The Dyke

Awareness of chemistry teachers of gender influence on perceptions and attitudes to green chemistry in Kwara State, Nigeria

2025-04-04T13:07:58+00:00

Guided by the principles of environmental sustainability, and drawing on extant literature that highlight the limited integration of green chemistry in secondary science education, this study examined the influence of gender on chemistry teachers’ perceptions and attitudes owards green chemistry concepts within the secondary school curriculum in Kwara State, Nigeria. The study employed a descriptive survey research design, utilising proportionate sampling to select a sample of 259 chemistry teachers from the three senatorial districts of the state. Data was collected through two instruments, notably, the Teachers’ Perception of Green Chemistry Concepts (TPGCC) and the Teachers’ Attitudes towards Green Chemistry Concepts (TAGCC). Cronbach’s alpha was used to determine the internal consistency of the instruments, with reliability coefficients of 0.97 and 0.99, res pectively. Data was analysed using the independent samples t-test. The findings indicated no statistically significant difference between male and female teachers in their perceptions and attitudes towards green chemistry. These results suggest that gender does not constitute a determinant factor in shaping teachers’ cognitive or affective dispositions towards environmentally sustainable chemical practices. The study recommended that targeted awareness initiatives and sustained professional development programmes be implemented to enhance teachers’ conceptual understanding and instructional application of green chemistry, thereby promoting environmentally responsible pedagogical practices.

Lived experiences of high school and university adolescents affected by parental divorce

2024-09-20T11:46:26+00:00

This qualitative study utilising Husserlian phenomenology explored the lived experiences of high school and university adolescents affected by parental divorce in a low-income suburb of Harare, Zimbabwe. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with 16 adolescents aged 15–21 years whose parents had divorced within the past two years. Additionally, three experts were interviewed to provide professional insights into the perceived impact of parental divorce on adolescents. The study was guided by the Transactional Model of Stress and Coping and employed content analysis to examine the data. Key themes that emerged included emotional distress and adjustment difficulties, low self-esteem, identity struggles, social withdrawal, poor academic performance, suicidal ideation, and disruption of social relationships. The study also identified various coping mechanisms used by adolescents, such as emotional support-seeking, avoidant strategies, and cognitive restructuring, in managing their emotions and rebuilding relationships with parents and peers. A framework was developed to offer a nuanced understanding of the complex and multifaceted experiences of adolescents affected by parental divorce. The framework underscores the importance of tailored interventions and support systems to promote emotional wellbeing and successful adjustment during this transitional period.

Anchoring the competitive advantage of Small and Medium Enterprises on the implementation of sustainable development strategies: A systematic review

2025-08-06T12:38:22+00:00

The manuscript presents an important and timely study on livestock valuation strategies in Zimbabwe, focusing on their effectiveness in providing realistic valuations. The research is well-structured and explores key valuation methods including the Market Approach, Income approach, Fair Value Approach and Cost Approach. The study is methodologically sound, using a mixed method research design that included surveys and interviews with farmers, valuers and accountants. The discussion highlights gaps in existing valuation practices and suggests hybrid strategies for achieving realistic valuations. Target population focused on 70 commercial livestock farmers, valuers and accountants in Gweru, Zimbabwe. Quantitative analysis focused on the perceived effectiveness of each method, while qualitative insights explored challenges related to valuation accuracy. The Market Approach emerged as the most reliable valuation method for reflecting real-time market conditions, followed by the Fair Value and Cost Approaches, which showed moderate effectiveness. The Income Approach was the least preferred, cited for its speculative nature and limited applicability in volatile markets. The study highlights gaps in existing literature, particularly the absence of empirical evaluations of hybrid valuation methods that integrate multiple approaches to mitigate individual limitations. To achieve realistic valuations, policy makers and farmers are encouraged to adopt hybrid strategies that combine market trends, production costs, and future earning potential. These findings are particularly relevant for developing regions with underregulated markets.

Evaluation of Biological Assets (livestock) valuation strategies on providing realistic value: A case study of Gweru Farmers, Zimbabwe

