Focus Group Discussion Guides Research Articles

Challenges in public procurement in Kwahu West Municipal Assembly, Ghana

Public procurement is a legal means by which goods, works and services are acquired by public entities including District Assemblies to promote development. Although the procurement process is to enhance judicious government spending, it has been seen as bureaucratic and cumbersome. This study set out to examine challenges that characterise public procurement process in Kwahu West Municipal Assembly within the legal framework in Ghana. Qualitative approach was employed in the study. Purposive and snowballing sampling techniques were used to draw participants for the study while interview guides and focus group discussion guides were used in data collection. The study found that low level of professionalism on the part of suppliers and contractors, bureaucracy, corruption and political interference characterised the procurement process and recommended that citizens should be concerned about how their monies are being spent by monitoring the procurement process in order to achieve value for money. Keywords: Bureaucracy, Corruption, Development, Government, Procurement

Sexual Harassment and Effect on Students’ Self-Esteem in Selected Public and Private Secondary Schools in Kenya

Sexual Harassment (SH) is a global phenomenon and a pervasive problem that affects thousands of students in learning institutions daily yet there are few studies exploring its effect on students’ self-esteem especially from the Kenyan context. Sexual harassment is also considered a risk factor for lifelong problems including psychological ill-health and poor self-esteem. The purpose of this study was to describe and explore sexual harassment in and its effect on students’ self-esteem. The study was done in selected public and private secondary schools in 2 purposively sampled Counties in Kenya. The study was guided by a theoretical framework based on Finkelhor and Browne’s Traumagenic Dynamics Model. The design of the study was descriptive survey targeting 23,659 students, 88 Deputy Principals and 88 Heads of G/C. Samples were obtained through purposive and proportionate simple random sampling. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected using a School Sexual Harassment Questionnaire (SSHQ), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), interview and Focus Group Discussion (FGDs) guides. Content validity was determined by seeking expert judgments. Cronbach alpha technique was used to measure the reliability of the research instruments. Quantitative data were analyzed both descriptively and inferentially using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) while qualitative data were analyzed based on emerging themes and presented in narrative and verbatim forms. Findings indicated that verbal sexual harassment had a significant effect on students’ self-esteem whereas effects of physical and visual sexual harassment were not statistically significant. Keywords: Sexual harassment, forms, students’ self-esteem, effect DOI : 10.7176/JEP/10-21-06 Publication date :July 31 st 2019

English

This paper focuses on assessing the status of pastoral women’s access to and control over livelihood assets in Fafan zone of Somali region, Ethiopia. In this study, the emphasis was given to the study populations’ level of access to and control over livelihood assets, factors affecting pastoral women’s asset ownership and the effects of pastoral women’s access to and control over livelihood assets. The study has employed a convergent parallel research design. Survey questionnaires, in-depth interview and focus group discussion (FGD) guides were used as instruments of data collection. The research revealed that the pastoral women have limited access to and control over productive assets such as land, big livestock-camel, cattle, sheep and goat. The pastoral women’s access to socio-economic infrastructures and services such as schools, health care services, extension services, microfinance services and communication technologies is also very limited. However, the research has also revealed that many pastoral women were actively engaged in livelihood diversification in response to the livelihood vulnerability in the area. The changing trends in access to market and commercialization of livestock and livestock products in the study areas have improved socio-economic status of many women. Even though majority of the pastoral women have poor access to and control over livelihood assets, few women who have been actively engaged in livelihood diversification and markets of livestock and livestock products have experienced significant improvement in  socio-economic wellbeing and decision making ability.. Key words: Pastoral women, livelihood assets, access and control over assets, Somali region &nbsp

The Nature and Extent of Inter-Clan Conflicts in Mumias East Sub-County, Kakamega County, Kenya

