Kabale University Interdisciplinary Research Journal

Economic growth and foreign direct investment in Africa: the mediating role of state fragility and natural resources

Florence Barugahara, Ezra Munyambonera — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Using data from 43 African countries from 2000-2018, the study employed the Dynamic System GMM approach to examine the moderating effect of state fragility and natural resources on the FDI–economic growth nexus. The study found that FDI does not affect Africa's economic growth directly or indirectly after interacting with FDI with state fragility and natural resources. The insignificant impact of FDI on economic growth in Africa may be because for FDI to promote economic growth, some necessary factors, such as institutional development and the state of the economy, must be developed to a certain level high enough for the effect to be experienced. Given that African countries are fragile with low levels of institutional development, the FDI-Growth nexus is insignificant. The study recommends that African countries establish stable economies and develop their institutions to benefit from FDI inflows.

The socio-economic impact of Covid-19 on refugees and host community’s livelihoods in south western Uganda: a case of Nakivale refugee settlement

Abel Mucungunzi, Abbas Mugisha, Macklean Ahabwe — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined the way the imposition of total lockdown during the Covid-19 epidemic affected the socio-economic livelihoods of refugees and host community’s at Nakivale refugee settlement in South Western Uganda. This study worked towards answering the following questions; to what extent did Covid-19 affect refugees and host community’s livelihood status at Nakivale refugee settlement?; how did Covid-19 affect the operations of government and other humanitarian stakeholders at Nakivale refugee settlement and how did they deal with such impact?; what alternative policy approaches were available to guide government and other actors in dealing with socio-economic livelihoods of refugees in pandemic events? By using a cross sectional design with a qualitative approach, the study used in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and participatory mapping to explore the research questions. The study findings revealed that the imposition of country-wide lockdowns affected operations of all stakeholders which in turn also affected the socio-economic livelihoods of refugees and host communities. It was thus recommended that in future epidemic events, the government as the overall overseer of refugee situations in tandem with humanitarian agencies, would need to consider attending to the plight of refugees in totality with its response to the general citizenry.

Cart abandonment rate and service quality of on-line merchandisers: a case study of Jumia Uganda

Paul Ssemaluulu Mukasa, Fenehansi Isingoma, George Mugavu — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The study examined electronic marketing and service quality of on-line merchandisers, a case study of Jumia Uganda. The specific objective was to find out the relationship between cart abandonment rate and service quality in Jumia Uganda. The research employed a cross-sectional survey design to investigate the association between electronic marketing efforts and service quality. A mixed-methods research approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, was deemed highly relevant for this study. In addition, from the 255 target respondents, a definite sample size of 101 was determined using William G. Cochran (1997) formula. The study revealed significant correlations between various factors in the context of Jumia Uganda's electronic marketing. The study revealed that a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.422**) was identified between cart abandonment rate and service quality, emphasizing the critical role of service quality in customer retention and reducing cart abandonment. It was recommended that: Jumia should launch remarketing campaigns to re-engage customers who abandoned their carts. Personalized messages and incentives should be used to encourage them to return and finalize their transactions.

Supporting underprivileged children on their livelihood in communities of Kabale district: a case of Kabale child development program

Loy Natukunda, Godfrey Barigye — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This paper discusses the impact of supporting underprivileged children in Kabale District, specifically through the Kabale Child Development Project (KCDP) in Bugongi, southwestern Uganda. It focuses on two main objectives: understanding how KCDP supports these children and assessing the effects of this support on their livelihoods. To achieve these objectives, a targeted population of underprivileged children in Kabale District, particularly those benefiting from KCDP, was identified. Employing a purposive sampling technique, participants were selected to represent this population, ensuring direct experience with KCDP's support initiatives. The sample size was dynamically determined throughout the study to ensure saturation of themes and perspectives. Data collection involved qualitative surveys with key stakeholders, including KCDP representatives, governmental and non-governmental organizations, parents, caregivers, and community members. These surveys explored the various forms of support provided and their impact on livelihoods. Secondary data from recent reports, magazines, newspapers, and related records supplemented the surveys, providing additional insights into support initiatives for underprivileged children. Thematic analysis techniques, such as transcription, coding, and categorization, were used to analyze qualitative data. This approach helped identify recurring themes and patterns related to support provision and its effects on livelihoods. The analysis revealed potential policies and activities to enhance underprivileged children's livelihoods in Kabale District communities. For example, there is a need for training programs targeting parents and caregivers, particularly in small business ventures, to improve income stability. Additionally, addressing the gap in positive parenting education, especially among fathers, is crucial for redistributing caregiving roles within households.

