Digital Commons Network^™

Rethinking Women, Peace And Security In Southern Africa: Patriarchy, Policies, And Perspectives, Kgomotso Komane

The Journal of Social Encounters

Southern Africa is a relatively peaceful region, however, it has witnessed a range of diverse, multiple and ongoing conflicts that have prompted various peace interventions from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), neighbouring countries and international actors. An astounding pattern is revealed when observing the involvements of all the actors in the peace interventions. What is revealed is that, till present day, women remain marginalised in peace processes despite existing structures and policies that reaffirm their rightful participation in these processes. Rethinking women’s role in peace and security is necessary because existing approaches to peace are shaped by patriarchal norms. …

Hunting, Craftsmanship, And Migration: The Ethnobiology Of The Raute Nomads Of Nepal, Ramesh Prasad Adhikary

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

This study explores the ethnobiology of the Raute nomads in Nepal, a dwindling hunter-gatherer group facing threats from modernisation, deforestation, and sedentarisation policies. Despite growing ethnobiological research on indigenous knowledge, there remains a scholarly gap in integrated analyses of how nomadic practices like hunting, craftsmanship, and migration interlink to promote sustainability, particularly in South Asian contexts. Drawing on six weeks of ethnographic fieldwork with a single Raute community (n=15 key informants via purposive sampling for interviews; 3 focus groups of 6-8 participants via convenience sampling), this research employs participant observation, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions to address this gap. …

Analysis Of Traditional Wisdom For Ecological Sustainability In Tanzania: A Case Study Of Metaphorical Source Domains In Pangwa Ritual Texts, Winne Stephen Mtega, Angelus Mnenuka

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

Campaigns for ecological sustainability have gained a great currency in the contemporary academic discourse. Nonetheless, from time immemorial, Africans have pushed the ecological sustainability agenda through cultural taboos and regulated resource harvesting. Many African societies have embedded ecological consciousness in daily life expressions, and have intricately expressed it through literary and ritual texts. This study focuses on ecological awareness in the ritual texts of the Pangwa community. It analyses how environmental domains—such as land, seeds, and fruits—serve as the basis for metaphors in the Pangwa community to prove the use of wisdom to promote and sustain ecological practices (ecocriticism). The …

Corrigendum To “Decolonizing Knowledge As Epistemic Justice: Key Conceptual Tendencies From The Global South” [Tanzania Journal Of Sociology, Vol. 11, Issue No.2, December 2025: 113 - 128], Richard Sambaiga

Tanzania Journal of Sociology

This article registers corrections done to a reference section of "Decolonizing Knowledge as Epistemic Justice: Key Conceptual Tendencies from the Global South” [Tanzania Journal of Sociology, Vol. 11, Issue No.2, December 2025: 113 - 128]

Parliamentary Gridlock In Tanzania: An Examination Of The Politics Of Changing The Cashew Nut Industry Act (Cap 203), Palme Kawishe

Tanzania Journal of Sociology

The legislature plays a pivotal role in overseeing the management of public resources through the budget process, which provides a formal forum for debating how funds are mobilised, allocated, and spent. Through this process, the legislature reviews and amends the laws governing a government’s annual revenues and expenditures. However, legislative review is often shaped by underlying political dynamics. Focusing on legislative-executive relations, this article examines the political dynamics that unfolded in Tanzania’s parliament during the amendment of the Cashew Nut Industry Act (Cap. 203) and how these dynamics produced parliamentary gridlock. It further explores how the fusion of party and …

Undergraduate Awareness Of Sexual Harassment Law In Tanzania's Higher Learning Institutions: Case Studies Of Two Universities, Salma Ramadhan Fundi Phd Candidate

Tanzania Journal of Sociology

This study examines undergraduate students' awareness of legal provisions and guidelines concerning sexual harassment in Tanzanian higher education, focusing on the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) and the Open University of Tanzania (OUT) as case studies. Sexual harassment significantly impacts students’ well-being, safety, and academic success. Despite the existence of legal frameworks, students' knowledge of these provisions is often limited. The study employed a qualitative approach with a phenomenological research design to explore students’ experiences and perceptions of harassment policies. This design allowed participants to share the meanings they attach to their experiences and how such policies are understood …

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

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.

