Practice In Zimbabwe Research Articles

Management and maintenance of research data by researchers in Zimbabwe

PurposeThe concept of research data management (RDM) is new in Zimbabwe and other developing countries. Research institutions are developing research data repositories and promoting the archiving of research data. As a way of creating awareness to researchers on RDM, the purpose of this paper is to determine how researchers are managing their research data and whether they are aware of the developments that are taking place in RDM.Design/methodology/approachA survey using a mixed method approach was done and an online questionnaire was administered to 100 researchers in thirty research institutions in Zimbabwe. Purposive sampling was done by choosing participants from the authors of articles published in journals indexed by Google Scholar, Scopus and Web of Science. Interviews were done with five top researchers. The data was analysed using NVIVO. The results were presented thematically. The questionnaire was distributed using the research offices of the selected 30 research institutions. There was a 75% response rate.FindingsThe findings indicated that all the researchers are aware of the traditional way of managing research data. A total of 70% of the respondents are not aware of the current trends in RDM services, as they are keeping their data on machines and external hard drives, while 97.3% perceive RDM services as useful, as it is now a requirement when applying for research grants. Librarians have a bigger role to play in creating awareness on RDM among researchers and hosting the data repositories for archiving research data.Practical implicationsResearch institutions can invest in research data services and develop data repositories. Librarians will participate in educating researchers to come up with data management plans before they embark on a research project. This study also helps to showcase the strategies that can be used in awareness creation campaigns. The findings can also be used in teaching RDM in library schools and influence public policy both at institutional and national level.Social implicationsThis study will assist in building capacity among stakeholders about RDM. Based on the findings, research institutions should prioritise research data services to develop skills and knowledge among librarians and researchers.Originality/valueFew researches on RDM practices in Zimbabwe were done previously. Most of the papers that were published document the perception of librarians towards RDM, but this study focused mainly on researchers’ awareness and perception. The subject is still new and people are beginning to research on it and create awareness amongst the stakeholders in Zimbabwe.

Development and Psychosocial Support to Trainee Teachers by Mentors During Teaching Practice in Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT Facilitation of career development and provision of psychosocial support to trainee teachers during teaching practice can be a challenge. The interpretive paradigm and the qualitative approach and case study research design were employed in this study. Purposive sampling was used to select 27 participants which included 6 mentors, 15 trainee teachers and 5 college lecturers. Data were obtained through face to face interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis. The study revealed that mentors performed both career development and psychosocial support roles during teaching practice. It emerged that there was lack of qualified school mentors resulting in inadequate provision of career development and psychosocial support. The participants indicated that, mentors and trainee teachers encountered various challenges which hindered the effectiveness of the mentorship programme including financial constraints. The study also recommended a mentorship policy that fuses global and national trends and considering alternative mentorship models from secondary teacher-training colleges in Zimbabwe.

COVID-19 related Pharmacy education and workforce challenges in Zimbabwe

While the national lockdown has presented many challenges for both pharmacy education and pharmacy practice in Zimbabwe, pharmacy educators and policymakers have risen to the occasion, and their response has advanced the profession. This editorial describes the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on pharmacy education and the pharmacy workforce and highlights some of the pragmatic responses and an outlook for the future of pharmacy in Zimbabwe.

A Critical Ethics of Care Perspective on Refugee Income Generation: Towards Sustainable Policy and Practice in Zimbabwe’s Tongogara Camp

ABSTRACT This article critiques Zimbabwe's refugee policy and practice context, with a focus on the ideological underpinnings of aided income generation activities in Zimbabwe's Tongogara refugee camp. We apply the lenses of Joan Tronto's political, or democratic ethics of care, and Fiona Robinson's critical ethics of care, to conduct an ideology critique of the aid agencies' expressed goal of refugees' economic ‘self-reliance’. We demonstrate that their underlying assumptions about ‘dependency’ and ‘autonomy’, in conjunction with Zimbabwe's policy of refugee encampment, are at the heart of the income generation activities’ lack of sustainability. We argue further that all caring relationships are characterised by unequal power relations, and that this needs to be acknowledged in order to enable a shared commitment to equal participation, in a partnership towards agreed-upon development goals. Moreover, the ideologies of autonomy and self-reliance must be replaced with a policy commitment to fostering interdependence as the ontological condition under which income generating activities can evolve into sustainable livelihoods. We recommend that the critical ethics of care and the radical-democratic practices for which it calls, provide an apt framework within which to reconsider the policies governing refugee support and practices, so as to foster a caring context for human wellbeing.