Inter-clan conflicts are widely spread in the world Africa leading in such cases. Conflict management and peace building in Kenya continues to face challenges in the current national and regional environments. Clans in Mumias East Sub-County have been in conflict from time immemorial. Strategic coordination amongst key actors has been seemingly lacking in conflict management and peace building. The general objective of the study was to examine inter-clan conflicts influence on socio-economic development in Mumias East Sub-County, Kenya. The Objective of this study was to examine the nature and extent of inter-clan conflicts in Mumias East Sub-County, Kenya. Theories employed were; Intergroup Contact theory and linear stages of growth theory. The study employed descriptive, Evaluation, Historical, Ranking and cross sectional research designs. The study population comprised Assistant-Chiefs, Clan Chairpersons, MCAs, Ward Administrators, CBOs, Religious Leaders, deputy County commissioners, Assistant County Commissioners, Sub-County Administrator, Police, Probation Officer, Village Elders, Chiefs and Households Heads totaling to 475 respondents. Primary Data collection was done using Questionnaires, Interviews schedules, Observations checklists, and focus Group Discussion (FGD) guides. Secondary sources included relevant documents and reports. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic narratives. Quantitative data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft excel to obtain measures of central tendency, Ranking was done and Charts were used to present data. Results indicate that majority of the respondents 47% agreed that conflicts occur very often in Mumias East Sub-County. The study sought to establish the extent of inter-clan conflicts in relation to gender, age, occupation, Marital status level of education, per location and in shopping centres. The types of conflicts addressed are; leadership wrangles, land ownership, land boundaries, political competion and resource distribution. The study established that (48.7%) strongly agree that inter-clan conflicts disrupt learning in Mumias East Sub-County. For the effects on property, (49.9%) strongly agreed that residents of Mumias East lost property during conflicts. Majority of the respondents (78%) agree that a number of development projects in the study area stalled due to inter-clan conflicts.

Social-Cultural Factors and Complementary Feeding of Children 6-23 Months Among the Maasai in Narok South Kenya.

Background: The Maasai socio-cultural beliefs and practices have been shown to influence their infant feeding hence determines their nutritional status. Objective: This study aimed to determine the complementary feeding practices among the Maasai community in Narok South sub-County. Methodology: A cross-sectional analytical study design was adopted. A total sample of 400 mothers and children were selected using simple random sampling. Data was collected using an infant and young child WHO semi-structured questionnaire and focus group discussion (FGDs) guides. Anthropometric data was interpreted using Z-scores with reference to the World Health Organization (WHO) 2006. ENA for SMART, 2011 software was used to analyze anthropometric data. Quantitative data was analyzed using statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS) version 20. Statistical significance was set at p value less than 0.05. Results: Early introduction of complementary feeding was common in the community. Comparison of the prevalence of malnutrition between the boys and girls revealed that stunting and underweight was significantly higher in the girls (stunting, 33.3%; underweight, 14.1%) compared to the boys (stunting, 26.8%; underweight, 11.3%), On the other hand a larger proportion of the boys had low weight for height (8.9%) compared with the girls (11.0%). Cultural factors and taboos were seen to have greatly influenced the infant feeding practices. Conclusion: Socio-cultural factors associated with the complementary feeding have a strong influence on children 6-23 months of age in the Maasai community, in Narok South -Sub County. Keyword s: socio-cultural factors, complementary feeding, Nutrition status, pastoralists. DOI : 10.7176/JHMN/62-18 Publication date :May 31 st 2019

Assessment of Patient’ Relatives Satisfaction Towards Health Service Delivery in Tertiary Health Facilities in Benin-City, Edo State, Nigeria