Situational Analysis Of Child Labour In Coastal And Marine Activities In Zanzibar, Tanzania, Happiness Anold Moshi, Rukia Kitula

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

This study analyses the situation of child labour in coastal and marine activities in Zanzibar, Tanzania, by examining activities carried out by children, the major driving factors for engaging in child labour, as well as the associated impacts to children’s schooling and wellbeing. Questionnaire survey, focus group discussions (FGDs), participant observations, and key informant interviews (KII) were all used to collect data for the study. The study involved a total of 90 children, who were randomly selected among working children in coastal and marine activities. It was found that most of the working children were involved in fishing, fish descaling, …

Working Mothers And Children’S Social-Emotional Development: Struggling With Family And Job Roles In Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Ignasia Paskal Mbatta

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

This study aimed at examining the socio-emotional development of employed mothers’ children in the metropolis of Dar es Salaam. Early childhood socio-emotional development is crucial for shaping a child’s short- and long-term well-being, relationships, and overall mental health. An exploratory qualitative approach employing a phenomenological design, guided this study. In-depth interviews, documentary reviews, and active participant observation were used to collect data. The study sample comprised of 42 working mothers, 9 domestic workers, and 90 children under five years of age of the same mothers. Purposive sampling was used to select working mothers, while domestic workers were selected incidentally. The …

Vigilante Justice Violence In Ghana: Does A Visible Police Force Reduce Support For Instant Justice?, John Ampomah

Theses

Vigilante justice remains a persistent issue in Ghana, with a significant portion of Ghanaians subscribing to it to address their grievances. While existing research has examined the social and cultural drivers of vigilante justice in Ghana, the role of visible police presence (i.e., police station and police patrol) on vigilante justice has received limited attention. This study seeks to add to the literature by exploring the relationship between visible police presence and support for vigilante justice by drawing on Black’s (1983) Self-Help Theory. First, I argue that a visible police force directly reduces public support for vigilante justice and indirectly …

Amplifying Ratego Stories And Knowledges: A Co-Research Initiative With Young Mothers In Social Movements In East Africa, Deborah Mrema, Patricia Nudi Orawo, Lydia Otieno, Juhi Jha, Joseph Kalisa, Serge Nyirinkwaya

The Qualitative Report

Young mothers can be negatively affected by dominant and degrading cultural narratives; their stories of resistance and activism are often rendered invisible in broader social contexts. Informed by collective narrative practice methodologies, we undertook a counter-storytelling research project to elicit and acknowledge the stories of survival and sustenance of young mothers in social movements responding to sexual and gender-based violence in East Africa. We facilitated storytelling circles, incorporating various story and knowledges collection methods. Our approach involved documenting collective experiences and counter-narratives, exchanging stories between communities, and inviting young mothers to respond to other participants’ stories. The telling and retelling …

The Significance And Impact Of Traditional Naming Practices In The Meru Community Of Tanzania, Wariaeli Ismaeli Pallangyo, Eliakimu Sane

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

In Africa, names are not assigned arbitrarily. They are deliberately chosen to reflect communities’ social, economic and political understandings. The Meru people, residing in northeastern Tanzania, near Mount Meru, identify themselves through ethnic names that embody their cultural practices. This article examines the significance of Meru traditional names, variations and their enduring value in increasing globalisation and cultural homogenisation, drawing on data from the Meru community. Employing a case study design, qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews with 49 participants recruited using snowball sampling. Thematic analysis, facilitated by Microsoft Excel, was utilised for data transcription …

A Critical Discourse Analysis Of The Representation Of Gender Images In Wedding Speeches In Tanzania, Reuben Ndimbo, Antoni Keya

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

This study examined parents’ counsel during weddings to determine how wedding discourse represents gender relations. This article utilized a qualitative methodology, using audio-visual records of speeches and the focus group discussion technique to gather data. Using critical discourse analysis, the study found that wedding discourse reinforces stereotypical gender roles following the dominant male ideology, portraying men as the supreme heads of households who are responsible for making important decisions, including financial and political matters. On the other hand, women are projected as obedient, showing humility: perpetuating the image of dependent and submissive individuals. The study provides a basis for linguistic …

Sexual Behavior Among Emerging Adults In Africa: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Stevenson Chea, Vincent A. Kagonya, Osman Abdullahi, Amina Abubakar, Souheila Abbeddou, Kristien Michielsen, Amin Hassan

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Background: Estimates on sexual behavior (SB) among emerging adults (EmA) is varied in literature, which presents a challenge when designing targeted interventions. We aimed to summarize literature on prevalence and risk factors of SB among EmA in Africa.

Methods: A search for studies published in PubMed, Embase, and Psych Info by March 2023 was done. Studies involving EmA (18–25 years), conducted in Africa, and reporting 1 or more of 7 SBs were reviewed. Pooled prevalence estimates were summarized using forest plots. Heterogeneity in SB was explored. Risk factors were synthesized using a modified socioecological model.

Results: Overall, …

Cameras For Girls: Nonprofit Spotlight, Angie Holzer

Journal of Nonprofit Innovation

No abstract provided.

