JA-Department of Community Development

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Open Access
African Democratic Education Revisited
(Palgrave Macmillan, 2018) Chiroma, Jane Adhiambo
Open Access
Agricultural Biotechnology in Sub-Saharan Africa
(Springer Nature Switzerland AG, 2022) Kiambi, Dionysious; Midega, Charles; Ochieng, Joel W.; ; Rege, John Edward Otieno; Sones, Keith
Agriculture supports the livelihoods of most households in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and makes significant contribution to national economies, especially in countries that are not dependent on mineral wealth. The region is home to more than 950 million people and is projected to reach 2.1 billion by 2050. Although agriculture accounts for about 23% of the region’s total gross domestic product, the full potential of the agriculture sector in SSA is yet to be exploited. Food insecurity on the continent has been increasing since 2014: in 2019, 250 million people in SSA were undernourished, and the coronavirus pandemic has likely pushed tens of millions more into food insecurity. Climate change will exacerbate existing threats to food security and agriculture-based livelihoods. Africa’s 33 million smallholder farmers depend on rainfed agriculture and are especially vulnerable to impacts of climate change. Unlike other regions of the world, where yields have increased substantially over recent decades, yields have stagnated in SSA. The African Union’s target of 6% annual agricultural productivity growth will require substantial policy support and investment in agricultural technologies, including biotechnology. With the exception of South Africa, most SSA countries continue to question whether agricultural biotechnology is a good investment.
Open Access
Civil Society and Development: Involving Stakeholders to Enhance Financial Sustainability of Public Benefit Organisations in Informal Settlement in Kenya
(International Journal of Science and Research, 2017-06-01) Okatta, Timothy Osiru; Muhingi, Wilkins Ndege; Odero, Vitalis Okoth; Mutavi, Teresia Ndilu; Obondo, Anne; Namulanda, Victor; Ondiek, Dennis
This explored the influence of stakeholder involvement in achieving financial sustainability of PBOs in Nairobi informal settlement in Kenya. It was concurrent mixed methods approach study that employed a descriptive design and was carried out between January and August 2015. The study targeted various stakeholders who were randomly and purposively sampled constituting a sample size of 304. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse quantitative while qualitative data was analysed using content analysis in themes. The findings showed that 56.1% of the beneficiaries were not involved while 43.9% were involved. In addition 70.1% of the beneficiaries were involved in resource mobilization while 29.9% were not involved, 55.7% of staff were not involved in resource mobilization while 44.3% were involved. There was no statistically significant association between involvement of stakeholders in program and ways of involvement in resource mobilization (χ (4) = 4.186, p = .381). It was concluded that PBOs were not adequately engaging stakeholders in program adequately. The study recommended that PBOs should ensure they involve stakeholders to enhance commitment and ownership of the PBO programs and financial sustainability.
Open Access
The Consequences of Taking Advantage of a Brothers' Misfortune
(Langham Publisher, 2020-01-01) Thuo, Peter Kamande
Open Access
CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION FOR YOUTH-LED FOOD SYSTEM TRANSFORMATION IN AFRICA
(Journal of Innovation, Creativity and Art, 2024-01-30) Rogito, Jeremiah
This paper examines the pivotal role of youth in transforming Africa's agri-food systems through creativity and innovation. With over 60% of its population under 25, Africa's youth are instrumental in driving agricultural advancement and achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). The paper discusses the challenges facing African agriculture, such as limited resource access and low technological adoption, and how young Africans are countering these through innovative solutions like climate-smart agriculture, artificial intelligence, and blockchain technology. These technologies not only improve productivity and sustainability but are also vital in adapting to and mitigating the impacts of climate change. The paper highlights the importance of agritech startups in creating employment opportunities and enhancing supply chain efficiency. It emphasizes the need for supportive policy frameworks, including access to finance, educational integration of modern agricultural technologies, and establishment of agritech incubation centers. The transformative potential of these youth-led initiatives is significant for both food security and economic growth, marking a substantial shift towards a more resilient and prosperous African agriculture sector.
