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Criteria For Rejecting Ideas In African Philosophy : A Historical And Epistemological Analysis, Eric C. Mgalula

Zamani: A Journal of African Historical Studies

The rejection of African ideas remains a pivotal debate in African philosophy, centring on tensions between universalist epistemologies and culturally specific criteria. This study synthesizes fragmented discussions into a cohesive framework, interrogating when and why African ideas may be deemed inadequate. It critiques contemporary African scholarship that rigidly adheres to indigenous traditions under decolonial and nationalist imperatives, advocating instead for a balanced approach that harmonizes intellectual rigor with cultural authenticity. Through a historical analysis of key thinkers—from Tempels and Hountondji to Wiredu and Oyewumí—this article historicizes the evolution of evaluative criteria in African philosophy, challenging colonial legacies and romanticized traditionalism. …

Mediation Partiality And The East African Community’S ‘Quiet Diplomacy’ In The Kenyan Post-Election Crisis Of 2007/2008, Rasul A. Minja

Zamani: A Journal of African Historical Studies

This article examines the role of East African Community (EAC) in mediating the 2007/2008 Kenyan post-election crisis, analysing its engagement in regional conflict resolution. Despite its mandate to promote peace, the EAC's response was constrained by institutional weaknesses, political dynamics, and reliance on quiet diplomacy. The African Union-backed Panel of Eminent African Personalities, led by Kofi Annan, ultimately led the mediation, sidelining the EAC. Through the analysis of primary and secondary sources, the article indicates that EAC lacked a binding conflict management framework and faced decision-making delays that hindered swift intervention. The partiality of key figures, particularly President Yoweri Museveni …

Jonathan M Jackson, Visions For An African Valley: Histories Of Development In Kilombero, Tanzania Since 1877., Emanuel L. Mchome

Zamani: A Journal of African Historical Studies

Research on the history of colonial development and future-making in Tanzania has focused on the racial and class politics that influenced development visions and practices. Studies of postcolonial development history have demonstrated how state leaders and their ideologies shaped nation-building trajectories. Notwithstanding of the temporal dynamics, scholars have analysed how the flow of finance and technical assistance reveals intertwined global forces such as nationalism and the Cold War, and how foreign development assistance shaped development in Tanzania. Visions for an African Valley moves beyond this conventional analysis. Instead of employing ideological lenses in analysis, it specifically examines how colonial and …

Beyond Christianity : German Missionaries’ Heritage In Colonial Mbeya, Tanzania, 1880s-1918, Ashura Jackson Ngoya, Edward Simon Mgaya

Zamani: A Journal of African Historical Studies

This article examines the history of German missionaries in the colonial Mbeya, a southwest region of Tanzania, from the 1880s to 1918. It explores how missionaries influenced political, social, and economic changes that had a profound impact on the lives of the local population. The article investigates the secular roles of missionaries, which, although they supported evangelisation, they were not directly non- secular aspects. In doing so, the article considers missionaries' efforts in education, health, agriculture, trade, and tax collection, which sometimes led to them working as colonial intermediaries in certain areas of Mbeya. Based on primary and secondary sources, …

Engineering Inefficiencies And Technical Dependency : A Vital Lens In Understanding Power Outages In Postcolonial Tanzania, 1960s-1990s, Emanuel L. Mchome

Zamani: A Journal of African Historical Studies

This article examines how the construction of power infrastructure in the 1960s-1980s shaped the future functioning of the Tanzanian power grid from the 1990s. The article is based on oral sources and archival material collected from the Swedish National Archives in Stockholm, the Tanzania National Electric Supply Company Limited (TANESCO), the East Africana Section of the Wilbert Chagula Library at University of Dar es Salaam, the Rufiji Basin Development Authority (RUBADA) and the World Bank online sources. The article argues that engineering inefficiencies of some Western planners and builders of TANESCO’s power grid who failed to consider local ecological issues …

The Late Father Rev. John Anthony Kaiser: “A Case For Justice”, Mbuthi Gathenji

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.

