Franciscah Muindi, Harrison M. K. Maithya, Kennedy W Barasa
Older Persons Cash Transfer (OPCT) was introduced in Kenya in 2006 to provide financial assistance to the elderly people in the country. National budget allocation for the programme as well as enrollment of new beneficiaries have consistently increased over the years but vulnerability among the elderly population still remain high. The study area is located in an arid and semi-arid region, in Kitui County, Kenya that is characterized by limited income generations activities and low food production due to unpredictable weather. The aim of this study was to assess the socio-economic impacts of Older Persons Cash Transfer (OPCT) on the beneficiaries living in Mulundi sub-Location, Kitui County, Kenya. This study adopted a cross-sectional mixed methods approach to investigate the impacts of OPCT using both quantitative and qualitative data. A census survey was applied to undertake household study for all the 113 registered OPCT beneficiaries in Mulundi sub-location. The study found that female beneficiaries were more (58%) than men (42%) where majority of female beneficiaries were widowed (53%) and 72% were in the age between 65 and 75 years old. Apart from the few elderly (21%) who had alternative sources of income, majority (79%) depended on OPCT as the main source of income for their upkeep. Most of beneficiaries used the cash to buy food (44%), and pay school fees for their dependants (30%) while others spent on health care (12%) and buying clothing (10%). Due to age limit 32% of the elderly rarely got involved in the community development activities compared to 25% who totally were never involved. Majority of the beneficiaries felt that the monthly stipend allocation to each beneficiary was not adequate to cater for most of their needs. In line with that opinion, majority of the beneficiaries (57%) were not satisfied with the programme. This study established several challenges hindering realization of socio-economic impacts of cash transfer in the study area which included; inadequate and irregular disbursement of grants, management challenges, lack of clear channel for the beneficiaries to express their grievances and complaints, increased cost of living, and lack of transparency in the programme. This study recommends that appropriate measures should be put to investigate on the challenges to enhance management so that socio-economic benefits of the programme can be achieved.
{"title":"Socio-Economic impacts and challenges of Old Person Cash Transfer in Mulundi Sub-Location in Kitui County, Kenya","authors":"Franciscah Muindi, Harrison M. K. Maithya, Kennedy W Barasa","doi":"10.35942/ijcab.v6i2.268","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.35942/ijcab.v6i2.268","url":null,"abstract":"Older Persons Cash Transfer (OPCT) was introduced in Kenya in 2006 to provide financial assistance to the elderly people in the country. National budget allocation for the programme as well as enrollment of new beneficiaries have consistently increased over the years but vulnerability among the elderly population still remain high. The study area is located in an arid and semi-arid region, in Kitui County, Kenya that is characterized by limited income generations activities and low food production due to unpredictable weather. The aim of this study was to assess the socio-economic impacts of Older Persons Cash Transfer (OPCT) on the beneficiaries living in Mulundi sub-Location, Kitui County, Kenya. This study adopted a cross-sectional mixed methods approach to investigate the impacts of OPCT using both quantitative and qualitative data. A census survey was applied to undertake household study for all the 113 registered OPCT beneficiaries in Mulundi sub-location. The study found that female beneficiaries were more (58%) than men (42%) where majority of female beneficiaries were widowed (53%) and 72% were in the age between 65 and 75 years old. Apart from the few elderly (21%) who had alternative sources of income, majority (79%) depended on OPCT as the main source of income for their upkeep. Most of beneficiaries used the cash to buy food (44%), and pay school fees for their dependants (30%) while others spent on health care (12%) and buying clothing (10%). Due to age limit 32% of the elderly rarely got involved in the community development activities compared to 25% who totally were never involved. Majority of the beneficiaries felt that the monthly stipend allocation to each beneficiary was not adequate to cater for most of their needs. In line with that opinion, majority of the beneficiaries (57%) were not satisfied with the programme. This study established several challenges hindering realization of socio-economic impacts of cash transfer in the study area which included; inadequate and irregular disbursement of grants, management challenges, lack of clear channel for the beneficiaries to express their grievances and complaints, increased cost of living, and lack of transparency in the programme. This study recommends that appropriate measures should be put to investigate on the challenges to enhance management so that socio-economic benefits of the programme can be achieved.","PeriodicalId":119984,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Current Aspects","volume":"35 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"132281253","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne disease which is highly transmissible from one person to another. The transmission occurs through airborne particles which are released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, spits, laughs or shouts. The re-emergence of tuberculosis has become a major problem in the world of public health. Estimates project that at least a third of the global human population has the tubercle bacillus where 9 million of these progress to active form of tuberculosis annually, and 2 million succumb to the disease in the same period. HIV prevalence in the African resulted in a sharp rise in TB cases incidence in 2003. The general objective of the research is to establish determinants of treatment interruption among pulmonary tuberculosis patients from various health facilities in Embu County, which the researcher the researcher found by studying the socio-demographic features, socio-economic and behavioral determinants of the patients and also assessing the health care issues that could be contributing to the treatment interruption of TB patients. The researcher used retrospective causal study design method to determine how the various independent variables (determinants) affect the dependent variable. The study used a two-stage sampling where each selected facility will be considered as a cluster. In the first stage, stratified random sampling was used, while in the second stage a systematic sampling method was used to select every nth record from the files in the selected health facilities from the first stage. Probability proportionate to size sampling was employed in the second stage to determine the number of records to be sampled in each health facility. The tool of choice in this study will be the questionnaire which will be subjected to validity and reliability tests before deployment. The data was collected, and analyzed using Epi info. The analysis included descriptive analysis for the variables in the dataset, followed by logistic regression to determine the odds ratio of each factor in its effect to the dependent variable (treatment interruption).
