Showing papers in "International Journal of African and Asian Studies in 2016"

Leadership Style and Multigenerational Workforce: A Call for Workplace Agility in Nigerian Public Organizations

Abstract: In today’s work organization, leaders are faced with the task of harmonizing workplace friction occasioned by multi-generation workforce, each with different perspectives and traits toward achieving organizational goal and objectives. Consequently, public organizations around the world and Nigeria inclusive comprised of four different generations of employees i.e. Traditionalist, Baby Boomers, Generation X and Generation Y otherwise known as Millennials – who can bring out the best or worst of the organization depending on how well the leader can manage the talent mix. Thus, it become imperative for leaders to develop knowledge on how to address the differences in motivations, working styles, communication pattern and technological preferences of multigenerational workforce. This task cannot be ignored by organization that aimed to achieve harmonious working environment and progress in the current global economy. In light of this reality, the paper examined leadership and multi-generational workforce in Nigerian public organizations through extensive review of literatures on concept of leadership, dynamics of multigenerational workforce and the strategies on how to integrate the multigenerational differences to bring about many benefits such as workplace productivity, creativity and innovation, talent attraction, reduced turnover and increased competitive advantage as well as to reduce tension in Nigerian public organizations. Keywords : Workforce, Multi-generation, Integration, Creativity, Organizational Productivity

Analysis of Factors Affecting Smallholder Farmers' Access to Formal Credit in Jibat District, West Shoa Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract: In Ethiopia, among other things, lack of finance is one of the fundamental problems hampering production, productivity and income of rural farm households. Since access to institutional finance is very limited, the majority of the poor are forced to search financial services through informal channels. This study is concerned with analysis of factors affecting smallholder farmers’ access to formal credit. As credit is one of the most important factors required for smallholders input utilization, it is important to have sustainable agricultural development. A two stage sampling method was employed. A total of 148 farm households were selected randomly using probability proportional to size. Descriptive statistics and logit model were used for analyzing quantitative data. The output from the study indicates that 51 (34.5 per cent) of the sampled farm households were formal credit users, whereas the remaining 97 (65.5 per cent) were non-users. It was also found out that credit access to female headed households is still limited and the difference between the wealth groups in accessing credit from the formal sources was also statistically significant. Farmers acknowledge group lending that solves the problem of collateral requirement by lending institutions, controls misuse of borrowed funds and minimizes the risk of default and they also recognize the provision of saving services by microfinance institutions. The maximum likelihood estimates of the logistic regression model show that Frequency of contact Development Agents, physical distance of farmers from lending institutions, family size, farm size, experience in credit use from the formal sources, Sex of household head, education level of household head, participation of households in extension package program, attitudes towards Risk, farmers’ perception of Loan repayment period, farmers’ perception of Lending procedures, lack of opportunity to take a second loan , and membership of farmer’s multipurpose cooperatives were important factors influencing formal credit use of smallholder farmers. Therefore, policy aimed to accelerate agricultural development in the area could be successful if these factors and problems are taken into consideration to access credit from the formal financial sources. Based on the findings of the study and personal observation of the situation in which the analysis of factors affecting smallholder farmers’ access to formal credit systems are found, some recommendations are forwarded Keywords: access to formal credit, input utilization, logistic regression model and Ethiopia

Review of Sesame Value Chain in Ethiopia

Abstract: This current topic has analyzed the sesame value chain particularly the case of Ethiopia. Sesame is a major cash crop, which is mainly produced as an export crop. A long value chain characterizes sesame value chain in Ethiopia, which includes producers, village traders or collectors, brokers/wholesalers, oil millers, exporters, retailers and local consumers. Smallholders in the Ethiopian sesame seeds value chain depend on intermediaries, due to the small quantities to be sold and lack of efficient market information system. Price discovery is not based on forces of demand, supply, and do not reflect current international market prices. The major sesame producing regions in Ethiopia are Tigray, Amhara, Oromia and Benishangul Gumuz, which contribute more than 90% of total sesame output. Amhara, Tigray and Oromia contribute 48.5%, 28.5% and 15% of the total production in the year 2007/08 respectively. However, sesame production and marketing in Ethiopia is faced with various challenges that need to be addressed. These include low productivity and quality, poor market infrastructure, long and traditional marketing channels among others. Keywords : Value chain analysis, sesame and actors.