This study aims to assess satisfaction rate of patient’s relatives towards health service delivery in tertiary health facilities in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional study design among patient’s relatives was carried out. Data collection was by mixed methods using a pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire and Focus Group Discussion Guide. Quantitative data collected was analyzed using IBM SPSS version 22.0 while qualitative data was analyzed thematically using ATLAS. ti software. Logistic regression was used to calculate the determinants of satisfaction of respondents with their corresponding odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and p-values recorded. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05. A total number of 412 respondents (comprising 400 respondents and 12 Focus Group Discussion participants) were surveyed. The study showed a higher proportion 228 (57.0%) of respondents with dissatisfaction. The determinants of satisfaction of HSD were; sex (OR: 5.976 95% CI: 1.147-3.465), skill level (OR: 7.276 95% CI: 0.149-0.740) and being on NHIS (OR: 5.442 95% CI: 0.193-0.867). Thematic analysis of the FGD revealed that poor communication, high cost of service, lack of empathy demonstrated by some health workers and prolonged stay on admission were reasons for dissatisfaction. A higher proportion of the respondents had overall dissatisfaction with HSD and factors such as timeliness, cost of service and lack of empathy demonstrated by health care workers were identified as reasons for the dissatisfaction.

Perspectives of Parents on Communication Challenges Faced in Educating Learners with Hearing Impairments

Focusing on Education Policy for Deaf Children, the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD, 2016) postulated that children with HI have a right to full access to quality education and that since persons with hearing impairments (HI) are mainly visual, sign language and visual strategies must be availed to learners with HI as a birthright. This may be interpreted to mean that if quality education is not availed to learners with HI using visual strategies and in sign language, the policies laid down by WFD would have been contravened. It can also be implied that sign language needs to be availed to learners with HI at home with parents, siblings and care givers where they grow and learn before going to school. The purpose of this study was therefore to establish the perspectives of parents on communication challenges faced in educating learners with hearing impairments in. This study adopted a case study research design using a qualitative research approach and was informed by the Social Model of Disability as propagated by Union of Physically Impaired Against Segregation (UPIAS) (1976). The objective of the study was to establish the perspectives of parents on communication challenges faced in educating learners with hearing impairments. The target population was 177 comprising 150 parents of learners with hearing impairments, 26 teachers and 1 Quality Assurance and Standards Officer. The study employed purposive sampling technique to sample 30 parents and 13 teachers while saturated sampling technique was used to for 1 Quality Assurance and Standards Officer (QUASO). Data was collected by use of interview schedules, focus group discussion guides and document analysis guides. Trustworthiness was established by use of detailed report of the process within the study, member checks and overlapping methods. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis technique as proposed by Braun and Clarke (2006). The study established that most parents of learners with hearing impairments held the view that sign language was too difficult to learn at their age though they expected the school and the government to facilitate sign language trainings for them. This study concluded that communication between parents and their children was ineffective because parents viewed themselves as unable to learn sign language and communication between parents and the school was ineffective because most parents viewed the teachers as disorganized in the way they communicated with parents. Keywords: Hearing impairments, communication, parents, learners, challenges, educating learners with HI DOI : 10.7176/JEP/10-3-04

The Conflict between Ahlus-Sunnah and Tijāniyya Muslims in Ghana

The paper examines the theological debates between the Ahlus-Sunnah and their Tijāniyyah Brotherhood counterpart in Ghana. It traces the history of Islam in Ghana before listing the myriad of issues that led to violent conflict between these two Muslim groups. The Sharī‘ah rulings pertaining to the subjects of dispute are then highlighted. The study adopted the analytical, historical and descriptive research designs of the survey type. A self-developed questionnaire, two separate structured interview schedules and Focus Group Discussion guides were used for data collection among the members of the two groups. Using the stratified random sampling technique, 1,200 copies of questionnaire were administered to selected individuals who are members of the two religious groups (600 participants per group). Data were analyzed using simple percentage. Findings revealed that majority of the Ahlus-Sunnah (75%) and the Jallo Bāba group of the Tijāniyyah (80%) hold tenaciously to their views and, therefore, were more prone to violence. Findings further showed that socio-economic factors like occupation, type of education received and educational attainment play significant roles in the conflict. Whereas doctrinal and interpretational differences are the remote causes of the conflict, radical preaching which is sustained by provocative songs is responsible for the conflict’s eruption. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Iran, Bahrain and Egypt also exacerbated the violence through the support given to both parties. Evidence is, however, lacking to justify the claim that ethnicity aid the clashes. The paper concludes with an admonition for the feuding parties to place higher premium on the Islamic teachings on peaceful co-existence among people.