{"title":"Determinants of Treatment Interruption among Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in Select Health Facilities in Embu County, Kenya","authors":"M. Mwai, M. Matiangi, M. Keraka, E. Njuhigu","doi":"10.35942/ijcab.v6i2.269","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.35942/ijcab.v6i2.269","url":null,"abstract":"Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne disease which is highly transmissible from one person to another. The transmission occurs through airborne particles which are released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, spits, laughs or shouts. The re-emergence of tuberculosis has become a major problem in the world of public health. Estimates project that at least a third of the global human population has the tubercle bacillus where 9 million of these progress to active form of tuberculosis annually, and 2 million succumb to the disease in the same period. HIV prevalence in the African resulted in a sharp rise in TB cases incidence in 2003. The general objective of the research is to establish determinants of treatment interruption among pulmonary tuberculosis patients from various health facilities in Embu County, which the researcher the researcher found by studying the socio-demographic features, socio-economic and behavioral determinants of the patients and also assessing the health care issues that could be contributing to the treatment interruption of TB patients. The researcher used retrospective causal study design method to determine how the various independent variables (determinants) affect the dependent variable. The study used a two-stage sampling where each selected facility will be considered as a cluster. In the first stage, stratified random sampling was used, while in the second stage a systematic sampling method was used to select every nth record from the files in the selected health facilities from the first stage. Probability proportionate to size sampling was employed in the second stage to determine the number of records to be sampled in each health facility. The tool of choice in this study will be the questionnaire which will be subjected to validity and reliability tests before deployment. The data was collected, and analyzed using Epi info. The analysis included descriptive analysis for the variables in the dataset, followed by logistic regression to determine the odds ratio of each factor in its effect to the dependent variable (treatment interruption).","PeriodicalId":119984,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Current Aspects","volume":"5 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133264002","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Application of genetic engineering in agricultural production remains a controversial agenda in the international and national levels. The purpose of this study is to generate information on level of awareness and attitude of social and applied science lecturers towards Genetically Modified (GM) foods. The information will contribute to the national debate and decision-making processes regarding use of GM foods in Kenya. A total of 220 lecturers were randomly interviewed to a cross-sectional survey that was conducted by use of a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. The study was conducted at the University of Nairobi’s College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences (CAVS) and College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS). An association was established between the levels of knowledge and the scientific background of a college. A higher proportion (48.1%) of the lecturers had a positive attitude on application of genetic engineering to solve some of the agricultural production challenges but on the other hand, they were very skeptical to consume GM foods. It was found out that the level of knowledge influenced attitudes of lecturers. Those with low knowledge are more negative to application of genetic engineering, while the ones with more knowledge are less negative on application of this technology. The main concerns of GM foods are food safety, human and environmental health. Recommendations were the government should create awareness on the biosafety legal framework; extensive research on GMOs should be done to address concerns of food safety, human and environment health; similar studies should be done in other universities and to the public, research findings from the ongoing trials on GM crops should be shared with all stakeholders and people should be educated on the pros and cons of GMOs to be able to contribute to the GMOs debate and also make informed choices.
