Eastern African Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

Parental Attitude and Child Labour: Evidence from Central Region of Ghana

Benedicta Leonora Akrono — 2025-01-01

The study focused on parental attitude and its impact on child labour participation in the Central Region of Ghana. The paper empirically examined the incidence of child labour of children between 5-17 years through a cross-sectional survey. A sample size of 788 children and parents was selected for the study. A multi-stage sampling with systematic random and purposive sampling techniques were employed. The questionnaire guide was the instrument for data collection. The study analysis was done using the probit regression model. The findings of the study showed that both father and mother attitudes significantly increase the probability of child labour participation. Mothers’ employment status and fathers’ education significantly reduce child labour participation. Children from the 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th quintiles have less probability of child labour participation. Others include educational cost, age of the child, and geographical locality of the children significantly affect child labour participation. The study recommends that the District Assemblies must strictly enforce the Children’s Act and make it operational for the restrictions regarding the employment of children. It is also recommended that the Ministry of Education and Ghana Education Service through the Inspectorate Board should design a truancy policy that would be enforced on parents to reduce child labour participation in economic activities and promote the free compulsory universal basic education policy.

An Analysis of the Online Teaching and Learning in Clothing and Textiles Programmes in Zimbabwe’s Institutions of Higher Learning

Senzeni Tshuma — 2025-01-01

The coronavirus, because of its contagious nature, came with many adjustments to our daily lives. One of the adjustments is how teaching and learning is done across the board from primary schools to institutions of higher learning. The purpose of this study was to analyse the online teaching and learning in clothing and textiles programmes in Zimbabwe’s institutions of higher learning. This is especially in the light of practical subjects such as Clothing and Textiles, which, are supposed to include practical and hands-on activities. The study selected three lecturers and thirty students from the three institutions of higher learning that delivered online lectures in Clothing and Textiles. In-depth interviews, questionnaires, and observation sheets were the instruments used to collect the data. The collected was analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively in line with convergent imperatives for triangulation and validation purposes. The TPACK was used as a theoretical lens to guide this inquiry. The findings revealed lack of suitable applications and software for virtual prototyping for the online teaching of the practical component of Clothing and Textile programs in higher education institutions in Zimbabwe. It was concluded that the lack of resources renders online teaching and learning as a pedagogical black box, as the lecturers become hand-capped to effectively teach for enhanced student comprehension. The study recommended that Clothing and Textiles departments in Zimbabwe encourage the design of online practical modules for use by lecturers in times of pandemics.

Narratives of Defence: A Qualitative Study of Military Strategies Against Terrorism in Nigeria

Thomas Achu Uduo — 2025-01-01

The purpose of this qualitative study is to delve into the military's counterterrorism strategies in Nigeria, focusing on the narratives and experiences of military personnel engaged in these operations. Through in-depth interviews and case studies, the research uncovers the complexities and challenges faced by the military in combating terrorism. Key themes such as the critical role of local intelligence, the importance of community trust, and the significant impact of military tactics on civilian populations are identified. The findings highlight the successes and limitations of current strategies, offering a nuanced understanding of the military's approach to counterterrorism in Nigeria. By examining the voices of military personnel, this study provides valuable insights for the development of more effective and comprehensive counterterrorism policies and practices, with broader implications for other regions facing similar threats.

The Stigma of Handling Dead Bodies and the Psychological Well-Being of Mortuary Workers

Anne Njeri Wandati — 2025-01-01

This study investigated how the perceived stigma of handling dead bodies impacted the psychological well-being of mortuary workers. Many studies indicate that the psychological well-being of morgue workers is affected by the reactions of the community to the work that they do. Social stigma theory was used to inform the study while correlational design was employed to determine the relationship between perceived stigma and psychological distress of mortuary workers in Nairobi County. The study adopted the Kessler Wellness Scale (K-1O), Everyday Discrimination Scale and an individual interview schedule. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze demographic data, while Pearson correlation and regression analysis were used to make inferences from the collected data. Study findings indicated 46.7% received worse service when they revealed their profession while 29.7% believed that others treated them as inferiors, and thus positioned themselves above them. In addition, 57.5% of the funeral directors mentioned that they had been insulted but did not specify when or by whom the insults were made. Furthermore, Kessler Scale results showed that a large number of employees experienced mental health problems where 43.5% expressed feeling depressed while 67.4% had anxiety. The results established a Pearson correlation coefficient of r=0.37, and a multiple correlation coefficient (R value) of 0.675, indicating a moderate positive correlation between stigma and psychological distress. The study recommended that working in morgues exposed the workers to psychological distress and efforts should be made to enhance their psychological wellbeing especially by providing support systems.

