Africa Journal Research Articles

Increasing the Visibility of Published Research: African Journals OnLine

The rise of the internet has increased expectations about how research information can and should be disseminated globally, and this change has had an impact on journals published within Africa—journals that have previously been unable to take advantage of this medium. This article investigates the current visibility of African journals in the international research community and discusses initiatives that have been developed to help researchers gain access to information and make their own published information visible to the world. It shows that the African Journals OnLine (AJOL) service has provided a valuable window for these publications, and offers many lessons about the challenges encountered by journals and what support is required to build capacity and sustainability.

Baby Lerato deserved better

Disgusted to the bone. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that I had just returned to our beautiful country after five weeks abroad; maybe it was because of the way news reader Riaan Cruywagen read the news on SABC2; maybe it had to do with the way we practise our journalism in South Africa.

Journalism studies: The need to think about journalists' thinking

Journalism trainers and educators (with the emphasis on education) should take the criticism against journalism seriously, including the deep-rooted mistrust of journalism, and use it as a point of departure in their curriculum development. This article paraphrases the early criticism against journalism, after which the two main streams of contemporary criticism, namely critical political economy and professional criticism are briefly discussed. Pierre Bourdieu's views about the structural limitations of journalism and the fact that these limitations are not questioned by journalists, as well as Kenneth Minogue's views about journalistic ideology and how it has become transparent and forms the basis of the public's mistrust of the media, are emphasised. Against this background, it is argued that, to raise the quality of journalism, journalism studies should adopt a more fundamental approach to the understanding of journalism and the journalist's work. Instead of focussing predominantly on professional skills, there is a need for journalism studies, also in terms of raising its own status as an academic discipline, to focus more on intellectual skills such as reasoning, argumentation, persuasion (rhetoric), contextualisation, the skills of historical thinking, description, interpretation and evaluation. Apart from this, it is argued that South African journalism studies should also focus on the development of an African epistemology for the practice and evaluation of journalism in South Africa.

Nature and accessibility of public archives in the custody of selected national archival institutions in Africa

Social scientists and other researchers turn to archives in order to effectively and efficiently contribute to society's knowledge base and social development. The nature of, and access to archives in any part of the world is the business of everyone who is concerned with the utilization of resources in the archives. On the other hand, the promotion of African Studies in many academic institutions all over the world makes the discussion of the nature of, and access to African archives a very worthwhile exercise. The importance of publicizing archival holdings in Africa and abroad has also been underscored by the African Studies Association's History in Africa journal, which has published materials on Africa's archives since 1974 irrespective of where they are located in the world.

Use of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi for improved crop production in sub-Saharan Africa

Soil fertility depletion through crop removal, soil erosion and leaching is a major challenge to increased crop productivity in Sub-Saharan Africa. Whereas nitrogen can be replenished using Rhizobium inoculants and growing leguminous crops, P is difficult to replenish. This is due to the high fixing capacity of most soils in Africa and the high cost of inorganic fertilizers. Arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF), endophytic fungi reputed for their ability to enhance P uptake can be used to alleviate P deficiencies and improve crop productivity. Although the technology has been used in developed countries, it has not been applied in crop production systems in Africa to any significant level. This is due to poor management of indigenous AMF populations, high cost of inoculants and challenges associated with the inoculum production and efficacy. These challenges are discussed in detail in this paper. Possible and practical ways of impacting these challenges are discussed. They include production of inoculum in farmers' fields to reduce transport costs, development of multi-agent inoculants to reduce cost of inoculum and genetic manipulation to improve the quality of the symbionts. Key Words: Arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi, crop production, phosphorus, soil fertility, sub-Saharan Africa Journal of Tropical Microbiology Vol.1(1) 2002: 14-21

Revisiting reviewing: The need for a debate on the role of arts journalism in South Africa

