This chapter discusses marriage and reproductive choice issues. The chapter argues that feminists... more This chapter discusses marriage and reproductive choice issues. The chapter argues that feminists have seen marriage and reproduction as playing a crucial role in women's oppression and thus a central topic of justice. The chapter starts by defining and setting out the historical development of the philosophy of marriage, which shapes today's debates. The chapter argues that many of the ethical positions on marriage can be understood as divided on the question of whether marriage should be defined contractually by the spouses or by its institutional purpose. The debate further divides on whether that purpose necessarily includes procreation or may be limited to the marital love relationship. The chapter closes by discussing reproduction choice, specifically abortion and commercial surrogacy.
While there may be other forms of socio-economic disparity in society (like race in Rhodesia and ... more While there may be other forms of socio-economic disparity in society (like race in Rhodesia and apartheid South Africa), gender inequality is more pervasive than other forms of inequality. Thus, understanding the causes and consequences of gender inequality should be of concern to all societies in the world, rich as well as poor. Gender inequality is pervasive across different groups within societies. Within a society, the forms taken by gender inequality may vary across different strata, though its effects are more pronounced among the poor. Consequently, gender inequality intersects with economic deprivation to produce more intensified forms of poverty for women than men. Gender inequality structures the relations of production and reproduction in different societies. Men play a critical role in earning household livelihoods in much of the world but generally play a negligible role in the unpaid work of reproduction in the domestic arena. Women, on the other hand, play a critical...
This study seeks to determine the forms of waste management in Zvishavane town council. Main obje... more This study seeks to determine the forms of waste management in Zvishavane town council. Main objectives of the study were to determine the forms of waste in Mandava township; to establish the level of waste collection and disposal in Mandava township; to determine the status of Zvishavane town council dumpsite; and to determine challenges faced by Zvishavane town council in waste management. The study used a mixed approach employing elements of both quantitative and qualitative research designs. One hundred residents were sampled for the study. The study established that there is poor waste management in Zvishavane town council. Waste mostly generated in Mandava township is in the form of plastics, food waste, paper, biomass and metallic. Waste collection is very erratic, and sometimes residents would go for two or more weeks without waste collection by the responsible authority. This has consequently led residents to take alternative measures in order to manage domestic waste. Thes...
The current crisis and unending talks between bickering political parties in Zimbabwe, Africa and... more The current crisis and unending talks between bickering political parties in Zimbabwe, Africa and other third world countries prompted us in the Zimbabwe Open University, Masvingo Campus Academic Research and Publications Coordinating Committee (ZOU MC ARPCC) to think of researching and writing a text on conflict management for tertiary curricula. This is the product of the effort. Our intention is to inculcate new thinking and progressive ways of dealing with conflict among youth and other stakeholders. The African political terrain has been characterized by intolerance, violence, murders and sexual abuse among other inhuman behaviours. Right from the imposition of colonialism through the first chimurengas, the armed struggles (second chimurengas), gukurahwindis, and the imposed economic structural adjustment programmes (ESAPs) to the current political impasse, it has been violence through and through. We strongly believe that there is a better way to deal with our differences. We ...
In this paper we discuss the role, challenges, and benefits of information and communication tech... more In this paper we discuss the role, challenges, and benefits of information and communication technology (ICT) in the rural areas development efforts and processes in Africa. Modern ICT is largely about the capability to electronically input, process, store, output, transmit, and receive data and information. The efficient use of ICT, driven by better high-speed internet (broadband) access, is widely recognised as key to raising productivity and stimulating innovation in the global village. During the last decade, largely due to the spread of mobile phone technology in rural areas, ICTs have demonstrated the positive and significant impact they can have on economic development by improving the business environment in rural areas. ICT provides access to market and business information, brings financial services literally to the hands of rural consumers, helps local communities organise and link themselves, and, through the connection with others, exchange know-how and ideas. ICT plays...
Journal of Resources Development and Management, 2015
This paper focuses on conservation farming (CF) with a view to recommending a paradigm shift in Z... more This paper focuses on conservation farming (CF) with a view to recommending a paradigm shift in Zimbabwe’s peasant farming sector. The study comes against the background of declining agricultural productivity on account of a range of factors. Traditional peasant farming typically involves frequent and intensive turning of the soil thus depriving the soil of cover. In addition, it stresses mono-cropping, suggesting that it is unsustainable. In contrast to this, conservation farming entails minimum or nil soil disturbance, soil cover maintenance, and crop rotation, implying that it is sustainable. The research was largely premised on qualitative methodology. Unstructured interviews, focus group discussions, on-site observation and transect walks were employed as techniques for data gathering. Using these methodological techniques, it was revealed that conservation farming was smoothly appreciated by beneficiaries although some laggards took time to appreciate its value towards sustain...