2025-01-15T06:32:49+00:00

The paper presents an important and timely study on livestock valuation strategies in Zimbabwe, focusing on their effectiveness in providing realistic valuations. The research is well-structured and explores key valuation methods including the Market Approach, Income approach, Fair Value Approach and Cost Approach. The study is methodologically sound, using a mixed method research design that included surveys and interviews with farmers, valuers and accountants. The discussion highlights gaps in existing valuation practices and suggests hybrid strategies for achieving realistic valuations. Target population focused on 70 commercial livestock farmers, valuers and accountants in Gweru, Zimbabwe. Quantitative analysis focused on the perceived effectiveness of each method, while qualitative insights explored challenges related to valuation accuracy. The Market Approach emerged as the most reliable valuation method for reflecting real-time market conditions, followed by the Fair Value and Cost Approaches, which showed moderate effectiveness. The Income Approach was the least preferred, cited for its speculative nature and limited applicability in volatile markets. The study highlights gaps in existing literature, particularly the absence of empirical evaluations of hybrid valuation methods that integrate multiple approaches to mitigate individual limitations. To achieve realistic valuations, policy makers and farmers are encouraged to adopt hybrid strategies that combine market trends, production costs, and future earning potential. These findings are particularly relevant for developing regions with underregulated markets.

The efficacy of the use of ZiG money as a sole legal tender in Zimbabwe. The case of Chinhoyi Town, Zimbabwe.

2024-11-12T17:38:52+00:00

To decide on the acceptability and usability of ZiG on the Zimbabwean market, the paper traces the history of the use of the local currencies and the operation of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s monetary policy dating back to 1980. The history made it clear that there was poor monetary policy by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe which compelled the people to lose confidence in the use of any future local currencies. This research adopted a qualitative research approach. Primary data supplemented secondary data. The research population consists of all Chinhoyi residents above 18 years and a convenience sampling method was chosen to select respondents. Four focus group discussions (FGDs) were done, and a questionnaire was distributed to key informants. Observations were also done to argument FGDs and the questionnaire. The research revealed that populace does have confidence in the use of ZiG instead prefers to use foreign currencies. The main drivers for this lack of confidence in the use of ZiG was noted as emanating from citizens past experiences in the use of local currency and the high inflation rates associated with local currencies. The paper, thus, provides some policy recommendations on how best to boost the acceptability and usability of ZiG.

Sacred landscapes in The River Between: Ecological significance and conservation

2024-10-23T09:08:34+00:00

The intersection of sacred natural sites and indigenous environmental stewardship has garnered significant scholarly attention, challenging conventional conservation paradigms and highlighting the intrinsic link between cultural and ecological preservation. While extant literature has explored the role of traditional ecological knowledge in biodiversity conservation, the potential of postcolonial literature as a medium for address ing global environmental crises remains underexplored. This paper investigates how literary representations of sacred landscapes can foster environmental consciousness and redirect human reverence towards nature, using Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s The River Between. Employing postcolonial ecocriticism as a theoretical framework, the study critically analyses the novel’s portrayal of sacred sites asrepositories of traditional ecological knowledge and nexus points between human and divine realms. The analysis reveals that the novel’s depiction of the Honia River and sacred groves serves as a powerful critique of colonial environmental exploitation while simultaneously advocating for an indigenous environmental ethic rooted in spiritual reverence for nature. However, the novel’s exploration of the tensions between traditional and colonial worldviews illuminates the complex challenges facing indigenous conservation practices in postcolonial contexts. This paper argues that the novel’s portrayal of sacred landscapes critiques colonial exploitation and models an indigenous environmental ethic thereby demonstrating how postcolonial literature can reframe global conservation paradigms.

The role of Tshivenda Indigenous knowledge in formal education in Beitbridge, Zimbabwe

2023-09-29T22:48:09+00:00

Indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) stem from the immediate environment and remain some of the most valuable resources owned by rural communities. However, they have also been the least used in transforming educational systems in Africa. In Africa, especially in Zimbabwe, while the Indigenous communities always find value in their local knowledge which is part of their education, it was not the same with the colonial administration, which viewed Indigenous knowledge as primitive, anti-development, backward, uncivilised, ungodly and mere repetition of practices without any theory to explain them. Due to this most Africans, turned their backs on Indigenous knowledge systems which in the end led to a decline in their use. Despite the globally surging call that emphasizes the urgent need to embrace, learn and preserve our indigenous knowledge, very little has been done to change their status, especially in African communities. Against this background, this paper explores the role that Indigenous knowledge systems can play in the learning and teaching processes in formal education. The study adopted an exploratory qualitative research design and the Sankofa theory provided the theoretical framework. Vhavenda knowledge holders’ views were solicited using semi-structured interviews. The selection of participants was done through purposive sampling. The findings of the study unveiled that Tshivenda Indigenous knowledge has been excluded from formal education and by extension, Indigenous experiences, values, cultures, philosophies, and traditions of the Vhavenda people were equally excluded. The study argues that the inclusion ofIndigenous knowledge in formal education would promote socio-cultural, political, economic, scientific, and technological development in Beitbridge.

