Innovation Journal of Social Sciences and Economic Review

Environmental And Health Implications of Waste Disposal Sites In The Lesotho Lowlands

2024-09-05T20:14:37+00:00

Many Southern African countries, including Lesotho, face severe health and environmental issues attributed to waste disposal. The purpose of this study is to assessed the environmental and health impacts on residents living in proximity to disposal sites in the lowlands of Lesotho. A descriptive cross-sectional design was employed, using a semi-structured questionnaire and observation method. A mapping device was used, and photographs were taken to validate the findings. Descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test (?²) were employed to analyze the data. Results indicate that in Lesotho, some landfill sites are located as close as 50 meters from residential areas, and most (60%) received hazardous mixed waste streams. Waste burning and backyard dumping were the most frequently used disposal methods by residents. Several perceived health outcomes and environmental issues were noted, with respiratory and gastrointestinal health issues being the most prevalent. There was a statistically significant association between waste burning and respiratory diseases (P < 0.010) and between backyard dumping and gastrointestinal diseases (P < 0.003). The study concludes that regulatory instruments need to be revised and enforced, requiring hazardous waste producers to take responsibility for end-of-life waste and banning the entry of such waste into disposal sites. The application of waste management strategies to initiate other preferable end-of-life waste procedures, such as recycling of WEEE and waste-to-energy technologies for organic waste in Lesotho, could improve the quality of health for residents and their environment.

Financial Inclusion, Household Decision-making and Child Health Outcome in Nigeria

2024-08-04T17:06:11+00:00

This study aims to investigate the impact of financial inclusion and household decision-making on child health outcomes in Nigeria. Specifically, it explores how financial inclusion—measured through mobile phone usage for financial transactions, bank account ownership, and mobile digital payment methods—interacts with women's decision-making power regarding earnings and household purchases to influence child health. Using data from the 2018 IPUMS-NDHS dataset, the analysis considers both rural and urban divides to assess disparities in financial inclusion and its effects on child mortality. The study employs logistic regression analysis to examine the relationship between financial inclusion, household decision-making, and child health. The findings reveal that households with mobile phones for financial transactions have significantly lower odds of child mortality, while bank account ownership has no significant effect. Regional disparities are apparent, with women in rural areas more likely to face financial exclusion and associated negative health outcomes for their children. Additionally, the study finds that women who have decision-making power over household purchases are less likely to experience child mortality in their households. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the need for financial empowerment of women as a critical strategy to improve family well-being and reduce child mortality. Expanding access to mobile financial platforms and enhancing women's decision-making authority are recommended to promote better health outcomes for children in Nigeria.

Challenges of ICT Integration in Social Work Practicums in African Higher Education: A Systematic Review

2024-07-29T13:59:39+00:00

This systematic review explores the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in enhancing social work practicums within higher learning institutions across developing African nations. Key challenges identified include the absence of clear institutional policies for ICT integration, insufficient funding for welfare organizations, particularly from the South African Department of Social Development, and unreliable internet access in rural regions. Additionally, the lack of clarity within the Department of Education’s policy framework regarding appropriate technologies for educational curricula hinders students’ practical experiences. Using the PRISMA methodology, this review analyzed 65 peer-reviewed articles selected from an initial retrieval of 320 sources from databases such as Google Scholar, Taylor & Francis, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and ResearchGate. The inclusion and exclusion criteria ensured relevance to the topic of ICT challenges in social work education. The findings highlight a pressing need for revised policies and the introduction of new legislation to address the technological barriers that limit social work students’ access to essential resources like Wi-Fi, digital infrastructure, and institutional support. These challenges are particularly acute in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, where limited technological infrastructure and financial constraints impede progress. Nonetheless, the development of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) guidelines, the introduction of affordable technologies, and the establishment of a robust national policy framework for ICT integration can significantly improve the quality of social work practicums, facilitating better alignment between theory and practice.

