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Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons™

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

2010

Kennesaw State University

African Studies

Articles 1 - 18 of 18

Full-Text Articles in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Technology Capacity Development Through Oss Implementation: The Case Of Public Higher Education Institutions In Ethiopia, Nigussie Tadesse Mengesha Dec 2010

Technology Capacity Development Through Oss Implementation: The Case Of Public Higher Education Institutions In Ethiopia, Nigussie Tadesse Mengesha

The African Journal of Information Systems

The Open Source Software (OSS) literature gives little attention to the study and practice of domain specific end-user OSS implementation in general and in the public sector of developing countries (DCs) in particular. This paper, however, investigates the trajectories of two OSS-based information systems (IS) implementation projects in a developing country (DC) context with the aim to uncover the practice-based learning and resource sharing evident among locally situated and globally dispersed developers and users. The result of the interpretative case study research shows that the OSS philosophy and practice of software development, implementation and ownership, facilitates for the emergence of …

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Rethinking Imperialism And Resistance In West Africa: Historiographic Connections For The Classroom, Michael Christopher Low Jun 2010

Rethinking Imperialism And Resistance In West Africa: Historiographic Connections For The Classroom, Michael Christopher Low

Journal of Global Initiatives: Policy, Pedagogy, Perspective

Even in the postcolonial era, West African history remains plagued by Eurocentric myths and media-driven stereotypes. Though specialists have been struggling with this problem for decades, a rift remains between the elite world of academia and the African history being taught in American schools. In an attempt to bridge this gap, this essay provides a case study and a list of suggested resources designed to help nonspecialist world history teachers rethink European colonial power and its impact on our conception of African history. Through its examination of how West African responses to imperialism interacted with, adapted to, and were ultimately …

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What The 2000 U.S. Census Tells Us About The Kenyan Diaspora, Martin Mbaya, Paulsen Mrina, Michael J. Levin Jun 2010

What The 2000 U.S. Census Tells Us About The Kenyan Diaspora, Martin Mbaya, Paulsen Mrina, Michael J. Levin

Journal of Global Initiatives: Policy, Pedagogy, Perspective

The 2000 U.S. Decennial Census produced profiles of Kenya-born and other Africa-born immigrants for the first time. These tabulations provide useful information about the counts and demographic, social, economic, and housing characteristics of Kenyans living in the United States. This paper compares the characteristics of the East Africa born with the U.S. born, as well as with all U.S. Blacks. Overall, the data show a classic brain drain in the emigration from the East African community as people relocate and settle down in the United States. The East African diaspora represents a crucial cross section of Africa's top minds in …

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Brain Drain, Waste Or Gain? What We Know About The Kenyan Case, Ruth Uwaifo Oyelere Jun 2010

Brain Drain, Waste Or Gain? What We Know About The Kenyan Case, Ruth Uwaifo Oyelere

Journal of Global Initiatives: Policy, Pedagogy, Perspective

Over the last three decades, Kenya and many other countries in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) have experienced rapid emigration to the developed world. The general view is that emigration from developing countries especially Africa has led to brain drain and brain waste. However, recent research on emigration from Mexico provides evidence of significant gains from emigration. This recent finding highlights the importance of looking at individual countries' diasporas. In this review paper, I focus on trends in the Kenyan diaspora. More importantly, I summarize what we know from the literature and data on Kenya with respect to issues of brain …

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Diaspora In Global Development: First Generation Immigrants From Kenya, Transnational Ties, And Emerging Alternatives, Maria M. Kioko Jun 2010

Diaspora In Global Development: First Generation Immigrants From Kenya, Transnational Ties, And Emerging Alternatives, Maria M. Kioko

Journal of Global Initiatives: Policy, Pedagogy, Perspective

Transnational ties form an important aspect of immigrants' experiences. Using ethnographic accounts of 38 first generation immigrants from Kenya this study analyzed (a) why and how participants maintain ties, (b) characteristics of the ties, and (c) the degree to which ties influence immigrants' experiences. Findings revealed that participants connected to Kenya through social, economic, and political transnational practices. Ties took on a U-shaped curve with the highest intensity at points of arrival and after extended stay in the United States. While participants had moved spatially, their values and attitudes remained static resulting in "particularistic" development efforts. This demonstrated how ethnicity, …

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The Role Of The Kenyan Diaspora In Constructing A New Political Culture And Identity, Eric Masinde Aseka Jun 2010

The Role Of The Kenyan Diaspora In Constructing A New Political Culture And Identity, Eric Masinde Aseka

Journal of Global Initiatives: Policy, Pedagogy, Perspective

This paper focuses on the need for and the prospects of a congenial politics of identity construction in Kenya as spearheaded by the country's diasporic communities. It identifies and interrogates the intersection of consciousness and historical experience as the basis of such identity construction. It posits the leadership function as a critical component in this process and points out how mismanagement of the African polity has led to swelling ranks of refugees. These émigrés have contributed to the making of a global Africa embodied in the Black Diaspora. This diaspora can help reconstruct the politics of identity within Kenya as …