Governance And Islam In East Africa: Muslims And The State In Kenya And Tanzania, Farouk Topan, Kai Kresse, Erin E. Stiles, Hassan Mwakimako

Exploring Muslim Contexts

Explores the relationship between Muslim communities and the State in East Africa in political, institutional and legal contexts

• Focuses on the relationship between Muslims and the State in Kenya and Tanzania
• Asks which factors, both within and outside the Muslim community, shape and affect this relationship in contemporary times
• Presents 13 case studies exploring governance issues within and across the categories of politics, institutions and law in Kenya and Tanzania
• Identifies cross-cutting issues of governance and Muslim communities which are relevant beyond East Africa

Recent studies of Muslims in Kenya and Tanzania have tended either to examine governance of Muslims …

Socioecological Assessment Of Birds In Ngezi-Vumawimbi Nature Forest Reserve, Eli Taub

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Effective management of natural resources requires consideration of the environment through both a physical and a sociological lens. In this study, the birds in Ngezi-Vumawimbi Nature Forest Reserve were examined through both a biological mist-net survey and a socioecological series of interviews with people living in the surrounding villages. The mist-net survey compared the understory species in undisturbed and disturbed area of the forest, as well as analyzing birds caught for biologically meaningful information on subspecies and sexual dimorphism. While the mist-net survey was largely unsuccessful, highlighting the need for alternative bird capture methods in Ngezi, it found a decrease …

Selam Medirashachin (Safe Arrival) Project: Addressing The Risk Of Trafficking, Violence, And Sexual Abuse Among Newly Arriving Migrant Girls In Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Annabel Erulkar, Eyasu Hailu

Adolescents and Young People

Rates of urbanization in Ethiopia are significant and, increasingly, young females are among those who migrate from rural to urban areas. Previous research in Addis Ababa showed that, compared to boys and young men, young female migrants are more likely to migrate to cities without the accompaniment of immediate family members. and often move in with people with whom they have only loose affiliation or live on their own. Previous Population Council research on the experience of adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) revealed that girls’ migration from rural to urban areas of the country may be perilous. This is …

A Review Of Information Behavior Research At Home And Abroad, Yang Zhao, Tingxiao Wen

Journal of Scientific Information Research

[Purpose/significance]Information activities in the new network environment are an important part of users' daily behavior. Studying information behavior can better understand the relationship between users and information, so as to promote the development and utilization of information resources and maximize the value of information. [Method/process]Conduct keyword statistical analysis and co-word network analysis on the research papers of information behavior at home and abroad, systematically sort out the research topics of information behavior, and refine the research views.[Result/conclusion]The research on information behavior mainly focuses on the theoretical basis exploration and model construction, information behavior analysis of specific situations and specific users …

Impact Of E-Resources In Promoting Reading Habits: A Study Among The Central Library Users Of University Of Rajshahi, Bangladesh, Dr. Partha Biplob Roy, Susmita Tarofder Misty, Zihadur Rahman, Dil Afroz Bente Aziz

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

The widespread adoption of electronic resources, particularly in the realm of reading books, has transformed the landscape of academic libraries across the globe. This study explores the impact of e-resources on the reading habits and preferences of Central Library users at the University of Rajshahi. By analyzing the attitudes and experiences of students, faculty, and researchers, this research sheds light on the significance of e-resources in modern-day learning environments. The core purposes of the study are to investigate the trend and impact of using electronic resources, to explore the reasons, to know the benefits of using e-resources by the students. …

Maternal Health In The Context Of Social, Political, And Economic Change Among Hadzabe Foragers Of Tanzania, Kristen Herlosky

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Many low and middle-income countries have implemented new national policy measures aimed at reducing maternal morbidity and mortality due to globalized efforts to improve women’s maternal health. One of the main goals is to move childbirth into hospital facilities and improve health access and education outreach. For Indigenous communities around the world, these measures have fallen short of their goals. Indigenous women suffer from greater social, political, and economic disparities and inequalities, have poorer health indicators overall, and worse maternal health outcomes compared to their non-Indigenous counterparts. For small-scale communities, we have limited data on reproductive health among women, specifically …

Cultural Factors Associated With Human Trafficking Of Girls And Women In Northern Tanzania: The Case Of Arusha Region, Rehema John Magesa

Dignity: A Journal of Analysis of Exploitation and Violence

Human trafficking is persistent in many regions of Tanzania despite different efforts to reduce the practice by the Government and other stakeholders. Girls and young women are more affected by this practice in violation of their human rights than men and boys. This study explored the cultural factors attributing to the trafficking of girls and women in Northern Tanzania. The study involved 400 girls and young women for a quantitative and qualitative study on cultural determinants of human trafficking. The study found the following cultural practices pushed girls and women towards situations in which they could be trafficked: female genital …

The Persuasive Effect Of Legitimation Campaign Discourse, Kelvin Mathayo Lukanga

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

This paper is concerned with the persuasive effect of legitimation discourse on Tanzanians’ voting decisions. It examines how former President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete and Dr Wilbroad Slaa deployed language during the 2010 presidential election campaign to elicit support from the electorate. It also looks at non-discursive/non linguistic factors that influenced the same decisions. The data analysed in this paper is from some of their campaign speeches, and from focus group discussions as well. In analysing the data and discussing the findings, the study draws on Theo van Leeuwen’s semantic-functional approach to critical discourse analysis (henceforth CDA). The results show that …

Street Vendors Evictions And Relocations In Dar Es Salaam: Coping Strategies And Resilience Implications, Kirumirah Mubarack Hamidu Mr., Emmanuel January Munishi Dr.