Open Access
Cultural Constraints Facing Table Banking Among Rural Women in Emurua Dikirr Sub-County, Narok County, Kenya
(The International Journal of Humanities & Social Studies, 2019-09-01) Seurei, Joan Jelimo; Mavole, Johnson Nzau; Muhingi, Wilkins Ndege; Okuku, Michael Tedd
Despite being majority of the population globally and in the workforce, only a small per cent of women are considered wealthy. There have been milestones accomplished towards women economic empowerment, but women especially in the developing world still face a myriad of challenges especially in matters of financial inclusion. This study sought to examine the cultural constraints faced by women practicing table banking in Emurua Dikirr Sub-County, Narok County. The study focused on Emurua Dikirr, Narok County because of significantly high poverty levels in the community and the existence of deeply rooted cultural norms that are mostly biased against women and their economic empowerment. The study adopted concurrent mixed methods approach using both phenomenological (descriptive) and survey research designs. The study targeted a population of 1646 people, including women practicing table banking, staff from the social services department and JOYWO field officers. A sample size of 169 was drawn using purposive, snow ball and cluster sampling techniques. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Data was then presented using percentages, pie charts, tables and graphs. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis where transcripts helped generate and present narratives. The study found out that 80% of the women in table banking are affected by cultural attitudes and beliefs. Majority of the women did not own any property or wealth. Land and other assets were solely under the custody of their husbands and male relatives. Others admitted to men controlling their loans and diverting them from the intended purpose. Additionally, the study revealed that income generation was an activity reserved for men in the family, thus women were not included in any financial conversations of the family thereby excluding them from meaningful participation in any business. The study concluded that women in Emurua Dikirr face a myriad of cultural attitudes that negatively affect their performance in table banking and generally their personal lives. The study recommended that men should be sensitized and educated on the important role women play in economic growth of a community and a nation, thus the need for them to play a part in household income generation. The study also recommended that national policies should be strictly enforced to ensure that women are not denied any right to property or wealth. Women should be allowed to own land and property in their name without necessarily the consent of a male figure-head.
Open Access
Digital Cash Payment and Accessibility of Inua Jamii Cash Transfer Program in Matungulu Sub-County, Machakos County, Kenya
(The International Journal of Social and Development Concerns, 2020-11-01) Muhingi, Wilkins Ndege; Mavole, Johnson Nzau; Odera, Beatrice Akoth
This study examined digital functionality of Inua Jamii cash transfer dynamics in Matungulu Sub-county in Machakos County, Kenya. A concurrent mixed method was utilized, particularly descriptive survey and an exploratory research designs were used. Study respondents included Inua Jamii cash transfer program beneficiaries and service providers. Sample size of 365 was calculated from the Slovin’s formula (n = N / [1 + N (e)2]). Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis and presented through verbatim. From the findings, it emerged that there weren’t adequate pay points in respondents’ area. This was indicated by 57.8% (193) of the respondents. Most of the respondents had to commute for a distance between 1 Km and 6Km before they could get to their preferred pay point. Majority of the respondents felt secure transacting through the digital modes of transfer as opposed to the conventional cash payment. It emerged from the study that cases of hijacking had reduced as a result of digitalization of cash transfer. In digital withdrawal, it was either the beneficiaries or someone they have entrusted with their password who could withdraw their monthly cash transfer funds from their accounts. From the findings, 72.3% (243) of the respondents involved in the study affirmed that their information was safe with the banks. This study concluded that digital cash transfer payment mode had greatly influenced the Inua Jamii cash transfer program with a majority of service users appreciating the technology which to a great extent had reduced some of the security risks experienced and time spent on withdrawal of the program funds. The study recommended the government to increase the amount of monthly cash given to the beneficiaries of CTP.
