Showing papers in "Journal of African Studies in 2015"

The contribution of savings and credit cooperative societies to income poverty reduction: A case study of Mbozi District, Tanzania

Abstract: This paper explores the contribution of Savings and credit cooperative societies (SACCOS) in reduction of rural households’ income poverty. Specifically, the paper looks at; activities undertaken by SACCOS that can lead to reduction of income poverty; comparing income levels between SACCO’s members and non-members; determining the impact of SACCOS to household’s income poverty reduction, and exploring community’s attitude towards SACCOS. A total of 160 respondents were involved in the study on which this paper is based; 80 SACCOS members and 80 non-members. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS where descriptive and inferential statistics were determined: qualitative data was analysed using content analysis. Study findings show that SACCOS perform different activities in the provision of financial and non-financial services to members. They provide shares, investment opportunities, savings, credit, and training on entrepreneurship skills. T-test analyses show a highly significant difference (p<0.001) between the two groups on income earned from agricultural activities and household expenditures; for the assets owned by household there was also a significant difference (p<0.05). Using MLR analysis, the impact of SACCOS to income poverty reduction was significant (p < 0.05). Generally, the respondents’ attitude towards SACCOS was favourable. The paper concludes that SACCOS play a significant role in improving the conditions of smallholder farmers. The paper recommends that SACCOS be empowered to enable them perform better and provide a range of services to members thereby helping beneficiaries to reduce their income poverty. Key words: Micro-finance institutions (MFIs), SACCOS, poverty and credit.

The Impact of Climate Change on Human Security in the Sahel Region of Africa

Abstract: The Sahel known as the semi-arid transition zone between humid tropical Africa and the arid Sahara desert, characterised by a high degree of temporal and spatial unpredictability in rainfall. The people in this region practice agriculture and cattle-herding, and their livelihoods mostly suffer the effects of climate change because of their reliance on rainfall. Changes in rainfall and temperature had the capacity to reshape the productive landscape of this region and exacerbate food, water and energy scarcities. Also, natural disasters like drought could make the entire area uninhabitable for the people and this could contribute to destabilising and unregulated population movements which could force previously separate groups to compete for the same dwindling resources thereby leading to conflicts eventually. Using the environmentalist’s perspective to explain how natural and human activities had impacted negatively on this region, thereby making it unconducive for human sustenance. This paper explored the consequences of climate change on human well-being in the Sahel region; and the capacity of the population to adapt to the expected changes. It also recommended that there is the need to adopt new technologies and varieties in order to boost food production particularly.

Resolving Nigerias dependency on oil The derivation model

Abstract: Since the discovery of oil in commercial quantity in Nigeria in 1956 and the oil boom of 1970s, oil has dominated the economy of the country. Oil accounts for more than 90 percent of the country’s exports, 25 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and 80 percent of government total revenues. As a result, the economy of the country has been substantially unstable, a consequence of the heavy dependence on oil revenue, and the volatility in prices. The oil boom of the 1970s led to the neglect of agriculture and other non-oil tax revenue sectors, expansion of the public sector, and deterioration in financial discipline and accountability. In turn, oil-dependence exposed Nigeria to the vagaries associated with oil price volatility which threw the country’s public finance into disarray. Moreover, since oil revenue dominates Nigeria’s Federation Account, the sharing of oil rents govern intergovernmental fiscal relations in the country with an on-going tension between agitations by oil producing states for greater share of resources and demands for redistribution from other regions, particularly relatively less endowed ones. In this paper, the authors argue for a rethink in the current revenue sharing formula in Nigeria in favor of derivation. This will reduce ongoing tensions in the distribution of proceeds from oil between the federal government and states on one hand and between the federal government and oil producing states in Nigeria on the other hand. The authors argued for a rollback to the era when states/regions were accorded 50% retention of any proceeds accruing from their areas. This will make every state/region in Nigeria to look inwards and explore other resources that abound in their areas and will also help to diversify the economy of Nigeria away from oil. Key words: Oil dependency, economic diversification, derivation formula, economic development.