The assault on the editor of a publication at a South African arts festival by an artist who disliked a review of his concert again highlighted an age-old rift between artists and critics. However, the response that this incident elicited among readers of this and other publications, showed surprising support for the artist rather than for the journalist. If this is read as an indication of a disillusionment among readers with regard to the standards of arts journalism in South Africa, the relationship between arts journalists and society should be re-examined. Ethical journalism rests upon a relationship between journalist and audience, and a sensitivity for the context in which journalism is practised. This article examines arts journalism within changing societal contexts, with a specific focus on the South African situation, where artistic production still bears witness to cultural and ethnic divisions of the past. Against the background of the changes that have occurred in society on a local and global level, it is argued that a re-evaluation of the roles and responsibilities of arts journalists is needed – especially in the light of the formation of new cultural identities after apartheid. In conclusion, an ongoing and indepth debate about the ethical responsibility of arts journalism is suggested in order to ensure its continued relevance within an increasingly commercialised cultural context on the one hand, and within a changing South African society on the other.

Cross-Pollinated Crop Variety Adoption Studies and Seed Recycling: The Case of Maize in Tanzania

A survey of 126 maize farmers was conducted in northern Tanzania with the objective of examining adoption of cross-pollinated seeds among farmers who recycle improved seeds. In this study, an improved variety is defined as any variety that has been bred using formal plant breeding methods. Formally bred cultivars that have been recycled but still maintain some of their characteristic attributes were also categorized as “improved.” About 91% of sample maize farmers used improved seeds. Heckman's two-step procedure was used to examine the factors that affect the probability to adopt and the intensity of adoption of improved maize seed and chemical fertilizer use. Most factors included in the model did not have a statistically significant impact on the adoption of improved maize varieties. The determinants of adoption did not have a significant impact probably due to the high rate of adoption of improved maize seed (91%). Researchers conducting studies in areas where seed recycling is common need to use a more restrictive definition of “improved seeds” than the one used in this study. In the case of studies examining factors influencing intensity of adoption, researchers need to determine the intensity of adoption by using scaling factors that are based on loss of genetic potential (yield) due to seed recycling. Such scaling factors may be determined empirically since they vary from one maize variety to another. About 64% of the moderate rainfall zone (800 – 1200 mm per year) respondents used chemical fertilizer, as compared to 44% in the low rainfall zone (500 - 800 mm per year). The level of fertilizer applied was well below recommended rates, hence the need to research on and promote extension efforts in organic fertilizers that will complement the expensive chemical fertilizers. Eastern Africa Journal of Rural Development (2001) 17, 25-34

Uganda Crop Trader Characteristics, and their Marketing Constraints

The broad objective of this study is to understand the characteristics of agricultural commodity traders and the marketing constraints they face in Uganda. A survey covering 544 agricultural output traders in Uganda was conducted in 2000 to 2002. Descriptive statistics and multinomial logit econometric model were used to analyze the characteristics of traders and their marketing constraints. Most traders started their businesses using own funds, implying a serious credit constraint. The credit constraint appears to be the most important factor that has limited entry of potential local traders into the lucrative coffee and cotton export sector. The same constraint appears to have contributed to the exit of many local coffee exporters who joined the sector after coffee marketing liberalization in the early 1990?s. There is also lack of collective action through trader associations among medium and small scale commodity traders, thus, the need for local traders to form associations and cooperatives for marketing their crops in the international market. Quality seems to be the most common problem in output trading, partly because farmers are not remunerated for quality. Half of the exporters, main town and primary fixed traders use intermediaries, implying the need to recognize the importance of intermediaries and license and facilitate their brokerage services. Education, commodity profit, access to credit, level of working capital, gender of principal trader, country of origin, and region where trading business is located, are important factors that determine the decision on type of crop to market. Key words: Coffee, cotton, maize, cassava, credit constraint, commodity traders, marketing, crop quality Eastern Africa Journal of Rural Development (2002) 18, 23-39

Farm-level Evaluation of Monocropping and Intercropping Impacts and Maize yields and Returns in Iganga District-Uganda