This study is an analysis of the implementation of the Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM... more This study is an analysis of the implementation of the Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) public policies relating to potable water supply in Zimbabwe using Harare and Masvingo local authorities as case studies. The study hypothesizes that the adoption of the IWRM policy framework in Zimbabwe was not followed by comparable implementation of the framework. The study sought to investigate the extent to which policy and institutional frameworks helped in implementing the IWRM paradigm in Harare and Masvingo, and then draw comparative lessons from the experiences of the two cases. Research methods involved both a theoretical review and an empirical study based on case studies, making use of comparative, qualitative, historical and exploratory approaches. The study established that while the framework for a perfect water management system exists in Zimbabwe, the situation on the ground does not reflect this. The reform process has not progressed as expected owing to a combinatio...
Journal of economics and sustainable development, 2015
This paper examines the relationship between use of indigenous language and development. It is ba... more This paper examines the relationship between use of indigenous language and development. It is based on qualitative research employing unstructured interviews and observations data collection techniques. The paper argues for the placement of language at the centre of African states’ efforts towards becoming developed. Language is hereby understood to be the method of human communication consisting of the use of words or symbols in a structured and conventional way. Every language mirrors a culture. Culture is the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively. It is the sum total of a community’s ways through which it combats all the challenges that it faces in the world. Language and culture are often referred to as inseparable since every language carries a culture. Language, therefore, carries tradition which in turn refers to the transmission of customs and beliefs from generation to generation. Placing language at the foundation of every d...
In this paper we distinguish between qualitative research and quantitative research design. Quant... more In this paper we distinguish between qualitative research and quantitative research design. Quantitative research is based on positivist approaches that originated in the natural sciences such as biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and many others. These early forms of research were concerned with investigating things which we could observe and measure in some way. Such observations and measurements can be made objectively and repeated by other researchers. Much later along came researchers working in the social sciences: psychology, sociology, anthropology and many other human studies. They were interested in studying human behaviour and the social world inhabited by human beings. They found increasing difficulty in trying to explain human behaviour in simply measurable terms. Measurements tell us how often or how many people behave in a certain way but they do not adequately answer the question ‘why?’ Research which attempts to increase our understanding of why things are the wa...
The unprecedented growth in electronic industry has witnessed generation of tones of electronic g... more The unprecedented growth in electronic industry has witnessed generation of tones of electronic goods in the world. The rate of technological change created an appetite for a replacement behavior among consumers leading to stockpiles of electronic waste. However, because of the cost associated with safe management of the electronic waste, little attention is put on it, hence a hazard to the community. The unprecedented rising global demand for electronic products has swiftly transformed to a major risk and hazard to the communities. The piecemeal application of e-waste management law increases the risk to the communities as matters of electronic waste risk to the environment are treated as soporific. In Zimbabwe, there is fragile interest in electronic waste management as evidenced by lack of electronic waste law. Both ignorance and lack of interest has affected electronic waste management in Zimbabwe putting communities at risk. Despite its invisible risk to human health, discourse...
This paper sought to explore ways of enhancing women participation in peacebuilding and decision-... more This paper sought to explore ways of enhancing women participation in peacebuilding and decision-making processes in Zimbabwean rural communities. The study is a response to the growing recognition by the United Nations Agenda on the involvement of women in peacebuilding processes. It is informed by the liberal feminist theory’s concept of inclusive peacebuilding which calls for the involvement of a wide spectrum of society, including women, in socio-political and economic activities. The paper analyzed data from empirical sources and archives from the Non-Governmental Organizations and women promotional groups through the use of qualitative data instruments. Research findings revealed that women in rural Zimbabwean communities play crucial roles in peacebuilding processes such as psychological healing, mediation, conflict resolution, child care and advocacy. However, women's participation is minimal, mainly due to challenges such as the patriarchal nature of the society, lack o...
