| 1 |
Author(s):
Tandiwe Mutede (Ph.D.), William Chakabwata (Ph.D.).
Page No : 1-19
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Value Addition of Recyclable Solid Waste Materials: The Case of Namibia
Abstract
Solid waste recycling is an important component of sustainable economic development. Research indicates that the growing need for raw materials and the difficulties associated with managing solid waste have led to the development of recycling as a rational strategy for advancing sustainability in the twenty-first century. While value-addition processes are highlighted in various research on solid waste management carried out in Namibia and other parts of southern Africa the focus has been on single waste streams, actors industry, waste reduction options or recommendations on recycling processing systems. This paper aims to highlight value chains of a variety of recyclable materials in the Namibian recycling industry an endeavour which may assist policymakers in understanding how the industry can contribute to sustainable industrial growth and employment creation. The study was a descriptive case study design, which was qualitative. Results indicate that in Namibia recycling industry processes a wide range of recyclable products such as plastic, paper and glass bottles. Except for plastic, the value addition of recovered materials was limited to the pre-processing stage. The full growth of the industry is still to be realised. Policy and intervention programs should promote more value addition in raw materials in the country as a whole considering the benefits to sustainable economic growth.
| 2 |
Author(s):
Wisdom Chidiebere Obioha.
Page No : 20-36
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Adapting Theories of Pro-environmental Behaviours to Environmental Activism: A Review of Relevant Theoretical Frameworks
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to review relevant environmental and behavioural theories relating to pro-environmental behaviours and to particularly propose their adaptation to environmental activism. Environmental activism, which refers to advocating and participating in environmental actions and behaviours to foster a sustainable environment, is largely understudied in Africa. By reviewing theories that can potentially explain why individuals may engage in or advocate for environmental actions, this study seeks to revive the interest of African researchers in issues relating to pro-environmental behaviours and, in particular, environmental activism. Theories help to expand understanding of any given phenomena. They can safely be referred to as the social scientist’s guide to social investigations as they greatly help in pioneering, predicting, expanding, and critiquing knowledge. The theories reviewed in this study include the Value Belief Norm Theory, Protection Motivation Theory, Health Belief Model, Theory of Planned Behaviour, and the Direct and Buffering Hypothesis of Social Support. This review paper concludes that for a more nuanced understanding of environmental activism and pro-environmental behaviours at large, integration and adaptation of several theories are necessary as they will collectively provide detailed insights into possible remedies for the human and technology-induced environmental issues that plague the world, especially Africa as a continent.
| 3 |
Author(s):
Iyobhebhe Itohan, Haruna Ajiya Mbaya.
Page No : 37-47
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The Efficiency of Management Control Systems: Does Implementing Management Control Systems Affect How Well a Company Performs?
Abstract
The research investigated the potential positive correlation between Management Control Systems with profitability and innovation. The research utilizes quantitative methodologies, using survey designs to administer a structured questionnaire to respondents at the headquarters of the Coca-Cola bottling company in Lagos, Nigeria. The location and firm were chosen by judgmental sampling, whereas the questionnaire was distributed through convenience sampling. The sample size of 109 respondents was determined using the Yamane (1967) approach from a population of 150 individuals selected randomly. After examining the collected data using linear regression and multivariate analysis, the study revealed Management Control Systems positively correlates with profitability and innovation. Based on these results, it is advised that businesses prioritize creating and deploying efficient management control systems (MCS) policies that expressly focus on improving profitability and stimulating innovation.
| 4 |
Author(s):
Zenzo Lusaba Dube, Shamiso Zirabada.
Page No : 48-65
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Barriers to the Participation of Persons with Disabilities in Rural Local Governance: The Case of Bikita District, Zimbabwe
Abstract
The paper was qualitative and inductive through the interpretivist’s paradigm. It sought to access the barriers to the participation of persons with disabilities (PwDs) in Bikita’s local governance in Zimbabwe. Data collection was through key informant interviews (KIIs), focus group discussions (FDGs) and observations. The KIIs targeted the chiefs, headman, councillors, state actors and Zimbabwe’s Association for the Visually Handicapped whereas the FDGs included the disabled and the non-disabled. The sampling was purposive. The human rights-based approach as espoused in the critical disability theory framed the empirical. The paper unearthed that Bikita Rural District Council structures were not disability inclusive. PwDs were marginalised in local governance/development processes. This led to higher incidences of abject poverty. The paper charged that the lack of inclusivity is in itself discriminatory. It argued that the drive towards inclusivity should include inter alia disability-mainstreaming, provision of disability-accessible information and disability awareness campaigns.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Olawale James Olaogun.