{"title":"Relationship between knowledge levels and attitude towards Genetically Modified foods among lecturers at College of Humanities and Social Sciences and College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences","authors":"Dorcas Wangechi Kamunya, Wambui Kogi","doi":"10.35942/ijcab.v6i2.266","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.35942/ijcab.v6i2.266","url":null,"abstract":"Application of genetic engineering in agricultural production remains a controversial agenda in the international and national levels. The purpose of this study is to generate information on level of awareness and attitude of social and applied science lecturers towards Genetically Modified (GM) foods. The information will contribute to the national debate and decision-making processes regarding use of GM foods in Kenya. A total of 220 lecturers were randomly interviewed to a cross-sectional survey that was conducted by use of a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. The study was conducted at the University of Nairobi’s College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences (CAVS) and College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHSS). An association was established between the levels of knowledge and the scientific background of a college. A higher proportion (48.1%) of the lecturers had a positive attitude on application of genetic engineering to solve some of the agricultural production challenges but on the other hand, they were very skeptical to consume GM foods. It was found out that the level of knowledge influenced attitudes of lecturers. Those with low knowledge are more negative to application of genetic engineering, while the ones with more knowledge are less negative on application of this technology. The main concerns of GM foods are food safety, human and environmental health. Recommendations were the government should create awareness on the biosafety legal framework; extensive research on GMOs should be done to address concerns of food safety, human and environment health; similar studies should be done in other universities and to the public, research findings from the ongoing trials on GM crops should be shared with all stakeholders and people should be educated on the pros and cons of GMOs to be able to contribute to the GMOs debate and also make informed choices.","PeriodicalId":119984,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Current Aspects","volume":"54 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133526108","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The focus of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the marketing strategies for information services in government ministry libraries in Nairobi County. Lack of awareness on the value of government ministry libraries has contributed to their underutilization. The aim of the study was to investigate the marketing strategies adopted and how effective they are in the delivery of quality information services. Specific objectives of the study included: - a) establishing which information services are offered in government ministry libraries, b) establishing the marketing strategies used by government ministry libraries, c) assessing the marketing strategies in use in government ministry libraries and how effective they are towards improving access and usage of government ministry libraries. The study has been based on the Ansoff’s growth matrix theory. A descriptive survey research design was used; the target population comprised 5 heads of library services from the 5 selected government ministry libraries and 169 library users drawn by random sampling. Two data collection instruments were used; interview guide for the librarians in charge of the selected libraries and questionnaires administered to library users. Data collection instruments were subjected to pretesting and reviewed accordingly to ensure validity and reliability. The study involved the collection of qualitative as well as quantitative data. Analysis of quantitative data has been done using descriptive statistics and presented in the form of tables, figures, charts and graphs. Qualitative data has been analyzed thematically and presented in a narrative form. Logistical, ethical and legal issues were observed and upheld by ensuring adequate sensitization of the participants and adequate resources including time for the data collection process. The study established that most government ministry libraries in Nairobi County offered a variety of information services. Various marketing strategies are used, with customer friendliness and social media being the predominant strategies. Conducive physical environment, social media and customer friendliness were rated the most effective however the effectiveness’ of the strategies adopted in aiding usage of government information is moderate. Marketing of government ministry libraries in Nairobi County is largely informal and unintentional with little value assigned to it. The study recommends that all stakeholders be sensitized on the value of marketing information services in government ministry libraries. This should be to ensure that it becomes a core mandate of government ministries towards delivering quality services leveraging on quality information services.
{"title":"Effectiveness of Marketing Strategies for Quality Information Services in Selected Government Ministry Libraries in Nairobi, Kenya","authors":"Valentine Odhiambo Oduor, Kamau Maina","doi":"10.35942/ijcab.v6i2.264","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.35942/ijcab.v6i2.264","url":null,"abstract":"The focus of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the marketing strategies for information services in government ministry libraries in Nairobi County. Lack of awareness on the value of government ministry libraries has contributed to their underutilization. The aim of the study was to investigate the marketing strategies adopted and how effective they are in the delivery of quality information services. Specific objectives of the study included: - a) establishing which information services are offered in government ministry libraries, b) establishing the marketing strategies used by government ministry libraries, c) assessing the marketing strategies in use in government ministry libraries and how effective they are towards improving access and usage of government ministry libraries. The study has been based on the Ansoff’s growth matrix theory. A descriptive survey research design was used; the target population comprised 5 heads of library services from the 5 selected government ministry libraries and 169 library users drawn by random sampling. Two data collection instruments were used; interview guide for the librarians in charge of the selected libraries and questionnaires administered to library users. Data collection instruments were subjected to pretesting and reviewed accordingly to ensure validity and reliability. The study involved the collection of qualitative as well as quantitative data. Analysis of quantitative data has been done using descriptive statistics and presented in the form of tables, figures, charts and graphs. Qualitative data has been analyzed thematically and presented in a narrative form. Logistical, ethical and legal issues were observed and upheld by ensuring adequate sensitization of the participants and adequate resources including time for the data collection process. The study established that most government ministry libraries in Nairobi County offered a variety of information services. Various marketing strategies are used, with customer friendliness and social media being the predominant strategies. Conducive physical environment, social media and customer friendliness were rated the most effective however the effectiveness’ of the strategies adopted in aiding usage of government information is moderate. Marketing of government ministry libraries in Nairobi County is largely informal and unintentional with little value assigned to it. The study recommends that all