Swahili And English Sell, But What About Iraqw And Sukuma? Tanzanian Native Languages And Ethnic Affiliations In Bottom-Up Commercial Signage, Adventina Buberwa

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

Policy statements in Tanzania forbid the use of ethnic community languages but permits Swahili and English in the public space. In this paper, we question the total absence of ethnic community languages in signposts in which previous studies of linguistic landscape attested the presence of unpermitted languages of Arabic, Chinese and Hindi. Under the auspices of the social identity theory, we envisaged the investigation and analysis of personal and place names on privately-owned commercial signposts. It has come out clearly that owners of the businesses represented would no doubt hope that the names they include in their signage would appeal …

Second Language Learning Among Pre-Primary School Children: A Bibliometric Analysis Of Global Research Trends, Fabiola Hassan, Reuben Sungwa

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

This bibliometric study investigates global research trends on phonological awareness in second language learning (SLL) among pre-primary school children from 2014 to 2023. The study utilizes data from the Dimensions database, and is guided by three objectives: analysing publication volume trends, identifying leading contributors (countries, institutions, authors, journals), and mapping dominant research themes. It employs the VOSviewer—a software tool for constructing and visualizing bibliometric networks—to conduct co-authorship, co-citation, and keyword co-occurrence analyses. The results show a steady increase in research output, peaking in 2021, reflecting a growing scholarly interest. The United States and United Kingdom dominated research contributions, with institutions—like …

The Intonation Of Questions In The Cinyambwa Dialect Of Cigogo Language, Maulid Kiruya, Devet Goodness

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

This paper examines the intonation systems of content and yes-no questions in Cinyambwa, a dialect of Cigogo Bantu language (G.11 in Guthrie’s classification). The study investigates the intonation patterns of different questions to show how content questions are differentiated from yes-no questions prosodically. The study was conducted in Makutopora village, Manyoni district, Singida region, Tanzania. Data were obtained from a sample of four (4) Cinyambwa speakers who were purposely selected. Elicitation was used as a data collection method with the aid of a sentence list, interviews, and picture-based tasks as data collection instruments. The study was guided by the autosegmental-metrical …

A Linguistic Analysis Of Humour In Selected Tanzanian Stand-Up Comedy Shows: A Script-Based Semantic Approach, Okoa Simile

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

This study analyses humour as a culturally situated linguistic practice by examining how humour is constructed in selected Tanzanian stand-up comedy shows. Specifically, it sought to analyse the linguistic devices comedians use to evoke humour. The study is guided by Victor Raskin’s script-based semantic theory of humour (SSTH). The theory posits that humour arises from the opposition of two conflicting scripts within a linguistic structure. The qualitative research approach was used to guide the study processes. The study analysed nine (9) performances by famous Tanzanian comedians Mr. Eliud Samwel, Mr. Abdalla Musa Njalamoto (TX Dulla), Mr. Silvester Mujuni (Mpoki), and …

The Resilience Of The Pare Traditional Pottery Industry In Tanzania During The Colonial And Post-Colonial Eras, 1900s–2020, Shakila Halifan Mteti

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

This paper examines the resilience of the traditional pottery industry among the Pare women potters in Tanzania. It focuses on how the industry responded to local and global socio-economic and political dynamics from the colonial period in the 1900s through 2020. Specifically, it explores how Pare women potters have attained success, navigated challenges, and adapted to changing economic and social conditions. The study focuses on the Pare people of Usangi in Mwanga District, Kilimanjaro region, Tanzania. It is based on in-depth interviews, non-participant observation, and archival and written sources collected between July and December 2018. The study findings are threefold. …

The Politics Of Artisanal And Small-Scale Gold Mining (Asgm) In Tanzania In The 21st Century., Eliud Atugonza Kabamanya

Theses - ALL

This study investigates the politics of Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM) in 21st-century Tanzania, focusing on the organization of miners towards access to key resources, namely land, capital, markets, geological information, technology, and examining environmental degradation, health, and safety concerns affecting miners and surrounding communities. Grounded in historical and dialectical materialism, the research traces ASGM’s evolution from the pre-colonial period through colonial exclusions, post-independence reforms, and neoliberal restructuring. The study employs qualitative methods, including interviews, field observations, and document analysis, conducted over two months across key mining sites in Tanzania. Findings reveal that ASGM is shaped by systemic exclusion, …

Book Reviews, Percyslage Chigora

Journal of African Policy Studies

No abstract provided.