Adaptive Capacity in Watershed Governance for Food Security in the Lower Sio River Basin, Busia County, Kenya

Watershed systems with high adaptive capacity are able to re-configure themselves when subjected to change without significant declines in crucial socio-ecological functions. This study assessed adaptive capacity variables in watershed governance for sustainable food security at the household level in the Lower Sio River Basin, Busia County, Kenya. A total of 387 households were sampled using a combination of multi-stage and simple random sampling. Questionnaires, interview guides, observation and focus group discussion guides were employed to collect primary data. Results indicate that the need to increase or sustain food production was ranked first by 86.8% as a factor that contributed to public involvement in watershed management activities. The results further revealed that creating social resilience to adapt to a changing climate, and clarifying roles and responsibilities at p-value=0.000; enhancing water-use efficiency and improving management at p-value=0.010 were significant governance aims that determined households’ food security. Watershed governance structures such as water resources, management policies and plans p-value=0.000, and water resource institutions p-value=0.001 were also significant to households' food security status. Therefore, enhancing adaptive capacity of institutions towards watershed governance is a fundamental condition towards households’ food security in the Lower Sio River Basin.

Knowledge, attitude, and utilization of skilled birth attendants in a rural community in Southern Nigeria: A mixed method survey

Background: The World Health Organization recommends that women be attended by skilled birth attendants (SBAs) during delivery to improve maternal and newborn health and to achieve the maternal mortality target of the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess the knowledge, attitude, and utilization of SBAs among women of reproductive age in a rural community in Edo State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design among a total population of women of reproductive age was carried out. Data collection was by mixed methods using a pre-tested, interviewer-administered questionnaire, and focus group discussion (FGD) Guide. Ethical clearance to conduct this study was sought and obtained from the Ethical Committee, University of Benin Teaching Hospital. Quantitative data collected were analyzed using international business machines Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21.0 while qualitative data were analyzed thematically using ATLAS.ti software. Logistic regression was applied to calculate crude odds ratios, adjusted odds ratios (AORs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and p-values of the quantitative data. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: A total number of 484 persons (comprising 465 respondents and 19 FGD participants) were surveyed. The study showed good knowledge 421 (92.1%), positive attitude 405 (88.6%), and good utilization 410 (88.2%) of SBAs. The determinants of utilization of SBAs were age (AOR: 1.086 95% CI: 1.020–1.155), knowledge of respondents (AOR: 0.034 95% CI: 0.012–0.098), and cost of services (AOR: 0.348 95% CI: 0.157–0.772). Conclusion: Knowledge, attitude, and utilization of SBAs were found to be good among the studied population. The determinants of utilization should be used as major points for international electrotechnical commission in key intervention programs.

Care and LGBT Aging in Canada: A Focus Group Study on the Educational Gaps among Care Workers

ABSTRACTObjectives: Educational interventions have the potential to equip healthcare providers to support diverse aging populations. The purpose of this research was to identify educational gaps hindering the provision of person-centered care to older adults who identify as LGBT.Methods: Three focus groups were conducted in urban centers in northern, southern, and eastern Ontario with healthcare professionals and frontline staff. Semi-structured focus group discussion guides were developed based on the literature identifying some of the knowledge gaps, attitudes, challenges, and barriers around providing care for older LGBT adults.Results: The focus group data revealed several key findings related to 1) lack of curricula within formal education; 2) the need to create safer physical and social environments; and 3) the need to build relationships with LGBT-focused groups/organizations.Conclusions: Care providers want to provide open space for sexual and gender diverse older adults but lack the knowledge to do so.Clinical Implications: There is an ongoing gap within formal education systems such that historically marginalized populations who are now aging may be systemically neglected within formal curricula.