stakeholders be sensitized on the value of marketing information services in government ministry libraries. This should be to ensure that it becomes a core mandate of government ministries towards delivering quality services leveraging on quality information services.","PeriodicalId":119984,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Current Aspects","volume":"5 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114539457","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Persons living with disabilities numbers (PWDs) is growing globally (WHO, 2011). According to research conducted by Kenya National Survey for people with disabilities, indicate prevalence of disability as 4.6 percent. Visual, physical, hearing, and mental disabilities are the most common. In 2008,the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was enforced as disabled persons were experiencing discrimination in absorption to employment and promotion rates, remuneration and access to training, credit facilities and other resources and this led to their rare participation decision making in economic concerns. With the provision of a paradigm shift by UN Convention's, PWDs are now seen as persons capable of asserting their rights, making decisions based on free and informed consent, and participating fully in society. Disability mainstreaming issues have recently gained more attention around the world, with efforts to integrate people with disabilities critical to achieving the United Nations SDG and Kenya Vision 2030. Despite Kenya Government’s efforts in developing policies, constitution and regulations provisions in protecting persons living with disabilities, they still face problems associated with marginalization in Kenya. Many public institutions’ areas of service are not disable friendly facilities. The crux of this study therefore is to investigate strategies for implementation and mainstreaming of disability policies in public libraries. The study shall investigate existing government policies, management commitment, resource allocation, challenges experienced and possible solutions. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected using descriptive research design. The study was carried out at the Meru, Kisumu and Nakuru, Kenya National Library Services branches. Stratified and Purposive sampling was used in selecting respondents from different sections and departments. Questionnaires were used as data collection instruments, as well as document analysis and observation schedules. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used in analysis and graph generation.
{"title":"Strategies for Implementation of Disability Mainstreaming Policies in Public Libraries, in Reference to Kenya National Libraries, Meru, Kisumu and Nakuru Branches","authors":"D. Onchagwa, D. Wambiri","doi":"10.35942/ijcab.v6i1.254","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.35942/ijcab.v6i1.254","url":null,"abstract":"Persons living with disabilities numbers (PWDs) is growing globally (WHO, 2011). According to research conducted by Kenya National Survey for people with disabilities, indicate prevalence of disability as 4.6 percent. Visual, physical, hearing, and mental disabilities are the most common. In 2008,the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was enforced as disabled persons were experiencing discrimination in absorption to employment and promotion rates, remuneration and access to training, credit facilities and other resources and this led to their rare participation decision making in economic concerns. With the provision of a paradigm shift by UN Convention's, PWDs are now seen as persons capable of asserting their rights, making decisions based on free and informed consent, and participating fully in society. Disability mainstreaming issues have recently gained more attention around the world, with efforts to integrate people with disabilities critical to achieving the United Nations SDG and Kenya Vision 2030. Despite Kenya Government’s efforts in developing policies, constitution and regulations provisions in protecting persons living with disabilities, they still face problems associated with marginalization in Kenya. Many public institutions’ areas of service are not disable friendly facilities. The crux of this study therefore is to investigate strategies for implementation and mainstreaming of disability policies in public libraries. The study shall investigate existing government policies, management commitment, resource allocation, challenges experienced and possible solutions. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected using descriptive research design. The study was carried out at the Meru, Kisumu and Nakuru, Kenya National Library Services branches. Stratified and Purposive sampling was used in selecting respondents from different sections and departments. Questionnaires were used as data collection instruments, as well as document analysis and observation schedules. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data and the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used in analysis and graph generation.","PeriodicalId":119984,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Current Aspects","volume":"60 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-05-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"129157439","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Agriculture in Kenya has been one of the backbones of economic development in the country. Poultry farmers play a bigger role in contributing to this development. Poultry farmers utilize information for various reasons including; poultry disease management, protection, shelter, production, feeding and nutrition, hatching, marketing, breeds and breeding, and competition with crops. In Menengai West Location, Rongai Sub County, Nakuru, underutilization of agricultural information is seen as the possible cause of low productivity in poultry farming. The aim of this research was to evaluate the utilization of agricultural information by poultry farmers with a view of establishing challenges faced and proposing ways of improving production. The specific objectives of the study were; to find out the uses of agricultural information by poultry farmers; to identify factors influencing the use of certain agricultural information; to find out the awareness level of existing agricultural information by poultry farmers; to determine the effectiveness of agricultural information on poultry production and to establish the challenges faced by farmers in utilizing agricultural information. The study will benefit poultry farmers in Menengai West by enhancing utilization of agricultural information hence increasing productivity. The target population was 517 poultry farmers and the sample size for this research was 217 poultry farmers derived from the Saunder’s table of sampling. Two extension officers were also targeted. A pilot study was conducted in Njoro Sub County. The study was based on Eugene’s information society theory of 1979. Questionnaires and structured interviews were used for data collection. Television, radio and mobile phones were the commonly used sources of agricultural information in provision of poultry information. Inadequate agricultural extension officers and inadequate funds were major challenges faced by poultry farmers in utilization of agricultural information. The study concludes that there are gaps that exist in utilization of agricultural information. The researcher therefore recommended that the county government should employ more extension officers within Menengai West in order to reach out to poultry farmers, Agricultural resource centers should be set up by Nakuru County Government in rural areas to enable farmers in the location access agricultural information easily and within reach, establish partnership with agricultural institutions and county government to disseminate agricultural information and access veterinary services and the government need to improve mobile network connectivity in the area.