Micro Finance In Eritrea: A Catalyst For Women Development, Ravinder Rena

Journal of African Policy Studies

The microfinance refers to small-scale financial services (primarily credit and savings) provided to people who engage in the farming, fishing and operate micro-enterprises to gain subsistence income from these activities and subsequently support the rural economy. Microfinance is a highly accepted and recognized development tool. It has been playing a vital role in many developing countries of the world. The women are considered to be a pillar of the society and economy. For example, 45 per cent of the measurable Gross Domestic Income comes from the work of women in the world's richest countries. Eritrea, a poor but young nation …

Review Essay: Pius Msekwa's Reflections On Tanzania's First Multiparty Parliament: 1995-2000, Alexander B. Makulilo

Journal of African Policy Studies

No abstract provided.

Cover And Table Of Contents, Institute On African Affairs

Journal of African Policy Studies

No abstract provided.

Population Increase, Environment, Food Access And Development In Africa: The Role Of The African Union, Amado J. Kaba

Journal of African Policy Studies

This paper examines the impact of the massive population increase in Africa in the post World War II era and the environmental challenges the continent confronts in trying to feed such a high number of people. The paper is divided into three sections. The first section examines the demographics of Africa, which show that the continent has increased its total population by 750 million people from 1950 to 2008. The second section of this paper then presents arguments by scholars pertaining to the environmental challenges, especially for agriculture, facing Africa as it finds ways to feed this massive number of …

Patterns And Determinants Of Fertility In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 1974-1998, Asfaw Yitna

Journal of African Policy Studies

Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, reported a surprisingly low TFR level of 1.8 births per woman in the year 1994. Such a low level has never been experienced by any other large African city. In this paper, we attempt to confirm the adjusted level fertility of 2.1 births per woman and thus the fertility decline reported by the Central Statistical Authority (CSA), and to explore the important demographics, socio-economic and proximate determinants of fertility decline of Addis Ababa from 1974 to 1998.

We use data from fertility surveys of 1990 and 1995, conducted in Addis Ababa by CSA, …

The Policy Dilemmas Of Pesticides Management And Disposal In Tanzania, Paul J. Kaiser, John C. Morris

Journal of African Policy Studies

The purpose of this paper is to systematically evaluate and analyze pesticides management and disposal in Tanzania employing a theoretical approach that emanates from current research on public policy implementation. This case demonstrates that the national and international context of public policy-making and inter-governmental agency cooperation and coordination are essential to understanding the current environmental situation in the country. Given the paucity of published, African case studies used in the theory-building process, this study also attempts to contribute to strengthening the empirical legitimacy and theoretical soundness of the comparative method of social scientific inquiry by including African realities in scholarly …

Introduction To This Special Issue Of Joaps: Dynamics Of Conflict, Peace, And Security In Africa, Earl Conteh-Morgan

Journal of African Policy Studies

No abstract provided.

Multipartyism And Democratization In Cameroon, Tangie Nsoh Fonchingong

Journal of African Policy Studies

No abstract provided.

Sources Of Future Conflicts In The Horn: Water Management And Interstate Relations Among Egypt, Sudan, And Ethiopia, Nurudeen B. Akinyemi

Journal of African Policy Studies

No abstract provided.

“Two Friends” By Fadhy Mtanga, Translated By Jay Boss Rubin, Jay B. Rubin

Living in Languages

No abstract provided.