Access of urban farmers to land, water and inputs for urban agriculture in Dodoma municipality, Tanzania

Abstract: This paper examines the access of urban farmers to land, water and inputs for urban agriculture (UA) towards household food security, employment creation and income generation in Dodoma municipality. A cross-sectional survey was employed involving 300 urban farmers from both squatter and non-squatter settlements. Structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, key informants, observations and documentary review were used to collect data relevant for the study. Based on the analysis of this study, urban farmers are constrained by land tenure insecurity, erratic water access and inadequate inputs for optimizing plot productivity and ambivalent application of urban legislative frameworks. The study found that no support has been given to urban farmers to enable them to have access to land, water and inputs in order to practice UA. The apparent lack of political will necessary to promote access to land, water and inputs for UA is reflected in weak or absent policy frameworks, resulting in an enormous capacity deficit. Policy makers and planners need information for planning and managing access of urban farmers to land, water and inputs for UA. Key words: Urban agriculture, urban farmers, access, land, water, inputs.

Rethinking the water dimension of large scale land acquisitions in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract: There is a new phenomenon in developing countries where land previously used by communities is being taken over by foreign investors (mostly from Europe, America, China, Gulf States, and other non-western countries) and governments for agriculture, mining and other economic projects. Findings from several studies have so far pointed to the controversial impact of large scale land acquisitions (LSLAs) on affected communities. LSLAs go along with water grabbing but the latter is often (consciously or unconsciously) omitted in the land deals. This has broad effects on the livelihood of local communities, particularly women. This paper uses many examples and arguments from desktop review to describe land grabbing in Africa and examines the extent to which community rights to water are taken into consideration or neglected in land deals; and the likely effects on women. It interrogates the levels of accountability of foreign investors vis-a-vis landed communities and concludes among others that most land deals neglect communities’ rights both to land and water. Women tend to pay a heavy price in the process because they are traditionally responsible for water collection and the provision food for the household. Key words: Land grabbing, water grabbing, accountability, local communities, women, livelihood.

The persistence of western negative perceptions about Africa: Factoring in the role of Africans

Abstract: Africa has continued to be looked down upon by the Western powers. Negative perceptions and representations such as civil wars, hunger, corruption, greed, selfishness, diseases, poverty, and the like have been the defining characters of Africa and the Africans in the minds of many Western people. While the mainstream media has been blamed for much of Africa’s negative perceptions, little has been done to establish how Africans have actively assisted the Western nations to continue perceiving Africa negatively. The paper used a historical approach and secondary sources to examine the role Africans have played in the persistence of Western negative perceptions about Africa. The main argument is that the persistence of such negative views about Africa suggests that Africans have played an active and important role. It is concluded that Africa’s current and future development will continue to depend on how Africans view themselves before the Westerners and how they seek to be viewed by the West. Key words: Africa, negative perceptions, Africans, Western perceptions.

The relativity of heterosexual norms and gender power on young peoples sexuality in Africa

Abstract: Within sociological discourse, young people’s sexual practices have become an area of particular interest as sociologists attempt to contextualise sexuality as multifaceted social experiences rather than as psychological or psychoanalytic processes. This study introduces a conceptual framework for investigating young people’s sexuality and sexual practices in African context. It was achieved through a critical review of the conceptual framework developed by a group of feminist authors in the UK context which identifies five interacting layers of power through which young people become sexually active and socially heterosexual. By adapting and modifying the feminists’ framework, this study delves into the social processes through which certain norms, beliefs, gender practices intersect with heterosexual norms to constitute well-established practices among young Africans. This study concludes by asking for a space to redefine conventional practices of gender and heterosexual culture in order to enhance young people’s agency for pleasurable and healthful sexual relations. Key words: Gender, sexuality, heterosexual, culture, young people, Africa.