Understanding Environmental Criminology: Theory, Practice, and Implications for Lagos State Residents in Nigeria

Thomas Achu Uduo — 2025-01-01

The purpose of this paper is to explore the theoretical foundations and practical applications of environmental criminology, specifically focusing on Lagos State, Nigeria. Environmental criminology examines the spatial and environmental factors that influence criminal behaviour, providing insights into crime patterns and prevention strategies. Key concepts such as territoriality, defensible space, and crime attractors and generators are discussed in the context of Lagos State. Empirical research on the impact of environmental design on crime rates is reviewed, highlighting successes and limitations. The implications for crime prevention policies and practices in Lagos State are examined, emphasizing the need for an interdisciplinary approach that integrates urban design, social science, and law enforcement perspectives.

Effects of Government Maize Policies on Structural Transformation for Sustainable Maize Farming in Kitui County, Kenya

Patrick Mboya Kutu — 2025-01-01

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of government maize policies on structural transformation for sustainable maize farming in Kitui County, Kenya. The study employed a mixed-method research approach that aimed at employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches. For quantitative data, the study employed a cross-sectional research design, while for qualitative data, the phenomenological research design was employed. The study targeted a total population of 16,669 farmers. To achieve the sample size, the study used a sample size determination formula for finite populations. Both probability and non-probability sampling methods were used to obtain the study sample. A purposive sampling procedure was used to pick a sample of 10 small-scale maize farmers and 5-Agricultural officers as key informants for in-depth interviews. A stratified random sampling procedure was used to select the 237 subjects that took part in the study. Both questionnaires and an interview guide were employed for data collection. Data was validated, edited, coded, and analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 21 and further presented using figures and tables. Chi Square test for independence was used to determine the significance of the association between the variables. Qualitative data was edited, coded, and reported using descriptive narratives. The study established a statistically significant association between government maize policies and sustainable maize farming (≤ 0.05). Government maize policies were positively related to sustainable maize farming.

Contributions of Social Community Structures on Conflict Management among Pastoral Communities in the Ilemi Triangle

Daniel M. Kitonga — 2025-01-01

Peace continues to be elusive in the Ilemi Triangle, located at the intersection of Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Sudan. The area experiences intermittent conflict among Turkana, Dassanech, Nganyatom, and Toposa. This study focused on the increased frequency and intensity of violent conflict between the Dassanech and Turkana communities in the region. Drawing from the Systems Theory, the study established how informal community social structures contribute to sustainable conflict management among the pastoralist communities in the Ilemi Triangle. Using qualitative case study methods, the study held in-depth interviews with members of local Dassanech and Turkana communities purposively selected to include a range of different members from each community who engage in inter-communal dialogue. These in-depth interviews were supplemented by focus group discussions of participants through a quota sampling, each involving members from four kraals and kebele on either side of the conflict line who are immediately affected by the conflict. The data was analysed based on themes and sub-themes. There is compelling evidence that the social roles within the structures are functional and influential. Specific functions are designated to different roles, and each role, through its respective functions, creates the system that manages the community. The study provides insights into processes associated with conflict and cooperation between these communities from social and organizational perspectives.

Social norms, Power relations, and Negotiations in Decision-Making on the use of Sterilisation by Women Living with HIV in Eastern Uganda: A Qualitative Study

Edith M. Birungi — 2025-01-08

Failure to translate women’s desire into increased sterilisation use has been associated with inequitable social norms in patriarchal contexts that grant men control and decision-making authority and relate womanhood to motherhood and child care. This study adopted a multiple case study design to explore the experiences of women living with HIV(WLHIV) in negotiating social norms to implement decisions on getting sterilised. The integrated social-ecological framework was utilised to understand how social norms may intersect with multiple contextual factors to limit or facilitate women’s agency in deciding to end their reproduction. Data were collected using open-ended interviews with fourteen purposefully selected sterilised WLHIV, aged 15-49 years, from two public health facilities in Tororo district. Women’s narratives of contraceptive decision-making experiences were audio recorded, transcribed, and analysed inductively and deductively using thematic content analysis. Results revealed that the decision to get sterilised is complex and influenced by the interaction between social norms and other factors such as access to information about the sterilisation method, health status, social support from family members, peers, and health workers, institutional policies, and the general socioeconomic condition in the country. The study recommends that healthcare providers should enhance the knowledge and skills of WLHIV and their social networks to assert control over inequitable structures and relations of power through a shared decision-making approach to contraceptive counselling. Family planning programmes should also increase access to free sterilisation services.