The Ravaging Effects of Online Gambling on The Social Functioning of Male Breadwinners In African Families

2024-07-02T13:44:26+00:00

This systematic review examines the ravaging effects of online gambling on the social functioning of male breadwinners in African families. Online gambling negatively impacts the social functioning of male breadwinners in African families. The researcher realized that online gambling among male African breadwinners leads to habitual neglect of the family and deterioration in socialization. As a result, the way African families function socially is often changed negatively by the male gambler's behaviour. Additionally, because these men are seen as the heads of the families and superiors in their communities, families are further burdened as they fear confronting the situation. The researcher adopted the PRISMA methods for this paper. Based on their excellent reputation and strong recommendations, the researcher used the following scientific search databases to gather data for this study: Google Scholar; Taylor and Francis; Scopus, ScienceDirect, and ResearchGate. The researcher gathered 23 peer-reviewed journal articles, published between 2011 and 2024, and verified them after screening to ensure the study's eminence. Online gambling is growing daily across the globe, particularly in African continents. Some families rely on online gambling for survival due to the poverty rate and high unemployment among African communities. Male breadwinners are opting for online gambling to support their families financially despite its addictive nature and lack of monitoring in many parts of Africa. Because online gambling is so addictive, some male breadwinners find that they spend less time with their families, being more focused on gaming. This study is pivotal as it creates awareness in African continents about the ravaging effects of online gambling among male breadwinners. This study can be further expanded by focusing on African continents, especially in South Africa, where online gaming has been recorded as high in the past few years among males.

Views On Gender-Based Violence And Femicide: Implications For Policy And Practice Interventions

2024-05-16T16:25:40+00:00

As an initial step toward developing a responsive and adequate service delivery to the victims of GBVF, this exploratory formative research was conducted to examine perspectives of GBVF among the South African Police Service (SAPS) and community members in the Kwazulu-Natal (KZN) policing area. A cross-sectional mixed-methods design was used for a bigger study, to evaluate a comprehensive case-management intervention in the KZN. This paper offers only the results of a quantitative method. Descriptive research was followed to present the opinions of the respondents. A self-administered survey design was deemed appropriate as the strategy enhances honesty in responses, especially when dealing with sensitive matters such as GBVF. The sampling strategy amounted to the purposive selection of two police stations as a sample (n=131). The findings highlighted that the SAPS is gradually making inroads towards responding to the scourge of GBVF in the policing area. Concerning the seemingly slow response to perceptions of, and response to, reported cases, the findings indicated that the SAPS has introduced the use of technology to promptly respond to assist the victims of GBVF. This study was conducted in one province and findings cannot be generalized to the other eight provinces. There is a need for a paradigm shift to address past structural inequities that have created a climate conducive to violence against women (VAW), especially in rural settings. Based on the findings, there is a need for the two stations to be installed with a victim-friendly room where victims of those crimes should be assisted.

Parody Facebook Accounts as Facilitators of Fake News: Perceptions of South Africa

2024-04-18T11:24:01+00:00

The purpose of this study was to examine the use of Facebook as a platform for reporting fake news. Researchers investigated the following problem: Facebook users tend to disseminate fake news, adversely affecting the credibility of content posted on Facebook as factual information. Facebook is misused by individuals who post fake news fabricated to degrade the integrity and credibility of others. However, organizations and other community groups are also drawn to the platform because it connects them to the public in valuable ways. This occurs as participation increases and the amount of data generated improves the platform's ability to advise, recommend, and share information among all parties. Therefore, the study was underpinned by practice theories. An exploratory research design was implemented to provide a strong and robust connection between a cause and an outcome. This exploration represents how Facebook users tend to use this platform to address social problems and their attitudes toward each other, as it was originally meant for socialization, entertainment, and education. Hence, the need to inquire about the use of Facebook for fake news was qualitatively researched. For the data collection process, semi-structured interviews were conducted with Facebook users. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data and develop themes. The key conclusion of the study is that there has been an increase in the quantity of fake news on Facebook across the country. This study aims to theoretically contribute to the existing body of knowledge in media and communication studies. It indicates that in the future, researchers will discover current knowledge regarding parody Facebook profiles as facilitators of fake news perceptions from Polokwane Municipality, Limpopo South, in the field of media and communication studies.