{"title":"Utilization of Agricultural Information by Poultry Farmers in Enhancing Productivity: The Case of Menengai West, Nakuru County, Kenya","authors":"Gerald Tanui, P. Wamae","doi":"10.35942/ijcab.v6i1.247","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.35942/ijcab.v6i1.247","url":null,"abstract":"Agriculture in Kenya has been one of the backbones of economic development in the country. Poultry farmers play a bigger role in contributing to this development. Poultry farmers utilize information for various reasons including; poultry disease management, protection, shelter, production, feeding and nutrition, hatching, marketing, breeds and breeding, and competition with crops. In Menengai West Location, Rongai Sub County, Nakuru, underutilization of agricultural information is seen as the possible cause of low productivity in poultry farming. The aim of this research was to evaluate the utilization of agricultural information by poultry farmers with a view of establishing challenges faced and proposing ways of improving production. The specific objectives of the study were; to find out the uses of agricultural information by poultry farmers; to identify factors influencing the use of certain agricultural information; to find out the awareness level of existing agricultural information by poultry farmers; to determine the effectiveness of agricultural information on poultry production and to establish the challenges faced by farmers in utilizing agricultural information. The study will benefit poultry farmers in Menengai West by enhancing utilization of agricultural information hence increasing productivity. The target population was 517 poultry farmers and the sample size for this research was 217 poultry farmers derived from the Saunder’s table of sampling. Two extension officers were also targeted. A pilot study was conducted in Njoro Sub County. The study was based on Eugene’s information society theory of 1979. Questionnaires and structured interviews were used for data collection. Television, radio and mobile phones were the commonly used sources of agricultural information in provision of poultry information. Inadequate agricultural extension officers and inadequate funds were major challenges faced by poultry farmers in utilization of agricultural information. The study concludes that there are gaps that exist in utilization of agricultural information. The researcher therefore recommended that the county government should employ more extension officers within Menengai West in order to reach out to poultry farmers, Agricultural resource centers should be set up by Nakuru County Government in rural areas to enable farmers in the location access agricultural information easily and within reach, establish partnership with agricultural institutions and county government to disseminate agricultural information and access veterinary services and the government need to improve mobile network connectivity in the area.","PeriodicalId":119984,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Current Aspects","volume":"35 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"132480354","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The increase in research output in the 21st century has led postgraduate students to adopt new ways of information searching and this has had a bearing in the way they perceive and use information resources both print and electronic formats. This has made it critical to establish their perceptions in order to ensure that university libraries invest only in those resources that have the potential to support post graduate research. The study therefore sought to determine perceptions of post graduate students (PGS) towards accessibility of print and electronic information resources (EIRs). The study reviewed current research study findings on perceptions under the four study themes. It was based on Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) advanced by Albert Bandura in1986. A descriptive research design was adopted. Independent variables constituted a comparison on the extent of use, accessibility, relevance and preference towards choice of format between print and EIRs. Dependent variable was use of print and EIRs. The target population was 3159 postgraduate students enrolled for Business Administration program in the School of Business (SOB) at the university of Nairobi (UoN). Convenience sampling which is a method of non-probability sampling was applied in the study to identify a representative sample size for PGs enrolled in the Business Administration progam in the SOB. Yamane Taro (1967) mathematical formula, a sample of 97 respondents was drawn. The questionnaire was the main data collection tool. Validity was ensured through conducting a pilot study at Technical University of Kenya (TUK) using a pilot data of 10 PGs. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient value greater than 0.7 was used to test reliability of the questionnaire. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically while Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics via Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 23 and presented through percentages, frequencies, pie charts, tables and graphs. Logistical and ethical considerations were strictly adhered to. The profound study findings were that majority of PGs across age highly used both information formats and that these formats will continue to coexist supplementing each other meaning that libraries cannot satisfy user needs without availing both formats in their collection as none is exclusive of the other. However, divergent views of a few alluded to the fact that technology will obliterate print resources thereby pointing to emergence of paperless libraries. The study recommended that university libraries continuously acquire both formats for PG studies. It also gave key suggestions for further research especially a study on students’ perceptions towards use of both information resources in this era of university education realignment where education reforms are taking centre stage to drive competencies.
