District Council Research Articles

Sustainable Lighting Technology Implementation in Jelebu District Council, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

The aim of this study is to explore district council roles in sustainable development, specifically within its environmental sphere. It is focused on the district council’s internal stakeholders in understanding the relevant concepts of sustainable development. The efforts in implementing sustainable technology in its services by Jelebu District Council, one of the Local Governments located in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, was studied. A total of seven informants were purposely selected to contribute to this study. Primary data collection is done using face-to-face interview techniques to enable the informants to apprehend the real situation faced by their organization in implementing sustainable development. By utilizing the SWOT analysis technique, the result identified the main strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for the district council in their course of implementing sustainable development. Internal and external strengths supports, and deficiencies sum up the factors that are influential for the district council. The finding shows that the district council has significant roles at the grassroots level in implementing sustainable development, especially related to sustainable technology. The study also discovered that Jelebu District Council is one of the earliest local councils in Negeri Sembilan that opted for energy-saving lighting by using a light-emitting diode (LED) in place of conventional fluorescent lights to illuminate its township area.

Employees’ Motivation and Local Governments Performance in Tanzania: A Case Mvomero District Council

Employee motivation is a universal concept that is accepted by human resource practitioners as a tool to improve organizational performance. This study sought to examine the effects of employee motivation in improving performance in local governments in Tanzania. The study aims at examining the contribution of employee motivation to local governments in Tanzania. This paper adopted a research case design whereby Mvomero District Council was the case study. A sample size of 78 respondents was taken for the study. The study adopted a mixed approach whereby qualitative and quantitative approaches in the data collection process. The data was collected through key informant interviews and questionnaires. The findings revealed that the majority of the respondents were negative about the employee motivation provided in Mvomero District Council, especially at ward and village levels. The findings also, found that there is a positive relationship between employees’ motivation and employees’ performance. The higher the employee’s motivation the higher the employee’s performance. The study indicated that employees are motivated by financial motivation rather than non-financial motivation. The study concluded that there is a greater relationship between employee performance and employee motivation and employees in rural settings are less motivated compared to their counterparts in an urban setting. The study recommended that the government incentives policies should be reversed not only to motivate top management levels and consider middle and lower levels employees. The study also, recommended for the Mvomero District Council to improve the working conditions of the employees who are working in remote areas

THE EFFECT OF LOCAL REVENUE COLLECTION ON IMPLEMENTATION OF UNIVERSAL PRIMARY EDUCATION IN KIBOGA DISTRICT. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Background: The study intended to investigate the effect of local revenue collection on the implementation of universal primary education in Kiboga district. Methodology: The study targeted a population of 71 respondents comprising of 6 district Technical Planning Committee Members, 5 Sub-county Executive Committee members, 6 Sub-county Technical Planning Committee Members, 6 head teachers, and 48 School Management Committee Members. Simple random sampling was used to select School Management Committee Members who were the main respondents. The analysis was conducted in SPSS. Results: In the study it was found that the majority of the respondents represented by 62% were male respondents whereas 38% of the respondents were found to be females with ages ranging from 20 years and above the study was carried out on a 5 Likert scale where 4.47 strongly agreed that schools do budgeting and 4.65 also agreed that schools constitute finance committees, 4.31 strongly agreed that school finance committees are fully functional 2.45 disagreed that budgeting in schools is participatory, 4.01agreed that schools implement budgets,4.39 strongly agreed that that school budgets are monitored in schools, and finally 4.21 agreed that schools evaluate budget performance. This totals an average mean of 4.10 strongly agreeing to the study. Conclusion: The study revealed that sub-counties in their local revenue budgets don’t cater to schools at all. Recommendation: District and sub-county councils should consider allocating local revenue to schools to supplement the capitation grant which is always inadequate to meet the school needs. This will help to solve the problem of lack of pupils’ lunch that has led to defying the UPE policy and presidential directive which criminalizes collection of any fee from parents.

Factors Influencing the Struggle towards Reduction of Gender-Based Violence in Meru District Council, Arusha Region, Tanzania

It is important to end Gender-Based Violence because of its consequences in communities but there are factors influencing the efforts toward Reduction of Gender-Based Violence. Tanzania Police Gender and Child Desk fight against gender violence among different communities whereby gender violence survivors report cases with assurance of professional treatment by trained police officers. Main objective was to analyze factors the Performance of Police Gender and Children Desk on Reduction of Gender-Based Violence in Meru District Council, Arusha Region. Tanzania. A cross-sectional research design involving 324 heads of households was adopted for the study. Data were collected using household survey questionnaire and analysed using Multiple linear regression model. Factors; Gender-based Violence cases resolved, number of Gender-based Violence cases reported per annum, increased number of Police officers trained on Gender-based Violence, Level of community awareness and community members trained on Gender-based Violence per annum were statistically significant at 1% level. It is concluded that Police Gender and Children Desk had significant contribution in reduction of gender-based violence in Meru District Council of Arusha Region. The study recommends that the gender issues related stakeholders at the country and international levels support the Police Gender and Children Desk to end as Gender-based Violence.