Analysis of Livelihood Diversification to Food Security among Rural Households in Ndhiwa Sub County, Homa Bay County, Kenya

Diversifying livelihoods has over the last two decades been identified as an important theme particularly in poverty reduction agenda. Although statistics show that there is enough food for everyone, close to 795 million of the world’s population is still food insecure. Poverty level in Homa Bay county stands at 48% compared to the National poverty indicator at 45%.The purpose of this study was to assess livelihood diversification to food security among rural households in Ndhiwa Sub County, Homa Bay County, Kenya. The target population was 43,214 persons and sample size was 400 households. Data was collected using questionnaires and Focus Group Discussion Guide was also used to gather information to triangulate data from the target respondents. Four Focus Group discussions were conducted from two administrative wards and each FGD comprised of 10 members/respondents. The study further used Key Informant Interviews among six respondents who were well knowledgeable and experts in agricultural practices at the Sub County and County level. Forty two per cent of the respondent pointed out that diversification had increased food availability while 31.9% pointed out an increase in access to food. This indicates diversification contributed significantly on household food security. Secondly, 85.6% responded having not received required livelihood extension services. The study found out a significant difference (p<0.05), p=0.000 in the amount in stock by farmers before and after beginning diversification. Households deployed mixed farming, storing cereal in stores, timely planting, leasing of land, dietary change, proper farming practices, and carrying out irrigation as vulnerability measures. The study concluded that diversification contributed to food security of farmers by enhancing their access to staple food. It further concluded that most serious challenges faced by farmers in improving food security through diversification were small pieces of land and inadequate capital.

Leadership and Its Structure in Enhancing Head Teacher-Parent Collaboration for The Improvement of Inclusive Education in Regular Public Primary Schools in Meru County

This is a part of a larger study that set out to investigate information on head teacher-parent collaboration for the improvement of inclusive education in regular public primary schools in Meru County. The study examined leadership and its structure in enhancing head teacher-parent collaboration for the improvement of inclusive education in regular public primary schools in Meru County, Kenya. The objective of the study was to examine leadership and its structure in enhancing head teacher-parent collaboration for the improvement of inclusive education. The study was to inform education policy makers, who were expected to use the study results to evaluate the current policies on inclusive education and formulate appropriate policies for promoting head teacher-parent collaboration for the improvement of inclusive education. The study employed qualitative research design. The target population was 97 head teachers, 136 teachers and 2040 parents. Twenty four participants were selected to participate in the study. Purposeful sampling was used, to select the respondents from the target population. The study used interview schedules and focus group discussion guides. The study employed qualitative methods and techniques of collecting and analyzing the data. The findings of the study were presented using narratives and themes. It was found that leadership influenced head teacher-parent collaboration for the improvement of inclusive education. Leadership and its structure enhanced school harmony, a situation that improved head teacher-parent collaboration for the improvement of inclusive education. It was recommended that, the government should appoint head teachers who are positive about inclusive education and with the ability to work together with all parents for the improvement of schooling for all learners in regular classes.

Women and Leadership in Mixed Secondary Schools in Kenya; Do Stakeholder’s Attitudes Matter?

Leadership is a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal (Northhouse, 2011). In time and space, women leadership remains a subject talked about but hardly appreciated (Wren, 2013). Among the factors contributing to poor representation of women in leadership is stakeholder’s attitude (Coleman, 2005). The study sought to investigate stakeholder’s attitudes impeding women teachers' ascension to leadership positions in mixed public secondary schools, focusing in Tharaka South Sub – County, Kenya. The study employed descriptive cross-sectional survey design utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. Probability and non-probability sampling techniques were used to arrive at the sample size. Data was collected from women classroom teachers, heads of departments, school principals, education officers, education trade unionists, Parents and Teachers Association officials and School Board of Management officials. Questionnaires, interview guide and focus group discussion guides were used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. Data analysis was assisted by computer software (Statistical Package for Social Sciences for quantitative data and NVIVO for qualitative data). The study established that education stakeholders have a general negative attitude towards women leadership in schools.

