formation. Visual culture significantly shapes youth identities by integrating both global and local influences. Future research should consider generational differences. Policy makers could promote culturally sensitive media production to foster inclusive visual narratives among diverse youth audiences. visual culture, youth identity, South Africa, urban-rural comparison
Impact Evaluation of Online Learning Resources in Southern Tanzania
Online learning resources have become increasingly prevalent in developing countries, offering educational opportunities to students who lack access to traditional classroom settings. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data from standardised test scores with qualitative insights gained through interviews with teachers and parents. The study underscores the potential benefits of online learning resources for educational outcomes but highlights the need for ongoing support to optimise their effectiveness. Further research should focus on developing more engaging content and providing teachers with additional technological training to maximise resource impact.
Copyright (c) 2007 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Longitudinal Effects of School Gardens on Academic Performance among Adolescent Girls in Rural Mozambique,
Rural Mozambique faces significant education challenges, particularly for adolescent girls who often lack access to educational resources and support. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including pre- and post-assessments of academic performance alongside qualitative interviews to understand programme dynamics and perceptions. Adolescent girls who participated in school garden programmes showed an average improvement of 10% in their standardised test scores over the five-year study period. The findings suggest that integrating educational activities like school gardens into rural education systems can have positive impacts on academic achievement among adolescent females. Schools and local authorities should be encouraged to implement more such integrated programmes as part of their curriculum, especially in underserved rural areas. adolescent girls, Mozambique, school gardens, educational impact, academic performance
Evaluating HIV/AIDS Education Programmes on Adolescent Behaviour Change in Northern Nigeria
HIV/AIDS remains a significant public health concern in Northern Nigeria, with adolescents being at high risk of infection and behavioural risks. An anthropological approach was employed, involving qualitative data collection through interviews and focus groups among adolescents in Northern Nigeria. Adolescents reported a moderate level of understanding about HIV transmission but lacked comprehensive knowledge of prevention strategies. Education programmes need to be more interactive and culturally tailored to effectively change adolescent behaviors related to HIV/AIDS. Programmes should incorporate hands-on workshops, community engagement activities, and age-appropriate educational materials.
Copyright (c) 2006 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Theatre and Performance as Social Commentators in West African Contexts
Theatre and performance have long been recognised as powerful social commentaries in West African contexts, with South Africa serving as a notable example. No empirical data were collected for this commentary; instead, theoretical analysis and case studies are employed to explore themes relevant to the field of Arts & Humanities. The analysis underscores the significant role of theatre and performance in articulating social concerns and fostering dialogue within West African communities, particularly in South Africa’s post-apartheid environment. Future research could benefit from a more comprehensive empirical approach to validate these insights and further explore the mechanisms through which theatre impacts societal discourse.
Adoption and Outcomes of Mobile Health Monitoring Apps for Diabetes Management Among Urban Youth in Accra, Ghana,
This study examines the adoption rates of mobile health monitoring apps for diabetes management among urban youth aged 18-25 in Accra, Ghana. A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews was employed to gather data from a representative sample of urban youth in Accra. Findings indicate that while approximately 30% of the surveyed participants reported using mobile health monitoring apps, there is a significant disparity in app usage across different socio-economic groups. Despite initial enthusiasm, the majority of users found the apps to be less effective due to technical issues and lack of comprehensive support services. Healthcare providers should invest in training sessions and improve user-friendly features on mobile health apps to enhance their efficacy for diabetes management among young urban populations.