220 The Unheard Voices of Clinical Trials: Fostering Inclusivity for People Experiencing Homelessness in Clinical Trials

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Investigate the perspectives of people experiencing homelessness (PEH) on clinical trials to uncover knowledge gaps and attitudes. This study aims to offer insights for clinical researchers to enhance engagement with this marginalized group, ushering in a more inclusive clinical trial process. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: A 14-question survey was developed in collaboration with the Street Medicine Team at the University of Southern California and other stakeholders of PEH research. Initial questions assess knowledge of clinical trials, followed by questions gauging sentiments on clinical trial participation, and final questions on the significance, benefits, and risks of clinical trials. Upon approval by the local Institutional Review Board, the survey will be administered in an interview format. Study participants will be from locations within the area of operations of the USC Street Medicine team–in and around Hollywood, South Los Angeles, and/or the Los Angeles Council District 1. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We anticipate that the results of this study will offer valuable insights into the perspectives of PEH regarding clinical trials. Results will also provide varying levels of knowledge and understanding among PEH about clinical trials, along with their past experiences in clinical trial participation, and willingness for future involvement in such trials. Further, the results will reveal whether respondents feel they are being properly represented in clinical research projects that could impact themselves and their community. This project can also enhance our understanding of the expectations and concerns of PEH regarding their potential participation in clinical trials. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: The outcomes of this research project have the potential to lay the groundwork for enhancing the involvement of PEH in translational science research, encompassing aspects from study design to participation. This improvement could benefit not only participants but also various stakeholders involved.

Influence of water access for livestock on pastoralists household income in semi-arid areas of Monduli district in Tanzania

Access to water is arguably the most crucial, yet underappreciated determinant of household income for pastoralist households in semiarid regions. This study examined the influence of water access for livestock on pastoralists’ household income in the semi-arid areas of Monduli District in Tanzania. The study employed a cross-sectional research design, in which primary data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire from 367 randomly selected households. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20, whereby both descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages) were determined. A multinomial logistic regression model was applied to examine the influence of water access to livestock on the household income of pastoralists. The findings indicate that household size (p=0.001) and levels of water access for livestock, namely medium (p=0.000) and high (p=0.006), influenced pastoralists’ household income, while maintaining a low level of water access for livestock as the reference category. The study concluded that the higher the level of water access for livestock, the higher is the household income. This study recommends that the Government of Tanzania and the Monduli District Council establish programs to boost pastoralist income by improving communal access to livestock water sources.

A STUDY ON THE CAUSES OF SEPARATE STATE DEMAND IN NORTH EAST INDIAN STATE OF TRIPURA

This article explores the socio-political dynamics and historical context leading to the demand for a separate state of Tipraland within Tripura, India, focusing on the indigenous Tiprasa peoples' aspirations for autonomy and cultural preservation. Originating from the establishment of the Indigenous People's Front of Twipra (IPFT) in 2009, the demand for Tipraland reflects a culmination of historical grievances, including the failure of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC) to meet the indigenous community's needs, demographic shifts due to refugee influx from neighboring Bangladesh, and the erosion of indigenous cultural and linguistic identity. The article analyzes how these factors have contributed to a sense of alienation and marginalization among the Tiprasa people, further fueled by land alienation, linguistic hegemony, and political underrepresentation. It discusses the recent political developments under the leadership of Bubagra Prodyot Kishore Manikya and the formation of the TIPRA Motha party, highlighting their significant role in revitalizing the demand for a more inclusive Greater Tipraland. The study concludes with recommendations for the Government of India to address the complex interplay of refugee integration, indigenous rights, and regional autonomy to ensure the socio-political and economic wellbeing of the indigenous populations within a cohesive national framework. Through this analysis, the article contributes to the broader discourse on indigenous rights, migration, and state formation in northeast India, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies that recognize the unique challenges and aspirations of indigenous communities.