Association of Caffeine Consumption and Self-Rated Health among Young and Older Adults

Background: European Food Safety Authority (EFSA 2015) reported that moderate daily caffeine consumption at levels up to 400 mg/day do not raise safety concerns and not associated with adverse effects in healthy adult population. While, high levels of caffeine consumption have been linked to a variety of illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Despite these findings, there remains a gap in research relating to whether caffeine consumption adversely affects one‟s wellbeing as measured by overall self-rated health. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the association of caffeine consumption and self-rated health among young and older adults. Settings: Four faculties in the Alexandria University which are Faculty of Commerce, Education, Dentistry and Pharmacy & Six clubs for older adults in Alexandria namely; El-Saada, El-Wafaa, El-Hayia Wl-Amal, El-Omr El-Zahaby, El-Hanan and El-Wedad club. Subjects:Eight hundred college students in 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th grades, &150 older adults. Tools:(1)Young and Older Adults‟ Characteristics Structured Questionnaire Sheet, it includes three parts; sociodemographic & life style, anthropometric measurements & self-rated health.(2)Young and Older Adults‟ structured Questionnaire Sheet, it includes two parts; Knowledge & awareness and caffeine consumption. (3) Focus Group Discussion Guide. Results: Both groups of young and older adults consume high level of total caffeine /day, which may contribute to increased percent of caffeine toxicity and withdrawal symptoms. There is a statistically significant difference between them p = 0.042. The main sources of caffeine consumption among both groups were tea, coffee and medications. Higher caffeine consumption among young and older adults is associated with poor self-rated health. Conclusion: There is an association between caffeine consumption in both groups and their self-rated health. Poor level of knowledge regarding caffeine was observed in the higher consumers for both groups. Caffeine consumption is also associated with poor lifestyle as smoking, lower tendency to exercise regularly, irregular sleeping habits, overweight and obesity. Recommendations: Awareness program and education is needed to correct the misconceptions college students and older adults have regarding certain aspects of caffeine, to reduce its use and mitigate potential harms.

Sexual Behaviors and Lexicons of Words Used to Talk on Sexual Issues among Young People: The Case of Debre Berhan University Students, Ethiopia

Background: Sexual practices among the young have been reported to be on the increase worldwide. Young people are more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors. Therefore, sexual behaviors among young people need more attention. The aim of this study was to explore sexual behaviors and lexicons of words used to talk about sexual issues among Debra Berhan University students. Methods: Qualitative study was conducted using 8 Focus Group Discussions (FDGs) and participant observation. Participants were selected using criterion purposive sampling. Semi-structured focus group discussion guides and observation checklists were used as data collection tools. Information was audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. ATLAS.ti 7 software was used for coding and memo developing process. Data collection and analysis were undertaken simultaneously using constant comparative analysis. Results: A total of 69 students were participated in this study. Sexual behaviors among the University students were risky. Having multiple sexual partners and sexual practice without condom with non-regular partner was common among the students. Besides, students leave the responsibility of contraceptive use for one another. Globalization, peer pressure, substance abuse, financial constraint and lack of parental control were among the main reasons for sexual practices. University students commonly use unique terms when they talk about their sexual practices than formal language used by the community. They consider these terminologies as modern languages to talk about sexual issues. Conclusion: Sexual behaviors among the University students were unsafe and affected by multiple factors. Therefore, strategies that reduce risky sexual behaviors should be considered and strengthened targeting university students. Strengthening promotion of condom use, peer education and life skill training are helpful for the university students to get rid of risky sexual practice.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Tomato Producers and Vendors in Uganda