During the 1997-99 period of IPM CRSP on-farm trials in Iganga district, it was determined that grain yield of maize was higher for Longe 1 variety than the local maize irrespective of cropping system. Grain yield was higher in the monoculture system than in intercropping with beans irrespective of maize variety. Stalkborers and maize streak virus were the main pest and disease respectively which caused maize grain yield losses which were, on average, higher for the local than the improved variety in monoculture. Intercropping with beans had an insignificant retarding effect on stalkborer and streak virus damage on maize. In biophysical terms, therefore, the recommendation would be to grow Longe 1 maize in monoculture. The economic component of the study sought to determine the relative economic benefit of growing Longe 1 maize compared to the local variety and the optimal mix of maize and beans in monoculture. Partial budget analysis and linear programming were used. Data on differences in grain yields, yield losses, farm input quantities, resource limitations and corresponding returns associated with the various field trials were collected. Important links existed between biophysical indicators and economic indicators. Even in terms of economics, in the absence of risk considerations, the adoption of the Longe 1 maize variety in monoculture would be the approach of choice because it could increase maize yields and ensure supply for both farm household food needs and cash income. If the small-holder farmers in the trial area grew Longe 1 maize and beans as sole crops in a season, the optimal combination would be 0.5 ha maize and 0.24 ha beans. The analytical framework outlined in this study that links partial budget analysis to farm enterprise mix optimization should prove useful for future farm level evaluation of cropping systems. Key words: Crop variety, enterprise mix optimization, objective and subjective strategies, partial budget, stalkborer, streakvirus,. Eastern Africa Journal of Rural Development (2001) 17, 18-24

Implementing the Unified Extension System in the Context of Decentralisation: The Case of Tororo District

The implementation of the Unified Extension System (UES) in the context of decentralisation was assessed through a census survey of the extension staff of Tororo district, using a self-administered questionnaire. The results indicated that decentralisation reduced the effectiveness of the extension staff by increasing the farmer to staff ratio from 1:850 to 1: 1,100. This together with associated constraints, caused staff unfavorable attitudes towards decentralisation, with a mean score of 2.27 on a 5-level likert scale. The main challenge for the extension staff is, therefore, to be able to deliver services in a system they consider to be hostile and yet is responsible for hiring and firing them. Key words: unified extension system Eastern Africa Journal of Rural Development (2002) 18, 1-7

Rural Household Food Security in Uganda: An Empirical Analysis

Uganda does experience food shortages from time to time in different parts of the country. This study presents findings of research on rural household food security. The main objective of the study was to assess the food security status of rural households, and identify the key determinants of food security or food insecurity. An indirect objective was to determine whether the interventions in the government's Plan for Modernization of Agriculture (PMA) are addressing the constraints identified by households. The study based on a sample of 1200 rural households, reveals that poor rains or excessive rains and crop pests and diseases are the main causes of food shortages among households. Logistic regressions reveal that the probability that a household will be food secure is dependent upon the fertility of its land, good distribution and intensity of rainfall, planting improved seed, having adequate labor, and having neighbors that are food secure. On the other hand, large numbers of non-productive dependants, inadequate rains, and long distances to the market decrease the probability that a household will be food secure. Government policies and interventions under the PMA are enhancing the positive determinants of food security, however they fall short on the key feature: production shortfalls due to rainfall fluctuations. Key words: food security; logit model, coping strategies, gender Eastern Africa Journal of Rural Development (2002) 18, 8-23