Barriers to the Participation of Persons with Disabilities in Rural Local Governance: The Case of Bikita District, Zimbabwe

The paper was qualitative and inductive through the interpretivist’s paradigm. It sought to access the barriers to the participation of persons with disabilities (PwDs) in Bikita’s local governance in Zimbabwe. Data collection was through key informant interviews (KIIs), focus group discussions (FDGs) and observations. The KIIs targeted the chiefs, headman, councillors, state actors and Zimbabwe’s Association for the Visually Handicapped whereas the FDGs included the disabled and the non-disabled. The sampling was purposive. The human rights-based approach as espoused in the critical disability theory framed the empirical. The paper unearthed that Bikita Rural District Council structures were not disability inclusive. PwDs were marginalised in local governance/development processes. This led to higher incidences of abject poverty. The paper charged that the lack of inclusivity is in itself discriminatory. It argued that the drive towards inclusivity should include inter alia disability-mainstreaming, provision of disability-accessible information and disability awareness campaigns.

Community Participation in Community Secondary School Construction Projects in Kibaha District Council, Tanzania

The centrality of participatory practices in recording development objectives is widely acknowledged. However, limited information exists on the factors that motivate community participation in the construction of community secondary schools. This article mends the said gap by exploring the factors that motivate community participation in community secondary school construction in Kibaha, Tanzania. The study utilised a descriptive research design, garnering primary data through 118 household surveys and 2 key informant interviews. The study also collected data through documentary reviews meant to triangulate the data gathered through interviews to deepen discussions and check primary data. Quantitative data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics software with simple frequency analyses presented in tables and discussed descriptively. Atlas ti was used to process qualitative data that eventually underwent content analysis and descriptive discussion. The study unveils that community participation in community secondary school construction is positively impacted by accumulated knowledge on participation, community secondary school benefits, transparency on income and expenditure, quality leadership, decentralisation of decision-making at low levels of governance, and local people empowerment. Conversely, the absence of these motivating factors has negative motivational effects on community participation in such projects. Hence, it is imperative to make concerted efforts to reinforce the positive motivational factors. These efforts should include enhancing community awareness of participation, empowering community members to actively participate, fostering a culture of good governance, particularly in matters of financial transparency, and involving the community in decision-making throughout the implementation of development projects. Furthermore, clear explanations of the benefits accruing to communities from the construction of community secondary schools are essential.

Challenges Facing Secondary School Teachers in Achieving Effective Job Performance: A Case Study of Meru District Council, Arusha Region

This study examines the challenges facing secondary school teachers in executing their duties for effective job performance through a qualitative case study design. The study participants were secondary school teachers, heads of schools, and the District Education Officer. A total of 111 respondents were involved, including 100 teachers, 10 heads of schools, and 1 District Education Officer. In collecting data, interview and focus group discussion (FGD) methods of data collection were used for the purpose of this study. The data were analyzed through content and thematic analysis. The study found teachers are burdened with several challenges, including but not limited to an unfriendly working environment, a shortage of teaching and learning materials, low achievement of students in science subjects, poor cooperation between parents and teachers, poor cooperation accorded by employers, a lack of overtime and/or housing allowances, and political influences on teaching and learning processes. The study concluded that teaching, apart from being a noble profession that prepares not only leaders but also champions of various fields, has grown to be forgotten. Thus, it is recommended that there are significant needs to shift priorities and attention towards the teaching profession. One key aspect highlighted is the need for better compensation and entitlements for teachers, including salaries, subsistence allowances, extra-time allowances, and access to teaching and learning materials. Moreover, addressing these challenges requires comprehensive support and tailored interventions from educational institutions, policymakers, and other stakeholders in the education sector.

The relative influence of leadership factors on employee retention in Tanzanian local government

The success of any organization depends on better retention of its employees. Studies on employee retention have reported on how best the organization can devise strategies for retaining its employees. Accordingly, individual and organizational factors have received significant attention over leadership style as a tool for inducing employee retention, particularly in remote areas. This study explores the existing leadership style and its influence on employee retention at Ikungi District Council Tanzania. Qualitative enquiry using a case study was carried out at Ikungi District. Documentary review and interviews were used to collect data. The data were analysed using content analysis and a thematic approach. The findings indicate that leadership style matter the most in employee retention as the decision to remain with the organization is highly determined by how well the subordinates interact with their supervisors

Women Participation in Informal Sector and Poverty Reduction in Bushenyi District Local Council of Uganda

This study examines informal sector and poverty reduction in Bushenyi local council of Uganda. The study was guided by correlational research design which was used to establish the relationship between women participation in informal sector and poverty reduction in Bushenyi district local council. The study participants were 98, which comprises food vendors, ward executive officers, microfinance bank staff and district council officers. Findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between women participation in informal sector and poverty reduction in Bushenyi district local council. On the basis of the findings, the researcher calls for policy-makers to collaborate with women in the informal part of the economy in order to accelerate national development and improve the position of women in the country. More so, an approach that can remove women’s legal and socioeconomic constraints should be comprehensively taken, and an action plans nationally designed with various women groups in broad consultation. Keywords: Informal sector, Legal constraints, Poverty reduction, Socioeconomic constraints, Women participation