Science and technology capacity in Africa: A new index

Abstract: In 2001, the RAND Corporation´s Science and Technology Policy Institute created an Index of Science and Technology Capacity for the World Bank, which ranked 150 countries on their potential to innovate and collaborate with more scientifically advanced nations. At that time, the African nation that ranked highest on the list was Mauritius, at number 59, and of the bottom 20 countries, 14 were African. In the ensuing years, some African nations have posted their highest growth rates in several decades, and institutional change has begun to take its root in some parts of the continent. Have these changes had any effect on the scientific and technological capacity of African nations? This paper replicates the RAND Index to 2011 to answer this question, and suggests which African nations might be best poised to move forward technologically in coming decades. Key words: Science and technology capacity, development, Africa.

Real wages and labour productivity in Tanzania: How do they link?

Abstract: Using data from national level surveys, the present paper undertakes an empirical analysis of the linkage between labour productivity and real wages in Tanzania. After making tabular presentations of growth in labour productivity and real wages by industry and sector (public and private), regression analysis is undertaken to examine the factors that influence incomes. Granger causality test is applied to examine the nature of the relationship between real wages and productivity for manufacturing industries. The paper finds no clear pattern in the link between real wages and productivity. Real incomes in the private sector have registered negative growth while the opposite has been the case in the public sector. In addition to education, age, occupation, and location are found to be important determinants of income. Real wages have significant impact on productivity in the manufacturing sector, thus lending support to the efficiency wage hypothesis. Key words: Labour, productivity, real wages.

Amos Tutuola and the Elusiveness of Completeness

Abstract: This paper is a contribution to the unfinished business of transformation of colonial and apartheid ideologies on being human and being African that continue to shape how research is conceptualized, taught and practiced in universities across Africa. Endogenous epistemologies such as depicted by Amos Tutuola in his writings, despite their popularity with ordinary Africans and with elite Africans especially in settings away from the scrutinising prescriptive gaze of their western and westernised counterparts, are mainly dormant or invisible in scholarly circles where they are often ignored, caricatured or misrepresented through problematic categories that are actively and uncritically internalised and reproduced by a Eurocentric modern intellectual elite. Africans immersed in popular traditions of meaning-making are denied the right to think and represent their realities in accordance with the civilisations and universes they know best. Often, the ways of life they cherish are labelled and dismissed too eagerly as traditional knowledge by some of the very African intellectual elite they look up to for protection. The paper makes a case for space to be created for such sidestepped traditions of knowledge. It draws attention to Africa’s possibilities, prospects and emergent capacities for being and becoming in tune with its creativity and imagination. It speaks to the ‘frontier African’ at the crossroads and junctions of encounters, facilitating creative conversations and challenging regressive logics of exclusionary identities. The paper uses Tutuola’s stories to question dualistic assumptions about reality and scholarship, and to call for conviviality, interconnections and interdependence between competing knowledge traditions in Africa.

Intra-national Ethnic Diasporas: Popular Culture and Mediated Translocal Spaces in Kenya

Abstract: Diasporas are conventionally perceived in terms of dispersed populations on a transnational scale. However, this paper demonstrates that the international dimensions of diasporas do not discount their potential for manifestation at intra-national levels, especially within countries made up of various distinct ethnic ‘nations’. In the multiethnic African context, populations tend to construct an ‘imagined community’, within which connections are maintained among members scattered beyond the boundaries of the homeland, but still within the confines of the nation in question. In this paper, attention is paid to the dynamics involved in the local ethnic populations’ appropriation of communication technologies to render mediated popular culture and construct translocal spaces in Kenya. It emerges that through vernacular radio, television, and mobile phones, the in-country diasporas maintain vital socio-cultural contact among members. By mainstreaming local migrants, whose experiences remain hardly visible in contemporary scholarly discourse, this paper accordingly expands the definition of diaspora.