The Qualitative Report

The existing literature on urban governance regards street vendors as passive victims of evictions and re-allocations threats, focusing largely on their inability to cope. Using the case study of the urban street vendors in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, this paper suggests that urban street vendors are not just passive victims of evictions and re-allocations but also utilize various capabilities to cope with this threat. The paper examines evictions and re-allocations threat among urban street vendors in Dar es Salaam Tanzania, to determine the vendors’ capability to cope with the threat and recommend factors for supporting the vendors to cope more …

Girls On The Map: Mapping For Program Planning And Social Change, Eva Roca

Adolescents and Young People

This guide explores ways in which maps can add depth to the learning process as practitioners design programs for girls. Mapping leads practitioners through a cycle of information collection and analysis. It supports decision-making about where, with whom, and when to work, and how programs can make a real difference in girls’ lives. Programs increasingly recognize the importance of household and community characteristics in shaping girls’ lives, yet it is relatively less common to measure or map community features as part of program planning. Mapping relevant populations of girls and the features of the communities they live in can inform …

Historical Patterns Of Regional, Residential, And Socioeconomic Inequities In The Utilization Of Maternal Health Care In Tanzania, East Africa, Neema Langa

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The United Republic of Tanzania (URT) has been experiencing alarming maternal and neonatal mortality rates. While these deaths have decreased over time, they fall short of the World Health Organization's (WHO) standards. Due to their strong associations, understanding maternal healthcare utilization (MHC) is critical for improving our understanding of existing maternal and neonatal mortality patterns. Existing research, primarily focusing on antenatal care (ANC), indicates that utilization of maternal health care (MHC) has steadily increased since 1990. However, very little attention has been paid to period-based changes in other MHC measures (e.g., postnatal care) and how those changes vary across socioeconomic …

Perceptions Of The Efficacy And Trustworthiness Of Faith-Based Organizations And Secular Ngos In Mgwashi, Bumbuli District, Tanzania, Naomi Tomlin

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This study investigated perceptions of faith-based organizations (FBOs) compared to secular non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Mgwashi, Bumbuli District, Tanzania. Perceptions were sorted into two categories: efficacy of services and trustworthiness. This study also examined gender and religion to determine potential influences on perceptions of trustworthiness and efficacy.

This study conducted 72 interviews of Mgwashi residents (18 Muslim men, 18 Muslim women, 18 Christian men, and 18 Christian women). Participants were asked for their opinions on the trustworthiness and efficacy of secular NGOs and FBOs with which they had experience. Then, those who had experience with both types (n=41) were asked …

Africa In Our Century: Proceedings Of The 2022 Global Voices Symposium, Julius A. Amin

Proceedings: 2022 Global Voices on the University of Dayton Campus

Full proceedings of the 2022 Global Voices Symposium

The Construction Of Masculinities: Bodaboda Operators And Secondary Schoolgirls’ Pregnancies In Vwawa, Mbozi District, Tanzania, Rosemarie N. Mwaipopo

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

This study examines the influence of the construction of masculinities on the prevalence of secondary schoolgirl pregnancies in Vwawa, Mbozi district, Tanzania. The objective was to understand how the constructions of masculinities in some communities perpetuated certain behaviours that impacted on the human rights of female youth. The study used a qualitative approach and engaged both female and male participants in in-depth interviews (IDIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), informal talks, and observations. Key findings illustrate how masculinities are constructed through a shared process, influenced by wider social transformations, and reflect the prevailing socio-cultural contexts. In this case, the masculinities assumed …

Willingness To Adopt The Spatial Monitoring And Reporting Tool (Smart): The Case Of Ugalla Game Reserve, Tanzania, Flora John Magige, Cuthbert L. Nahonyo, Paulo Wilfred, Heri Kayeye, Alex W. Kisingo

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

The Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) is a software for measuring, evaluating and improving the effectiveness of wildlife-law enforcement patrols, thereby enabling a better use of limited capacity and human resources, and improving anti poaching in protected areas. The Ugalla Game Reserve introduced SMART in 2016 to facilitate patrol management in the protected area. The objective of this study is to determine the willingness of the Reserve staff to adopt the SMART technology two years after its implementation. Structured questionnaires were administered to 19 rangers from the headquarters and ranger posts of the Reserve who participated in the study. …