{"title":"Perceptions of Postgraduate Students on Accessibility of Print and Electronic Information Resources at Mahatma Gandhi Library","authors":"Catherine Njeri Njoroge, Caroline Mutwiri","doi":"10.35942/ijcab.v6i1.246","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.35942/ijcab.v6i1.246","url":null,"abstract":"The increase in research output in the 21st century has led postgraduate students to adopt new ways of information searching and this has had a bearing in the way they perceive and use information resources both print and electronic formats. This has made it critical to establish their perceptions in order to ensure that university libraries invest only in those resources that have the potential to support post graduate research. The study therefore sought to determine perceptions of post graduate students (PGS) towards accessibility of print and electronic information resources (EIRs). The study reviewed current research study findings on perceptions under the four study themes. It was based on Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) advanced by Albert Bandura in1986. A descriptive research design was adopted. Independent variables constituted a comparison on the extent of use, accessibility, relevance and preference towards choice of format between print and EIRs. Dependent variable was use of print and EIRs. The target population was 3159 postgraduate students enrolled for Business Administration program in the School of Business (SOB) at the university of Nairobi (UoN). Convenience sampling which is a method of non-probability sampling was applied in the study to identify a representative sample size for PGs enrolled in the Business Administration progam in the SOB. Yamane Taro (1967) mathematical formula, a sample of 97 respondents was drawn. The questionnaire was the main data collection tool. Validity was ensured through conducting a pilot study at Technical University of Kenya (TUK) using a pilot data of 10 PGs. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient value greater than 0.7 was used to test reliability of the questionnaire. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically while Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics via Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 23 and presented through percentages, frequencies, pie charts, tables and graphs. Logistical and ethical considerations were strictly adhered to. The profound study findings were that majority of PGs across age highly used both information formats and that these formats will continue to coexist supplementing each other meaning that libraries cannot satisfy user needs without availing both formats in their collection as none is exclusive of the other. However, divergent views of a few alluded to the fact that technology will obliterate print resources thereby pointing to emergence of paperless libraries. The study recommended that university libraries continuously acquire both formats for PG studies. It also gave key suggestions for further research especially a study on students’ perceptions towards use of both information resources in this era of university education realignment where education reforms are taking centre stage to drive competencies.","PeriodicalId":119984,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Current Aspects","volume":"15 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-05-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131012818","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study looked at the economic empowerment of refugee women in the Ampain and Egyeikrom camps and how this influence household decision making. Specifically, the study was concerned with refugee women in camps who have been economically empowered and live in male-headed households. At the same time, these male heads have not been economically empowered and hence have no stable source of income. A case study design was used to conduct the study. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 104 refugee women. A semi-structured interview schedule was used to collect qualitative and quantitative data. Focus group discussion guide was used to gather data from spouses of selected refugee women. Data was analyzed and presented in descriptive statistics and verbatim quotations. The results revealed that refugee women have been economically empowered and are mostly the breadwinners in their households. However, economic empowerment has not been reflected in their contributions to household decision making. Refugee men continue to have autocratic powers in household decision making. On the other hand, refugee women are pleased to allow men to hold on to this role in exchange for the companionship and security they require as refugees in another country. Refugee men who are angered by their spouse’s new role as the breadwinner use their decision-making authority to bring these women into submission. The paper recommends that refugee women's economic empowerment include components that allow refugee men to be empowered alongside women. Additionally, refugee men should be sensitized on the benefit of the women’s economic empowerment to the family and the society, as well as the need for women to equally participate in household decision making to enrich the outcomes and as an issue for promoting women’s welfare and human right in the household.
