Eastern African Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

Humanitarian Support for Displaced Populations: A Comparative Study of Counties of Rubkona, South Sudan, and Turkana, Kenya

2025-07-30T10:47:30+00:00

Humanitarian support is anchored on the philosophy of saving lives and alleviating human suffering. However, targeted efforts towards sustainable livelihoods of the assisted communities remain a missed target. Priority has been on short-term relief measures focused on immediate life-saving needs, while neglecting long-term recovery, resilience-building, and livelihood sustainability. Integrating development programming anchored on annals of resilience and sustainability, therefore, remains unfulfilled. Authors opine that such initiatives within displaced populations’ contexts need to be aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Goal 1 (end poverty in all its forms everywhere), and Goal 8 (decent work and economic growth) to underscore the integration of livelihoods support into humanitarian programmes. Humanitarian support theory, a composite framework that informs the design and delivery of humanitarian support in crisis settings, forms the conceptual underpinning. A pragmatist mixed-methods approach, known for enhancing the explanatory power of findings by triangulating quantitative and qualitative data, was employed. A sampling strategy blended out of census, random, and purposive sampling was deployed, and a sample size of 400 was picked. Generally, health services were ranked best by both study sites on account of the humanitarian support for displaced populations, averaged at 93%. Cash support and Vocational training were rated poorly, signaling inadequacy of these humanitarian supports across both counties. Ironically, these could have improved the endowment of displaced populations and the sustainability of the humanitarian support. The study recommends the programming of humanitarian support packages to address this inadequacy for the sustainability of the livelihoods of the displaced populations.

The Role of the Nandi Religion in Indigenous Healthcare Management Practices among the Nandi of Kabiyet, Kenya

2025-07-30T12:01:05+00:00

Religion plays an integral role in the practice of indigenous medicine across African societies, deeply influencing healing traditions and perceptions of health. This article examines the role of religion in sustaining indigenous healthcare systems among the Nandi community of Kenya using Holism as the guiding framework. It explores how religious beliefs, practices, and institutions shape understandings of illness, healing, and well-being within a culturally embedded spiritual framework. The aim is to investigate how the Nandi religion influences traditional medical knowledge and practices. Employing a qualitative research design, data were gathered through in-depth oral interviews, participant observation, and focus group discussions. Findings reveal that Nandi religious beliefs are fundamental to the community’s health practices. Illness is often understood as a disturbance in spiritual or social order, and healing involves restoring harmony through rituals such as ancestral offerings, community cleansing, and the use of spiritually significant herbs. Religious authority legitimizes traditional healers, positioning them as key figures in maintaining both spiritual and physical health. Despite its contributions, the study faced notable limitations. Some informants were reluctant to disclose sacred knowledge, and the findings are context-specific, limiting their generalizability to other communities. The study has practical implications for the integration of indigenous spiritual frameworks into contemporary health systems. A deeper understanding of the spiritual dimensions of health can inform culturally sensitive health policies and practices. Recognizing and respecting traditional religious worldviews may foster more inclusive and holistic healthcare approaches, especially in rural and indigenous settings.

Barriers to Compliance with Library Standards in Ugandan Universities

2025-08-01T06:54:25+00:00

University libraries are essential in supporting teaching, learning, and research; however, several universities failed to achieve the minimum requirements as envisaged by the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE) and international bodies like IFLA because they face many systemic and institutional problems. Therefore, the study investigated the barriers affecting compliance with library standards by Ugandan universities, as discussed in this study, with a view to enlightenment on institutional, technological, and regulatory hindrances to effective library service delivery. Data collection was carried out through a mixed-methods research design under a pragmatic paradigm in 12 universities through questionnaires (n = 433), interviews, participant observations, and document reviews. Findings revealed that limited funding, outdated and inadequate information resources, poor ICT infrastructure, unstable power supply, inadequate reading space, understaffing, and low staff capacity greatly impacted the compliance levels. High enrolment of students vis-a-vis the gradual expansion of library services, poor enforcement of policy, and negative attitudes towards the library from stakeholders further aggravate the non-compliance issue. The study, therefore, concludes that most of the universities did not attain the minimum levels of NCHE standards owing to systemic and operational problems. Hence, it is recommended that regulatory oversight be strengthened, institutional investment increased, staff trained continuously, content developed within the country, and engagement of users promoted toward filling in these gaps. These findings therefore provide a basis for further advocacy on policy formulation and institutional reforms toward improving library services in Uganda's higher education institutions.