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Forging A Link: Diaspora Developmental Activities For The Homeland, The Case Of Eko Club International, Hakeem Ibikunle Tijani Jun 2010

Forging A Link: Diaspora Developmental Activities For The Homeland, The Case Of Eko Club International, Hakeem Ibikunle Tijani

Journal of Global Initiatives: Policy, Pedagogy, Perspective

This paper focuses on relatively unknown Diaspora group (Eko Club International-ECI)) analyzing its activities both in the Diaspora and the homeland. My attempt is to present a tentative survey of the activities of the association within the last seven years. Despite being recent, the ECI has made remarkable impacts through social and developmental projects) members) monthly financial contributions) and networking with government in the homeland. Unlike exiting studies about Diaspora associations) this paper is not about remittances by Lagosians in the Diaspora. Rather) it is about their efforts at collective social and developmental projects for the homeland.

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Globalization: Acculturation Or Cultural Erosion? A Historical Reflection, Bolanle Awe Jun 2010

Globalization: Acculturation Or Cultural Erosion? A Historical Reflection, Bolanle Awe

Journal of Global Initiatives: Policy, Pedagogy, Perspective

This paper is a historical reflection on contemporary African culture history. It situates globalization within the context of Africa's role in the world. It examines the human dimension, the interaction of human beings globally, the migration of people from their original homes, and their settlement in new abodes. In addition, migration has raised the issue of the status of migrants in their adopted countries. Indeed, the growing incidence of African migration is currently at the center of various debates on the African continent and in the host countries.

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Early Childhood Care And Education For All In 2015: Is This A Mirage In Nigeria?, Esther A. Oduolowu Jun 2010

Early Childhood Care And Education For All In 2015: Is This A Mirage In Nigeria?, Esther A. Oduolowu

Journal of Global Initiatives: Policy, Pedagogy, Perspective

This paper examines the possibility of the provision of Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) for all children from birth to age five in Nigeria by 2015. In the paper are the history of preschool education in Nigeria) situation of ECCE worldwide in the 1980s) and the, global trends in basic education in the 1990s. The paper also examines the limitations of the attempt and offers probable solutions.

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Modern Migration In Ghana And Mali: A Comparison Of Urban Migration Patterns, Dan Page, Mark W. Patterson, Kay Reeve Jun 2010

Modern Migration In Ghana And Mali: A Comparison Of Urban Migration Patterns, Dan Page, Mark W. Patterson, Kay Reeve

Journal of Global Initiatives: Policy, Pedagogy, Perspective

West Africa has a long tradition of human migration. Since the era of European colonization and during the twentieth century much of this migration has been rural to urban. This paper analyzes statistical data, observations, and interviews to compare the impacts of this migration on the cities of Bamako, Mali and Accra, Ghana. This analysis supports the conclusions that rural to urban migration in Ghana has resulted in the creation of an urban subsistence existence and an increased number of people participating in the informal sector of the economy. It further shows that when compared with Ghana, internal migration patterns …

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Africa's Debt Crisis: Perspectives On Nigeria's Escape From External Debt Trap, Solomon O. Akinboye Jun 2010

Africa's Debt Crisis: Perspectives On Nigeria's Escape From External Debt Trap, Solomon O. Akinboye

Journal of Global Initiatives: Policy, Pedagogy, Perspective

In sharp contrast with the image of an "oil-rich" country, Nigeria is paradoxically a heavily indebted poor country. While the country's oil production reached 2.5 million barrels per day in 2004, its total external debt stock at the end of 2004 was estimated at $35.9 billion. The debt crisis has been aggravated by the burden of debt servicing, which has absorbed the nation's budgetary and foreign exchange resources with deleterious impact on the critical sectors of the economy. The paper critically examines Nigeria's external debt profile and efforts toward its alleviation. It argues that the debt burden constitutes a major …

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Affirmative Action As A Dimension Of Diversity Management: Perceptions Of South African Sport Federations, Anneliese Goslin, Darlene Kluka Jun 2010

Affirmative Action As A Dimension Of Diversity Management: Perceptions Of South African Sport Federations, Anneliese Goslin, Darlene Kluka

Journal of Global Initiatives: Policy, Pedagogy, Perspective

Affirmative action in the transformation process of South African sport aims at balancing the concerns of white sport participants with the aspirations of participants of color. The aims of this study are to determine perceptions of South African sport federations in diversity management and the affirmative action profile of South African sport federations, and to suggest strategies to manage affirmative action. A Likert scale questionnaire evaluated perceptions of 32 sport federations on affirmative action factors. Below-average scores were recorded on affirmative action policy and the provision of specialized training opportunities. Political rather than managerial reasons are regarded as the leading …