Processed Sweetpotato in the Household Economy of North-Eastern Uganda

The study was conducted in north-eastern Uganda to assess the status and market potential of processed sweet potato namely, Inginyo and Amukeke. Primary data was obtained using formal survey techniques. Descriptive techniques were used to describe the status quo. Regression analysis was used to estimate the strength of the factors that influence the quantity of fresh tubers processed. Gross margin analysis was used to estimate the profitability of processed sweet potato. All farmer respondents process sweet potato primarily for household food security. Peeling and slicing were the most labour intensive activities. Lack of time, insufficient labour and lack of a market were reported as the main bottlenecks. Only the quantity of Ingiyo processed, quantity of cassava chips processed and the price of Amukeke were found to significantly influence the quantity of Amukeke processed. Gross Margin (GM) analysis, indicate that currently farmers do not make profit by engaging in sweetpotato processing. The current strategy aimed at minimizing the cost of sweetpotato processing is worthwhile. Investing in improved storage facilities is also a good short term strategy. However, the long-term solution lies with demand expansion including creation of sweetpotato products with a wider consumer appeal. The possibility of using sweetpotato flour in the baking industry also needs serious research and promotion. Keywords: Amukeke, Inginyo, Sweet Potato, Cassva Chips, North-East Uganda Eastern Africa Journal of Rural Development (2001) 17, 35-50

Resource-poor Farmer Participation in Formal Research is Easier Said Than Done: The Case of Zimbabwe

At the philosophical level, agricultural researchers and development agents have generally agreed that resource-poor farmer participation in formal research leads to; improved efficiency of the research system; the development of site specific technologies; legitimization of farmers' own indigenous research; and, the empowerment of farmers for self-help development. Whilst there is this general recognition, it is still not clear how this can be achieved in practice. This paper looks at some of the difficulties in achieving effective resource-poor farmer participation from both the conceptual and practical point of view. The findings show that there is a general lack of successful practical examples to back the theoretical models that have been developed. This study uses a case study of a livestock research project conducted in Zimbabwe that demonstrates some of the practical difficulties in achieving effective farmer participation. A theoretical model of an ideal resource-poor farmer participatory research approach was used as an overlay on the project to assess the extent of farmer involvement and to identify institutional and functional gaps. The results show that institutional mandates inhibit the achievement of full participatory approaches and therefore it is recommended that there should be; joint planning and implementation of research programmes; mutual respect between the different actors; strong links between the users, research and extension subsystems; and training of scientists as pre-requisites for effective farmer participation. Key words: resource-poor farmers, effective farmer participation, research system Eastern Africa Journal of Rural Development (2002) 18, 40-53

Determination of optimal levels of Resource Use in Clonal Robusta Coffee Production in Central Uganda

In spite of the current decline in World Market Prices, coffee remains Uganda's major export crop. However, coffee yield in Uganda remains sub optimal. One of the contributing factors could be an imbalance in the use of the factors of production. Optimal combinations of factors of production for clonal coffee production in Uganda are not known. This study is an attempt to fill this gap. Data was obtained from two districts in Uganda using a structured questionnaire. Respondents were disaggregated into two categories of rich and poor farmers. A Cobb-Douglas type of production function was fitted to data for each farmer category. The desired elasticities of response indicated that land and capital were the most limiting factors in clonal coffee production for poor farmers. Land and labour were identified as the most limiting factors for rich clonal coffee farmers. Overall, land and labour were found to be most limiting. Key words: clonal coffee farmers, optimal levels, sub optimal levels resource use, productivity, elasticities, marginal productivity, value marginal productivity Eastern Africa Journal of Rural Development (2001) 17, 1-8

The Impact of Export and Import Tax Policy on Ugandan Economy: A Computable General Equilibrium Approach

This study examines the impact of reducing export duties and import tariffs on the economy of Uganda. Analysis uses a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model focusing basically on domestic output, imports, exports and trade balance. Results from the model show that aggregate domestic output, exports and imports increase if the trade taxes are reduced. These economic gains are much higher if both import tariffs and export duties are reduced or removed rather than removing only tariffs. However, trade balance deficit widens because the increase in imports will exceed the increase in exports. Furthermore, government budget deficit worsens due to loss of government revenue from trade taxes. Key words: Computable general equilibrium (CGE) model, exports, imports, tariffs, tax Eastern Africa Journal of Rural Development (2001) 17, 9-17