Determinants of teacher turnover: A case study of private Christian high schools in Harare North, Zimbabwe

2024-09-15T20:19:39+00:00

This study investigates the determinants of teacher turnover in five private high schools in Harare North District, sampled through stratified systematic sampling in 2023. The research aims to assess the significance of teacher turnover in efforts to secure, lead, and manage a stable teaching workforce, thereby promoting quality education within private institutions. The concept of teacher turnover is critical to this inquiry, as persistent staff attrition compromises educational standards. The study argues that sustained teacher retention is essential for institutional effectiveness, particularly given the resources invested in teacher welfare and professional development. While numerous international studies have examined the causes of teacher turnover, most focus on public schools, with limited attention paid to private Christian schools. This study addresses that gap by exploring specific economic, organisational, personal, and racial factors influencing turnover in the private sector. Findings indicate that economic variables are the most significant determinant. The study concludes by highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive staff retention policies within Christian private schools to ensure educational continuity and institutional stability.

Behavioural risk profiling in Rottweilers (Canis lupus familiaris): A survey-based analysis

2025-05-16T09:32:46+00:00

This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors for behavioural issues in Rottweiler dogs in Zimbabwe, a topic that has not been systematically studied in the country. A cross-sectional design was used, with a validated questionnaire distributed to Rottweiler owners in Harare, Bulawayo, and the Midlands provinces. The questionnaire captured information on dog and owner characteristics, housing conditions, training practices, and fear-related behaviours. Of the 256 participants, 97.2% (n = 249) reported one or more behavioural issues in their dogs, with fear (18%, n = 90) and disobedience (11%, n = 54) being the most common problems. Fear of noises (10%, n = 51) was the most prevalent fear-related behaviour, and inter-dog hostility (8%, n = 40) emerged as the leading aggression issue. Factors such as housing in apartments were linked to a heightened likelihood of fear-related problems compared to living in houses with gardens or outdoor arrangements. Conversely, increased training frequency was associated with a lower likelihood of fear, aggression, and disobedience, and advancing age in dogs was correlated with a reduction in disobedience-related behaviours. These findings align with existing research while offering fresh insights into the epidemiology of behavioural issues in domestic dogs, emphasising the need for targeted interventions to improve animal welfare, reduce behavioural problems, and prevent the surrender or abandonment of Rottweilers in Zimbabwe.

ESG integration and sustainability in African agribusiness: A review of challenges, practices and impacts

2025-04-07T11:25:27+00:00

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) integration and sustainability have become critical issues for African agribusinesses to address in recent years. However, the specific practices, challenges, and impacts in the African context remain less explored. This systematic review paper aimed to analyze the current literature on ESG and sustainability issues within African agribusiness. A total of 41 articles published between 2017 and 2024 were reviewed based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. Key findings indicate that ESG integration can enhance productivity, food security, rural livelihoods, and long-term resilience but continues facing economic, infrastructural and regulatory barriers. Environmental practices like sustainable farming, social efforts on farmer welfare and gender equality along with governance mechanisms for transparency were identified. Though ESG integration showed positive economic, social and environmental impacts, persistent challenges need tailored strategies. An integrative framework is proposed for ESG implementation based on the review. Further studies can explore specific solutions and cases to aid policymaking.

Financial inclusion and poverty alleviation among smallholder farmers: Evidence from Gokwe South in Zimbabwe

2024-04-10T18:04:18+00:00

Financial inclusion is increasingly recognised as a critical pathway to poverty reduction and economic empowerment for marginalised populations. This study investigates barriers to financial inclusion among smallholder farmers in Gokwe South District, Midlands Province, Zimbabwe. Key focus areas include access to financial services, usage patterns, and strategies to enhance financial inclusion for rural farmers. A qualitative case study approach was adopted, with purposive sampling of five wards from a total of thirty-three. Data were gathered through eight key informant interviews and five focus group discussions involving 47 participants. Thematic analysis revealed significant barriers to financial access, including stringent account opening requirements, limited credit access, and geographic isolation from service providers. Use of financial services was constrained by the prevalence of seasonal banking, low confidence in the financial system, restrictive withdrawal limits, high transaction fees, and currency instability. The study recommends tailored, low-cost financial products, expansion of agency banking, promotion of digital financial services, and financial literacy training for smallholder farmers. Effective implementation requires coordinated efforts among financial institutions, regulators, and agricultural stakeholders. Interventions should focus on simplifying account registration, stabilising currency value, and offering inclusive credit facilities. The findings underscore the importance of contextualised financial strategies that address both structural and trust-related barriers to improve rural financial inclusion. Further research is recommended on agency banking models and context-specific financial innovations for smallholder farmers.