Background: Uganda’s horticultural sub-sector is growing at a fast rate and tomato is one of the major horticultural crops with wide spread production in peri-urban and rural areas. However tomato is susceptible to different pests and diseases and this has resulted into use of synthetic pesticides as the main control strategy. There is wide spread pesticide misuse behavior amongst tomato farmers owing to different social, economical and regulatory factors. This misuse includes among others inadequate personal protection and failure to follow the recommended pre-harvest no spray interval. This puts the health of millions of tomato farmers and consumers at risk. In Uganda, information on such misuse, consumer safety, and residues in food is limited. Objectives: This article presents findings from a survey of knowledge, attitudes and practices of tomato farmers and vendors. The article also draws conclusions from the findings and recommends areas that could help to improve or avert the foregoing. Methodology: This study was carried out in Nangabo Sub-County, Kyadondo County, Wakiso District in the Central Region of Uganda. Quantitative and qualitative data was gathered using an interviewer administered structured questionnaire and Focus Group Discussion guides, respectively from 50 tomato farmers and 6 tomato vendors in June 2013. Quantitative data analysis was done using the Epi Info statistical package software, while the qualitative data were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed on the basis of the themes/objectives of the study, namely, pesticide use and handling knowledge, attitudes and practices by farmers and vendors. Results: 41.4 years was the average age of farmer respondents. 26% were females. 56% had completed secondary education. 92% spray with synthetic pesticides as their main control tactic against pests and diseases. 44% reported spraying three times in a week during the wet season. 24.5% were not aware of any health risks of spraying tomatoes close to harvest time. 45.8% reported spraying their tomatoes less than a week to harvest time while 29.2% of the respondents sprayed their tomatoes at/after harvest; with reason for this spraying being to extend the shelf-life ( according to 70% of respondents), to attract customers (50%) and to control pests and diseases (46%). Class II pesticide, especially organophosphates were the most used. Conclusion: Recommended pesticide usage is not followed. Inadequate personal protection and use of pesticides for wrong purposes are prevalent misuse behavior. Market demand, lack of knowledge, financial constraints and community beliefs influence pesticide use behavior. Shelf life and tomato appearance are the key drivers of nonobservance of the pre-harvest no spray period. Education influences farmers’ safe use but doesn’t guarantee producer concern towards the consumer. Money takes precedence compared to health, amongst these tomato farmers.

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Tomato Producers and Vendors in Uganda

Background: Uganda’s horticultural sub-sector is growing at a fast rate and tomato is one of the major horticultural crops with wide spread production in peri-urban and rural areas. However tomato is susceptible to different pests and diseases and this has resulted into use of synthetic pesticides as the main control strategy. There is wide spread pesticide misuse behavior amongst tomato farmers owing to different social, economical and regulatory factors. This misuse includes among others inadequate personal protection and failure to follow the recommended pre-harvest no spray interval. This puts the health of millions of tomato farmers and consumers at risk. In Uganda, information on such misuse, consumer safety, and residues in food is limited. Objectives: This article presents findings from a survey of knowledge, attitudes and practices of tomato farmers and vendors. The article also draws conclusions from the findings and recommends areas that could help to improve or avert the foregoing. Methodology: This study was carried out in Nangabo Sub-County, Kyadondo County, Wakiso District in the Central Region of Uganda. Quantitative and qualitative data was gathered using an interviewer administered structured questionnaire and Focus Group Discussion guides, respectively from 50 tomato farmers and 6 tomato vendors in June 2013. Quantitative data analysis was done using the Epi Info statistical package software, while the qualitative data were audio recorded, transcribed and analysed on the basis of the themes/objectives of the study, namely, pesticide use and handling knowledge, attitudes and practices by farmers and vendors. Results: 41.4 years was the average age of farmer respondents. 26% were females. 56% had completed secondary education. 92% spray with synthetic pesticides as their main control tactic against pests and diseases. 44% reported spraying three times in a week during the wet season. 24.5% were not aware of any health risks of spraying tomatoes close to harvest time. 45.8% reported spraying their tomatoes less than a week to harvest time while 29.2% of the respondents sprayed their tomatoes at/after harvest; with reason for this spraying being to extend the shelf-life ( according to 70% of respondents), to attract customers (50%) and to control pests and diseases (46%). Class II pesticide, especially organophosphates were the most used. Conclusion: Recommended pesticide usage is not followed. Inadequate personal protection and use of pesticides for wrong purposes are prevalent misuse behavior. Market demand, lack of knowledge, financial constraints and community beliefs influence pesticide use behavior. Shelf life and tomato appearance are the key drivers of nonobservance of the pre-harvest no spray period. Education influences farmers’ safe use but doesn’t guarantee producer concern towards the consumer. Money takes precedence compared to health, amongst these tomato farmers.