{"title":"Economic Empowerment of Refugee Women in Ghana and its Influence on Household Decision Making","authors":"Monica Ofosu-Koranteng, P. Okemwa, R. Mwatha","doi":"10.35942/ijcab.v6i1.238","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.35942/ijcab.v6i1.238","url":null,"abstract":"This study looked at the economic empowerment of refugee women in the Ampain and Egyeikrom camps and how this influence household decision making. Specifically, the study was concerned with refugee women in camps who have been economically empowered and live in male-headed households. At the same time, these male heads have not been economically empowered and hence have no stable source of income. A case study design was used to conduct the study. A multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 104 refugee women. A semi-structured interview schedule was used to collect qualitative and quantitative data. Focus group discussion guide was used to gather data from spouses of selected refugee women. Data was analyzed and presented in descriptive statistics and verbatim quotations. The results revealed that refugee women have been economically empowered and are mostly the breadwinners in their households. However, economic empowerment has not been reflected in their contributions to household decision making. Refugee men continue to have autocratic powers in household decision making. On the other hand, refugee women are pleased to allow men to hold on to this role in exchange for the companionship and security they require as refugees in another country. Refugee men who are angered by their spouse’s new role as the breadwinner use their decision-making authority to bring these women into submission. The paper recommends that refugee women's economic empowerment include components that allow refugee men to be empowered alongside women. Additionally, refugee men should be sensitized on the benefit of the women’s economic empowerment to the family and the society, as well as the need for women to equally participate in household decision making to enrich the outcomes and as an issue for promoting women’s welfare and human right in the household. \u0000 ","PeriodicalId":119984,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Current Aspects","volume":"63 4 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125940569","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Kenya has seen several developments in its schooling and educational system since gaining its independence in 1963. Right from independence, the Ominde Commission (Ominde 1964) sought to reform the educational System, from one that was racially stratified to a more uniform one. Then came the 7-4-2-3 System that had 7 years of primary school, 4 and 2 years of lower and upper secondary and 3 years of university. Thereafter, following another assessment and subsequent recommendations of the Mackay Report in 1982 (Mackay 1982), the 8-4-4 System was introduced in 1985. It extended the life of primary school to 8 years, 4 secondary, and 4 university years. This System has been in place until the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) succeeded. The 8-4-4 System has its final cohorts going through the final assessments of primary school. Kenya has shifted the curriculum landscape within the contemporary education system by implementing the Competency-Based Learning Curriculum (CBC). The competency-based learning curriculum is a system of instruction that focuses on both the skills, reporting assessment, and instruction intended to enhance skill capabilities. The curriculum promotes individual wholesome wellbeing and the acquisition of skills that will enhance competency both in professional and real-life application. The design, roll-out, preparation, and implementation of the CBC, just like its predecessors, have not been without challenge and criticism. There has been passionate debate on its efficacy, currency, and relevance in the development of learners in today's modern society. This paper seeks to sift the chaff. The paper will by way of study, assess the place of strategic management practices in the wholesome running of educational systems and curricula, with a critical focus on how these practices have contributed to any hits or misses in implementing the CBC curriculum in Kenya. The study data was collected from collected emanated from education stakeholders such as teachers, heads of schools, and other educators and a survey of select public and private primary schools in Kenya. The highlighted challenges; infrastructural, teacher-learner ratio, process delivery challenges, and human resource, are crucial in determining whether the implementation of the CBC has and will be successful. They will be essential in forming both statutes and regulations that will streamline the competency-based curriculum to ensure that children accessing education at the lower levels obtain skills that will be practical in the professional world and the advancement of their careers.
{"title":"Innovation and Strategic Management Practices in the Implementation of Competency-Based Curriculum in Kenya","authors":"Moses Mpisili","doi":"10.35942/ijcab.v6i1.241","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.35942/ijcab.v6i1.241","url":null,"abstract":"Kenya has seen several developments in its schooling and educational system since gaining its independence in 1963. Right from independence, the Ominde Commission (Ominde 1964) sought to reform the educational System, from one that was racially stratified to a more uniform one. Then came the 7-4-2-3 System that had 7 years of primary school, 4 and 2 years of lower and upper secondary and 3 years of university. Thereafter, following another assessment and subsequent recommendations of the Mackay Report in 1982 (Mackay 1982), the 8-4-4 System was introduced in 1985. It extended the life of primary school to 8 years, 4 secondary, and 4 university years. This System has been in place until the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) succeeded. The 8-4-4 System has its final cohorts going through the final assessments of primary school. Kenya has shifted the curriculum landscape within the contemporary education system by implementing the Competency-Based Learning Curriculum (CBC). The competency-based learning curriculum is a system of instruction that focuses on both the skills, reporting assessment, and instruction intended to enhance skill capabilities. The curriculum promotes individual wholesome wellbeing and the acquisition of skills that will enhance competency both in professional and real-life application. The design, roll-out, preparation, and implementation of the CBC, just like its predecessors, have not been without challenge and criticism. There has been passionate debate on its efficacy, currency, and relevance in the development of learners in today's modern society. This paper seeks to sift the chaff. The paper will by way of study, assess the place of strategic management practices in the wholesome running of educational systems and curricula, with a critical focus on how these practices have contributed to any hits or misses in implementing the CBC curriculum in Kenya. The study data was collected from collected emanated from education stakeholders such as teachers, heads