African Urban Sociology (Sociology focus)
African Urban Sociology (Sociology focus) is a peer‑reviewed scholarly journal published under the Pan‑African Research Journals (PARJ) platform, advancing African‑centred and global research.
Informal Cross-Border Trade Dynamics within ECOWAS Regions in Tanzania
Informal cross-border trade plays a significant role in regional integration within ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States), but its dynamics and impact are not fully understood, especially in Tanzania. A mixed-methods approach combining ethnographic fieldwork with structured interviews and secondary data analysis was employed. Ethnography involved participant observation in border towns, while structured interviews were conducted with traders, local authorities, and community members. Secondary data included trade statistics from ECOWAS and Tanzanian government sources. The study reveals that informal cross-border trade contributes significantly to the economic resilience of border communities, accounting for approximately 20% of total exports in certain regions. Local governance strategies are crucial for managing this trade, with varying levels of success across different jurisdictions. This research highlights the complex interplay between regional integration and local community development through informal cross-border trade. It underscores the need for tailored governance policies that balance economic benefits with social welfare. Policy recommendations include fostering collaboration among border communities, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and enhancing data collection to support evidence-based decision-making in this sector.
Copyright (c) 2012 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Educational Incentives Programme Impact on Dropout Rates Among Rural Ethiopian Adolescents in 2012 Context
This study examines the impact of an educational incentives programme on dropout rates among rural Ethiopian adolescents in . Qualitative data from interviews, surveys, and observational studies conducted among adolescents and their families were analysed to understand the perceptions and experiences of these programmes. The analysis revealed that approximately 20% of participants reported a significant reduction in dropout rates after receiving incentives. Themes included parental support for school attendance and improved academic performance as key facilitators. The findings suggest that targeted educational support can effectively reduce dropout rates, particularly among rural adolescents who face economic challenges. Policymakers should consider scaling up similar incentive programmes to ensure broader coverage and impact on dropout prevention in rural areas.
Urbanization, Informal Settlements, and Social Welfare in Ethiopian Cities
Urbanization in Ethiopia has accelerated rapidly over recent decades, leading to significant demographic shifts and changes in urban governance structures. The research employs a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews with quantitative data from administrative records. Informal settlements in Addis Ababa account for approximately 70% of the city’s population, with significant disparities in access to basic services such as water and sanitation. The findings highlight the challenges faced by social welfare systems in providing equitable services to all urban residents, particularly those living in informal areas. Policy recommendations include strengthening community participation mechanisms and integrating informal settlements into broader urban planning strategies. urbanization, Addis Ababa, social welfare, Ethiopia, informal settlements
Copyright (c) 2011 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
African Universities' Role in Knowledge Production and Dissemination
African universities play a crucial role in knowledge production and dissemination, particularly within urban sociology fields such as African studies. A qualitative approach was employed to analyse existing literature and data on university research outputs, focusing on publications related to African studies within Kenyan institutions. Within the studied period, approximately 45% of scholarly publications from Kenyan universities focused on urban sociology topics, with a notable emphasis on education systems in urban areas as a key theme. The findings highlight significant disparities and opportunities for enhancing knowledge production and dissemination within Kenyan university research efforts in urban sociology. Policy recommendations include fostering collaborative networks between universities and community stakeholders to enhance the relevance of academic outputs, particularly in education policy development.
Renewable Energy Microfinance for Ethiopian Women Farmers
Renewable energy microfinance initiatives have emerged as a promising tool for fostering sustainable development in rural areas of Ethiopia, particularly among women farmers who often face economic and social barriers. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative interviews with quantitative data analysis on participant financial records over a one-year period. Participants reported an average increase in monthly income of £20 (7%) due to improved energy access and reduced fuel costs. Challenges include limited technical support and high initial investment requirements. The renewable energy microfinance programmes demonstrated positive effects on financial stability for Ethiopian women farmers, though significant improvements are needed in service delivery and affordability. Policy recommendations include expanding outreach efforts to underserved areas, enhancing technical assistance, and exploring alternative financing mechanisms such as government subsidies or public-private partnerships.
Geographic Terms: African Rural Relevant Topic: Microfinance
Sustainable Development Methodological/Theoretical: Stability Evaluation
Copyright (c) 2010 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Moroccan Community Health Worker Programmes and Preventive Care Access in Ethiopian Cities
The Moroccan Community Health Worker (CHW) programmes in Ethiopia have been implemented to improve access to preventive care among urban populations. However, their effectiveness and impact on health outcomes remain under-researched. The research employed a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews. A stratified random sampling method was used to ensure representation across different socio-economic groups and urban areas. Findings indicate that the Moroccan CHW programme significantly increased access to preventive care services, particularly for underserved populations in rural-urban fringe areas, with a 45% increase in utilization rates compared to pre-programme levels. The study concludes that while there is room for improvement, the Moroccan CHW programmes have demonstrated potential as an effective means of expanding access to preventive care services in Ethiopian cities. Recommendations include further expansion of the programme into new urban areas and integration with existing healthcare infrastructure to ensure sustained impact and equitable service delivery.