Food security and nutritional status of children under-five in households affected by HIV and AIDS in Kiandutu informal settlement, Kiambu County, Kenya.

BackgroundHIV and AIDS affect most the productive people, leading to reduced capacity to either produce food or generate income. Children under-fives are the most vulnerable group in the affected households. There exists minimal information on food security status and its effect on nutritional status of children under-fives in households affected by HIV and AIDS. The aim of this study was to assess food security and nutritional status of children under-five in households affected by HIV and AIDS in Kiandutu informal settlement, Kiambu County.MethodsA cross-sectional analytical design was used. A formula by Fisher was used to calculate the desired sample size of 286. Systematic random sampling was used to select the children from a list of identified households affected by HIV. A questionnaire was used to collect data. Focus group discussion (FGD) guides were used to collect qualitative data. Nutri-survey software was used for analysis of nutrient intake while ENA for SMART software for nutritional status. Data were analyzed using SPSS computer software for frequency and means. Qualitative data was coded and summarized to capture the emerging themesResults and discussionResults show that HIV affected the occupation of people with majority being casual laborers (37.3 %), thus affecting the engagement in high income generating activities. Pearson correlation coefficient showed a significant relationship between dietary diversity score and energy intake (r = 0.54 p = 0.044) and intake of vitamin A, iron, and zinc (p < 0.05). A significant relationship was also noted on energy intake and nutritional status (r = 0.78 p = 0.038). Results from FGD noted that HIV status affected the occupation due to stigma and frequent episodes of illness. The main source of food was purchasing (52.7 %). With majority (54.1 %) of the households earning a monthly income less than US$ 65, and most of the income (25.7 %) being used for medication, there was food insecurity as indicated by a mean household dietary diversity score of 3.4 ± 0.2. This together with less number of meals per day (3.26 ± 0.07 SD) led to consumption of inadequate nutrients by 11.4, 73.9, 67.7, and 49.2 % for energy, vitamin A, iron, and zinc, respectively. This resulted to poor nutritional status noted by a prevalence of 9.9 % in wasting. Stunting and underweight was 17.5 and 5.5 %, respectively. Qualitative data shows that the stigma due to HIV affected the occupation and ability to earn income.ConclusionsThe research recommends a food-based intervention program among the already malnourished children.

Community participation in the management of forest reserves in the Northern Region of Ghana

ABSTRACTThe 1994 forest and wildlife policy of Ghana provides the basis for community participation in forest management through participatory forest management. Even though forest reserves in the Northern Region are said to be managed collaboratively, fringe communities are supposedly involved only in maintenance activities of the reserve boundaries and seedling planting in plantation programmes. The forest reserves are said to be threatened by illegal activities from the fringe communities. This study therefore examined the nature of community participation in the management of forest reserves.It is a mixed method research in which structured interview schedule, in-depth interview and focus group discussion guides were used for data collection. Respondents comprised community members, forestry staff and NGOs. Communities’ participation was found to be passive and tokenistic and limited to boundary cleaning and providing labour on plantations. There is no formal collaboration between communities and Forest Services Division. Prospects to communities’ participation lie in the continuous flow of benefits and their active involvement in management decisions. Active involvement of communities in all decision-making processes, capacity building of communities and forestry staff, incentive schemes and awareness creation are recommended for promoting community participation in managing forest reserves in Northern Region.