Determinants of Access to Credit and Credit Source Choice by Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Nekemte, Ethiopia

Abstract: Now days, in almost all economies of the world, Micro and small enterprises (SMEs) are recognized as engines of growth by their main contributions to national income, poverty reduction, export promotion and contribute to employment in developing countries and become the second largest employment generating sector for the poor households following the agriculture sector. The main objective of the study is to assess determinants of access to credit and credit source choice by SME entrepreneurs in the study area. Data was collected by using structured questionnaire from 173 entrepreneurs and the analyses of binary logistic regression and multinomial logit model is conducted by STATA version 10. The study shows that the major source of finance for SME is own source finance. The results of binary logistic regression reveals that there is statistically significant relationship between firms’ access to credit and firm size, firms owing of business plan, firm location, risk taking propensity of the firm head, firm age, and prevalence of corruption problem. Also, the result of multinomial logit model shows that firm size, access to work premises, firm location, access to business information, firm age, firm capital and prevalence of corruption in loan processing have statistical significant relationship with credit source choice decision by MSE entrepreneurs. The study result reveals that firm size, firm age, corruption problem and firm locations are statistically significantly determine both access to credit and credit source choice of the SME entrepreneurs in the study area. Based on the finding of this study, it is recommends that government should formulate policies that will make sources of financing such as commercial banks, micro finance institutions and other sources to relax their credit regulations and operations which encourage borrowing and offer more credit facilities for firms especially which are found at micro and small sized level. Also, the government should establish stringent rule that curbs the corruption problem that prevail in accessing credit sources. Moreover, the government through its SME support institution has to facilitate the construction and arrangement of favorable business location for SME entrepreneurs in the study area. Keywords : SME, Determinant, logistic regression, multinomial logit, access to credit, credit choice, Nekemte

An Evaluation of Income Generating Projects in Public Secondary Schools in Nairobi County

Abstract: Research that almost all secondary schools in Kenya face serious financial difficulties due to failure by parents to pay fees. As a result, schools are unable to meet their budgetary estimates, and this compromises the quality of secondary education in the country. Furthermore, there is rising concern about the amount of study time wasted by students as they are sent home for fees. At the same time, some head teachers feel that the recommended fees structure should be amended to allow schools to increase school fees in line with rising cost of living in the country. The problem addressed by this study, therefore, was that of the need for schools to make efficient use of all available opportunities to raise supplementary finances for funding their programs. The study therefore sought to find out how secondary schools in Nairobi County had utilized existing school resources and income generating opportunities to raise extra funds for financing their programs. The study was carried out in secondary schools in Nairobi county 11 schools in the county were selected representing 13% of the 60 public secondary schools in the county. All the head teachers from the schools participated in the study. The research instruments employed were questionnaires for head teachers and an observation schedule. After all data was collected, it was coded and entered in the computer for analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics such as percentages, means and frequencies were used to report the data, which was reported in summary form using frequency distribution tables. The schools earned between KShs 680,000 and KShs 6,000,000 annually from income generating activities, which is an indication that school-based income generating activities can be profitable ventures that schools could tap into to raise extra funds for financing educational programmes. Instead of over relying on the government and parents to raise funds for schools, head teachers should become more innovative and lead their schools to initiate activities that would be profitable for the schools. Furthermore, some of the initiatives are important learning opportunities for students. By incorporating participatory planning and innovative technologies, school head teachers will be able to overcome most of the challenges faced in implementation and management of school-based income generating initiatives.

Distribution and Socio-economic Impacts of Prosopis juliflora in East Shewa and West Arsi Zones, Ethiopia

Abstract: Prosopis juliflora is exotic species which have been thought to be introduced to Ethiopia as agroforestry. Nowadays it is notorious and emerging problems to animals, native plant species and ecosystems in the country. Precise distribution and socio-economic impacts of the weed is not predictable in the study area. Thus the aim of this study was to generate information for a better understanding of the distribution and socio-economic impact of Prosopis juliflora in East shewa and West arsi Zones of the Oromia regional state. The biological data were collected along gravel and asphalt roads at interval of 10km. Relative abundance and distribution were determined. The locations’ latitude and longitude coordinates were recorded with a garmin GPS in order to map their abundance and distribution using arcGIS 9.1 software. To meet information about socio-economic impacts towards Prosopis, data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires. The study revealed that P. juliflora was observed at Fentale, Boset, and Adama districts of East shewa zone with different infestation level. However, no infestation observed in West arsi zone. Relatively high infestation level was recorded at Fentale due to regular movement of pastoralist around the district to search grass for their animals. Distribution maps showing presence or absence and abundance of Prosopis were developed. The study also revealed that P. julflora mainly spreads through animals’ dung. 90% of respondents in high infestation area stated that the important dispersal agents were mainly cattle, camels, sheep, goats and wild animals. According to 98% of respondents grass species are disappearing from highly infested area. This indicated that P. julflora is suppressing the growth of grasses under its canopy. Fifty percent of respondents in high infestation and 28% of respondents in less infested area also indicated that Prosopis encroaches grazing land, cause scarcity of animal food and forms impenetrable thickets and strong thorns which prevent free movement of livestock in searching of food and causing wounds on their skins. P. juliflora also affect human health in different ways as noted by respondents. Generally P. juliflora has significant impacts on crop production, livestock production, biodiversity and human and animal health. Keywords: Prosopis juliflora , distribution, distribution map, socio-economic