Open Access
Digital Literacy and Online Child Abuse among Primary School Children in Langata Sub-county, Nairobi City County in Kenya
(International and Multidisciplinary Journal of Social Sciences, 2021-07-30) Muhingi, Wilkins Ndege; Mavole, Johnson Nzau; Nzau, Mumo
Kenya introduced Digischool to public primary schools to prepare children for today's digital world attracting a cyber-threat landscape. Utilising a descriptive crosssectional design within a concurrent mixed approach, the study examined the relationship between digital literacy intervention and online child abuse among primary school children in Langata sub-county. Targeted, were children between 9 and 17 years from private and public primary schools, teachers, parents and policy makers, and child protection officers. Godden¶s formula informed purposive and random sampling of 384 respondents, plus a 10% (423) respondents for Key Informant interviews and focused discussions. Quantitative and qualitative data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics and content analysis with the help of SPSS version 22 and Nvivo version 12 respectively. The study revealed stakeholders intervened in online child abuse at various levels using several strategies. The study revealed a significant relationship between the type of school and exposure online. Since the p-value (0.000) was less than alpha (0.05) and we conclude there was a significant relationship between the type of school and exposure to online child abuse. There is a need for systems thinking and a concerted multi-sectoral approach to the improvement of digital literacy hence protecting children online.
Open Access
The Emerging Social Work techniques in Youth Empowerment programs: A case Study of Youth Empowerment Organizations in Nairobi County.
(International Journal of Scientific Research and Management, 2018-02-02) Otieno, Edwine Jeremiah; Okatta, Timothy Osiru; Ndege, Wilkins Muhingi; Mutavi, Teresia; Okuku, Michael Tedd; Odero, Vitalis Okoth; Mwendwa, David Kimaili
Traditional techniques used in social work have become obsolete and ineffective in meeting the contemporary needs of the dynamic population. This has led to the development of new social work techniques that seek to achieve social transformation among the youth. These innovations which are being implemented by youth empowerment organizations are important not only to the social workers that utilize them and their clients but also for the upcoming professionals and institutions that provide services to the youth. The overall objective of this paper is to unravel the emerging innovative social work techniques applied by youth empowerment organizations that seek to achieve social transformation among the youth. This study is grounded on diffusion of innovation model and linear models of innovation. This study reviewed different articles related to social work techniques, social work methods, social work intervention books, youth empowerment programs, social innovations, and existing local and international literature using different material from related fields to get rich information. The reviewed literature revealed that there were new social work techniques that have emerged to address the needs of the contemporary and dynamic urban youth population. These innovations have neither been documented nor shared with other organizations and social work practitioners. Social workers also face challenges in developing new techniques and these contributes to poor outcomes with the concurrent diversity of the social problems. This study recommends documentation of emerging social work interventions in youth empowerment and development programs, sharing of information and utilization on the new techniques and methodologies among social workers working with the youth. Social workers need to be trained on how to utilize social research to enhance their capacity in technique development, and organizing regular seminars and workshops where social workers can share and learn more about the new and emerging social work interventions.
Open Access
Evaluation Capacity Building and Improvement of Monitoring and Evaluation practice among NonGovernmental Organizations in Central Eastern Counties of Kenya
(European scientific Journal, 2019-03-01) Kithinji, Cavens
Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) in projects management is an expensive but critical process that needs careful implementation because of its role in providing information necessary for decision making, planning, and policy formulation. This importance has occasioned the need to look into the quality of M&E process and a lot of effort has been put into building capacity of M&E stakeholders in projects and programs. The goal of this study was to establish evaluation capacity building (ECB) efforts and the influence of the same on general M&E practice among non-governmental organization in central eastern counties of Kenya. The study was guided by pragmatism paradigm to conduct a descriptive survey. Stratified random sampling was used to obtain the sample studied. A structured questionnaire with Likert-type questions, anchored on a five-point scale was used to collect primary data which was triangulated using data from interviews. The findings were that organisations in the region are doing a number of unstructured activities to build evaluation capacity which are done in varying degrees, these activities had influence on M&E practice. The study recommends organizations to invest in ECB activities especially those that build capacity in M&E professional development and building M&E support structures because these were perceived to contribute more to improved M&E practice. However they need to be systematized and balanced in addressing the M&E capacity need. Organizations needs to put more resources into. There is also a need to establish and test an ECB model that would be used in a simple in the region.