The (Un)identical twins: Public administration and public management toward improving education and training for effective governance in Ghana

Abstract: There are some disagreements between academics and practitioners on how to improve the performance of government officials in Ghana. While academics advocate for reforms in governance through education and training, practitioners may have differing interests and expectations. Such impasse has contributed to the lack of a unified framework of concepts in nation building. Core concepts for training public managers for good governance have fragmented within public administration, public policy, and public management. However, there is hope that pre-service and in-service training and education may provide opportunities to implement reforms through human development. There should be a closer dialogue among all schools of thought based on a generally agreed paradigm for effective governance through education and training. This article looks at education and training of public officials through the lens of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA). It uses meta-analysis to examine the similarities and differences between public administration and management. Key words: Public administration, new public management, traditional administration, training, and education.

Income distribution in rural EgyptA three-village case

Abstract: Using household survey data, this paper examines the case of three villages in rural Egypt to shed light on the determinants of income distribution. We first employ decomposition techniques to identify the contribution of farm and non-farm income to overall household inequality. We then use regression analysis to identify the role of different factors in determining the level of farm and non-farm income. Based on the analysis of household income structure and its determinants, we clarify the strong effect of land holding on rural household income distribution, and the differing effects of non-agricultural employment opportunities through the linkage to non-agricultural labor markets. Overall, while non-farm employment is obviously an important determinant of income distribution in rural Egypt, the relationship between land, non-agricultural sector, and household income levels assume different patterns according to the specific socio-economic (village) setting. Key words: Egypt, rural household, income distribution, land, case study.

Audiovisual translation as a tool for teaching English Language to French-speaking students in Cameroon

Abstract: The process by which people acquire the capacity to perceive and comprehend language as well as to produce and use words and sentences to communicate is known as language learning. The present study aimed at assessing whether intralingual subtitling can be used to effectively improve on the learning of English language by French speaking Cameroonian students in the country. It involved exposing French speaking students to a film without subtitles over a period of two weeks during which they viewed the film six times and subsequently to the same film with English intralingual subtitles over the same period and length of time. Prior to the exercise the students underwent a diagnostic test which was aimed at evaluating their level of the English language which was an essential component in the subtitling of the film. The students then underwent pre and post tests after viewing the film without and with the subtitles respectively. Analysis of the results of these tests using statistical methods (t-test and ANOVA) showed an improvement in their language elements namely: comprehension, vocabulary, word formation, sentence structure, sound speech, meaning, and usage depending on the context. The improvement average mark increased from 9.5/20 in the pre-test to 12.0/20 in the post-test, thereby confirming the fact that students can effectively improve on language learning through the use of intralingual subtitling which can therefore be considered as an important tool of audiovisual translation. Key words: Audiovisual translation, linguistic elements, language learning, language teaching, French speaking students.

Multi-faceted training and employment approaches as panacea to higher education graduate unemployment in Nigeria

Abstract: This paper posits that if higher education graduate unemployment was only a mere suspicion in the Nigeria of the 1970s, it became an important social challenge in the mid-1980s. A review of the literature revealed that skills mismatch between the training offered by universities and skills required by the market, structural mismatch between middle and upper level manpower production, the scrapping of National Manpower Planning Board and poor attitude towards vocational training are the major factors currently fuelling graduate unemployment in Nigeria. This paper therefore develops a framework for a new policy orientation in matters of higher education employment in Nigeria which will not only take advantage of the existing strengths within the Nigerian economy but will open up massive employment opportunities for higher education graduates. This framework calls for the deliberate opening up of five economic domains for graduate employment, namely, the agricultural, mining, hospitality, vending and Information Communication Technologies. The paper identifies retraining and the provision of basic social amenities to Nigerian communities as catalysts to improved graduate employment in the country as these measures will contribute towards the reduction of social agitation within the communities. Cet article demontre que si le taux de chomage eleve parmi les diplomes de l'enseignement superieur n'etait qu'une simple impression au Nigeria des annees 1970, il est devenu un defi social important au milieu des annees 1980. Une analyse bibliographique a revele que l'incompatibilite entre les competences acquises a travers la formation offerte par les universites et les competences requises par le marche de travail; ainsi que l'incompatibilite structurelle entre les niveaux de production moyens et superieurs par la main-d'oeuvre; la chute du conseil national de planification de la main-d'oeuvre et la mauvaise attitude envers la formation professionnelle sont les principaux facteurs qui causent le chomage des diplomes au Nigeria actuellement. Par consequent, cet article developpe le cadre d'une autre politique pour une nouvelle orientation en matiere de l'emploi des diplomes de l'enseignement superieur au Nigeria. Non seulement ce cadre profitera des points forts existants au sein de l'economie nigeriane, mais il ouvrira aussi des possibilites d'emploi massives pour les diplomes de l'enseignement superieur. Il prevoit l'ouverture deliberee de cinq domaines economiques visant l'emploi des diplomes, a savoir: l'agriculture, l'exploitation miniere, l'hotellerie, la vente, et les technologies de l'information et de la communication. Comme ces mesures contribueront a la reduction du trouble social au sein des communautes, cet article identifie les programmes de recyclage et l'approvisionnement des equipements sociaux de base aux communautes nigerianes comme catalyseurs a l'amelioration nationale de l'emploi des diplomes.