The Historic Move, Contemporary Challenges and Opportunities in Ethiopian Education

Abstract: The intention of this manuscript is to overview the development of Ethiopian Education from Early to Modern schooling. Opportunities and challenges regarding education quality and access in Ethiopia are concerned under the study. The researcher used descriptive research design and qualitative research methods. Manuscript review (policy document , researches, historical literatures and different statistics) , focus group discussion with 120 PGDT(Postgraduate Diploma In Secondary School Teaching) student-teachers and summer In-service students and interview conducted with 10 secondary school directors and observation was the viable instrument. The information thematised and analyzed qualitatively through narration and explanation. Recently, Ethiopia score tremendous expansion in primary and secondary as well as Higher Education. However, the fact that a large majority of the Ethiopian population lives in rural areas still lack of equitable access, equity and quality of education, organization of the school system and of the relevance of the curriculum needs revision. The findings disclose that in the last ten years Multi-million children obtain the opportunity to primary and secondary education in Ethiopia. The number of teachers and institution significantly increased. However, problem in securing standardization and quality assurance, low incentive, crowded classroom, teacher high turnover, poor school leadership, “banking” methods of teaching and poor commitments of teachers towards their profession still the major bottleneck. Therefore, system based emphasis to capacity building program for teacher and leaders, fulfillment and equitable distribution of educational logistics, modernizing methods of teaching, standardizing curriculum, assessment and quality assurance strategies required. Keywords: Islamic Education, Church (Monastic) Education, Modern Education

Child-Headed Households and Educational Problems in Urban Informal Settlements in Kenya

Abstract: The present study investigates the educational problems faced by child-headed households in Urban settlements in Kenya. These households are a result of challenges such as parental deaths (mainly due to HIV and AIDS). Such households have become an increasingly common occurrence in Sub-Saharan Africa, as a result, in particular, of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. This has caused millions of children to become orphaned, and has brought about new coping mechanisms. There has been considerable interest in Kenya’s progress with regard to the emergence of child headed families and this can be seen by way of the number of NGOs interested in this subject. Despite living under very pathetic and harsh conditions, orphans in CHHs have been known to develop unique resilience when their lives are changed radically. They develop a continuum of coping strategies, which also include adopting ‘de facto’ adult roles. Children take on new roles, acting as household heads, making household decisions even when parents are still living, and supporting their young brothers and sisters, at times suffering loss and peril themselves. Since Kenyan families are traditionally extended, the increase in the number of orphans puts pressure on relatives who have to fend for additional children. Child-headed household arrangements seem to represent a new coping mechanism for orphans in urban settlements in Kenya. Community-based organizations (CBOs) also help extended families to carry the burden of orphans. Using a qualitative research methodology and a case study design, the paper investigates the c educational problems faced by child-headed households in Kibera Slums, an informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya. A total of 50 children living in child headed household were identified through the chief’s office and the support organisations for orphans operating in the above villages. Ten key informants including social workers from organisation supporting these children, chiefs, teachers and children’s officers were also interviewed to give an in-depth understanding of the phenomenon. Findings of the study revealed that HIV and AIDS coupled with the breakdown or weakening of the extended family network has led to the emergence of Child headed households. Children in these households were found to face challenges such as lack of parent’s love and affection, protection and care, Lack of basic necessities like food shelter and health care, social exclusion and stigmatization, disinheritance, exploitation abuse. Keywords : Child Headed Households, Emerging Phenomenon, Urban Informal Settlement

Needle-stick and Sharps Injuries Among Health Care Workers in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract: Background: Needle-stick and Sharps injuries to health care workers constitute a major public health concern and the problem is more severe in low income setting. This study examines the magnitude of needle-sticks and sharps injuries and its associated factors among health care workers in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Methods: Institution based cross sectional study was conducted in February 2016. Health care workers (n=760) of various occupations were the study population. A cluster sampling technique was used. Self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data was entered into EPI info version 3.5.4 and exported into SPSS version 20.0 for analysis. Binary logistic regression model is used to identify factors associated with the outcome variable, and finally multivariate logistic regression model is used to identify independent predictors of the outcome, with statistical significance set at p<0.050 (95% confidence interval (CI)). Results: Three hundred and forty three (55.1%) health care workers were injured by needle-stick and sharps in the past one year. Occupation (AOR: 3.07; 95%CI: 1.80-5.25), and inconsistent wearing of gloves (AOR: 2.87; 95%CI: 2.00-4.12) were independent predictors of needle-stick and sharps injuries. Conclusion: The level of needle-stick and sharps injuries was high. All relevant stake holders in health need to provide training on prevention of needle-stick and sharps injuries to health care workers and ensure consistent wearing of gloves over their whole professional career. Keywords: Health care workers, Needle-stick and sharps injuries, Ethiopia.