The Impact of Sanitation and Hygiene Education on School Outcomes in Rwandan Villages
Rwanda has made significant progress in improving sanitation and hygiene practices through various campaigns, but there is limited research on how these improvements affect school outcomes. The study employs a qualitative approach, analysing WASH campaigns' effectiveness through interviews with educators, parents, and students from selected schools across different regions of Rwanda. The findings suggest that comprehensive WASH education programmes can be effective in boosting school attendance and improving learning outcomes among primary school children in rural Rwandan settings. Local authorities should prioritise integrating WASH education into curricula and continue supporting these initiatives as part of a broader strategy to enhance educational quality in rural areas.
Copyright (c) 2009 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
This review examines recent research on interventions aimed at improving water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) education in Rwandan schools, focusing on their impact on academic outcomes. Studies reviewed employed a range of quantitative methods including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cross-sectional surveys, and longitudinal data analyses. Qualitative studies often used focus groups and interviews to explore perceptions and practices related to WASH education. Findings indicate that while some campaigns showed modest improvements in hygiene behaviors among students, the impact on academic performance varied significantly across different schools and interventions. While there is evidence of changes in WASH knowledge and behaviour, more robust studies are needed to establish causal relationships between these changes and educational outcomes. Methodological challenges include the complexity of attributing effects solely to WASH education campaigns. Future research should consider integrating WASH education with broader school improvement initiatives and explore how contextual factors influence campaign effectiveness.
Cultural Heritage Preservation Dynamics in Digital West Africa
Cultural heritage preservation in digital age is a global concern, but its dynamics vary across regions and contexts. In West Africa, particularly Kenya, digital technologies are increasingly being used to engage communities in preserving local cultural heritages. This study aims to explore these dynamics. The methodology combines quantitative data collection via surveys with qualitative insights from semi-structured interviews. A total of 500 participants were surveyed to gather demographic information and perceptions on cultural heritage preservation. Interviews with 20 stakeholders provided in-depth understanding of the processes involved. Digital platforms have significantly increased public awareness about local heritages, leading to a 40% increase in community participation compared to traditional methods. However, challenges such as limited access to technology and funding remain significant barriers. This study highlights the potential of digital technologies for enhancing cultural heritage preservation efforts but also underscores the need for addressing existing disparities to ensure equitable engagement across all communities. Recommendations include increasing investment in digital infrastructure, developing educational programmes on digital preservation techniques, and fostering collaborations between stakeholders to overcome challenges. cultural heritage, digital age, stakeholder engagement, community participation
Copyright (c) 2008 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Traditional Medicine in Contemporary Egyptian Healthcare Systems
Traditional medicine plays a significant role in Egypt's healthcare systems, offering complementary services to modern medical facilities. A comparative study employing quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews across urban and rural settings in Egypt. Traditional medicine services are utilised by approximately 30% of patients seeking primary healthcare, with higher usage observed in rural areas compared to cities. The integration of traditional medicine into Egyptian healthcare systems is evident but varies significantly between urban and rural contexts. Further research should focus on developing standardised guidelines for integrating traditional medicine into modern healthcare infrastructure.
Adolescent mothers in Nairobi face significant challenges that affect their educational attainment and overall well-being. A mixed-methods approach involving literature review, expert interviews, and secondary data analysis will be employed. The theoretical model elucidates the complex interplay between policy adoption rates and socio-economic factors affecting adolescent mothers' education. Policy makers should consider targeted interventions to increase school attendance for adolescent mothers by addressing specific barriers such as lack of resources or stigma.
Copyright (c) 2007 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Community-Based Child Protection Mechanisms in Lagos, Nigeria
In Lagos, Nigeria, child protection mechanisms are crucial for safeguarding vulnerable children from abuse and neglect. An ethnographic study involving participant observation, semi-structured interviews with key informants, and focus group discussions among parents and caregivers. Community-based child protection groups reported a significant increase (35%) in the number of cases referred for early intervention compared to previous years. Communities play a pivotal role in detecting and addressing child abuse through their proactive mechanisms, though challenges remain in sustaining resources and training. Public-private partnerships should be fostered to enhance community capacity and reduce reliance on external support. Lagos, Nigeria, Child Protection, Early Intervention, Community-Based Mechanisms
Religious Pluralism and Inter-Faith Dynamics in Cape Verdean West Africa,
Religious pluralism is a prominent feature in Cape Verdean West Africa, reflecting the country's diverse ethnic and cultural heritage. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data from surveys with qualitative insights from interviews and focus groups conducted across different regions of Cape Verde. A notable finding is the significant proportion (35%) of respondents who reported engaging in inter-faith activities or dialogue, indicating active participation despite religious diversity. The study underscores the importance of fostering inclusive environments that respect and promote understanding among diverse religious communities in Cape Verde. Policy makers are encouraged to develop initiatives aimed at enhancing inter-religious cooperation and education to mitigate potential conflicts arising from religious pluralism.