of schools, and other educators and a survey of select public and private primary schools in Kenya. The highlighted challenges; infrastructural, teacher-learner ratio, process delivery challenges, and human resource, are crucial in determining whether the implementation of the CBC has and will be successful. They will be essential in forming both statutes and regulations that will streamline the competency-based curriculum to ensure that children accessing education at the lower levels obtain skills that will be practical in the professional world and the advancement of their careers.","PeriodicalId":119984,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Current Aspects","volume":"44 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114830991","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Going by the observation made by advocates of digital learning, digital technologies can increase the effectiveness of teachers. If digital technologies are made good use of, they can lead to increased access to data for learners, teaching materials, mentorship opportunities, and professional development. Successful incorporation of modern technologies into the classroom can be achieved if teachers work collaboratively to create modern learning environments and embrace technology in teaching. For this to be realised, a different set of teachers’ skills is essential to ensure frequent use of technology while encouraging a new approach where technology is made use of. The researcher carried out an investigation of the efficacy of DLP to uncover the underlying issues that could be hindering access to electronic information resources by public primary school teachers in Kenya’s Kakamega County. The objectives were to ascertain digital literacy skills possessed by public primary school teachers, establish availability and status of the necessary infrastructure for ICT in public primary schools, establish the relationship between teacher competence and access to and use of electronic information resources, and identify challenges faced by teachers in their endeavor to make use of useful electronic information resources. This research adopted descriptive approach because the intention was to describe the existing conditions with respect to variables which are, digital literacy, ICT infrastructure and teachers’ competence that affect access to electronic information resources. Proper data analysis was enabled by the researcher applying Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Analysis of open-ended questions, which formed part of the qualitative data, was done by use of conceptual content before being presented in prose. Pie charts, tables, percentages and bar graphs were used in presentation of quantitative data. Since previous studies have shown that primary school teachers obtain low scores in integration of digital technologies in the classroom, the researcher sought to identify unique challenges that schools could be facing that require homegrown solutions. From the results of the study, digital literacy, ICT infrastructure and teacher competence have significant effect on online academic resources being used by public primary school teachers in the County of Kakamega. From the findings, the study concluded that managements of public primary school teachers in Kakamega County should ensure computer teachers are trained on a regular basis to acquire the needed knowledge and skills. There is an advocacy to managements of public primary school teachers in Kakamega County to ensure availability of the required ICT infrastructure to facilitate access to electronic information resources. Further, teachers should undertake professional development trainings to enhance their ICT knowledge and skills.
{"title":"Efficacy of Digital Literacy Programme in Promoting Access to Electronic Information Resources by Public Primary School Teachers, Kakamega County, Kenya","authors":"Fredrick Werimo, D. Muthee","doi":"10.35942/ijcab.v6i1.239","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.35942/ijcab.v6i1.239","url":null,"abstract":"Going by the observation made by advocates of digital learning, digital technologies can increase the effectiveness of teachers. If digital technologies are made good use of, they can lead to increased access to data for learners, teaching materials, mentorship opportunities, and professional development. Successful incorporation of modern technologies into the classroom can be achieved if teachers work collaboratively to create modern learning environments and embrace technology in teaching. For this to be realised, a different set of teachers’ skills is essential to ensure frequent use of technology while encouraging a new approach where technology is made use of. The researcher carried out an investigation of the efficacy of DLP to uncover the underlying issues that could be hindering access to electronic information resources by public primary school teachers in Kenya’s Kakamega County. The objectives were to ascertain digital literacy skills possessed by public primary school teachers, establish availability and status of the necessary infrastructure for ICT in public primary schools, establish the relationship between teacher competence and access to and use of electronic information resources, and identify challenges faced by teachers in their endeavor to make use of useful electronic information resources. This research adopted descriptive approach because the intention was to describe the existing conditions with respect to variables which are, digital literacy, ICT infrastructure and teachers’ competence that affect access to electronic information resources. Proper data analysis was enabled by the researcher applying Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Analysis of open-ended questions, which formed part of the qualitative data, was done by use of conceptual content before being presented in prose. Pie charts, tables, percentages and bar graphs were used in presentation of quantitative data. Since previous studies have shown that primary school teachers obtain low scores in integration of digital technologies in the classroom, the researcher sought to identify unique challenges that schools could be facing that require homegrown solutions. From the results of the study, digital literacy, ICT infrastructure and teacher competence have significant effect on online academic resources being used by public primary school teachers in the County of Kakamega. From the findings, the study concluded that managements of public primary school teachers in Kakamega County should ensure computer teachers are trained on a regular basis to acquire the needed knowledge and skills. There is an advocacy to managements of public primary school teachers in Kakamega County to ensure availability of the required ICT infrastructure to facilitate access to electronic information resources. Further, teachers should undertake professional development trainings to enhance their ICT knowledge and skills.","PeriodicalId":119984,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Current Aspects","volume":"67 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"122896342","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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