The Relationship between English Songs and Learning Vocabulary

Abstract: This article aims to consider the relationship between English songs and learning vocabulary. How can ELT be made enjoyable and effective? One feasible pedagogical application is to integrate English songs into ELT. I aim at examining the effectiveness of using English songs in EFL classes, to improve learning and recalling the new words as a result of making happy classes and high motivated students. Keywords : Vocabulary, English songs, motivation, learning

A Conceptual Study and Theoretical Framework of Demographic & Attitudinal Aspects and Their Effect on Employees Turnover & Early Retirement Intentions: A Mediating Role of Organizational Commitment

Abstract: The intention of study is to explore the relationship between five Attitudinal Aspects (Perceived organizational support [POS], coworker support, career satisfaction, age-related stereotypes and organization commitment dimensions) and two organizational withdrawal intentions (Early retirement and turnover intentions).This study is based on the previous literature. Secondary data is used to establish the relationship among the variables. POS, coworkers support career satisfaction has a positive relationship with organizational commitment and Age stereotype has a negative relationship with organizational commitment. While organizational commitment has a negative relationship with turnover and early retirement intentions. By enhancing the organizational commitment of the employee’s turnover intentions and early retirement intentions can be avoid. Organizational and coworkers support increases the feelings of organizational commitment. Keywords: POS, age stereotypes, early retirement, organization commitment, Turnover intentions. Paper type: Research paper

Estimating Willingness to Pay for Drinking Water Quality in Nowshera Pakistan: A Domestic Study for Public Health

Abstract: This study discloses the behavior of household’s willingness to pay for improved water quality in Nowshera city. Simple regression model is used to reveal the preferences of household’s towards safe water. Study empirically concluded that awareness and income has significant impacts on household decision making for better water quality in order to reduce the health risk and vulnerability towards water born diseases such as typhoid, dysentery, cholera and diarrhea. Formal and informal education also has crucial effect on demand for purified water. Study further shows that those who have more income and high level of qualification are more willing to pay for clean and safe drinking water. Background of this research have concern towards low water quality, which causes the health hazards to human life which may increase their health cost and effect the decision of HH regarding willingness to pay. Primary data was collected from 200 households of Nowshera. Results showed that income is the one of main factor which has major effects on demand of enhanced water quality. More people were willing to pay to the government in order to get safe water while very less amount of HH were in favor of private pr respectable organizations. Filter cost also indicated some relationship with WTP, those who have more filter cost was able to pay more because their cost was more than the filtration cost. Health expenditure exposed the positive relationship with demand for purified water, high health expenditure bearing HH were more able to pay to reduce their cost. Awareness and income were the key factor for estimating the willingness to pay for improved quality of water to get good and healthier life.

Climate Change Education for Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) of Ethiopia

Abstract: Climate change will affect all of us, but most seriously affected will be those countries and people that depend primarily on agriculture and have few opportunities for economic diversification and structural change. Ethiopia, where the majority of the population lives in rural areas and is engaged in agriculture, is one of the most vulnerable countries. Its dependence on rain fed agriculture makes the country particularly exposed to the effects of climate change. Besides the direct effects such as an increase in average temperature or a change in rainfall patterns, climate change also presents the necessity and opportunity to switch to a new, sustainable development model. To this end, the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) has recently initiated the Climate-Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) initiative to protect the country from the adverse effects of climate change and to build a green economy that will help realize its ambition of reaching middle income status before 2025. The central theme of this paper is on the salient issues that underpin the importance of climate change education for the implementation of the CRGE initiative and thereby achieving sustainable development in the country.

Review of Long-Run and Short-Run Relationship between Macroeconomic Variables and Stock Prices in Pakistan

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to describe the relationship between stock returns and macroeconomic variables. In this review paper we write the review of fourteen papers related to the relationship between stock returns and macroeconomic variables. However different papers shown different results but we tried to summarize these results in best manner. Two long run relationships were found. In the long run inflation has a negative relationship with stock returns but industrial production index, real affective exchange rate, and money supply has a positive relationship with stock returns. Keywords : Stock returns, macroeconomic variables

Impact of Training and Development on Employees Performance in Banking Sector of Pakistan

Abstract: The objective of this paper is to explore the training & development practices in the banking sector of Pakistan. The banks continuously provide training to different levels of officers at different times to enhance their capability and knowledge. The banks have established staff training institutes where different courses are offered. In order to measure the impact of training on employees we have selected 22 branches of different banks located in Multan city and recorded the views of 200 employees (including manages, operational and non-operational staff. We used five point likert scale to measure the impact of training and development of the banks’ employees. Our results show that, banks are providing training & development opportunities to their employees, but there is still gap which should be addressed. Training facilities is not sufficient and training methods are not up today. Most of the trainers belong to operational background and they are unable to provide the sufficient training to develop the good workers. Our study also shows that Banks do not have sufficient training and development plan for the top-level management. Our study suggest that the banks should have a proper training plan and execute it effectively. They should also develop training curriculum and risk management techniques to enhance the knowledge and skills of trainees. Keywords: Training & Development, performance, skill, working environment