Application of Bloom’s Taxonomy of Educational Objectives in Formative and Summative Assessments of Kiswahili Language: A Case of Secondary Schools in Meru District Council

Currently, the educational field emphasizes on the teaching and learning that is competence based. This article examines how Bloom’s Taxonomy is applied in formative and summative assessments of Kiswahili language in secondary schools. The article is guided by Vygotsky’s Cognitive Development Theory. Data were collected through interview, documentary analysis and observation. Kiswahili language teachers were involved in data collection. The findings reveal that in assessment of Kiswahili language, the Lower Order Thinking skills is highly applied in formative assessment while the Higher Order Thinking skills is mostly included in summative assessment. The reason behind this is that many Kiswahili teachers lack enough skills on composing HOTs questions, as well as preparing LOTs and HOTs questions based on competence-based approach. Therefore, Kiswahili teachers need more trainings on Bloom’s Taxonomy application in line with competence-based approach; this could be done through workshops, sharing knowledge between teachers within the school, and interschool cooperation.

Exploring the Impact of Son Preference on the Well-being of Daughters in Tanzania: A Multifaceted Analysis

In Tanzania, entrenched cultural norms favoring male offspring significantly influence family dynamics and pose considerable challenges to the well-being of daughters. This phenomenon, known as son preference, manifests in biased resource allocation, limited educational opportunities, and distinct healthcare differentials. This study delves into the multifaceted consequences of son preference on Tanzanian daughters, particularly in the Arusha Region. The cultural roots of son preference in Tanzania can be traced to historical and societal norms, where male heirs are traditionally viewed as primary caretakers and providers for aging parents. This mindset leads to biased resource allocation, impacting daughters' access to essential resources such as education, healthcare, and nutrition. Educational disparities are particularly pronounced, limiting girls' prospects and perpetuating gender-based inequalities in the workforce. The study employs a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. It adopts a descriptive survey design, conducted in all seven district councils of Arusha Region. Both probability and non-probability sampling techniques are applied to select respondents, encompassing young women, girls, and stakeholders from various organizations. Results indicate a prevalent acknowledgment of son preference, particularly in pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities. The study reveals how son preference affects education, health, and economic opportunities for daughters. Educational disparities, early marriage, unequal access to health care, and limited economic prospects are identified consequences. To address these challenges, the study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach involving changes in societal attitudes, policies promoting gender equality, and initiatives to empower girls. By challenging ingrained cultural norms, fostering educational opportunities, and ensuring equal access to healthcare, Tanzania can work towards dismantling barriers hindering the potential of its daughters. The study contributes to the discourse on gender equality, advocating for interventions that ensure the holistic development and flourishing of Tanzanian daughters.

Women’s Career Move From Local to National Politics: The Case of Tanzania

This study examines women’s career movement from the highest local authorities (district and urban councils) to the national legislature in Tanzania, focusing on the latest three parliaments (2010–2025). Using both quantitative and qualitative data, we find that less than 10% of female parliamentarians in each parliament have prior councilor experience and most of them occupy quota seats. The low upward mobility of female councilors to parliament may be due to the difficulty of winning constituency seats, affected by gender stereotypes, and the availability of other pathways to parliament, such as party leadership and commissioner positions.

Стенограммы заседаний последних сессий райсоветов Москвы как важный исторический источник по изучению конституционного кризиса власти в России в 1993 году

The purpose of the article is to study archival documents that make it possible to understand the deep causes of the confrontation between President Boris Yeltsin and the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR in 1993. Namely, to analyze the conflict not at the federal, but at the municipal level, where ordinary citizens worked. This paper reveals the main ways out of the constitutional crisis of 1993, which were expressed by deputies of the district councils of Moscow. The author identifies the main causes of the conflict between the deputies of the district councils and the executive authorities formed after the collapse of the USSR in Moscow. The conducted research has shown the importance of studying the transcripts of meetings of the sessions of the district councils of Moscow in connection with the disclosure of little-known facts about the formation of local self-government bodies.