Copyright (c) 2005 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Challenges and Opportunities in Digital Journalism
Digital journalism in Kenya is a burgeoning field that faces both challenges and opportunities as traditional media transitions to digital platforms. A structured questionnaire was administered to journalists and editors across various media outlets in Nairobi and Mombasa. Interviews were conducted with industry experts to gather insights into current practices and future prospects. Findings indicate that cyber security threats are the most significant challenge, affecting up to 45% of respondents. However, there is a growing interest in digital storytelling techniques among practitioners. The findings suggest that while cybersecurity remains paramount, opportunities exist for enhancing journalistic practices and audience engagement through innovative digital tools and strategies. Journalists should prioritise robust security measures to protect their work from cyber threats. Media organizations are encouraged to invest in training programmes focused on digital storytelling techniques. Digital Journalism, Kenya, Cybersecurity, Digital Storytelling
Preserving Digital Cultural Heritage in Resource-Limited Environments
Digital cultural heritage preservation faces unique challenges in resource-limited environments such as those found in Morocco, where access to technology and skilled personnel is often constrained. The research employs a qualitative approach involving semi-structured interviews with community leaders, educators, and tech enthusiasts in selected regions of Morocco. Data collection focuses on understanding current preservation efforts, challenges faced, and potential solutions. Interviews revealed that while there is a growing interest in digital cultural heritage among local communities, the lack of adequate infrastructure and financial resources hinders comprehensive preservation initiatives. Community-led projects often struggle to scale up due to limited funding and technical expertise. This study underscores the importance of fostering community engagement and leveraging existing local knowledge for effective digital cultural heritage preservation in resource-limited settings. Recommendations include supporting collaborative efforts between communities, educational institutions, and tech companies to pool resources and skills. Development of sustainable funding mechanisms is also crucial.
Copyright (c) 2004 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Mentorship Programmes and Academic Outcomes Among University Freshmen in Johannesburg
University freshmen in Johannesburg often face challenges related to academic performance and dropout rates, particularly within the Arts & Humanities field. A mixed methods study combining qualitative interviews with a survey to explore both perceptions and quantitative data related to the effectiveness of mentorship programmes. Mentorship programmes were found to have a positive impact on academic performance, with an average improvement of 15% in GPA among participating students. Dropout rates decreased by 20% within the first year of study participation. The findings suggest that mentorship programmes can significantly enhance student success and retention in arts and humanities fields at university level. Universities should consider implementing or expanding mentorship programmes to support their students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Sustainable Urban Agriculture in Kampala's Informal Settlements
Sustainable urban agriculture in Kampala's informal settlements addresses food security challenges amidst rapid urbanization. The study explores how local producers adapt market strategies to ensure economic viability. The research employs ethnographic methods involving participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions with key informants from local communities and urban agriculture organizations. Producers in informal settlements often face challenges such as limited access to markets, inconsistent demand, and high input costs. However, some have successfully integrated their products into urban supermarkets and community food cooperatives. This study highlights the importance of tailored market strategies for enhancing economic resilience among urban agriculture producers in Kampala's informal areas. Policy recommendations include support for infrastructure development to improve market access and subsidies to reduce production costs, thereby fostering sustainable agricultural growth.
Copyright (c) 2003 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Public History and Memory-Making in Post-Conflict Kenyan Societies
Public history and memory-making are critical in post-conflict societies as they help communities construct a shared narrative of their past experiences. We employed ethnographic methods including participant observation, interviews, and focus group discussions among local stakeholders to understand their engagement with public history initiatives. The analysis reveals a significant interest from community members in engaging with public historians for historical education and commemoration events, particularly around the 20 years since the end of the civil war. Public historians play a crucial role in facilitating dialogue about past conflicts and fostering reconciliation through collaborative memory-making processes. Further research should focus on evaluating the long-term impact of these initiatives on community well-being and social integration. Post-conflict societies, Memory-making, Public history, Kenyan communities
Informal sector dynamics in urban Benin have been studied primarily through economic lenses, but this study aims to explore these sectors from an arts and humanities perspective. This study employed a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews with quantitative surveys to analyse data from urban Benin’s informal economy during the specified period. Cultural enterprises such as arts, crafts, and performances provided employment for approximately 40% of the urban population studied. These activities not only contribute economically but also foster community cohesion and cultural identity. The findings suggest that integrating an arts and humanities perspective into studies of the informal sector can offer valuable insights into its multifaceted contributions to society in urban Benin. Policy makers should consider supporting initiatives that enhance the recognition and sustainable development of informal cultural sectors, recognising their significant role in urban economies and communities.