Open Access
Evaluation of genetic diversity of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) landraces from West Africa using microsatellite markers
(African Journal of Biotechnology, 2018-11-14) Onsarigo, Mary N; Kiambi, Dionysious K
Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) is an important staple food crop, especially in arid and semi-arid regions of West Africa. However, the genetic diversity of pearl millet in these regions is poorly understood, and yet it is useful in identification of landmarks for in situ germplasm conservation and breeding programs, particularly in establishment of heterotic groups. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the patterns of genetic diversity and relationships among 30 West African pearl millet accessions, using 21 microsatellite markers. Population structure and population genetic diversity were also assessed. Genotypic data was generated using the ABI Prism 3730 and alleles were called and sized using GeneMapper software version 3.7. Molecular data was analyzed using DARwin 4.0, PowerMarker 3.0 and Arlequin version 3.11. The average marker quality index was 0.29 while the total number of alleles detected was 171 with an average of 8 alleles per locus. The average polymorphic information content (PIC) was 0.64. The average Nei’s genetic diversity and heterozygosity were 0.533 and 0.433, respectively. Hierarchical partitioning of genetic variation by analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) demonstrated that genetic differentiation was low but significant at p<0.003 with a fixation index (Fst) of 0.154. Of the total genetic diversity, 5.8, 9.5 and 84.6% were attributed to country differences, population differences within the countries and differences within populations, respectively. Cluster and principal coordinate analysis of the 30 populations revealed two distinct pearl millet accessions while the 49 individuals revealed four clusters, all on the basis of geographic origins and genotypes. This study demonstrates the utility of simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers in detecting polymorphism, estimating genetic diversity and assigning heterotic groups in a highly cross pollinated species such as pearl millet.
Open Access
An Examination of Factors Determining Access to Free Primary Education in Mitaboni Zone Kathiani Division, Machakos District, Kenya
(International Journal of Education and Research, 2016-01-01) Nzinga, Edward K.
With the re-introduction of the Free Primary Education (FPE) by the Kenyan Government in January 2003, it was expected that all children of Primary school going age would be enrolled in school. But, after the re-introduction of FPE there are still an estimated 2 million children and youth who remain out of school. This raises concern. The purpose of the study was to examine the factors determining access to FPE in Mitaboni zone, Kathiani division, Machakos district, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to: find out the factors determining access to FPE; investigate on the effect of factors on FPE and to establish the cause of action to be taken. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The Production Function Theory was used in the study. The units of analysis were the Primary schools. Data was analyzed using descriptive techniques and zero order correlation analysis. The findings of the study showed that the factors determining access in FPE in Mitaboni zone were: school financial obligations, poverty and malnutrition, cultural factors overcrowded classes, pregnancies, early marriages and child labour demands. It was discovered that the multiple correlation, between the independent variables and the FPE was 0.999 and the coefficient of multiple determination, R2, was 0.997.Conclusions drawn from the study showed that FPE in Mitaboni zone is yet to be realized. It was recommended that the Government should provide relevant curriculum, physical facilities and bear all the costs of Primary education, double streaming of schools and punishing of Parents who do not take their children to school. There is a corresponding need for more research in this area in other zones and similar comparative study between urban and rural zones.
