Small scale fisheries provide a source of livelihood to a significant population world over contr... more Small scale fisheries provide a source of livelihood to a significant population world over contributing to meeting the Millennium Development Goal 1; Poverty Reduction. Despite their role, small scale fisheries have often been ignored by policymakers. A case study using a descriptive survey design was conducted to investigate the operations of small scale fisheries and their contribution to livelihoods at Lake Chivero in Zimbabwe. Three categories of small scale fisheries were identified; individual fisheries with permits, cooperatives, and illegal fishers. The study revealed the presence of an institutional structure supporting access of the fishery resources to many people whilst maintaining sustainable use of the resources. Major challenges noted were related to poaching, unaffordable permits, and fluctuation of prices in the market. The study recommended regular consultations of small scale fisheries by the authority to review permit fees, introduce effective strategies to curb poaching, and coordination of the product marketing system.
Shortage of health staff is a global problem and this is more pronounced in Sub Saharan Africa. R... more Shortage of health staff is a global problem and this is more pronounced in Sub Saharan Africa. Realizing this challenge, World Health Organization recommended the use of Community Health Workers to provide primary health care in these countries with weak health systems and high demand for health services (WHO 2008). This study therefore focused on the role of the Village Health Workers (VHWs) and challenges faced in providing primary health care in Zimbabwe. An exploratory qualitative research study was conducted in two districts using focus group discussions, in-depth and key informant interviews, and observations. The study revealed that after undergoing a formal training VHWs performed the following roles; preventative, promotional, surveillance, referral and supportive. Challenges associated with inadequate support of VHWs as a result of limited resources were noted. These challenges however had implications on VHW programme’s efficacy in the country.
According to WHO/UNAIDS 2007, it is estimated that male circumcision can reduce female-to-male HI... more According to WHO/UNAIDS 2007, it is estimated that male circumcision can reduce female-to-male HIV transmission by 60%, but some faith based organisation may not be practicing male circumcision. Therefore the study assessed the Marange’s Apostolic Sect’s knowledge and attitudes on male circumcision (MC) as an additional strategy in preventing HIV/AIDS transmission through heterosexual intercourse from women to men. A qualitative study was undertaken using focus group discussions, in depth interviews, and key informant interviews with participants from the Marange apostolic sect. A total sample size of 134 participants were selected using purposive sampling and snowball sampling techniques. The findings indicated lack of knowledge among the Marange apostolic sect members on male circumcision. MC was understood from a religious stand point by the Marange apostolic sect members. A general non-acceptance attitude due to MC being perceived as sinning and promoting adultery was noted. MC was therefore irrelevant as the religious group believed in the absence of HIV within its members due to perceived effective HIV prevention practices within the sect. Barriers to MC uptake including perceived lack of benefits of MC such as sexual pleasure, pain during and after the MC procedure and risk compensation were identified. The study recommended involvement of church leadership in MC programming and in encouraging Marange apostolic sect members to utilize biomedical services, increasing enrolment of sect members into higher education, and HIV prevention awareness programmes including counseling.
Zimbabwe is ranked amongst the countries with highest maternal mortality rate in the world. Lack ... more Zimbabwe is ranked amongst the countries with highest maternal mortality rate in the world. Lack of early Ante Natal Care (ANC) use and home deliveries by pregnant women are amongst the drivers of maternal mortality in the country. The study therefore delved on identifying barriers and motivators to early use of ANC and delivering at health facilities in Chipinge South District. A qualitative study was employed using focus group discussions, and in-depth and key informant interviews. Barriers identified included; unwanted pregnancies; long distances; and lack of transport to health facilities. Poverty, poor services at health facilities, low knowledge level on the importance of ANC and religious beliefs were also identified as barriers. Motivators to early use of ANC included fear of complications, ill health during pregnancy, awareness on the importance ANC and services offered at health facilities. The implication of these findings is to implement policies that address these barriers.
Violence against women and girls is determined by various factors that are culturally accepted re... more Violence against women and girls is determined by various factors that are culturally accepted regardless of the negative consequences that ensue. The study was done in Mutare Urban using qualitative research methods with women in the reproductive age range being the target group. The study noted that physical abuse, sexual violence and emotional/psychological abuse are determined primarily by a culture of silence that is deeply embedded in patriarchal societies. Socio-cultural factors, religious beliefs, economic and policy implementation problems underlie a culture of silence that succeeds amongst the victims of violence. The study recommends economic empowerment of women and provision of information, education, communication and counselling with regards to the determinants of violence against women and girls to both males and females in communities. There is need for education about grievance processes and scaling up of policy implementation for the purpose of controlling violence that is perpetrated against women and girls.