Foreign Aid, Institutions, and Governance in Sub‐Saharan Africa

Introduction More than a decade ago, the World Bank argued that “underlying the litany of Africa’s development problems is a crisis of governance.” Poor quality institutions, weak rule of law, an absence of accountability, tight controls over information, and high levels of corruption still characterize many African states today. Aid levels have been reduced in many parts of Africa during the past decade. Yet in many of the countries with poor governance records, aid continues to contribute a very high percentage of government budgets. This article explores the institutional impact of these high levels of aid and the way that large amounts of aid are delivered. There are many reasons why governance is poor in much of sub-Saharan Africa. Colonialism did little to develop strong, indigenously rooted institutions that could tackle the development demands of modern states. Economic crisis and unsustainable debt, civil wars, and political instability have all taken their toll over the past 2 decades and more. It is difficult to separate the impact of these problems from the possible impact of foreign aid, which is often high in countries that suffer from precisely these problems. Theory provides conflicting guidance here. On the one hand, aid can release governments from binding revenue constraints, enabling them to strengthen domestic institutions and pay higher salaries to civil servants. Aid can provide training and technical assistance to build legal systems and accounting offices. In many countries, aid personnel (sometimes expatriate) manage important government programs, and the infusion of resources and technical assistance can give an important boost to the efficiency and effectiveness of governance, if only in a partial sense. Yet despite these likely benefits, it is also possible that, continued over

Structured and unstructured abstracts in journal articles: a review

Abstracts in journals are important paragraphs in review or original articles, which help one to decide if such articles are worth reading. The layout and the content of abstracts have undergone tremendous changes over the years from traditional, unstructured to structured, informative format. Many journal editors abroad are moving fast with time in the adoption of the innovation, allowing only articles with structured abstracts to appear in their journals. Journals in Africa especially in Nigeria are lagging behind in this respect. This review article examines the relative advantage of structured abstracts over unstructured abstracts as documented by various reports on the subject and makes a recommendation for structuring abstracts in articles appearing in Nigerian Journals.

Journalism and mass communication in Africa: Cameroon

Part 1 Introduction Part 2 Discourse Chapter 3 Evolution of the Media in Cameroon Chapter 4 Public Perceptions of Cameroonian Journalists Chapter 5 Communication and the Empowerment of the People Chapter 6 Aesthetic Approach to Television Program Production Chapter 7 Effective Public Communication Chapter 8 Public Relations Practice in Cameroon Chapter 9 The Development of Book Publishing Part 10 Research Methods Chapter 11 Communication Research: An African Discourse Chapter 12 Using Survey Methods in Communication Research Chapter 13 Content Analysis and Its Uses in Africa Chapter 14 Beyond Cameroon: Model Content Analysis Chapter 15 The Growth and Development of Advertising

Tokoloshe Tales: Reflections on the Cultural Politics of Journalism in South Africa

L'A. examine la maniere dont les referents culturels de l'ecriture journalistique ont ete mis en cause suite au changement politique de l'Afrique du Sud avec la fin de l'apartheid. Centrant son analyse sur les reportages concernant les tokoloshes et mamlambos, ou d'autres creatures de la mythologie sud-africaine, il presente deux etudes de cas permettant d'explorer l'articulation de la narration realiste et de la politique culturelle. La premiere decrit une breve experience journalistique d'un reportage folklorique du Natal Witness, un quoitidien du KwaZulu-Natal. La seconde concerne les recits sur un monstre de la riviere Transkei dans plusieurs journaux du Groupe Independant d'Afrique du Sud. L'A. montre comment le changement de statut de ces recits - consideres comme de reelles histoires criminelles -, ont remis en cause l'epistemologie positiviste de la narration. L'ironie et le burlesque ont caracterise ces recits afin de repondre a la necessite d'assurer la mediation entre plusieurs cadres culturels qui, dans le nouveau contexte politique, apparaissaient comme radicalement differents.

Media ethics or media law: the enforcement of responsible journalism in Africa

Africa has seen a proliferation of media laws many of which are supposedly passed to check irresponsible journalism. An impression has been created that unless laws are put in place, society stands to lose. African journalists are largely seen as a professional body who cannot be trusted with the responsibility of carrying out journalistic chores competently and honorably. This article explores whether ethics in Africa can be successfully enforced by law or by journalists themselves.