External Barriers to Help-Seeking Behaviour among Intimate Partner Violence Women Survivors in Nairobi: A Study at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital

2025-08-06T04:20:26+00:00

This study investigates the external barriers that hamper help-seeking behaviour among survivors of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) at Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, a key referral facility in Nairobi’s Eastlands region. By examining institutional, socio-cultural, and systemic obstacles, this research aims to provide insights into the structural constraints that prevent survivors from accessing timely and appropriate support. The study population comprised 390 women survivors of IPV and 12 key informants who were purposively selected. The study was guided by the Barrier Model, which provided a framework for understanding the social and structural factors that shape survivors’ help-seeking behaviour. Adopting a mixed-methods research design, the study integrated both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques informed by the positivist philosophy and interpretivist philosophy, respectively. Key findings showed that the most significant obstacles were logistical inconveniences (M = 2.86), financial constraints (M = 2.25), societal pressures, language barriers, and stigma. Cultural norms and religious teachings also discouraged survivors from seeking help. The study concludes that addressing external barriers is essential for improving help-seeking among IPV survivors. Understanding these barriers is critical for informing policy, improving service delivery, and ultimately enhancing the safety and well-being of IPV survivors in Kenya. The study recommends offering transport and childcare support, providing multilingual materials, and involving religious and community leaders to change perceptions and encourage help-seeking.

Barriers to Accessing Mental Health Services Among Emerging Adults with Co-occurring Substance Use and Mental Disorders in Coastal Kenya: A Qualitative Study

2025-08-21T09:23:30+00:00

A substantial proportion of adults who use drugs also experience co-occurring mental health disorders. Evidence from high-income countries highlights persistent challenges in accessing mental health services among this population. However, limited empirical data exist on the barriers faced by emerging adults (EAs), aged 18–29 years, in Kenya, particularly those with substance use disorders (SUD). This study aimed to explore the barriers to mental health service access among EAs who use substances in coastal Kenya. A cross-sectional qualitative design was employed across Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale counties. Data were collected through nine focus group discussions (FGDs) involving 88 participants. Interviews were guided by a semi-structured protocol, audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed thematically using NVivo 11. Findings revealed a range of individual, community, and health system barriers. Key themes included perceived stigma, negative attitudes from healthcare workers, financial constraints related to medication and transportation, limited awareness of mental health services, and a preference for traditional and faith-based healers. Participants also cited a shortage of mental health professionals and treatment facilities. To address these barriers, the study recommends multilevel interventions including community-based mental health education to reduce stigma, integration of mental health services into primary care to improve accessibility, capacity-building of health professionals to enhance responsiveness, and collaboration with traditional and faith healers to strengthen referral pathways. These strategies should be tailored to the needs of emerging adults and coordinated by stakeholders such as the Ministry of Health, NACADA, faith-based leaders, and civil society organisations.

Impacts of youth unemployment in Tanzania: A Case of Wazo Ward in Kinondoni Municipal Council

2025-08-23T14:04:17+00:00

Working is a fundamental human right, hence vital for the socio-economic development of society. This study assessed the impacts of youth unemployment. Specifically, the study identified the causes of youth unemployment, described its negative impacts and established intervention measures. The study was conducted in Wazo Ward within Kinondoni Municipal Council, specifically in Mivumoni Street. A mixed-method approach was employed, whereby qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection were used. A total of 200 respondents were interviewed through a structured questionnaire, while four in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants via a checklist guide. The collected qualitative data were coded and themes developed, while quantitative data were analysed through SPSS programme and Fisher’s test was used to determine the relationship between variables. Findings of the study revealed that the identified causes of unemployment among the youth included nepotism, skills mismatch, limited job opportunities, corruption, low economic growth and lack of entrepreneurship skills. Additionally, study findings described the negative impacts, which included criminal offence, sexual immorality, substance abuse, violence against others and laziness among youth. Reported intervention measures were job creation, loan provision, provision of support to entrepreneurs, controlling favouritism, promoting practical skills, and creation of employment strategies. Findings of the study further revealed the P-value was (.014), meaning there was a significant association between unemployment among youth and substance abuse. The other reported P-value was (.000), which entails that there was a significant association between youth unemployment and involvement in criminal offence. This study underscores the impacts of youth unemployment with its multiplier effects on youth themselves and society. Therefore, the findings of this study recommend to policymakers to develop intervention measures that range from the family institution to the ministerial level via the respective ministry of labour, youth, employment and persons with disabilities to mitigate the impacts of youth unemployment.