Arbitrage Pricing Model; Determining the Number of Factors and Their Consistency Across Markets

Abstract: Purpose - The discovery of a true financial equilibrium model that could explain the prices of stocks has long been a sought after challenge and a vital area of research in modern financial theory. The concept is based on the fact that the price of the stock is affected by the present value of the future cash flows from the stock, and anything that will affect the discount rate of these future cash flows. Many brokerage firms, financial institutions and financial consulting firms use multi-index models to aid in the investment process Thus the APT model is becoming increasingly popular and has been a subject of several empirical studies. These models have been tested on both developed and developing markets. The purpose of this research is to analyze the Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT) introduced by Ross (1976), which is a more simplified, multifactor model, with fewer relative assumptions to other models, across different representative markets, giving particular attention to the number of factors. Design/methodology/approach – The research is quantitative in nature and principal component analysis will be used to determine the ideal number of factors that should be included in the model, as well as the identity of these factors. Findings - Results indicate that the ideal number of factors vary from four to five factors across markets, with their identity differing across markets. Findings provide valuable insights for professionals in the market as well as academics who want to gain further knowledge on the number of factors. Research limitations/implications – The application of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) is based only on a sample of stocks and not on the whole population in the stock market, and thus there remains a question of how accurate these approximations actually are. Practical implications – The APT is a popular multi-index model that should be used by financial analysts to allow risk to be more tightly controlled and allow investors to protect against specific type of risk to which he or she is particularly sensitive or to make specific bets on certain types of risks. Originality/value – No research has yet been carried out across different markets for the same time period as will be carried out in this research, and thus the empirical study in this research aims to add knowledge on whether the number of factors will be consistent across borders or will change from market to market. Keywords Arbitrage Pricing Theory, Number of factors, Emerging markets Paper type Research Paper

The Effect of Livelihood Diversification on Household Income: Evidence from Rural Ethiopia

Abstract: Rural farm households are facing shortage of farm land due to population density. This has adversely affected livelihood activities in agriculture leading to low income. To overcome these problems, people tend to diversify their livelihood to improve household’s income. However, the relationship between livelihood diversification and household income of the rural households requires empirical quantification in the study area. Therefore, the objective of this study is to assess the effects of livelihood diversification on the household income. The data were collected from rural Ethiopia individual farmers through personal interview using structured questionnaire. The data were obtained from 252 sample household heads that were selected through a combination of purposive and stratified random sampling techniques. The Composite Entropy Index (CEI) has been used for measuring livelihood diversification. Multiple regression model was applied to identify the determinant factors influencing the households’ level of livelihood diversification. Then 2SLS model was employed to detect the effects of CEI on household income. The results indicate that livelihood diversification has a positive and significant effect on household income at p < 0.0001. A 1.0% increase in livelihood diversification will lead to 3.9% increase in income signifying an elastic relationship. Owning higher number of livestock and larger size of farm land with better access to improved seed and family labor use helps rural households significantly improve their farm income in particular and household total income in general. Thus, the results of this study suggested that there is a need to develop a number of strategies to facilitate successful livelihood diversification and increase household income. This includes the development of rural infrastructure in terms of road connectivity, market, credit facility and input supply. Keywords : Livelihood diversification, Composite Entropy Index, Two-Stage Least Square model, household income, farm households, Kembata Tambaro Zone, Ethiopia.

Resurgent Backsliding and Democracy in Africa

Abstract: Democracy is on trial in Africa. Despite the gains experienced in the early 1990s when Africa experienced a beehive of democratic activities occasioned by both internal and external pressures, resulting in former dictators becoming born again democrats, the continent seems to be going through a new wave of democratic backsliding. Even though military coups have subsided (not completely eliminated), the bane of democratic governance in Africa is the menace of elected rulers undermining their own constitutions to prolong their stay in power. In Nigeria, Niger, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, Madagascar, Burundi and a host of other African countries, elected leaders have attempted to reverse democratic gains by manipulating their constitutions to stay longer in power. This paper focuses on the fast prevailing attempts by African leaders, most of whom are previous military dictators and guerrilla fighters to extend their stay in power by abrogating the term limit in the constitutions of their country. They achieve this through the twin instruments of cooptation and intimidation. This development has created new anxieties about the survival of democracy in Africa. ‘Third termism’, sit tight syndrome and ‘democratic authoritarianism’ have (re) surfaced in the political lexicon of Africa. The paper relies on extant literatures, newspapers and online news sources for this research. Keywords: Democracy, Democratisation, ‘Coup from within’, African Union (AU), Term limit.