Modernisierung, Paternalismus, Partnerschaftlichkeit: Repräsentationen afrikanischer Dekolonisation im frühen österreichischen Fernsehen (1957-1965)

Abstract: Der vorliegende Artikel befasst sich mit der Nachrichtenberichterstattung im frühen österreichischen Fernsehen über afrikanische Länder südlich der Sahara und analysiert die Dynamiken von Kontinuität und Wandel in den Repräsentationen um 1960. Die Basis dafür bietet die Analyse von bis dato nicht erforschtem audiovisuellem Quellenmaterial aus dem Archiv des Österreichischen Rundfunks (ORF) mit Schwerpunkt auf dem Jahresrückblick des Aktuellen Diensts von 1960. Der Artikel zeigt die für die Berichterstattung charakteristische Struktur der vordergründigen Anerkennung bei gleichzeitiger (subtiler) Abwertung auf und macht deutlich, dass aufscheinende 'Parallelen' und Vergleiche zwischen Afrika und Österreich zwar zu Veränderungen, nicht aber zu einem deutlichen Bruch mit bisherigen dominanten Repräsentationsweisen führen: Die nunmehrigen modernisierungstheoretisch, hoffnungsfroh gefärbten, Beiträge – anstelle von (noch) nicht präsenten afropessimistischen Entwürfen – berichten über einen Prozess des Ähnlicher-Werdens zwischen Afrika und Österreich, markieren dabei aber die grundlegende Vorstellung einer westlichen/österreichischen Überlegenheit.

The impact of cross carpeting and multiplicity of political parties in Nigerian democratic process

Abstract: The return to democracy in 1999 has ushered unprecedented hope on democratic process in Nigeria and, thus, heralded another opportunity for the country to launch a new strategy towards democracy, after many years of lost opportunities under a prolonged period of authoritarian rule. Indeed, the emergence of multiparty system in Nigerian Fourth Republic can be seen as a major breakthrough in the democratic process. The journey so far since 1999 raises a lot of concern and apprehension, chief among them is the multiplicity of political parties and most troublesome is the cross-carpeting of party’s members. Their structure, operations, funding and general activities can make or mar the democratic process. The way political parties in Nigeria have gone and going, does not, however, portend good tidings for her democratic process especially the selfish desires of candidates jumping from one party to the other. It is on these grounds, this study investigates factors responsible for proliferation of political parties, decampment of parties’ members; and how healthy are these activities to democratic process in Nigeria. In achieving this objective, the study relies on primary data and analysis would be done through basic statistical tools. Key words: Political party, cross-carpeting, multiplicity of political party, democratic process.