Page No : 66-76
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The Experiences and Challenges Of LGBTQ+ Individuals in Accessing Social Work Practices in Nigeria
Abstract
LGBTQ persons (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) in several countries of the world including Nigeria have been identified to be repeatedly confronted with sexual profiling, otherwise known as stigmatization. Due to the absence of legal recognition for homosexual relationships in the Nigerian constitution, marginalized communities in this context lack the privilege of freely forming social connections with others in society, unlike their heterosexual counterparts. This paper provided a comprehensive analysis of scholarly literature investigating the experiences and challenges encountered by LGBTQ individuals in their physical and social environments. The study adopted a combination of philosophical methods. The analytical method was used to examine and define key terms; the speculative method was employed to gain insights into the challenges and experiences faced by these marginalized communities, as well as the impacts they have on them while the prescriptive method was utilized to propose strategies to address and alleviate the situation. The paper contended that the exclusion of these individuals from the nation's quota system may result in the loss of talented individuals to addiction, depression, or suicide.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Festus A. Ugwu (Ph.D), Chijioke E. Ohuakanwa (Ph.D).
Page No : 77-87
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Perceived Problems and Coping Strategies of Retirees in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria
Abstract
This study focused on some perceived problems of retirees in the Nsukka local government area of Enugu state and the strategies they adopted in coping with retirement. A descriptive survey was the design of the study. The population of the study comprised 3,000 retired males and females from nine towns that make up the Nsukka local government area, while the sample was 132 males and 148 females totaling 280 retirees as the sample. A simple random sampling technique was adopted with 31 from each of the nine towns except Nsukka town with 32 retirees. Two research questions were raised and two hypotheses for the study were tested at a 0.05 level of significance. The instrument for data collection was a researchers’ designed rating titled “retirees’ related problems and coping strategies rating scale”. The instrument was in three clusters to elicit information from the retirees on perceived problems they face and strategies they adopt to cope with the retirement problems to generate data analyzed using simple percentage mean and t-test statistics. Findings among others, showed that retirees in the Nsukka local government area have problems with low savings to sustain themselves after retirement. They also suffer problems of low self-esteem, being insulted by members of society, being deserted by old friends and non-payment of retirement benefits by the government. Based on the findings, it was recommended that there should be adequate information concerning the utilisation of available coping strategies for retirees. It was also recommended that the Nigerian government pay attention to the plight of retirees and pay them regularly their retirement benefits.
| 7 |
Author(s):
Mzoli Mavimbela, Zurina Abdulla (Ph.D.), Zoleka Soji (Prof.), Thanduxolo Nomngcoyiya (Prof.).
Page No : 88-109
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The Views of Amakrwala on the Usage of Umqombothi and Commercial Alcohol during the Initiation Ceremonies
Abstract
Alcohol has been used in many African countries like Tanzania and Kenya to celebrate important cultural ceremonies for many decades. In the context of amaXhosa, they use both umqombothi (traditional beer) and different types of brandy to celebrate ulwaluko (initiation process). The use of umqombothi and commercial alcohol by initiates during the initiation is integral to the initiation process of amaXhosa. This paper therefore presents the findings on the views of amakrwala (new initiates) on the usage of umqombothi and commercial alcohol during the initiation ceremonies. A qualitative research approach was employed using an exploratory-descriptive and contextual design sampling 16 amaXhosa young men between the ages of 18 to 24 years who recently graduated from ulwaluko. Semi-structured telephonic interviews were conducted. Themes such as different rituals practiced by amaXhosa, meaning of umqombothi and commercial alcohol use, and recommendations based on alcohol usage in ulwaluko by amakrwala emerged in the study. Both umqombothi and brandy use during ulwaluko was viewed as good practice by amakrwala. However, they emphasised that guidelines should be put in place to monitor responsible drinking. Based on these findings, it can be concluded and recommended that there should be guidelines on who, how and when alcohol should be used during the initiation ceremonies, and for what purposes.
| 8 |
Author(s):
Agnes Edem Bassey (Ph.D.), Ezekiel Maurice (Ph.D.), Ben Odigbo (Ph.D.), Abdullahi Samuel, Goodluck Ndubuisi Iwuchukwu, Ene Faith Agbo.