Open Access
Farmers’ Dairy Practices as a Constraint Facing Small-Scale Dairy Farmers in Cheborge in Kericho County, Kenya
(INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES & SOCIAL STUDIES, 2018-10-01) Kirui, Janet Chelangat; Owuor, Bethwel; Muhingi, Wilkins Ndege
Achieving food security is part of the agenda of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In Kenya, agriculture is the mainsource of livelihood particularly dairy farming among other agricultural practices. However, farming is a bit constrained by a number of factors leading to low milk production. This study was an enquiry into the socio-economic constraints facing small scale dairy farmers in Cheborge, Kericho County in Kenya. The study was guided by the sustainable livelihood framework. The study was dominantly qualitative and adopted a descriptive research design. A sample size of 109 farmers, representing 20% of the 545 households was selected using stratified sampling. Another ten key respondents were selected through purposive sampling, bringing the total number of respondents to 119. Data was collected through questionnaires and focused group discussion schedules. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics while qualitative data was analysed using content analysis. The study revealed that educated farmers have more productive farms which were attributed to their ability to adopt new agricultural technology. The study also found out that farming practices affect milk production to the extent that those who practice zero grazing produce more milk than those who practice open grazing. The study further revealed that access to loans had an effect in dairy production because those who had access invested in more superior dairy cows and implements like chaff cutters. It was therefore recommended that both illiterate and semi-illiterate farmers need to be engaged in informal dairy farming education forums by the local Dairy Boards. It was also recommended that farmers embrace modern farming methods for maximum production. Membership in a cooperative society was more beneficial to famers than nonmembership. There is need for value addition on milk before it is sold to milk the milk processors. In this way, the farmers will get more value for their produce. It was further recommended that farmers join ROSCAS/SACCOS from where they could save and borrow money because majority of them could not access the traditional bank loans due to lack of collateral among other requirements. The study recommended that further studies be carried out to establish other possible causes of low milk production and to also investigate on the failure rate of Artificial Insemination technology.
Open Access
Gender Mainstreaming Strategies and Women Political Participation in Kibwezi East Constituency of Makueni County in Kenya
(International Journal of Humanities & Social Studies, 2019-09-01) Mutinda, Daniel Kyalo; Ndung’u, Anne Ng’endo; Muhingi, Wilkins Ndege
The study was carried out in Kibwezi East Constituency of Makueni County based on the following objectives; to examine awareness of existing gender mainstreaming legislations on women political participation, to assess the influence of formal education on women political participation and to establish the relationship between economic empowerment and women political participation in Kibwezi East Constituency. The study was underpinned by Marxist Feminist Theoryand Butler Gender Relations Theory. The target population for the study included women aged 18 years and above from Masongaleni County Assembly Ward, randomly selected from the Constituency. A correlational research design was adopted to execute the study. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 100 respondents. Yamane sample calculation (Israel, 1992) was used to determine the sample size. The study used closed and open ended questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) Version 20.0. The data was summarized through correlational analysis; frequencies, means, percentages, and some inferential statistics. Correlation and regression analysis was undertaken to analyze the relationship between the independent and dependent variables. Sixty three percent (63%) of the respondents exhibited awareness of some form of gender mainstreaming policies. Respondents agreed that, education increases women participation in politics with a mean of 2.52. Financial wellbeing doesn’t increase women participation in political discussions and debates and women with high income are not likely to attend political meetings with a mean of 2.43 and 2.23 respectively. From the analysis it emerged that equality of access to and attainment of educational qualifications is necessary if more women are to become agents of change. Education of women contributes to gender equality in the areas of political economy. The findings revealed that formal education was a significant predictor of women political participation. This implied that women with higher education are most likely to participate in politics. Further the study showed that there was no significant relation between economic empowerment and political participation. This implied that, increase in economic status did not necessarily lead to the likelihood of political participation. The study concluded that more awareness of gender mainstreaming legislation gender equality in terms of women's economic empowerment did not necessarily lead to women political participation. We concluded also that economic empowerment of women did not necessarily lead to the enhancement of political participation of women. The researchers recommend the need for increased awareness to boost women's empowerment. Motivation for women to get educated as it builds confidence for women to participate in politics. Finally, strict adherence and implementation of the 2010 Kenyan constitution since it is gender-responsive.
Open Access
Genetic diversity among Ethiopian sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] gene bank accessions as revealed by SSR markers
(African Journal of Biotechnology, 2020-02) Tirfessa, Alemu; Tesso, Tesfaye; Adugna3, Asfaw; Mohammed, Hussein; Kiambi, Dan
The presence of genetic variation in plant populations is useful for conservation and use in breeding programs. This study was conducted to estimate the extent and patterns of genetic diversity among 200 sorghum accessions collected from different parts of Ethiopia and preserved in a gene bank. Using 39 polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, which were previously mapped, 261 alleles were produced with mean 6.7 alleles per SSR. Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) and Dice’s similarity coefficient values ranged from 0.06 to 0.81 and from 0.062 to 0.96, respectively. Hierarchical clustering using UPGMA analysis revealed three major clusters with no clear distinction among geographical origins. Moreover, analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that the majority of the variation (99.62%) observed was attributed to differences among accessions and only a small fraction of the total variation (0.38%) was related to regions of original collection, which may indicate that geographical origin is not a useful guide to follow for germplasm collection. Rather, agro-ecological classifications may be better for collection mission. Furthermore, crossing of accessions from the three distant clusters could result in promising genotypes for use as varieties or parents for the future breeding programs.