Communicating co-operation or individualism? The paradox of the Shona Proverb

Abstract: This research is an examination of whether there are contradictions in the cultural worldview of the Shona people as the proverbs they use seem to promote co-operation but at the same time they are those that apparently encourage individualism. It stems from the realisation that the Shona, just like other African cultural groups, adopt a communal approach to life shunning individualism. Since proverbs are an integral part of the people`s cultural values , they should be seen to be promoting the cherished values but ironically they are proverbs which seem to contradict each other in terms of the information they disseminate. The proverbs discussed in this research have been randomly selected from some written sources as well as from the researchers` own life experiences. The research methodology employed is the content analysis approach as it is relevant in the endeavour to unravel the philosophical inclinations of using the conflicting pairs. The contradictions that have been noted do not suggest that the Shona people live a confusing life but it shows that proverbs are chosen carefully in relation to the context. This in itself is a reflection of the flexibility on part of the Shona people to treat each case differently. The contradictory pairs point out to the fact that there are always different angles of viewing certain issues and situations. It is the context which determines the proverbs that ought to be used and this ensures that the people do not live within a confusing worldview. Key words: Shona people, Zimbabwe, Shona proverbs, Shona culture, individualism, cooperation.

Pedagogic possibilities of ICTs and technology affordances in an increasingly networked environment in support of sustainable development

Abstract: The research project seeks new opportunities/ directions of learning and teaching in an increasingly networked world, and how they can benefit people in developing countries in support of sustainable development. The research agenda is aimed at studying how interconnected information and communication technologies (ICTs) can expand the reach of educational opportunities and improve learning outcomes as technology affordances. The main research question is - What are the pedagogic possibilities of ICTs and technology affordances in an increasingly networked environment that can impact/ benefit participative collaborative inclusive communities of learning in support of sustainable development? Key words: ICT, technology affordances, sustainable development, pedagogic possibilities.

African identity? Mother and daughter between the currents in colonial West Africa

Abstract: This article explores early tendencies of West African cultural (proto-)nationalism through the vantage point of the mother-daughter relationship between Adelaide and Gladys Casely-Hayford. Their family dynamics and generational frictions, as disclosed in their letters, memoirs, articles and poems, besides being personal testimonies of causing each other pain and mutual disappointment, provide insights into political, mental and social developments of 1920-1940 West African-British interaction. Both women, actively engaged in girl's education, had differing outlooks on their “Africanness”, on the importance and content of education and on the role of women in society. Mainly drawing on Adelaide's biographical material and Gladys' poems, this article compares and contrasts their respective attitudes and dispositions to reveal the tendencies that influenced them.

Reflections on Islamic marriage as panacea to the problems of HIV and AIDS

Abstract: Heterosexual intercourse is epidemiologically the leading factor in the spread of HIV/AIDS. Although the heterogeneous Muslims condemn condom use as leading to zina, the Muslim majority regions of North Africa and the Middle East have the lowest HIV prevalence in the world. Through the desk-top approach the paper evaluated Islamic marriage as a possible panacea to the problems of HIV/AIDS. The correlation between religion and the spread of HIV/AIDS has remained ambiguous, for while both Christians and Muslims advanced the same moral values, HIV prevalence peaked among majority adult Christian populations and drastically dropped among majority Muslim populations. This means the Islamic marriage praxis includes some unique features. Such features include obligatory pre-marital circumcision, strict separation of sexes, combined religious, judiciary and political sanction against pre-marital sex, extra-marital sex and compulsory levirate marriage. The unique marriage sanctions are gradually restricting freedoms in the areas of polygyny and divorce; slowly restricting multiple sexual contacts which are epidemiologically prone to HIV/AIDS. Hypothetically, Islamic marriage can impact favorably on HIV/AIDS prevalence. Key words: Abstinence, fidelity, HIV/AIDS, panacea, zawj.

Fixed and mobile telephones in West African Economic Monetary Union countries: complementary or substitute services?