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Redefining Nairobi's Streets: Study Of Slang, Marginalization, And Identity, Mungai Mutonya Jun 2010

Redefining Nairobi's Streets: Study Of Slang, Marginalization, And Identity, Mungai Mutonya

Journal of Global Initiatives: Policy, Pedagogy, Perspective

This study attempts an analysis of a restructured Swahili variety spoken by Nairobi's street community: Kinoki. Adapting tools of sociolinguistic inquiry and focusing on Kinoki's divergence from the dominant urban slang, Sheng, the study discusses attitudes toward divergent terms referencing the street community, street activities, and law enforcement officials. Results indicate that street children, unlike their school-going peers living in the city's low-income neighborhoods, redefine pejoratives that devalue and stigmatize street people and their lifestyle. Instead, Kinoki empowers the marginalized community to construct a positive identity, to ameliorate representations of street lifestyle, and to redefine neologisms that reference in-group ( …

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The Emerging National Culture Of Kenya: Decolonizing Modernity, Olubayi Olubayi Jun 2010

The Emerging National Culture Of Kenya: Decolonizing Modernity, Olubayi Olubayi

Journal of Global Initiatives: Policy, Pedagogy, Perspective

Kenya exists as a legitimate nation state that is recognized by the United Nations and by other countries. This paper is an exploration of, and a response to, the following two questions: "Is there a national culture of Kenya?" and "what is the relationship between the national culture of Kenya and the 50 ethnic cultures of Kenya?" The evidence indicates that a distinct national culture of Kenya has emerged and continues to grow stronger as it simultaneously borrows from, reorganizes, and lends to, the 50 ancient ethnic cultures of Kenya. The emerging national culture of Kenya has several strong dimensions …

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Representation In Kenya, Its Diaspora, And Academia: Colonial Legacies In Constructions Of Knowledge About Kenya's Coast, Jesse Benjamin Jun 2010

Representation In Kenya, Its Diaspora, And Academia: Colonial Legacies In Constructions Of Knowledge About Kenya's Coast, Jesse Benjamin

Journal of Global Initiatives: Policy, Pedagogy, Perspective

This paper explores the construction of knowledge in Kenya in the context and aftermath of colonialism and underdevelopment. Those communities that were politically and economically marginalized in Coast Province over the past century were also displaced in terms of academic opportunities, resulting in fewer social science scholars from Mijikenda and other non-Swahili communities in both Kenyan and diaspora universities. Underdevelopment studies in Africa and Kenya are briefly reviewed, and the colonial history of asymmetric social relations at coastal Kenya is traced. Finally, key debates over identity and history are examined within this context and shown to be exacerbated by diasporic …

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Africa's Contemporary Global Migrations: Patterns, Perils, And Possibilities, Paul Tiyambe Zeleza Jun 2010

Africa's Contemporary Global Migrations: Patterns, Perils, And Possibilities, Paul Tiyambe Zeleza

Journal of Global Initiatives: Policy, Pedagogy, Perspective

The literature on international migration is dominated by economic and political perspectives. This paper begins with the culturalist readings to remind ourselves that there is more to international migration than the search for greener pastures or flight from political terror. It is about the movement of human beings, a story that is as old as humanity itself, going back to the great migrations within and out of Africa to populate the planet. But those who advance the culturalist perspectives also need to be reminded that in our contemporary world more often than not people migrate to sell their labor power …

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What Is Globalization To Post-Colonialism? An Apologia For African Literature, Ameh Dennis Akoh Jun 2010

What Is Globalization To Post-Colonialism? An Apologia For African Literature, Ameh Dennis Akoh

Journal of Global Initiatives: Policy, Pedagogy, Perspective

Globalization is easily understood as part of the continuing history of imperialism, indeed, of capitalist development and expansion. Have the imperial structures really been dismantled, even though the empire, free as they politically seem after independence, still writes back to the (imperial) center? This paper probes into the angelic posture that globalization seems to assume in its tackling of these complexities of identities. In this age of the clamor for national literatures and criticism, which is a fundamental principle of postcolonial literatures, will globalization automatically erode the idea of a postcolonial world and literatures? Is post-colonialism in its present phase …

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Basic Education And Education For All In Nigeria: The Role Of Multinational Corporations, Mary Plangnan Haggai Jun 2010

Basic Education And Education For All In Nigeria: The Role Of Multinational Corporations, Mary Plangnan Haggai

Journal of Global Initiatives: Policy, Pedagogy, Perspective

In spite of the concerted efforts made by the Nigerian government at funding the Universal Basic Education (UBE) in the country, 11 million children of school age are still out of school. To augment the funding, the paper proposes the involvement of multinational corporations. Participation in UBE is seen as a tangible Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project that will have direct impact on the host communities in such a way that will eliminate the hostilities of the host communities towards multinational corporations.

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