Page No : 110-120
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Role of Social Marketing in Averting Harmful Traditional Practices Concerning Covid-19 Pandemic
Abstract
The study investigates using social marketing tools to avert harmful traditional practices concerning the COVID-19 pandemic in Cross River State, Nigeria. Some of these practices were religiosity, where the majority of people prefer going to pray in church instead of taking COVID-19 preventive measures, and food taboos, where certain foods, such as excess salt intake, were also believed to be the best. 367 respondents were sampled from a population of 3,798. After distributing the questionnaire, 329 were found usable, and analysis was done using simple linear regression. The results showed that combining social marketing tools was insignificant in averting harmful religious practices concerning COVID-19. Instead, a personalized communication approach, which is an aspect of social marketing (promotion) should be adopted to sensitize religious leaders to correct false impressions about religiosity and food aiming to improve health, the environment, and society at large.
| 9 |
Author(s):
Ele Augustine Augustine (Ph.D.), Ekpenyong Bassey Obo (Ph.D.), Okongo Nsor John (Ph.D.), Eneh Sunday Isaac (Ph.D.), Arikpo Nneoyi Nana.
Page No : 121-136
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Effects of Conflict Management Strategies on Employees’ Performance in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of conflict management strategies on employees’ performance in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar. The study employed survey research design in order to utilize a structured questionnaire in the collection of data for analysis. The population for the study was five hundred and fifty (550). The sample size for the study was two hundred and twenty six (226) using Krejcie and Morgan table of 1970. The hypothesis was tested and analyzed using a simple linear regression analysis model applying a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 23. The study found that there are positive effects of conflict avoidance strategy on employees’ performance of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar. There is a significant effect of conflict collaboration strategy on employees’ commitment to goals achievement. There is a significant relationship between conflict accommodation strategy and employees’ motivation. There is also a significant conflict mediation strategy on employees’ involvement in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar. Based on the findings, the study recommended that management of organizations or institutions should monitor and intervene on issues that can lead to conflicts in order to enhance employees’ performance by adopting avoidance strategies. Management should employ a collaboration strategy or approach of win-win method of conflict resolution in order to enhance employees’ commitment. Management should also attend to conflicting situations as urgently as possible in order to avoid those factors that can hinder employees’ motivation and commitment to goal achievement. Management should also use a mediator in resolving conflicts on a continuous basis.
| 10 |
Author(s):
Virginia Nkechi Okeke.
Page No : 137-147
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Effect of Gender on Office Technology and Management (OTM) Students’ Academic Achievement and Retention in Record Management in Polytechnics in Anambra State, Nigeria
Abstract
The study determined the effect of gender on office technology and management (OTM) students’ academic achievement and retention in record management in polytechnics in Anambra State, Nigeria. The study was quasi-experimental research which specifically used the pretest, posttest nonequivalent control group design. The population of the study was 6,213 Ordinary National Diploma (OND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) offering OTM in Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra State and the sample size was 347 OTM students. The instrument for data collection was Record Management Achievement Test (RMAT) extracted from second year OND AND HND past questions from 2019-2023. RMAT was administered to OTM students in both experimental and control groups. Test-retest method was used to establish the reliability of the instrument and data were analyzed with Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient which yielded 0.86. Mean was used to answer the research questions while analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test the hypotheses. The SPSS version 21.0 was used for analysis. Findings revealed that male performed better than their female counterparts in record management and also there is no statistically significant difference on the pretest and posttest mean retention scores of male and female office technology and management students’ in record management. Based on the results and discussions of the findings of the study, the researchers are pertinent that students’ academic achievements in record management are not influenced by gender. It was therefore recommended among others, that record management teachers should endeavor to give female and male students equal opportunities in the classroom.
| 11 |
Author(s):
Bassey Manasseh Edidem (Ph.D.), Akingbade Babajide Olufemi.