Abstract: The observation of the joint evolution of fixed and mobile phones penetration in West African Economic Monetary Union countries suggests that the demand of the two services does not develop at the same rate with increasing difference in favor of the mobile phone. This article is dedicated to relationship between fixed and mobile phone services. It tests empirically the existence of relations of complementarity and substituality between these two types of services in the West African Economic Monetary Union countries over the period 1997 to 2010. It is clear that in these countries, mobile phone is a fixed phone substitute, although the extent of this relationship of substitution is relatively low. Nevertheless, the role that the fixed phone is required to play in these countries for ICT services development must push the authorities to consider measures to improve the fixed phone penetration rate. Key words: Telephone, substituable, panel data, WAEMU.

Igala Ethnic Nationality and Leadership Challenge

Abstract: The Igala nation is located generally in the middle-belt region of Nigeria. It can be observed that this ethnic nationality unarguably constitutes the largest group of people in Kogi State today. The paper is subdivided into: Abstract; Introduction; History and the organisation of Igala people in Nigeria; Leadership challenge as the bane of her underdevelopment, and the opportunities of development for Igala kingdom in Nigeria. Consequent upon her potentialities, it has been found that Igala nationality requires a responsible leadership which should lead to the acceptance of its lost glory and the need to be repositioned for greatness. It concludes that because Igala people have not been able to develop any process of leadership emergence through a crucible to determine their preparedness and worth, the land is suffering from bad state of critical infrastructure, massive unemployment, widespread poverty owing to “half/percentage-Salary syndrome” and political thuggery in the administrative/local politics. The paper majorly recommended an investment in human capital development, and the preservation/modification of Igala traditional and cultural heritage as strategies to effectively compete in the economic and socio-political development of the Nigerian economy.

Technology production: A challenge for economic growth and development in Africa

Abstract: Africa has recently become the world second fastest growing region, but still, poverty has not improved accordingly. The paper makes the case that in order to further boost economic growth and promote development, African economies need to go beyond imitation and technology transfer and start producing technology. Some of the arguments are: innovation generates stronger growth gains than imitation and copying; stronger international patent protection contributes to hinder the imitation process; technology tends to be purpose-driven and can be inappropriate. Drawing on the determinants of two features of world research and development distribution, that is, concentration over half of the world countries and underinvestment, the paper goes on to suggest ways in which Africa may go about spending significantly on R&D and discuss the corresponding challenges they will face. Key words: Technology, innovation, imitation, Sub-Saharan Africa, growth, development.

Sino-Africa economic and Chinese foreign direct investment in Africa on bilateral trade relations

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of Sino-Africa economic and Chinese FDI on Africa trade relations. China’s phenomenal economic growth rate has made the country rise to world leadership status, causing many analysts to ponder over its regional and international intentions and goals. Its investment is paying off now mainly in oil and other raw materials imports and manufactured goods. We used a panel data to analyze Chinese FDI exports to Africa, and a time series data to investigate the effect of its imports from Africa. The study shows that Chinese FDI in Africa has contributed significantly to increase Chinese exports to Africa as well as imports from Africa. It means that Chinese DI in Africa is an important factor for explaining the growth of the bilateral trade. The research found also that per capita income and annual percentage growth of domestic product of China have a positive effect on its import. China might experience significant backlash from other world powers due to its involvement in African affairs. This paper aims to highlight the tight rope which Africa and China have to balance in their new found relationship to keep it on a win-win situation. Key words: Economic development, Sino-Africa, trade, FDI, growth.

Education criminality, graduates employability and the Maicibis formula: Friends or foes?

Abstract: A goat, a hyena and grass are dangerous bedfellows and thus cannot be friends. This analogy is similar to when one asks whether criminality in the education sector can enable or disable graduates to earn the necessary skills needed by employers; and further if Maicibi’s formula can be a moderating variable in this relationship. Studies in Europe (most likely with similar results in Africa) have indicated that employers very much value sector – specific soft and hard skills in graduates from international ranking reputation institutions. One does not need a degree to know that where a graduate had obtained a degree certificate through fraudulent means, such a graduate does not possess the requisite quantity and quality of knowledge that the obtained certificate is expected to symbolise. Maicibi’s formula (B1-4 < C1-4) is a multi-functional and multi-generic tool that uses psychological and sociological constructs to illustrate and emphasise the need for the relevant authorities to make committing an offence/crime a prohibitive and a costly behaviour with very unfavourable least benefits. We must reverse criminality in the education sector right from employment/admission through teaching and examination to certification. It is the belief of the author that when this situation obtains, in this case in the education sector, then there is high potency of having the right lecturers and students in institutions of higher learning; the right teaching and learning experience; the right employment-oriented curriculum; the right transcript/certificates awarded, and the right graduates with pertinent competencies and competences that are ready for employment. Key words: Criminality, Maicibi’s formula, employment, education.