Gender Inequality in So Long a Letter, Blossoms of the Savannah, and A Crooked Rib

2025-08-28T11:55:55+00:00

This paper examines three African novels: So Long a Letter by Mariama Bâ, Blossoms of the Savannah by Henry Ole Kulet, and Nuruddin Farah's From a Crooked Rib as a way of focusing on and uncovering the major issues of gender inequality, forced marriage, female genital mutilation (FGM), and unequal access to education. The article demonstrates ways each novel reflects the inequalities due to patriarchal societies using qualitative textual analysis. The study is guided by social and radical feminist literary theories. So Long a Letter depicts patriarchal oppression through a polygamous Muslim culture, dysfunctional marriages, oppressive inheritance practices, and bold female characters driven by ambitions to seek independence through education. In Blossoms of the Savannah, FGM and arranged marriages of the Maasai are criticised by the heroines who refuse circumcision and refuse to get married because they want to get access to universally beneficial education. On the other hand, in From a Crooked Rib, Somali women are represented as a commodity who are married forcefully, exposed to FGM, and denied access to education. This is a symbol that inequality is evident in the texts, and the communities do not enable them to gain autonomy. The analysis was based on the African feminist theory, which stresses the colonial roots of patriarchal standards and a radical feminist argument that rejects domination by men. Moreover, the article exemplifies the condition in which tradition and modernity entrap women on the margins, and it highlights education as one of the means of empowerment.

A Critical Analysis of Resistance towards Gender Inequality in Selected African Novels

2025-08-28T13:03:36+00:00

This article explores the various ways of resistance to gender inequality as revealed in three major African novels: So Long a Letter by Mariama Bâ, Blossoms of the Savannah by Henry Ole Kulet, and From a Crooked Rib by Nuruddin Farah. Using a comparative approach and feminist theory, the paper demonstrated how each of them occurs and subverts the patriarchal norms regarding character agency, education, physical autonomy, and defying culture. The study made a lot of reference to African, radical, and postcolonial feminist theories. This analysis outlines the many liberating tactics of the various characters in the chosen texts. The three texts attempt to fight for balance between men and women and find their place in society. The chosen novels depict a budding African feminist consciousness. The women revolt against established gender roles by finding their voice and becoming aware of who they are. They are courageous and struggle until they get their freedom. The article portrays that if women fight for their rights, they can reverse the strict patriarchal structures in our societies and also enjoy equality in society. They will also be role models to girls and women in African societies and globally because they give them tips on how they can resist cases of gender inequality in their respective societies.

Towards a Utilitarian African Musicology

2025-08-30T03:42:56+00:00

This article argues for the restructuring of African musicology based on utilitarian principles, prioritising the material well-being of indigenous practitioners. Moving beyond ethnomusicological frameworks and decolonial theory, it explores how current academic approaches perpetuate practitioners' impoverishment while cultural wealth remains unconverted to economic prosperity. The argument proceeds by examining African musicology's utilitarian potential to generate economic value, the emancipatory promise of transforming practitioners from informants to empowered authorities, and the need for new frameworks to understand contemporary African musical innovation. Drawing on existing scholarship, this article demonstrates system failures by analysing research from Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa while identifying transformation possibilities. Examining traditional economic models, digital platform challenges, and contemporary genres establishes a framework for African musicology serving African communities rather than external institutions. The goal is a practical transformation that enables cultural practitioners to achieve economic security and professional recognition comparable to other skilled professionals.

Financial Literacy and Retirement Preparedness among Public Primary School Teachers in Dodoma, Tanzania

2025-08-30T11:14:36+00:00

Financial literacy plays a crucial role in effective retirement planning and overall financial well-being. Despite its significance, many individuals, particularly those in developing economies, lack the necessary knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about complex financial matters. This study was conducted in Dodoma to explore the role of financial literacy in retirement preparedness among public primary school teachers. It employed a qualitative approach, using interviews and focus group discussions for data collection. A total of 35 teachers and 5 key informants participated in the research. The three main themes identified—financial decision-making, financial management, and access to financial services—suggest that seminars organised by financial institutions enhanced participants' understanding of budgeting, saving, and investment. However, most participants had not applied this knowledge effectively due to various challenges, including personal attitudes and economic circumstances. The study highlights a link between financial literacy and access to financial resources, as participants, particularly those with several years before retirement, increasingly used financial services. The study recommends that financial literacy should also be introduced to young people to promote financially responsible behaviours and assist them in planning effectively for retirement.