Md. Nazmus Sadekin Toxoplasmosis and Its Current Status in Ethiopia: A Review

Abstract: Toxoplasmosis is one of most important worldwide zoonotic disease caused by the obligate intracellular, protozoan parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii. It is transmitted to humans by accidental ingestion of oocyst after cleaning an infected cat's litter box, accidental ingestion of oocyst with water and consumption of raw meat containing cyst causing fever, malaise, lymphadenopathy, pulmonary and multivisceral abnormality and encephalitis. The aim of this systemic review is to make a comprehensive document on prevalence and current status of toxoplasmosis in Ethiopia. Cats are definitive host for Toxoplasmosis but cattle, sheep and goat, poultary, pig and camel are reservior host and facilitate the transmission of this disease to human. Toxoplasmosis common in Ethiopia and high prevalence is reported yet routine studies are needed to now accurate prevalence. Therefore, more studies in different geographical areas should be performed to design and implement appropriate intervention measures. Keywords: Toxoplasma, Toxoplasma gondii, obligate intracellular

Problems of Married Women at Higher Education in Pakistan: Academic, Social and Cultural Context

Abstract: The major focus of the study was to explore the social, cultural, financial and academic problems of married women at higher education, and also to sensitize, orientate relevant stakeholders to address them. It was descriptive research following qualitative approach to collect data with the semi-structured interview. Population of the study were married female students enrolled in private Universities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, and 20 participants were selected through snowball sampling technique to collect the data. It is concluded that education is basic necessity for every human beings whether male or female, however, certain families in Pakistan do not allow women in general and married women in particular for higher education because of social, cultural, religious, economic and educational factors. Support for the education of married women depends upon family attitude, educational status, financial stability and husband viewpoint. Most of the conservative families think that higher education environment will bring moral deprivation, grant unrestricted freedom, and delay in marriage for their daughters. It is recommended that seminars and focused programs are required to be designed to change the perceptions of the society about female education, and universities as well as HEC increase the number of scholarships for female education. Non-formal education system may target to female who are not allowed to go out of their cities for education. It is also recommended that higher education institutions design flexible working hours for married women so that they will be able to cope with the domestic work and academic workload without stress and tension.

The World Bank and IMF in Developing Countries: Helping or Hindering?

Abstract: The presence of the World Bank and IMF in developing countries dates back as early as 1960s. Having similar structure and membership, both institutions attempt to provide more stability and certainty for the globalized world-economy by providing technical and financial assistance to developing countries, and to those nations struggling with economic and financial difficulties. However, their claims of assisting developing countries are often questioned and castigated. This study examines whether these institutions are contributing to the growth, development and well-being of developing countries or undermining their activities and achievements. Despite that developing countries are marginalized in power sharing, decision making and designing policies and projects in these institutions, they are imperialism tools used to exploit resources of the developing world and to protect interests of the west. They provide painful and destructive financial and technical support leading to retarded growth, expanded inequality, and occasionally global instability. We argue that it is time for the developing countries, to join and contribute the improvement of existing alternative financial and development institutions such as the New Development Bank established by BRICS countries. Keywords: Developing countries, IMF, World Bank, development, international financial/economic institutions, west. JEL Code: F33, F34, F35, F36, O19.

The Validation of the Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) in Tanzania: A Case of Tanzania Public Service College

Abstract: There is plethora of studies in the developed world that examine the Job Satisfaction and dissatisfaction of employees in the tertiary education institutions, little is however known about their counterparts in the developing world. This paper is a modest attempt to probe that quagmire in the developing world. Using the short form of the Minnesota job Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) we attempt to investigate the manifestation of job satisfaction at Tanzania Public Service College in Tanzania. A cross-sectional survey design with a random sample of (N=50) was employed. The study findings shows that intrinsic job factors were more satisfying than extrinsic job factors and demographic factors (Age, gender and education) were also found to influence job satisfaction differently. Implications for job satisfaction, recommendations are offered, and future research agenda is proposed. Keywords: Job Satisfaction, Public Sector, Human Resource Management, Motivation

Adoption and Cost Benefit Analysis of Sesame Technology in Drought Prone Areas of Ethiopia: Implication for Sustainable Commercialization