ABSTRACT This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the GWAPA Single Mothers Poverty alle... more ABSTRACT This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the GWAPA Single Mothers Poverty alleviation Programme. The study hypothesized that women in Gweru are among the most vulnerable to poverty and disease and GWAPA project may be an effective source to their poverty alleviation. Main objectives of the study were to explain selected development concepts, to explore the relationship between gender and poverty, to investigate the effectiveness of the GWAPA Programme, to outline the challenges faced by GWAPA, and to offer recommendations based on research findings to help improve the effectiveness of the programme. Both theoretical study and empirical research methods were used to ensure a balanced evaluation of the problem. The theoretical study established that the target population for poverty alleviation and development programmes must be fully involved for development to replace poverty. On average women were found to be poorer than men and hence the need for projects that focus on poverty alleviation among women. In the empirical study 375 of the 1756 GWAPA single women members were used as questionnaire respondents, and 3 management employees were sampled for the interviews. Descriptive survey and qualitative participatory approaches were used as the main research methodologies. This hybrid approach was intended to improve the validity and reliability of the outcome of the study by mitigating weaknesses of different individual approaches. This approach would ensure maximum utilization and involvement of subjects and available resources. Questionnaires, interviews and documentary evidence augmented by the researcher's experience with the NGDO were used as research instruments. Of the 375 Questionnaires distributed, 357 (95%) were collected. Various statistical measures were used to summarize and interpret the data, particularly tables, graphs and charts, actual frequencies and percentage rates. Narrative descriptions were also used to explain given scenarios and relationships. The study established that poverty and development are multidimensional concepts, families headed by women are on average poorer than those headed by men, respondents' lives have changed for the better, GWAPA single mothers have work overload especially considering that as women they shoulder the biggest chunk of the family responsibilities, and most of the GWAPA projects which started well were now suffocating under the current economic hardships.. Main challenges faced by GWAPA include the current political and economic environment, the HIV/AIDS pandemic, the limited educational levels among its members, members' limited access to resources, community cultural biases and negative attitudes towards single mothers and commercial sex workers, government regulation on financial transactions and the amount of cash one should hold outside the banking system, and work overload among members. The study recommends involvement of GWAPA members' opposite sex partners as affiliates, intensive public campaigns, lobbying and advocacy to remove the stigma and negative attitudes towards single mothers and commercial sex workers, improving infrastructure and the GWAPA Farm operations, engaging long term facilitators, certification after attending training programmes, excelling awards, present manuals in mother languages, and alternative fundraising strategies. The government and municipalities are encouraged to invest more in the small enterprise sector as it has proven to have the capability to create employment and develop communities by mobilizing the grassroots. The study also recommends a more detailed and deeper participatory study, related comparative studies that show differences and similarities between related projects in different areas in Zimbabwe, and similar studies on DNGOs that work with both sexes in different areas in Zimbabwe. Thesis (M. Development and Management)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2009.
This chapter discusses marriage and reproductive choice issues. The chapter argues that feminists... more This chapter discusses marriage and reproductive choice issues. The chapter argues that feminists have seen marriage and reproduction as playing a crucial role in women's oppression and thus a central topic of justice. The chapter starts by defining and setting out the historical development of the philosophy of marriage, which shapes today's debates. The chapter argues that many of the ethical positions on marriage can be understood as divided on the question of whether marriage should be defined contractually by the spouses or by its institutional purpose. The debate further divides on whether that purpose necessarily includes procreation or may be limited to the marital love relationship. The chapter closes by discussing reproduction choice, specifically abortion and commercial surrogacy.
While there may be other forms of socio-economic disparity in society (like race in Rhodesia and ... more While there may be other forms of socio-economic disparity in society (like race in Rhodesia and apartheid South Africa), gender inequality is more pervasive than other forms of inequality. Thus, understanding the causes and consequences of gender inequality should be of concern to all societies in the world, rich as well as poor. Gender inequality is pervasive across different groups within societies. Within a society, the forms taken by gender inequality may vary across different strata, though its effects are more pronounced among the poor. Consequently, gender inequality intersects with economic deprivation to produce more intensified forms of poverty for women than men. Gender inequality structures the relations of production and reproduction in different societies. Men play a critical role in earning household livelihoods in much of the world but generally play a negligible role in the unpaid work of reproduction in the domestic arena. Women, on the other hand, play a critical...
This study seeks to determine the forms of waste management in Zvishavane town council. Main obje... more This study seeks to determine the forms of waste management in Zvishavane town council. Main objectives of the study were to determine the forms of waste in Mandava township; to establish the level of waste collection and disposal in Mandava township; to determine the status of Zvishavane town council dumpsite; and to determine challenges faced by Zvishavane town council in waste management. The study used a mixed approach employing elements of both quantitative and qualitative research designs. One hundred residents were sampled for the study. The study established that there is poor waste management in Zvishavane town council. Waste mostly generated in Mandava township is in the form of plastics, food waste, paper, biomass and metallic. Waste collection is very erratic, and sometimes residents would go for two or more weeks without waste collection by the responsible authority. This has consequently led residents to take alternative measures in order to manage domestic waste. Thes...