Page No : 148-165
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Effects of Globalization on Third World Development: The Nigerian Experience
Abstract
The study examines globalization and its effects on third world development with emphasis on the Nigerian state. The growing global economy was fastened mostly by information technology, international trade, culture, political, and social activities across the globe. It has no doubt created a global dual phenomenon where third world countries continued to experience economic and political development at the expense of western world. Thus, third world countries are fully incorporated into the global capitalist economy but the accrued benefits are not evenly distributed. Globalization is another form of colonization of third world countries achieved through the use of exploitative instruments like World Trade Organization (WTO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, multinational corporations and other international financial institutions in order to capture the world in the name of globalization. These aforementioned instruments in the name of globalization are diversionary and plausible because there is no country in the world that is in the process of development as a result of globalization or that has developed as a product of globalization. The pro-globalizers deceive third world countries, that globalization is a path to development in which all third world countries are supposed to follow in order to become developed. Nigeria, in the current wind of globalization remains a clientele economy in the competitive global market. The study adopts documentary research methods and relied majorly on secondary data and modernisation theory was adopted as the theoretical foundation of the study. The study revealed that underdevelopment in Nigeria resulted from the negative effects of globalization are to explore the political impacts of globalization and imposition of foreign rule in Nigeria, to explore the economic impacts of globalization and unequal terms of trade in Nigeria and to identify the role of Nigeria as giant of Africa in global markets. The study, however suggest economic diversification and exportable capacity of the third world economy in the global market, regulation of international capitalist structure through applicability of market friendly policies devoid of stringent market policies placed on third world countries by the developed countries and Improving bank regulations of the third world countries nations banks are well regulated to their boost economic growth. The study concludes that there is interconnectedness between globalization and development in Nigeria, which in turn increases the rate of unemployment of masses and hinders political and economic development in Nigeria.
| 12 |
Author(s):
Olabode Agunbiade (Ph.D.).
Page No : 166-181
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Insecurity and Nigeria’s Socio-Economic Development
Abstract
Many scholars have identified insecurity in Nigeria as one of the major reasons for the country’s continuous under-development. This paper analyses the effects of insecurity on the socioeconomic development of Nigeria, with the main objective of proffering policy solutions to address insecurity challenge that has almost brought the county to her knees and stunted her development. The paper adopted the Conflict theory propounded by Karl Marx as the theoretical framework to interrogate the causes of insecurity and the effects on various aspects of the Nigerian socioeconomic system. The study employed qualitative research methods to critically assess the relationship between insecurity and Nigeria’s socioeconomic development. It is theoretically based, with the use of secondary data, using in-depth explanatory analysis that produced results with understanding, meanings and views. The study identified severe unemployment, endemic poverty, ethno-religious conflicts, corruption, deprivation, inequalities and small arms and light weapons proliferation as the major causes of the unending insecurity challenge in Nigeria. These have led to population displacement, social dislocation, depression and trauma among the people, declining health situation, worsening school attendance, food insecurity and lack of foreign investment. The study recommended that governments at all levels should implement policies that will ensure serious reductions in unemployment rate, poverty and general inequality, by providing infrastructures and the enabling environment that will encourage entrepreneurs and small-scale industries to thrive, revamp the country’s entire security architecture, strengthen border security, tackle the proliferation of firearms, improve the legal system, among many others.
Key words: Insecurity, socioeconomic development, conflict theory, small arms and light weapons, Nigeria.
| 13 |
Author(s):
Bassey, Andrew Ubong.
Page No : 182-196
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Public Perception of African Independent Television “Democracy Today” Programme on the Promotion of Nigeria’s Democracy
Abstract
The significance of television as a mobilisation medium is widely acknowledged on a global scale. African Independent Television's (AIT) "Democracy Today" programme holds a prominent position as a political, social, and economic show and is considered one of the flagship programs on Nigerian television. This study aims to explore the public perception of AIT's "Democracy Today" programme in its role in promoting Nigeria's democracy. Drawing on media dependency theory, agenda setting theory, and the psychological theory of perception, the research used a survey research design, employing an availability sampling technique to distribute 400 questionnaires among residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. The findings revealed that participants were familiar with and exposed to the "Democracy Today" programme, and data indicated that they believed the programme had a positive impact on Nigeria's democratic development. Moreover, the study found that a majority of participants comprehended the content aired on the "Democracy Today" programme. The research in conclusion posits that the opinions of Abuja residents regarding the development of the country's democracy have been significantly influenced by AIT's "Democracy Today" programme. The study recommends the initiation of more programmes similar to "Democracy Today" by broadcast stations in Nigeria, emphasising the potential for broadening Nigerians' knowledge about the country's democratic journey.