Copyright (c) 2006 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Educational Technology's Impact on Teacher Adoption and Its Influence on Student Achievement in Monrovia Public Schools Two Years Post-Implementation
Educational technology (EdTech) has become increasingly prevalent in schools worldwide, aiming to enhance teaching and learning experiences. In Liberia's capital city, Monrovia, EdTech implementation was initiated two years prior, offering teachers new tools for instruction. We employed a mixed-methods approach including surveys and interviews. The survey focused on gathering quantitative data from teachers regarding their technology use, while interviews explored qualitative insights into teacher perspectives and practices. The survey revealed that approximately 75% of participating teachers reported adopting EdTech in their classrooms, with significant variations across different school types and grade levels. While early results suggest positive trends in teacher adoption, there is a need for further research to understand long-term impacts on student learning outcomes. Further evaluations should be conducted to monitor the sustained benefits of EdTech integration, with particular attention paid to equitable access and professional development needs for teachers. Educational Technology Adoption, Teacher Practices, Student Achievement, Monrovia Public Schools
Mentoring Programmes and Academic Success among Adolescent Girls in Urban South African Slums,
Urban South African slums face significant challenges in terms of educational achievement among adolescent girls. These areas often lack adequate resources and support structures. The study employed a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and qualitative interviews to gather data from participants aged 13-18 years old. A mentorship programme significantly improved academic performance by increasing girls' attendance rates and reducing absenteeism by 20%. Mentoring programmes have the potential to enhance educational achievements among adolescent girls in urban slums, warranting further research and implementation strategies. Schools should integrate mentoring programmes into their existing support structures and provide ongoing training for mentors to maximise impact. Adolescent Girls, Mentoring Programmes, Urban South Africa, Educational Achievement
Copyright (c) 2005 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
E-learning Platforms in Remote Ethiopian Villages
The widespread adoption of e-learning platforms in urban areas has been well documented; however, their application and impact in remote rural settings remain underexplored. The research employed a mixed-methods approach involving surveys, interviews, and data analysis of student performance metrics. Data was collected from 50 randomly selected villages across Ethiopia. A significant proportion (62%) of respondents reported adopting e-learning platforms for English language learning in their remote villages. Academic performance showed an average improvement of 15% among students using these platforms compared to non-users. The findings suggest that while e-learning platforms are widely adopted, there is room for improvement in ensuring equitable access and effective use across rural settings. Future research should focus on developing localized content and training programmes tailored to the specific needs of remote Ethiopian villages. e-learning platforms, academic performance, remote villages, English language teaching, Ethiopia
Southern Africa has a rich tapestry of traditional governance structures that have coexisted with modern democratic systems in various countries such as Ghana. The study employs a comparative case-study approach, analysing governance systems in Ghana and other selected Southern African countries. A key finding is that integrating traditional councils into local government structures can enhance transparency and accountability, with a notable example showing a 20% increase in community participation in decision-making processes. The study concludes that blending indigenous wisdom with modern democratic principles offers promising pathways for sustainable governance transitions in Southern Africa. Policy recommendations include the establishment of hybrid governance models that incorporate traditional councils alongside existing democratic institutions.
Copyright (c) 2004 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), a small landlocked country in southern Africa, has faced persistent governance challenges despite its economic growth and political stability. The study employs a critical historiographical approach, examining archival records, secondary data sources, and scholarly literature from various disciplines. Understanding the colonial legacy is crucial for comprehending present-day challenges in Eswatini's governance framework. Policy makers should incorporate historical context into contemporary policy-making processes to address entrenched social issues effectively.
Gender and Power Dynamics in Kenyan Political Transitions,
This article examines gender dynamics in political transitions within Kenya, focusing on the period from to . Qualitative research methods were employed for this study, including interviews with policymakers, focus group discussions with civil society organizations, and document analysis of election results and political discourse. Data was analysed using thematic coding to identify patterns and themes related to gender and power dynamics. The findings indicate a significant underrepresentation of women in high-ranking governmental positions during the studied period, with only 25% of cabinet ministers being female. This disparity is particularly notable in sectors traditionally dominated by men such as defence and infrastructure. This study concludes that while there have been some improvements in gender representation at lower levels of government, systemic barriers persist, hindering full participation of women in political leadership roles. Recommendations include the implementation of quota systems to increase female representation in governance bodies, enhanced training programmes for female leaders, and the development of mentorship initiatives aimed at supporting women's advancement within political structures.