The current crisis and unending talks between bickering political parties in Zimbabwe, Africa and... more The current crisis and unending talks between bickering political parties in Zimbabwe, Africa and other third world countries prompted us in the Zimbabwe Open University, Masvingo Campus Academic Research and Publications Coordinating Committee (ZOU MC ARPCC) to think of researching and writing a text on conflict management for tertiary curricula. This is the product of the effort. Our intention is to inculcate new thinking and progressive ways of dealing with conflict among youth and other stakeholders. The African political terrain has been characterized by intolerance, violence, murders and sexual abuse among other inhuman behaviours. Right from the imposition of colonialism through the first chimurengas, the armed struggles (second chimurengas), gukurahwindis, and the imposed economic structural adjustment programmes (ESAPs) to the current political impasse, it has been violence through and through. We strongly believe that there is a better way to deal with our differences. We ...
In this paper we discuss the role, challenges, and benefits of information and communication tech... more In this paper we discuss the role, challenges, and benefits of information and communication technology (ICT) in the rural areas development efforts and processes in Africa. Modern ICT is largely about the capability to electronically input, process, store, output, transmit, and receive data and information. The efficient use of ICT, driven by better high-speed internet (broadband) access, is widely recognised as key to raising productivity and stimulating innovation in the global village. During the last decade, largely due to the spread of mobile phone technology in rural areas, ICTs have demonstrated the positive and significant impact they can have on economic development by improving the business environment in rural areas. ICT provides access to market and business information, brings financial services literally to the hands of rural consumers, helps local communities organise and link themselves, and, through the connection with others, exchange know-how and ideas. ICT plays...
Journal of Resources Development and Management, 2015
This paper focuses on conservation farming (CF) with a view to recommending a paradigm shift in Z... more This paper focuses on conservation farming (CF) with a view to recommending a paradigm shift in Zimbabwe’s peasant farming sector. The study comes against the background of declining agricultural productivity on account of a range of factors. Traditional peasant farming typically involves frequent and intensive turning of the soil thus depriving the soil of cover. In addition, it stresses mono-cropping, suggesting that it is unsustainable. In contrast to this, conservation farming entails minimum or nil soil disturbance, soil cover maintenance, and crop rotation, implying that it is sustainable. The research was largely premised on qualitative methodology. Unstructured interviews, focus group discussions, on-site observation and transect walks were employed as techniques for data gathering. Using these methodological techniques, it was revealed that conservation farming was smoothly appreciated by beneficiaries although some laggards took time to appreciate its value towards sustain...
This study is an analysis of the implementation of the Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM... more This study is an analysis of the implementation of the Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) public policies relating to potable water supply in Zimbabwe using Harare and Masvingo local authorities as case studies. The study hypothesizes that the adoption of the IWRM policy framework in Zimbabwe was not followed by comparable implementation of the framework. The study sought to investigate the extent to which policy and institutional frameworks helped in implementing the IWRM paradigm in Harare and Masvingo, and then draw comparative lessons from the experiences of the two cases. Research methods involved both a theoretical review and an empirical study based on case studies, making use of comparative, qualitative, historical and exploratory approaches. The study established that while the framework for a perfect water management system exists in Zimbabwe, the situation on the ground does not reflect this. The reform process has not progressed as expected owing to a combinatio...
Journal of economics and sustainable development, 2015
This paper examines the relationship between use of indigenous language and development. It is ba... more This paper examines the relationship between use of indigenous language and development. It is based on qualitative research employing unstructured interviews and observations data collection techniques. The paper argues for the placement of language at the centre of African states’ efforts towards becoming developed. Language is hereby understood to be the method of human communication consisting of the use of words or symbols in a structured and conventional way. Every language mirrors a culture. Culture is the arts and other manifestations of human intellectual achievement regarded collectively. It is the sum total of a community’s ways through which it combats all the challenges that it faces in the world. Language and culture are often referred to as inseparable since every language carries a culture. Language, therefore, carries tradition which in turn refers to the transmission of customs and beliefs from generation to generation. Placing language at the foundation of every d...
In this paper we distinguish between qualitative research and quantitative research design. Quant... more In this paper we distinguish between qualitative research and quantitative research design. Quantitative research is based on positivist approaches that originated in the natural sciences such as biology, chemistry, physics, geology, and many others. These early forms of research were concerned with investigating things which we could observe and measure in some way. Such observations and measurements can be made objectively and repeated by other researchers. Much later along came researchers working in the social sciences: psychology, sociology, anthropology and many other human studies. They were interested in studying human behaviour and the social world inhabited by human beings. They found increasing difficulty in trying to explain human behaviour in simply measurable terms. Measurements tell us how often or how many people behave in a certain way but they do not adequately answer the question ‘why?’ Research which attempts to increase our understanding of why things are the wa...