Open Access
Influence of Community Participation in Water Resource Management in Luanda K’otieno Beach in Rarieda Sub County, Siaya County Kenya
(The International Journal of Social and Development Concerns, 2019-10-01) Oguta, Costa Juma; Kavulya, Joseph; Muhingi, Wilkins Ndege
There is concern over the future of the world’s water resources due to rapid growth of human population and human activities such as deforestation, pollution which has led to water being scarce. This has made water resource management to become a topic which need to be discussed. In order to ensure Water resource management is sustained then integration across sectors is required and to place the emphasis on the community participation. The objective of the study was to examine the influence of community participation in managing the water resource of Luanda K’Otieno Beach, Kenya. The study adopted descriptive research design and data collection involved administration of questionnaires to respondents. Results from the study indicated that majority of the community members in Luanda K’Otieno beach were not involved in water resource management however majority of the community members were willing to participate in water resource management because there was great desire among community members to have reliable access to clean and safe water. The study concluded that there was generally low community participation in water resource management of Luanda K’Otieno beach. This was largely due to perceived dysfunctional beach management committee that was not doing its coordination role effectively and low levels of awareness on the importance of water resource management. The study recommended that there should be deliberate efforts by the County Government of Siaya through the department of fisheries to streamline the management of Luanda K’Otieno beach to address challenges with leadership and management challenges. In addition the beach management unit should mobilize and sensitize the community members around the beach on the importance of conservation of the water resources and why it is important that the such conservation efforts incorporates all members of the community.
Open Access
Joint Venture Financing and Development Of Housing Construction Projects in Kilimani Ward, Nairobi County
(The International Journal of Social and Development Concerns, 2019-10-01) Wangora, Michael; Mavole, Johnson; Muhingi, Wilkins
Exponential growth of the urban areas has been brought about by the migration of people flocking into cities in search of better economic opportunities, better healthcare and the promise of a better life. This rapid urbanization has brought pressure on the delivery of affordable housing which is reliant on the various models of housing finance. Mortgage financing and commercial bank institutions have been on the forefront in the provision of financial services to developers for various types of housing developments. However, the housing construction development in Nairobi has been challenged by bureaucratic red tape on the provision of funds by these commercial banking institutions. Delayed disbursement of funds for housing construction due to very stringent conditions based on macro-economic, risk, stakeholder competence and regulatory variables has become a norm and outcome. Joint venture financing is thus becoming a feasible housing finance alternative This study sought to examine the relationship between; the macro-economic factors, risk perceptions, project team competence, legal and regulatory framework, that directly and indirectly influence the adoption of the joint venture financing option towards the development of housing. The research design used in this study was survey research design. Stratified random sampling was used to select the sample size to ensure representativeness. The population size for this study was 1516 stakeholders. Data was collected from 73 respondents from the Kilimani ward using an online based questionnaire. Only 58 respondents provided feedback to the questionnaires. Secondary data was obtained from academic papers, journals and published reports from government agencies. The result was presented using charts, frequencies and percentages. The study recommends that the government enhances the formulation and implementation of feasible and sustainable frameworks; economic, fiscal and land policies that will be all inclusive to the stakeholders of the housing and construction sector. Capacity building by, establishment of training and knowledge centers which will address the generic joint venture issues. The issues include; standardization of joint ventures contracts, determination of ownership structures, control elements of the joint venture, risks mitigation approaches from operational, technical and strategic points, and knowledge sharing of the current building technologies that are more efficient, less costly and faster to build. We can also bring in the industry best practices on what requirements are required when tapping the various competencies of the various team members to ensure that the entire fit is working in synergy.