Assessment of the Polluting Status of Sludge from a Physicochemical Water Purification Unit and Their Impacts on the Soil: Case of the Yato Station (Littoral-Cameroon)

The Yato physicochemical water purification station is located in Dibombari District Council in the Littoral-Cameroon region. It is one of the largest drinking water production stations in the Central African sub-region. This work aims to evaluate, through the quantification of the concentrations of Trace Metal Elements (TMEs), the polluting status of the sludge from this drinking water production station and their impacts on the soil. To achieve this objective, mixed samples of sludge from sludge treatment ponds (taken according to the technique described in GIDS-A003 point 6 as explained in the Solid and pasty waste sampling strategy of Code of Good Practice No. 2) and samples of sludge from primary settling basins (taken in transparent bottles in polyethylene terephthalate of 1.5L) were analysed. Likewise, three soil wells were carried out and soil samples were taken on two levels of alteration then sent to the laboratory where physicochemical and TME analyses were carried out. The characteristics of the samples that were analysed are: particle size, texture (sand, silt, clay), physiochemistry (pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, phosphorus, nitrogen) and TME (chromium, copper, zinc, manganese). The results obtained show that the polluting status of the sludge from the Yato station is proven because their pollution index by heavy metals is greater than 1. The pollution index greater than 1 in the sludge from the treatment basins is due to the strong concentrations of TME originating from the accumulation of waste of all kinds in this location. Overall, TME concentrations in soils decrease for the most part from the surface towards depth. All the TMEs studied (Zn, Mn, Cu, Cr) are present in all horizons. There is multiple contamination of sludge by TMEs because their pollution index is greater than 1 (IP>1). Although the sludge pollution indices are greater than 1, those of the different horizons are much lower than 1. Thus, since the TMEs decrease with depth, the subsurface horizons would be less affected by the pollutants contained in the station sludge. marking a real pollution of the surface layers.

The Effectiveness of Mentoring Programs on Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Tanzania: A Case of Babati District Council

Purpose: Women entrepreneurs in Tanzania are making significant contributions to their local economies, driving innovation, and creating employment opportunities. However, they still face numerous challenges, including limited access to financing, inadequate business skills, and gender-based discrimination.To address these challenges and unlock the full potential of women entrepreneurs, mentorship programs have emerged as a powerful mechanism.
 Methodology: The study examined the effect of empowering women entrepreneurs through mentoring programs, a case study of Babati District Council. The study used mixed research approach and employed sequential explanatory research design. Descriptive and regression analysis were used to analyze the data and presented by tables and figures.
 Findings: The findings revealed the strong relationship between mentorship programs and women entrepreneurs' empowerment, as evidenced by a high R-squared value of 0.76. This means that approximately 76% of the variation in women entrepreneurs' empowerment can be explained by mentorship programs. The significant relationship between mentorship programs and women entrepreneurs' empowerment is further supported by a low p-value of 0.001, indicating that the observed relationship is unlikely to be due to chance.The study concluded mentorship programs have a significant impact on women entrepreneurs' empowerment.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: From the findings, it recommended fostering mentorship opportunities to support and uplift women in their entrepreneurial journeys. This study has contributed to the advancement of knowledge and practice in the field of mentoring programs for women entrepreneurs in Tanzania. The research has provided valuable insights and recommendations that can guide policymakers, practitioners, and researchers in their efforts to support women entrepreneurs. The study proposed a theoretical framework that elucidates the means by which mentoring programs can empower women entrepreneurs. It also identified crucial elements of effective mentoring programs, including regular meetings, clearly defined goals and expectations, active listening, and constructive feedback. Additionally, the study pushed for policies that foster an enabling environment for women entrepreneurs, including access to financing, education, and networking opportunities. Such policies can facilitate the growth and development of women-led enterprises.

Accessibility of malaria commodities in Geita District Council, mainland Tanzania: the experiences from healthcare providers and clients

Accessibility of malaria commodities in Geita District Council, mainland Tanzania: the experiences from healthcare providers and clients

Measuring and Modeling Neighborhoods

Granular geographic data present new opportunities to understand how neighborhoods are formed, and how they influence politics. At the same time, the inherent subjectivity of neighborhoods creates methodological challenges in measuring and modeling them. We develop an open-source survey instrument that allows respondents to draw their neighborhoods on a map. We also propose a statistical model to analyze how the characteristics of respondents and local areas determine subjective neighborhoods. We conduct two surveys: collecting subjective neighborhoods from voters in Miami, New York City, and Phoenix, and asking New York City residents to draw a community of interest for inclusion in their city council district. Our analysis shows that, holding other factors constant, white respondents include census blocks with more white residents in their neighborhoods. Similarly, Democrats and Republicans are more likely to include co-partisan areas. Furthermore, our model provides more accurate out-of-sample predictions than standard neighborhood measures.