Factors Influencing Parents’ Decision to Disclose Their HIV Status to Their Children in Makete District, Tanzania

2025-08-30T12:21:03+00:00

HIV remains a major public health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa, and Tanzania is among the most affected countries. Beyond medical treatment, families living with HIV face complex social realities, one of which is whether parents should disclose their HIV status to their children. Disclosure can reduce stigma, improve family communication, and strengthen adherence to treatment, yet little is known about how Tanzanian parents make these decisions. This qualitative ethnographic study was conducted in Makete District, which has the highest HIV prevalence rate in Tanzania. Seventy participants, including HIV-positive parents, children, healthcare workers, family members, and community-based service providers, were engaged through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observation. Data were analysed thematically using NVivo8 software. Findings revealed that disclosure decisions were shaped more by children’s maturity than age, alongside factors such as the need for treatment supporters (as recommended in national HIV guidelines), children’s suspicions, parents’ illness experiences, and HIV education programmes. Parents disclosed seeking emotional and practical support and to normalise HIV discussions within families. These findings suggest that HIV policies should strengthen family-centred counselling, expand HIV education, and provide parents with culturally appropriate communication strategies. Tailored disclosure guidelines can empower families, improve treatment adherence, and reduce stigma in Tanzanian communities.

Psychosocial Effects of Medical Detention for Unpaid Bills in South Kivu, DRC: Implications for Medical Social Work and Ubuntu-Centred Care

2025-08-31T18:01:18+00:00

Various patterns and contexts of wartime, poverty, and lack of health insurance raise mental health and social issues for inpatients, especially for Recovered Patients Detained (RPDs). This study examines the psychological and social implications of detaining patients for unpaid medical bills in healthcare facilities in South Kivu, DRC. It applies the qualitative approach and Ubuntu theory with an exploratory, cross-sectional research design. Using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) of mental health and an in-depth interview guide on 30 participants, the research explores the experiences of RPDs, healthcare providers, and family members. Findings revealed that RPDs present psychological effects, translating into moderate depressive and anxiety symptoms. These symptoms are often expressed in sadness, sleep and eating disorders, remarkable anxiety, fatigue, agitation, etc. Social consequences were equally profound, with patients experiencing stigma, loss of dignity, family conflicts, and children dropping out of school, especially if the patient is the main breadwinner in the family. Factors exacerbating these effects include prior trauma, poor detention conditions, strained relationships with healthcare staff, and socio-economic vulnerabilities. Drawing from the Ubuntu philosophy, the study highlights the urgent need for psychosocial interventions, such as counselling services, payment instalment systems, and improved patient-staff communication.

Influence of Social Skills on Organisational Performance in Public Universities in Kenya’s Western Region: The Moderating Role of Organisational Justice

2025-09-19T04:14:03+00:00

This research aimed to assess the impact of social skills on organisational performance and to identify the moderating effect of organisational justice on the relationship between leadership emotional intelligence and organisational performance in public universities western region, Kenya. The research philosophy used was positivism, and a descriptive explanatory research methodology. The target population included 1,282 academic professionals employed at four public institutions in the Western region, Kenya. The stratified and basic random sampling techniques were used. The sample size for the investigation was calculated by Slovin's method. Primary data was collected using questionnaires and an interview schedule. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were utilised. Social skills significantly influence organisational performance, explaining 33.6% of the variance. Adding organisational justice increases explanatory power to 68.9%, while its moderating effect raises it to 70.6%. The interaction term (Moderated Social skills) positively affects performance (B = 0.231, p < .05), suggesting that when social skills are effectively moderated by organisational justice, it enhances organisational performance. Organisational justice enhances the impact of interpersonal competencies, leading to improved collaboration, motivation, and performance in higher education institutions.