Abstract: This article documents the determinants of household-level of adoption and cost benefit analysis based on the data collected in 2014 G.C from 140 randomly -selected households in drought prone areas of Ethiopia namely from West Herreghe Zone, Meisso district. Data for the study was obtained from formal household questionnaire survey, key informant discussion and direct observation of farmers fields. .In addition, secondary data were collected from relevant sources such as different research institute, zonal and wereda bureau of agriculture . In order to describe and compare different categories of the sample units with respect to the desired characteristics mean, standard deviation and percentage were used. Furthermore, chi-square test and an independent sample t-test were used to identify variables that vary significantly between adopters and non-adopter.Logistic regression (binary logit) analysis was used to identify the relative importance of the various factors associated with adoption of improved sesame technologies. The economic analysis using the partial budgeting method and price sensitivity analysis were also used to ascertain the profitability of the adopted improved sesame technologies. The result of the study indicated that about 42.9% of the sample respondents were adopters of the improved sesame technologies ,while 57.1 % non- adopters. Results of the logistic regression analysis indicate that among 18, identified explanatory variables 9, of them significantly influenced adoption of improved sesame technologies. Education,sex, family labor supply, livestock onwership,total farm income earned ,perception on varieties attributes, farmer to farmers knowledge sharing and years experience in sesame crop production are associated singificantly and positively with adoption of improved sesame technologies.whereas,distance from market center is associated significantly but negatively. The partial budget results also indicate that improved sesame technology was highly profitable compared to local cultivars .The overall finding of the study underlined the high importance of institutional support in the areas of extension service to insist farmer-to-farmer knowledge sharing, credit and market to enhance adoption of improved sesame technology. There is also need to consider farmers’ views during the new technology development, evaluation and dissemination process. Moreover, due attention and policy consideration has to be given by government to those significant variables which have a potential impact in determining farmer’s adoption decision in the study area. Keywords: Logistic regression (binary logit) analysis, seseame tecchnology adoption, Cost Benefit Analysis Sensitivity , Ethiopia

Good Governance in Land Administration from Below: The Case of Naeder Adet Woreda, Ethiopia

Abstract: It is true that good land governance has a viable role in ensuring sustainable local development. This study dealt with the performance of good land governance pertaining to accountability in Naeder Adet woreda of Tigiray Regional State. The study was conducted by using 182 household heads that were selected via convenience sampling. Furthermore, focused group discussion, interview, secondary data was used to gather relevant data. The study finding indicates that the performance good governance in the woreda land administration pertaining to accountability is sluggish where much is left to be done. The woreda land administration has installed both formal and informal accountability mechanisms where administrative accountability could be ensured. In spite of that, the practicability of these accountability mechanisms is in its early stage. There is the dearth of downward accountability. In this regard, the prime factors that inhibit the good governance in the land administration were found, among others, corruption, weak public education, weak monitoring and evaluation system, and coordination among stake holders and low incentives. Thus, if accountability is to be ensured, the woreda should work on tackling the above bottlenecks by setting clear guidelines and service standards, empowering civic engagement on service delivery process, providing adequate trainings and incentives to local councils and setting code of conduct to the land administrators. Keywords : Good land governance, accountability, land administration committees, woreda

Harmonizing Globalization and Traditionalism in the Rentier State: Exploring the Modernization of the United Arab Emirates

Abstract: Scholars of oil-based rentierism otherwise dubbed as ‘the oil curse’, claim that the political systems of such countries and their leaderships cannot be taken as serious development focused agents. In a similar contention, proponents of western-style democracy support the idea that ‘sheikhdom’ leadership based on patriarchic inheritance is destructive to development, while yet another section of scholars claims that Islam, as a faith, is in general anti-development. In order to broaden the debate on this subject, this study uses the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a case of a country that has achieved a tremendous success in various development areas and contrary to the old view of the three types of critics mentioned here. Keywords: Arabian Gulf, economic diversification, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), leadership, Middle East

Determinant of Risk-Smart Options among Farming Households in Agricultural Risk Management in Imo State, Nigeria: A Multinomial Logit Model Approach

Abstract: Globally, farmers deal with a significant magnitude of uncertainty all day long. From not knowing what the vagaries of weather will be like now, to wondering if market prices will increase or decrease the next moment and even not been definite if Fulani herdsmen cow, pests and diseases will attack his promising various crops and livestock enterprises tomorrow. Therefore farmers are compelled to make decisions based on imperfect information and knowledge. Particularly, in Imo State Nigeria, farmers are heavily exposed to risk. Regrettably, the resultant effect is low agricultural output in the State all year round. The article soughed to bring incisive clarity to this discourse by estimating the determinant of Risk-Smart options among farming households in the area. Multistage random sampling technique was used in selection of One hundred and Twenty (120) household heads from the area. Well structured questionnaire was the main tool for data collection. Descriptive statistics, Smart-Art, and Multinomial Logit Model were used for data analysis. Mean age was 45.03years. Majority (65.83%) were males. Farmers cultivated on an average farm size of 1.21Ha. Average quarterly farm income was N 84,8430.00 ($426.34). The study confirmed the evidence of various agricultural risks in the area. Greater proportion (85.00%) identified Fulani herdsmen cow attack on their crops as a source of risk. Thus, farmers have started becoming Risk-Smart through the adoption of several Risk-Smart options to thwart the negative impacts of the risk in the area. The major Risk-Smart options farmers used were diversification of livelihood (100.00%). Unfortunately, farmers Risk-Smart options are just insufficient to prevent them from devastation. However, if farmers Risk-Smart capacity are not strongly built, agricultural production in the area may be unfavourable with time. Estimated multinomial logit model showed that socio-economic characteristics of the farmers have a significant influence on their Risk-Smart options in the area. Farmers complained of inadequate Risk-Smart adoption funds and indiscriminate grazing of arable farmland by Fulani herdsmen cow. It was therefore recommended that farmers should be encouraged to form agricultural production and marketing cooperative on their own to enhance their risk-smart capacity in the area. Farmers on their own should also construct an improvised heavy wire mesh around their farms to check the indiscriminate grazing of their arable farmland by the Fulani herdsmen cow in the area. Effective agricultural policies and programmes should focus on granting farmers improved access to farm credit at zero percent interest rate. Ultimately, government at all levels should identify genuine farmers and insure their farms against risks as well as check seriously activities of these Fulani herdsmen the in the area. Keywords : Risk, Risk-Smart Options, Risk management, Socio-economic variables, Multinomial Logit Model, Barriers, Fulani Herdsmen, Imo State, Nigeria