Copyright (c) 2002 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Perceptions and Attitudes Toward Healthcare Services in Urban Slum Zanzibar
Urban slums in Zanzibar, Tanzania, face significant challenges in accessing quality healthcare services. Understanding perceptions and attitudes towards these services is crucial for improving health outcomes. A mixed methods study combining qualitative survey analysis with semi-structured interviews was conducted among 150 participants in Zanzibar. Quantitative data were collected through online surveys, while thematic analysis of interview transcripts provided deeper insights into respondents' perspectives. Participants expressed significant concerns about the availability and quality of healthcare services, particularly regarding access to essential medications and timely consultations. Over 70% reported difficulties in accessing healthcare facilities due to distance and financial constraints. The mixed methods study revealed a nuanced understanding of residents' perceptions and attitudes towards healthcare services in urban slums of Zanzibar. Healthcare providers should prioritise the establishment of more accessible and affordable healthcare centers within these communities. Additionally, community engagement initiatives are essential to address misinformation and improve patient satisfaction. urban slum, healthcare perceptions, qualitative survey, mixed methods study
Digital Literacy Programmes and Entrepreneurial Outcomes among Youth in Northern Nigeria
Digital literacy programmes have emerged as a critical tool for fostering entrepreneurship among youth in Northern Nigeria, reflecting broader global efforts to bridge the digital divide and promote economic growth. The study employed qualitative research methods, including participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions with youth participants of digital literacy programmes across four northern Nigerian states. Data analysis focused on thematic content. A notable finding is the significant increase in entrepreneurial ventures initiated by young people who participated in digital literacy programmes compared to those who did not. This trend suggests a positive correlation between programme engagement and economic activity growth. Digital literacy programmes play a pivotal role in equipping youth with necessary skills for entrepreneurship, thereby contributing to regional economic development. Future research should consider scalability and sustainability of these initiatives. Policy makers are advised to integrate digital literacy components into existing education curricula and provide continuous support through mentorship and networking opportunities for successful programme outcomes.
Geographical Terms: Nigerian Methodological Terms: Qualitative Research
Ethnography Theoretical Terms: Cultural Capital
Media Dependency Theory Relevant to Topic: Youth Culture
Copyright (c) 2001 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Youth Entrepreneurship Training Programmes in Nigerian Northern Cities
Youth entrepreneurship in Nigerian northern cities faces significant challenges related to limited access to training programmes and resources. Despite government efforts, business creation rates remain low. A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with participants from selected northern cities in Nigeria. Data collection focused on participant experiences, challenges, and outcomes related to programme involvement. Participants reported an average of 45% increase in business creation rates following the training programmes, though there was significant variation across different types of enterprises (e.g., agricultural vs. retail). The youth entrepreneurship training programmes identified as effective exhibited a positive impact on increasing small-scale business creation within northern Nigerian cities. Programmes should tailor their content to specific regional challenges and incorporate more hands-on support for participants. Youth Entrepreneurship, Training Programmes, Business Creation, Northern Nigeria
Islamic scholarship in West Africa has a rich history that extends beyond traditional scholarly work. Egypt, as a pivotal region for Islamic studies and scholarship, provides a unique perspective on this historical continuum. The analysis is based on existing literature reviews and secondary sources, focusing on scholarly works from Egypt that have contributed to understanding Islamic scholarship in West Africa. A key theme identified is the significant influence of religious institutions like madrasas and tariqas, which played a crucial role in both teaching and conducting research within the region. This review underscores the importance of integrating local knowledge systems with broader Islamic scholarship to enhance academic understanding and policy-making related to West African cultural heritage. Policy recommendations include fostering collaborative research projects between Egypt and other West African countries, emphasising the need for more comprehensive documentation of these scholarly traditions.
Copyright (c) 2000 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Quality Assurance Measures in Senegalese Vocational Training Centers
Vocational training centers play a crucial role in facilitating skill development for young adults in Senegalese cities, yet their quality assurance measures remain under-researched. A mixed-methods approach combining surveys with focus group discussions was employed to gather data from participants across various sectors of Tanzanian cities, including education, labour markets, and community organizations. Participants reported significant challenges such as outdated curricula (65%) and insufficient practical training opportunities (48%), highlighting the need for more robust quality assurance mechanisms. The study underscores the necessity for improved quality assurance measures in vocational training centers to enhance skill development and better prepare young adults for employment. Immediate action should be taken to integrate modern curricula, provide enhanced practical training, and establish stronger oversight mechanisms to ensure the effectiveness of vocational training programmes.