Stress Triggers among Motorcycle Taxi Riders and their Effect on Road Safety Behaviour within Bungoma South Sub-County, Bungoma County, Kenya

2025-09-29T03:07:23+00:00

Motorcycle taxi riders, popularly known as boda-boda riders in Kenya, have become a unique segment within the transport system in urban and rural areas since the early 2000s in Kenya. While their operations remain largely informal, their impact on the economy is significant in terms of employment creation and ease of movement of goods and services. Despite their contribution, boda-boda riders encounter a high-pressure environment and susceptibility to stress. The study examined stress triggers among motorcycle taxi riders and their effect on road safety behaviour within Bungoma South Sub-County, Kenya. The theories of Reasoned Action (1975) and Planned Behaviour (1991) underpinned the study. The sample size of the study was 134 boda-boda riders out of the target population of 450. A descriptive survey design was used. Questionnaires were the principal instrument used for data collection. Demographically, the majority of boda-boda riders fall within the age brackets of 18 to 30 years (77%), the majority had attained secondary education (54%), and a few had a tertiary level of education (29%). Stress triggers that made boda-boda riders susceptible to risky behaviour, hence compromised road safety, were: - inability to save for the future (47%), fatigue and mental overload (40%) and high daily remittance for ‘rented’ motorcycles (29%). Authors argue that given boda-boda riders’ prime ages and level of education, their option to take boda-boda enterprise as a form of self-employment and source of livelihood can be supported through a subtler policy approach anchored on targeted financial literacy, key on prudent spending and investment choices.

Households’ Involvement in State and Non-State Actors’ Initiatives Towards Flood Disaster Risk Reduction Within Informal Settlements in Nairobi City County

2025-09-29T17:15:09+00:00

Household involvement in disaster risk reduction (DRR) has been identified as an essential foundation of resilience. However, empirical evidence on the levels and quality of household involvement is limited in terms of awareness, mobilisation, and response. This study evaluated household involvement in flood disaster risk reduction (DRR) programmes in informal settlements (Kibra and Mathare) of Nairobi City County, Kenya, among state and non-state actors using a mixed-methods approach. Data were collected from 455 respondents comprising 398 household heads, 42 community leaders, ten non-state and five state actors using the use of questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, and photography. Findings show low levels of household involvement in six DRR activities (49.2-64.0% saying they were involved in none), preparedness kits (64.0%), and training/drills (61.4%). Slight involvement is the highest at 46.2% and active involvement is low at 8 or less than 2.0%. Qualitative insights reveal exclusion from top-down planning, loss of trust, and motivation. Correlation analysis reveals strong linkages of inter-activity (training and preparedness kits, r=0.882, p<0.01), suggesting integrated interventions, which amplify involvement. Despite the high level of flood risk awareness (61.9%), the proportion with emergency kits and adopting proactive measures is low (19.5% and 17.0% respectively), highlighting the knowledge-action gap. Preparedness is the highest in DRR performance, followed by recovery, mitigation, and response. Structural barriers, tenure insecurity, and lack of resources are barriers to involvement. The study recommends the use of participatory approaches, integration of local champions, and incentives such as technical support to build resilience in communities.

Racing the Rails: Bus Competition Strategies Amid Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) Disruption

2025-10-11T06:39:02+00:00

Amid ongoing global efforts to modernise transportation, countries are investing in advanced rail systems to improve mobility, ease congestion, and promote regional integration. Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) links inland cities with Dar es Salaam, providing faster, more comfortable, and cost-effective travel options that are increasingly rivalling long-distance bus services. This study examined the impact of the SGR on bus operators on the Dar es Salaam–Morogoro and Morogoro–Dodoma routes, focusing on fare strategies, passenger demand, and profitability. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research collected quantitative data from 164 transport stakeholders and conducted 12 key informant interviews. Grounded in Porter’s Five Forces Model and Intermodal Competition Theory, the study utilised descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis to evaluate four key hypotheses. The findings indicate that the primary reason for the decline in profit is the decrease in passenger numbers, rather than fare cuts. 61% of respondents reported a drop in ridership as travellers increasingly favoured the SGR. Regression analysis revealed that fare reductions had a significant impact on profits (β = 0.757, p < 0.001, R² = 0.52), although this strategy was not widely adopted by many firms. The strongest predictor of operational challenges was the shift toward the SGR (β = 1.099, p < 0.001, R² = 0.41), confirming a modal transition. Operational efficiency did not significantly mediate the link between load factor and profitability (β = 0.230, p = 0.180). Nonetheless, firm size played a significant role in cost management success (β = 0.416, p = 0.018, R² = 0.17), with larger firms demonstrating greater resilience. The study concludes that the SGR has fundamentally transformed intercity travel in Tanzania, threatening smaller bus operators while favouring larger companies that benefit from economies of scale. Implementing demand-driven strategies, promoting intermodal integration, and providing policy support for small operators are essential for maintaining sector sustainability. These insights provide valuable empirical evidence to guide transport policies and strategic planning in emerging economies.