Small scale fisheries provide a source of livelihood to a significant population world over contr... more Small scale fisheries provide a source of livelihood to a significant population world over contributing to meeting the Millennium Development Goal 1; Poverty Reduction. Despite their role, small scale fisheries have often been ignored by policymakers. A case study using a descriptive survey design was conducted to investigate the operations of small scale fisheries and their contribution to livelihoods at Lake Chivero in Zimbabwe. Three categories of small scale fisheries were identified; individual fisheries with permits, cooperatives, and illegal fishers. The study revealed the presence of an institutional structure supporting access of the fishery resources to many people whilst maintaining sustainable use of the resources. Major challenges noted were related to poaching, unaffordable permits, and fluctuation of prices in the market. The study recommended regular consultations of small scale fisheries by the authority to review permit fees, introduce effective strategies to curb poaching, and coordination of the product marketing system.
Shortage of health staff is a global problem and this is more pronounced in Sub Saharan Africa. R... more Shortage of health staff is a global problem and this is more pronounced in Sub Saharan Africa. Realizing this challenge, World Health Organization recommended the use of Community Health Workers to provide primary health care in these countries with weak health systems and high demand for health services (WHO 2008). This study therefore focused on the role of the Village Health Workers (VHWs) and challenges faced in providing primary health care in Zimbabwe. An exploratory qualitative research study was conducted in two districts using focus group discussions, in-depth and key informant interviews, and observations. The study revealed that after undergoing a formal training VHWs performed the following roles; preventative, promotional, surveillance, referral and supportive. Challenges associated with inadequate support of VHWs as a result of limited resources were noted. These challenges however had implications on VHW programme’s efficacy in the country.
According to WHO/UNAIDS 2007, it is estimated that male circumcision can reduce female-to-male HI... more According to WHO/UNAIDS 2007, it is estimated that male circumcision can reduce female-to-male HIV transmission by 60%, but some faith based organisation may not be practicing male circumcision. Therefore the study assessed the Marange’s Apostolic Sect’s knowledge and attitudes on male circumcision (MC) as an additional strategy in preventing HIV/AIDS transmission through heterosexual intercourse from women to men. A qualitative study was undertaken using focus group discussions, in depth interviews, and key informant interviews with participants from the Marange apostolic sect. A total sample size of 134 participants were selected using purposive sampling and snowball sampling techniques. The findings indicated lack of knowledge among the Marange apostolic sect members on male circumcision. MC was understood from a religious stand point by the Marange apostolic sect members. A general non-acceptance attitude due to MC being perceived as sinning and promoting adultery was noted. MC was therefore irrelevant as the religious group believed in the absence of HIV within its members due to perceived effective HIV prevention practices within the sect. Barriers to MC uptake including perceived lack of benefits of MC such as sexual pleasure, pain during and after the MC procedure and risk compensation were identified. The study recommended involvement of church leadership in MC programming and in encouraging Marange apostolic sect members to utilize biomedical services, increasing enrolment of sect members into higher education, and HIV prevention awareness programmes including counseling.
Zimbabwe is ranked amongst the countries with highest maternal mortality rate in the world. Lack ... more Zimbabwe is ranked amongst the countries with highest maternal mortality rate in the world. Lack of early Ante Natal Care (ANC) use and home deliveries by pregnant women are amongst the drivers of maternal mortality in the country. The study therefore delved on identifying barriers and motivators to early use of ANC and delivering at health facilities in Chipinge South District. A qualitative study was employed using focus group discussions, and in-depth and key informant interviews. Barriers identified included; unwanted pregnancies; long distances; and lack of transport to health facilities. Poverty, poor services at health facilities, low knowledge level on the importance of ANC and religious beliefs were also identified as barriers. Motivators to early use of ANC included fear of complications, ill health during pregnancy, awareness on the importance ANC and services offered at health facilities. The implication of these findings is to implement policies that address these barriers.
Violence against women and girls is determined by various factors that are culturally accepted re... more Violence against women and girls is determined by various factors that are culturally accepted regardless of the negative consequences that ensue. The study was done in Mutare Urban using qualitative research methods with women in the reproductive age range being the target group. The study noted that physical abuse, sexual violence and emotional/psychological abuse are determined primarily by a culture of silence that is deeply embedded in patriarchal societies. Socio-cultural factors, religious beliefs, economic and policy implementation problems underlie a culture of silence that succeeds amongst the victims of violence. The study recommends economic empowerment of women and provision of information, education, communication and counselling with regards to the determinants of violence against women and girls to both males and females in communities. There is need for education about grievance processes and scaling up of policy implementation for the purpose of controlling violence that is perpetrated against women and girls.
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