Effects of accessibility and adequacy of technical vocational education and training equipment on acquisition of employable skills in Uganda. A case of Uganda Technical College - Elgon

Herbert Wanda, John Michael Edoru — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The Government of Uganda has continued to establish and equip public Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Institutions in the country. However, despite the initiatives, learners have continued to join the industry claimed to have inadequate employable skills. This pauses a question whether the equipment utilized are adequate, accessed by learners to acquire employable skills. This paper therefore examined the access and adequacy of TVET equipment in Technical Colleges. A descriptive survey design utilizing quantitative and qualitative approach of research was conducted, a sample size of 100 learners and 5 instructors were selected. A simple random sampling technique to choose learners responded the questionnaires and purposive selection of instructors for focus group discussions. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was used to run descriptive analyses, ordinal regressions and frequency distribution. Findings on adequacy show that 77% of the learners are availed equipment not relevant to their programme and spend little time practicing on the equipment. In conclusion, TVET equipment were inadequate with limited time spent on practicum, and recommended that Government institutions should undergo into memorandum of understanding with the industry to enable learners adequately access practical experience on modern equipment and relevant to their training.

An examination of the correlation between website traffi c and the quality of services provided by Jumia Uganda

Paul Ssemaluulu Mukasa, Fenehansi Isingoma, George Mugavu — Sat, 30 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

An attempt to divorce E-marketing from current business operations is a futile one worldwide presently. The two are like Siamese twins since a strong digital marketing platform benefits from current business operations very well. Website development became fundamental following the discovery of the internet in the early 1983 and world wide web in 1989.It is on such background that Jumia Uganda, an online business platform was conceived. The research employed a cross-sectional survey design to investigate the association between electronic marketing efforts and service quality. A mixed-methods research approach, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, was deemed highly relevant for this study. In addition, from the 255 target respondents, a definite sample size of 101 was determined using William G. Cochran (1997) formula. However, just like any usual business, web-based businesses like the ones of Jumia Uganda are not short of incapacitations which among others is low website traffic which impacts on the sales of such business directly. The paper provides detailed literature review concentrating on the nexus between website traffic and quality services. Based on empirical evidence, we conclude that the moderate positive correlation coefficient of (r=0.390**) suggests a correlation between website traffic and service quality. As website traffic increases, there is a tendency for service quality to improve. The significance level for both correlations was 0.000, indicating that the correlation coefficients were highly significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed). This positive correlation implies a connection between website traffic and service quality. From the empirical conclusion, we are in position to come up with a key recommendation stating that to enhance its online presence, Jumia should consider diversifying its website content with engaging formats such as blog posts, videos, and infographics to appeal to a broader audience. Consistent updates and the regular refreshment of content are crucial for maintaining visitor interest.

Influence of primary health care facilitating strategies on realization of health for all in Okene local government area, Kogi State, Nigeria

Dare Abubakar Baba — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined the influence of primary health care facilitating strategies on realization of health for all in Okene Local Government Area, Kogi State. The study adopted a descriptive research design of survey type. The study population involves all health workers and members of health facilities in Okene Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select 280 respondents for the study. Researcher’s structured and adequately validated questionnaire was used for data collection. The reliability was established with use of test re-test method in which correlation coefficient of 0.82 was obtained using Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The data collected were analyzed using chi-square (x2) statistics at 0.05 alpha level. The findings revealed that adoption of cohesive team approach, community mobilization strategy, health advocacy initiative and intersectoral collaboration in implementation of primary health care have much influence on realization of health for all in Okene Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria. The study concluded that discreet adoption and application of primary health care facilitating strategies will greatly influence attainment of health for all in Okene Local Government Area, Kogi State. It is recommended that government should constitute formidable health team to strengthen monitoring and evaluation of performances of health and health related programmes.

Influence of pre-marital sexual behaviour and dating on biology students’ academic performance in Ilorin West Local Government Area, Kwara State

Florence Abidoye Omosholape, David Aladesuyi Adeyemi — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Drawing on previous research indicating a rise in premarital sexual activities among Nigerian youth, coupled with the challenges posed by dating behaviors, the study aims to explore the implications of these phenomena on students' academic success. This study investigated the influence of premarital sexual behavior and dating on the academic performance of biology students in Ilorin West Local Government Area, Kwara State. The research employed a survey design, sampling 320 biology students from eight randomly selected public secondary schools in the region. A self-designed questionnaire was used for data collection, the data obtained was analysed using percentage and mean. The findings indicated a significant difference premarital sexual activities among students in Ilorin West, Kwara State, Nigeria, It also has influence on students’ academic performance negatively. Similarly, dating behaviors have effect on time management skills, leading to shifts in academic priorities and potential distractions. The study concludes with recommendations aimed at addressing these challenges, emphasizing the implementation of school policies and workshop or seminar to promote positive relationship skills and healthier dating experiences and reduce potential stressors.