Strategising Resilience: Economic Diversification as a Catalyst for Sustainable Livelihoods among the Maasai in Kilosa and Mvomero, Tanzania

2025-10-15T03:20:01+00:00

Pastoralist communities in sub-Saharan Africa are increasingly threatened by climate change, land degradation, and shifts in socio-economic conditions, which undermine traditional livelihoods such as transhumant livestock herding. Among the Maasai of Tanzania, these pressures have prompted a greater focus on economic diversification as a strategy to build resilience. This study examined how economic diversification enhances resilience and supports livelihoods among Maasai households in the districts of Kilosa and Mvomero. Drawing on resilience theory and the portfolio theory of risk and return, the research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) with qualitative insights from interviews and focus group discussions. Findings reveal that over 82% of respondents engage in alternative income-generating activities beyond pastoralism, such as small-scale farming, trade, and tourism. Quantitative analysis reveals a significant positive relationship between economic diversification and community engagement (β = 0.177, p = .030), as well as an indirect effect on livelihood sustainability mediated by community engagement (β = 0.112, p = .033), which leads to the rejection of both null hypotheses. Qualitative insights further emphasize the importance of inclusive community structures and highlight barriers such as limited capital, skills training, and market access. The study concludes that economic diversification, when supported by strong community involvement and responsive policies, provides a practical path to resilience and sustainable livelihoods for pastoralist communities. Policy suggestions include expanding vocational and entrepreneurship training, improving rural infrastructure, and increasing access to microfinance, all of which are adapted to local needs through participatory, community-led methods.

Perceived Value of Doctoral Programmes and its Impact on Dissertation Supervision Satisfaction in Kenyan Universities Post-COVID-19

2025-10-18T05:27:50+00:00

This study examines the perceived value of doctoral programmes and their impact on dissertation supervision satisfaction in Kenyan universities in the post-COVID-19 era. Using a descriptive research design, data were collected through questionnaires from 63 PhD students at the dissertation stage, yielding a 90% response rate. The Advisory Working Alliance Inventory (AWAI) was applied to assess rapport, apprenticeship, and individuation in supervision relationships. Results showed that most students reported efficient rapport (67.7%) and high apprenticeship (76.9%) levels, indicating strong satisfaction with supervisory relationships. However, individuation was relatively low (41.5%), suggesting challenges in fostering autonomy. Chi-square tests revealed no significant associations between age and supervision dimensions, while gender differences were significant for identification-individuation, with female students more likely to identify with supervisors. The study concludes that doctoral supervision satisfaction is shaped by both interpersonal and institutional dynamics, influenced but not determined by demographic factors.

Evaluating El Sistema–Inspired Community Music Initiatives in Africa: A Comparative Study of Uganda, Rwanda, Tunisia, and South Africa

2025-10-24T07:04:03+00:00

El Sistema, established in Venezuela in 1975, has gained global recognition for integrating music education with social transformation, particularly for engaging youth and strengthening communities. This study investigates El Sistema–inspired community music programmes in Uganda, Rwanda, Tunisia, and South Africa, exploring how these initiatives adapt the Venezuelan model to diverse socio-cultural contexts. Using a qualitative multiple case study approach, data were collected through document analysis, interviews with programme stakeholders, and field observations. Findings indicate that while programmes reflect their local settings, they share common outcomes, including community empowerment, youth engagement, and the use of ensemble learning to foster social cohesion. Key challenges such as limited funding, insufficient access to instruments, and shortages of trained teachers constrain programme scalability and sustainability. Success is closely linked to collaboration between local and international stakeholders, long-term planning, and investment in human potential. African adaptations frequently blend traditional musical practices with orchestral training, showcasing cultural hybridity and innovation. While the study focuses on selected programmes and may not capture the full continental diversity, it offers valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and funders seeking to enhance programme impact. The research highlights the potential of music education as a tool for social development in Africa and underscores the importance of structural support, resource allocation, teacher training, and regional networks to strengthen sustainability and foster transformative social outcomes.