Open Access
Mainstreaming corporate social responsibility for environmental and social development in Kenya
(PAC University journal of arts and social sciences, 2016-01-01) Nyaga, Rahab N.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been viewed as businesses giving back to society and companies managing their processes and conducting business in a way that will not harm society or the environment. Mainstreaming CSR for environmental and social development means that companies integrate environmental and social concerns in their business operations and in their interactions with stakeholders on a voluntary basis. In Kenya, CSR is a relatively recent phenomenon and many organisations are yet to figure out how to incorporate it in business. The literature reviewed in this paper is on CSR and how it can be mainstreamed for both environmental and social development. The theory that informs this study is the systems theory, which brings out interdependence and interconnectedness, both of which indicate that taking care of environmental and social development is vital for business success. This was a descriptive study that utilised questionnaires and in-depth interviews to collect data. The findings established that CSR is the key vehicle that organisations use to address social and environmental concerns. There is however need for awareness and training to ensure that CSR is mainstreamed and that funds address key concerns in society.
Open Access
Methodological Limitations on the Implementation of Adult Basic Education Curriculum in Kenya
(Scholars Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, 2017-10-01) Nzinga, Edward
The objective of this paper is to explore methodological constraints affecting curriculum implementation of adult basic and literacy education in Kenya. The study used descriptive survey research design and was based on the conceptual framework embracing four main theories namely: - Adult learning theory, Mezirow‘s Theory of Perspective Transformation, Systems Theory and Reference Group Theory. The units of analysis were 424 Adult Education Learning Centres. The study population was 181 Adult Literacy teachers. The targeted populations were 54 teachers.. The researcher used both Stratified and saturated random sampling to pick out a corresponding sample. The instruments of data collection were questionnaires, interviews and document analysis. Reliability of the instruments was addressed through piloting in one adult education centre and reliability co-efficient of 0 .745 which indicated that the instruments were reliable were obtained by subjecting the instruments to a Split-half Technique and Spearman ―Brown Prophesy Formula‖. Two experts were used to validate the instruments. Data was analysed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The findings of the study were: almost all of the adult education teachers had no understanding of the specific adult education teaching methods of Andragogy, Geragogy/Eldergogy and Metagogy. They therefore majored on the use of pedagogy similar to that used in primary and secondary school and this definitely had adverse effects on the overall and implementation of the Curriculum.
Open Access
Molecular Diversity among Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) Landraces in Uganda
(International Journal of Botany, 2012) Mbeyagala, Emmanuel K; Kiambi, Dan D; Okori, Patrick; Edema, Richard
The variability in sorghum germplasm is an invaluable input for sustaining and improving sorghum productivity. A wide range of variability in phenotypic traits exists among landraces in Uganda. However, the diversity of the germplasm at the molecular level is not described and therefore not known which hinders its use in modern plant improvement programs. This study was therefore undertaken to classify 241 sorghum accessions collected from different agro-ecological regions based on genetic distances estimated using 21 Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers. The SSR primers were highly polymorphic with average Polymorphic Information Content (PIC) of 0.65 ranging from 0.09-0.89. A total of 205 alleles (9.8 alleles per locus) as well as a number of rare alleles were observed across all the accessions and this provides an opportunity for generation of a comprehensive fin' gerprint database. Gene diversity ranged from 0.09-0.90 with an average of 0.68. The average heterozygosity detected was 0.18 ranging from 0.00-92%. Analysis of molecular variation showed that variation was higher within races and agro-ecologies than among races and agro-ecological zones, respectively and this indicated the significance of gene flow. Cluster analysis delineated the accessions into to two distinct clusters each with seven sub-clusters main' ly according to agro-ecological zone. Clusters IA and IB had the most distill' ct accessions and these could be utilized in. pre-breeding programmes aimed at overcoming yield barriers. The results confirm the ability of SSR markers to discern variability and also serve as guide for germplasm collection and conservation strategies.