Bytes, Banter, And The Bible: An Interdisciplinary Account Of Objective Meaning, Cameron Bonin

Senior Honors Theses

The claim that the Bible has objective meaning is contested in a postmodern world. This claim can be more persuasively defended when it is addressed by insights from multiple disciplines. In particular, the field of computer science is apt to illuminate the concept of meaning through its reflection on the nature of languages and its concern with the accurate transmission of information. By synthesizing insights from the field of computer science, such as that of Claude Shannon, with Nicholas Wolterstorff’s use of speech-act theory, the concept of meaning can be understood more clearly. Consequently, this synthesis assists in answering questions …

The Massai People And Wealth: A Stewardship Of Totality, Youssry Guirguis

Journal of Adventist Mission Studies

The concept of wealth among the Massai people differs significantly from the traditional understanding in contemporary societies. To the Massai people wealth is not measured by money as commonly perceived by people today, but rather exhibits itself by land, social status, and livestock. This article examines a few terms used by the Massai people to define the idea of wealth in order to comprehend their unique cultural dimensions. Terms that are related to wealth will be investigated, such as “land” (enkop), “red God” (enkai Nanyokie), “black God” (enkai Narok), “cattle” (inkishu), “goats and sheep,” “wealth” (emali), and “dowry” (Inkishu/ Olpisiai). …

Front Matter - Zamani 1, No. 2, Editors Note

Zamani: A Journal of African Historical Studies

The editors are pleased to present to you the second issue of Zamani: A Journal of African Historical Studies. Volume 1 Number 2 has a collection of research and forum articles as well as book reviews. There are four articles that builds from field research with different themes spanning from neolithic to the postcolonial periods. The themes include new neolithic dating; smallpox control in early colonial period in the former German East Africa (now Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi); evasion of colonial taxation; and the connection between land legislations and land conflicts among the peasant and pastoral communities. There are also …

New Chronology For Neolithic Cultures In The Lake Eyasi Basin, Northern Tanzania, Musa Said Mwitondi, Pastory Magayane Bushozi

Zamani: A Journal of African Historical Studies

There have been several studies on Neolithic Cultures in the Serengeti National. The recovered archaeological materials include domestic and wild fauna remains, potsherds and lithic artefacts, ochre, and stone enclosures, dating between 7200 and 4900 BP. In the East African Rift System (EARS), conventional ages for Neolithic Cultures are inferred from the most extensively researched Neolithic sites in Kenya, where the oldest Nderit ware, cattle and caprine in the Lake Turkana Basin, northern Kenya, date ca. 5200 BP. Studies on the Neolithic of EARS have been structured to fit into the migration or diffusion models that consider the spread of …

Smallpox Outbreaks And Immunization Policies In Tanzania From The Late Nineteenth Century To The First World War, Lorne Larson

Zamani: A Journal of African Historical Studies

An estimated 300 million people died globally from smallpox in the 20th century alone. There was very much a North/South divide in the existence of the disease in that period, with countries across South America, Africa and Asia recording the majority of cases. In 1966 the World Health Organization launched an intensive effort to finally eliminate the disease. The last known endemic case of smallpox was reported in Somalia in 1977, and that outbreak was promptly contained. In 1980 smallpox was declared eradicated – the only infectious disease affecting humans to achieve this distinction. This remains among the most notable …

'Evading The Tax Collector’: Native Responses To The Head Tax In Colonial Njombe, Tanzania, 1920-1960, Peter Chaula, Hezron Kangalawe

Zamani: A Journal of African Historical Studies

Tax collection was one of the core preoccupations of the colonial government in Tanganyika (now Tanzania) and other colonies in the Africa that persisted even after independence. Direct taxation formed the basis of colonial taxation in Tanganyika. Head tax was a dominant form of direct taxation with its burden being borne primarily by Africans. This article uses the colonial Njombe District of Tanganyika to explore the responses of the African taxpayers to the head tax. The available data indicates that colonial head tax policies and practices in Njombe elicited varied responses from Africans with covert forms forming the mainstay of …

Revisiting African Religion As An Academic Discipline In Africa: History And Prospects, Ivan B. Kivinge

Zamani: A Journal of African Historical Studies

Three main religious traditions—indigenous African beliefs and practices (African religion), Christianity and Islam—have dominated everyday life of communities in Africa today. Scholarship on religion indicates that only African religion originated in Africa— Christianity and Islam are foreign religions. Many Africans today have been active Christians and Muslims, who are sometimes being misleadingly taught that African religion is demonic and forms of paganism. This article employs historical and philosophical approaches to show how the study of African religion has navigated through various historical currents and resultant implications on the way the current generation views it. In the end, the article proposes …