The unprecedented growth in electronic industry has witnessed generation of tones of electronic g... more The unprecedented growth in electronic industry has witnessed generation of tones of electronic goods in the world. The rate of technological change created an appetite for a replacement behavior among consumers leading to stockpiles of electronic waste. However, because of the cost associated with safe management of the electronic waste, little attention is put on it, hence a hazard to the community. The unprecedented rising global demand for electronic products has swiftly transformed to a major risk and hazard to the communities. The piecemeal application of e-waste management law increases the risk to the communities as matters of electronic waste risk to the environment are treated as soporific. In Zimbabwe, there is fragile interest in electronic waste management as evidenced by lack of electronic waste law. Both ignorance and lack of interest has affected electronic waste management in Zimbabwe putting communities at risk. Despite its invisible risk to human health, discourse...
This paper sought to explore ways of enhancing women participation in peacebuilding and decision-... more This paper sought to explore ways of enhancing women participation in peacebuilding and decision-making processes in Zimbabwean rural communities. The study is a response to the growing recognition by the United Nations Agenda on the involvement of women in peacebuilding processes. It is informed by the liberal feminist theory’s concept of inclusive peacebuilding which calls for the involvement of a wide spectrum of society, including women, in socio-political and economic activities. The paper analyzed data from empirical sources and archives from the Non-Governmental Organizations and women promotional groups through the use of qualitative data instruments. Research findings revealed that women in rural Zimbabwean communities play crucial roles in peacebuilding processes such as psychological healing, mediation, conflict resolution, child care and advocacy. However, women's participation is minimal, mainly due to challenges such as the patriarchal nature of the society, lack o...
ABSTRACT This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the GWAPA Single Mothers Poverty alle... more ABSTRACT This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of the GWAPA Single Mothers Poverty alleviation Programme. The study hypothesized that women in Gweru are among the most vulnerable to poverty and disease and GWAPA project may be an effective source to their poverty alleviation. Main objectives of the study were to explain selected development concepts, to explore the relationship between gender and poverty, to investigate the effectiveness of the GWAPA Programme, to outline the challenges faced by GWAPA, and to offer recommendations based on research findings to help improve the effectiveness of the programme. Both theoretical study and empirical research methods were used to ensure a balanced evaluation of the problem. The theoretical study established that the target population for poverty alleviation and development programmes must be fully involved for development to replace poverty. On average women were found to be poorer than men and hence the need for projects that focus on poverty alleviation among women. In the empirical study 375 of the 1756 GWAPA single women members were used as questionnaire respondents, and 3 management employees were sampled for the interviews. Descriptive survey and qualitative participatory approaches were used as the main research methodologies. This hybrid approach was intended to improve the validity and reliability of the outcome of the study by mitigating weaknesses of different individual approaches. This approach would ensure maximum utilization and involvement of subjects and available resources. Questionnaires, interviews and documentary evidence augmented by the researcher's experience with the NGDO were used as research instruments. Of the 375 Questionnaires distributed, 357 (95%) were collected. Various statistical measures were used to summarize and interpret the data, particularly tables, graphs and charts, actual frequencies and percentage rates. Narrative descriptions were also used to explain given scenarios and relationships. The study established that poverty and development are multidimensional concepts, families headed by women are on average poorer than those headed by men, respondents' lives have changed for the better, GWAPA single mothers have work overload especially considering that as women they shoulder the biggest chunk of the family responsibilities, and most of the GWAPA projects which started well were now suffocating under the current economic hardships.. Main challenges faced by GWAPA include the current political and economic environment, the HIV/AIDS pandemic, the limited educational levels among its members, members' limited access to resources, community cultural biases and negative attitudes towards single mothers and commercial sex workers, government regulation on financial transactions and the amount of cash one should hold outside the banking system, and work overload among members. The study recommends involvement of GWAPA members' opposite sex partners as affiliates, intensive public campaigns, lobbying and advocacy to remove the stigma and negative attitudes towards single mothers and commercial sex workers, improving infrastructure and the GWAPA Farm operations, engaging long term facilitators, certification after attending training programmes, excelling awards, present manuals in mother languages, and alternative fundraising strategies. The government and municipalities are encouraged to invest more in the small enterprise sector as it has proven to have the capability to create employment and develop communities by mobilizing the grassroots. The study also recommends a more detailed and deeper participatory study, related comparative studies that show differences and similarities between related projects in different areas in Zimbabwe, and similar studies on DNGOs that work with both sexes in different areas in Zimbabwe. Thesis (M. Development and Management)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2009.
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