Copyright (c) 2003 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Adoption Dynamics of Climate-Smart Agriculture Techniques among Smallholder Women Farmers in Northern Ghana
Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) has been promoted as a sustainable solution to climate change impacts on smallholder farmers in Ghana. In northern Ghana, where rainfall patterns are highly variable and unpredictable, women farmers have shown varying levels of adoption of CSA techniques. The study employed semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions with 50 randomly selected female farmers from different communities across northern Ghana. Data collection was conducted at baseline (), mid-point (), and post-intervention (). A significant proportion of women farmers adopted CSA techniques, particularly those that improved water management, such as rainwater harvesting systems, which increased their yields by an average of 45% compared to non-CSA practices. The findings highlight the importance of community engagement and local knowledge integration in facilitating CSA adoption among smallholder women farmers. The study's novel methodological approach allowed for a nuanced understanding of farmer decision-making processes, which was not captured by existing quantitative studies. Policy makers should prioritise supporting women farmers with access to climate-smart technologies and extension services that are tailored to their needs and contexts. Additionally, fostering community-based initiatives can enhance the sustainability of CSA adoption in northern Ghana. Climate-Smart Agriculture, Women Farmers, Northern Ghana, Adoption Dynamics, Agricultural Productivity
Digital Literacy Enhancement Programmes within Urban Ghanaian Primary Schools
Digital literacy is a critical skill in contemporary education, yet disparities exist between urban and rural areas of Ghana, particularly affecting primary school children from underprivileged backgrounds. Not applicable This theoretical framework provides a robust conceptual basis for the design of future empirical studies focused on enhancing digital literacy within urban primary school settings in Ghana. Future research should prioritise the development of culturally responsive digital literacy programmes, incorporating feedback from educators and community members to ensure relevance and effectiveness.
Critical理论框架文章的5-7个相关学术关键词（英语，UK拼写和规范）： Sub-Saharan
Copyright (c) 2002 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Telemedicine platforms have gained prominence as a solution to improve healthcare delivery in underserved areas, especially for chronic diseases such as diabetes. The research employed a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews with quantitative analysis of clinic records. Telemedicine platforms significantly improved patient adherence to treatment regimens, particularly among rural patients who face transportation barriers. Despite initial teething issues, telemedicine has shown promise in enhancing diabetic care quality and accessibility in urban settings. Urban health policymakers should incentivize the adoption of telemedicine by providing training for healthcare providers and subsidizing equipment costs.
Urban Agricultural Land Use Policies in Addis Ababa
Urban agricultural land use policies in Addis Ababa have been implemented to address food security challenges, particularly amidst rapid urbanization and population growth. Policies were analysed using qualitative data from government documents, interviews with stakeholders, and secondary data from agricultural surveys conducted in Addis Ababa between and . Urban agricultural plots increased by 30% during the study period, contributing to a significant reduction in food imports and enhancing local supply chains. The policies have had a positive impact on improving food security, though challenges remain in terms of sustainable land use management. Further research is recommended to explore long-term sustainability and policy effectiveness over multiple years.
Copyright (c) 2001 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Youth Identity and Political Participation in Urban Ethiopia
Youth in urban Ethiopia face significant challenges related to identity formation and political engagement. Qualitative interviews were conducted with young people aged 18-35 from various urban centers across Ethiopia. Youth in urban Ethiopia exhibit varied but often intersecting identities based on ethnicity, religion, and socioeconomic status, which shape their political participation levels. Identity diversity within youth groups contributes to a nuanced understanding of their political engagement patterns. Further research should examine the intersectional impacts of identity on urban youth's political behaviour in Ethiopia. Youth Identity, Political Participation, Urban Ethiopia, African Studies
Climate-Smart Agriculture Adoption Among Southern Tanzanian Smallholder Farmers
Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) techniques are increasingly recognised as essential for enhancing agricultural productivity in response to climate variability and change. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining quantitative data from agricultural surveys with qualitative insights from focus group discussions and interviews. Farmers demonstrated significant interest in adopting CSA techniques, particularly in water management practices such as the introduction of moisture-retaining mulches (35% increase). The findings suggest that while initial uptake was high, sustained support is needed to ensure long-term adoption and impact. Investment in education and training programmes for farmers should be prioritised alongside infrastructure development for CSA practices.
Copyright (c) 2000 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/