Review of Haricot bean Value Chain in Ethiopia

Abstract: This paper has reviewed the haricot bean value chain particularly the case of Ethiopia. Haricot beans are among the most important grain legumes produced by small-scale farmers for both subsistence and cash, mainly in the lowlands and in the rift valley areas of Ethiopia. They are high in starch, protein, and dietary fiber, and are an excellent source of minerals and vitamins. Given the importance of beans, it is necessary to understand what the situation of the bean sub-sector in the country is in terms of production, marketing and consumption and also map the different actors in the bean value chain. The bean value chain consists of input suppliers, producers, traders, brokers, exporters and consumers. The major haricot bean producing regions in Ethiopia are Oromia, SNNPR, Amhara and Benshangul Gumuz which contribute more than 99% of total haricot bean output. In 2014/15 agricultural production , Oromia took the lion share (51%) of haricot bean production in the country, followed by SNNPR (27%), Amhara (20%) Benishangul-Gumuz 1.4% and the other regions contributing rest to the country total production. Haricot bean exports account for about 41 percent of pulse production and exports from 2005 to 2014. Its contribution to national export earnings was 134 million USD in 2014. The value chain however, remains underdeveloped. Due to various constraints such as the limited access to improved seeds , low volumes, poor product quality , scattered and fragmented suppliers, high transaction costs and long market channels are among others. Keywords: Haricot bean value chain, actors, supporters and enabling environments

Ghanaian Trade Unionism in Perspective

Abstract: Trade unionism as a combination of workmen to safeguard their collective good has been associated with industrial societies. That is, societies that have moved from agrarian economy to an industrial one. Although Ghana is not a fully industrial country the agitations of workmen collectively can be traced to the colonial era, especially with the establishment of government institutions and injection of European capital into the economy. Evidence of workmen agitations from the early period has been sketchy. However between the 1920s and 30s a number of strike actions by well-organized body of workers forced the colonial administration to examine critically issues of labour. It was in response to these agitations that the colonial government enacted the Gold Coast Trade Unions Ordinance, 1941 to regularize the activities of these unions. The paper seeks to discuss chronologically the development of trade unionism in Gold Coast from its early stages before the use of western constructs, to describe it. Keywords: Trade Unionism, Gold Coast, Ghana, Labour, strike

Polygamy in Mali: Social and Economic Implications on Families

Abstract: The culture and legislation of Mali supports a man to marry more than one wife. The statistical data of 2015 reveals that 41.8% of married women between 12 -60 years old were in polygamous union and 26.7% of married men between 12 and 60 years old had 2 or more than 2 wives. This kind of marital life has caused a series of social and economic problems, most especially in polygamous homes. There have also been a lot of associated problems affecting people from polygamous families such as jealousy, misogyny, aggression, bitterness, invidiousness, denigration and bewitching. The current study is an attempt to analyze the social and economic effects of polygamy on the society of Mali. The study utilizes individual panel data for data analysis. Keywords : Polygamy;Matrimony;Family, Household;Social problems

China’s Infrastructure Development and Its Impact on Africa Economic Growth

Abstract: In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the lack of infrastructure or modern infrastructure has been the major obstacle for the development of the region. Most countries rely on infrastructures inherited from colonial times, which are nowadays out of date because of lack of renewal and maintenance funds or because the available funds are too scarce to meet the needs. This predicament affects negatively the investment climate and jeopardizes both economic development and the poverty reduction strategy, bearing in mind that over 40% of Africa’s populations live in extreme poverty. In recent years, a number of emerging economies have begun to play a growing role in the finance of infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa. Chinese players are now Africa’s key partner for its infrastructure sector (including water supply projects), providing approximately two-thirds of investments since 2007. This paper aims at examining China infrastructure investment in Africa. The analysis also paid attention to Nigeria infrastructure challenges and how China is assisting in closing the gap. Keywords: Africa; China; Economic growth; Finance; Infrastructure, Nigeria