Validating Instructional Practice Scale For Instructors In Some Selected Ethiopian Public Universities

2024-06-11T10:04:37+00:00

The primary aim of this study was to validate the Instructional Practice Scale (IPS) for university instructors in the context of Ethiopian public universities. Recognizing the importance of reliable and contextually appropriate measurement instruments for effective instructional methods, we sought to ensure the IPS was both valid and reliable. The study employed a descriptive survey methodology, gathering data from 1,254 instructors across four public universities. The Smart-PLS were used to analyse the data. The findings provide a robust and reliable instrument for evaluating instructional practices among university instructors. The validated IPS can be effectively used for evaluating and enhancing instructional methods and training programs. Future research should consider adapting and validating the instrument for specific disciplines to further ensure its applicability and accuracy across various educational contexts.

Social Media’s Influence on the Attitudes of Younger Daughters-in-Law towards their Mothers-in-Law: A South African Context

2024-04-02T03:24:49+00:00

This systematic review explores social media’s influence on the attitudes of younger daughters-in-law towards their mothers-in-law within the South African context. The researchers carried out the “Preferred Reporting Items for the Systematic Review and Meta-analysis” guidelines as a research methodology. The scientific search databases such as Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, ResearchGate, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Sabinet and Taylor & Francis were used by the researchers to retrieve and analyse information from fourteen peer-reviewed journal articles (n=14) published between 2012 and 2023. Social media use is quickly expanding and families rely on it to stay in touch with their loved ones on a regular basis. Although social media has greatly enhanced the lives of many people, some cultures still value face-to-face interactions, especially in situations where they have to fulfil their traditional practices such as welcoming a daughter-in-law into their family or engaging in specific sensitive conversations. The study is limited to the South African context. Therefore, the role of family systems should be further explored to understand the mother-and-daughter-in-law relationship. More studies can be conducted to explore the role of culture in marriage and in-law relationships within the South African context. The study is valuable as it paves the way for further studies relating to the topic within the South African context. Further, this study is pivotal because it was conducted to help both daughters- and mothers-in-law strengthen and handle their online in-law relationships.

Fiscal Policy And Poverty In The Southern African Customs Union: The Case Of Frontier Technology Readiness Index and Skills

2024-03-04T17:12:41+00:00

The study examines the relationship between fiscal policy, the level of poverty, and the frontier technology readiness index (skill) in the Southern African Customs Union over the period of 2012 to 2022. The technique of pooled ordinary least squares was used to ascertain the empirical findings, while the LLC and IPS established the stationarity of the variables. The empirical findings show that government expenditure on education, indirect taxes, and the skills index directly affect household consumption expenditure significantly and, by implication, reduce poverty. However, the interaction of government expenditure on education and skills significantly reduces household final consumption expenditure. The essence of the study is that the respective government in the Southern African Customs Union should harness efforts towards integrating relevant skills into the educational system in light of the 21st-century technology revolution. It is admitted that previous studies have largely concentrated on issues such as income inequality, financial inclusion, government expenditure program in addressing the problem of poverty in developing economies, this study, while observing the crucial role of fiscal policy, evaluates the effect of a frontier technology readiness index, skills, in abating the severity of poverty in the region.

Exploring the Gender Disparity in Sports Participation: A Qualitative Analysis of Women's Limited Engagement in Sports in Bangladesh

2024-03-28T11:42:49+00:00

Gender equality is the subject of Sustainable Development Goal 5, one of the UN's 17 objectives. Assuring women's full and effective involvement and equitable opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life is the emphasis of SDG target 5.5. In Bangladesh, there is still a significant gender gap in sports participation, which limits women's access to physical activity, personal growth, and social empowerment, a major hindrance to achieving SDGs within 2030. In Bangladesh, there is still a significant gender gap in sports participation, which limits women's access to physical activity, personal growth, and social empowerment, a major hindrance to achieving SDGs within 2030. The research aims to uncover the socio-cultural, institutional, and psychological barriers hampering women's active sports involvement through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and content analysis. The study finds that traditional gender norms and societal expectations emerged as significant barriers to women's sports participation, and parental attitudes and support has been identified as major issues in enabling girls to participate in sports. Limited access to training facilities, coaching, and competitions specifically tailored for women hindered their progress, and the importance of mentors and role models was underscored throughout the study.