Euphemisms as Substitutes for Verbal Taboos in Igbo Language Dynamics

Abstract: Some Igbo words and expressions are hardly used openly, especially in mixed company. Such lexemes refer to in this study as verbal taboos play crucial roles in the understanding of certain aspects of the world view in Igbo society This paper examines and describes the various categories of some of such words, the reason(s) behind their avoidance, and the strategies involved when the concepts referenced in such words or expressions must be employed. Data comprising one hundred and fifty of the taboo words/expressions were elicited through oral interviews from two hundred Igbo native speakers representing various individuals without recourse to age, sex, educational background, occupation, and location. The respondents were randomly selected and interviewed based on convenience random sampling. The researcher equally relied on her intuitive knowledge of the language. The theoretical framework adopted for the analysis is Politeness and Face approach as proposed in Brown and Levinson (1978, 1987). Findings show that the open usage avoidance of the words/expressions in question is conditioned by cultural and religious norms of the society; and that euphemisms are mostly used as replacements for the avoided lexemes in certain contexts. The adoption of new lexemes, however, also brings about changes in the context of use of the items in the language.

Creative Transformation in African Art Music: A Case Study #

Abstract: The study examines and analyses the significance of the style of music composition employing traditional and contemporary models noted in the solo voice and piano works of Nketia. It argues that an imaginative African contemporary composer can elect to work within the limitations of selected traditional instruments and create new African music that not only blends their sonorities, but also makes use of appropriate tunes and other materials from traditional or contemporary repertoire. What is of particular interest to us in this paper is the use of new models by the composer to transform the African traditional modes of expression, using techniques that may be foreign or not frequently used in African traditions. The study hopes to contribute to the discourses on African art music as a synthesis of elements of traditional and European resources. It argues that a genuine feeling of African style does not come merely from the use of folk songs and dances. A piece will sound African—Akan, Ewe, Hausa, Yoruba, etc., when the basic characteristics of the source materials feature in the body of the composition. The study is based on analysis and interpretation of three selected solo works of J. H. Kwabena Nketia and on interviews between the author and the composer. L'etude examine et analyse l'importance du style de la composition musicale en utilisant les modeles traditionnels et contemporains notes dans la voix solo et oeuvres de piano de J. H. Kwabena Nketia. Il affirme qu’un compositeur africain contemporain imaginatif peut choisir de travailler en restant dans les limites de certains instruments traditionnels et creer une nouvelle musique africaine qui non seulement allie les sonorites de ces derniers, mais permet egalement l'utilisation de melodies appropriees et d'autres materiels de repertoire traditionnel ou contemporain. Ce qui nous interesse particulierement dans cet article, c’est l'utilisation de nouveaux modeles par le compositeur pour transformer les modes d'expression traditionnels africains, en utilisant des techniques qui peuvent etre inconnues ou rares dans les traditions africaines. L'etude espere contribuer aux echanges sur l'art musical africain en tant que synthese d'elements traditionnels et europeens. Il fait valoir qu'une veritable sensation du style africain ne se fait pas sentir simplement par les chants et danses folkloriques. Une piece musicale sonne africaine – Akan, Ewe, Haoussa, Yoruba, etc. – lorsque les caracteristiques de base figurent dans l’ensemble de la composition. L'etude est basee sur l'analyse et l'interpretation d’une selection de trois oeuvres solo de Nketia et sur des entretiens entre l'auteur et le compositeur.