Factors influencing household waste management practices in Zimbabwe

The management of household solid waste is a growing concern related to public health and environmental damage. The study examined socio-demographic factors, perceptions, and attitudes that influence household waste management practices in Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe. Stratified and random sampling techniques were used to select 314 participants for the study. Data obtained from the survey were analyzed using descriptive and square Chi-square tests of association. 55.7% of the 25–44 years of age group is responsible for managing waste at a household level. The results of a Chi-square test of independence suggested a strong significant association between gender, and willingness to pay for fortnight waste collection services (X2 (1) = 8.119 p < 0.017). 80.8% of respondents who are self-employed use buckets and plastic bags as waste receptacle facilities compared to 66% who are employed. Results of a fisher test indicate that there is an association between income, and waste receptacle used by participants (X2 (1) = 8.977, p < .03). However, gender, age, and level of education have no association with waste receptacle facilities used by individuals. Environmental planners need to consider socio-demographic status in formulating strategies to improve waste management practices in the developing countries context. The study recommends that local authorities need to promote active community involvement as a driver for behavior change towards sustainable solid waste disposal practices in urban areas.

Influence of multiple uses of water on the sustainability of communally-managed rural water supply systems in Zimbabwe

Abstract The utilisation of drinking water supply systems for productive uses is not a new practice in Zimbabwe and the world over. This study sought to explore how multiple uses of water, in this case community gardening as a productive use combined with domestic uses influence sustainability of communally-managed rural water supply systems. Using the independent samples t-test, it was noted that community gardening positively influences sustainability. The test was done on institutional, technical, social and financial factors of sustainability. Results showed that there were statistically significant differences in sustainability performance between water points used for multiple uses and those used for domestic uses only. However, it was also noted that using drinking water sources for multiple uses increases the frequency of water use conflicts and water point breakdowns, which negatively impact on sustainability. This means that where water sources are used for multiple uses additional management skills and resources may be required for the water points to be sustained. The study concluded that using domestic water sources for productive purposes enhances sustainability of water supply facilities; however, consideration has to be given about the relative importance and scale of the type of productive activity to be implemented.

The Tale of Two Capital Cities: the Effects of Urbanisation and Spatial Planning Heritage in Zimbabwe and Zambia

This paper examines the effects of urbanisation in the capital cities of Zimbabwe and Zambia with specific reference to their inherited spatial planning systems. Many cities around the world are faced with urbanisation challenges, owing largely to population growth caused rural-urban migration. Most of this urbanisation occurs as people search for favourable economic opportunities and a better life. The paper analyses the colonial spatial planning legacy of the two countries, highlighting how inherited spatial planning practices in Zimbabwe and Zambia has continued to influence urban development in the rapidly urbanising cities of Harare and Lusaka. Data was obtained from document reviews and the analysis of secondary data. Some data was acquired through interviews from expert planners and observations. The results revealed that urbanisation is an enduring phenomenon in these capital cities, and the growth of slums and informal settlements is very pronounced there. Although efforts have been made to address challenges associated with urbanisation, these have not been sufficient. Moreover, although Harare and Lusaka are experiencing rapid urbanisation, minimal priority is given to deliberately reviewing their spatial planning systems and addressing their urbanisation challenges. Noteworthy attempts have been made to control urbanisation in Harare and Lusaka, but these have largely been inadequate due to the lack of will to review the adopted colonial spatial planning frameworks in Zimbabwe and Zambia. There is need, therefore, for strong spatial planning institutions and sustainable statutory frameworks that address contemporary urbanisation problems in these Third World cities.

Closing the Gaps in Disaster Management and Response: Drawing on Local Experiences with Cyclone Idai in Chimanimani, Zimbabwe

Cyclone Idai in Zimbabwe exposed deficiencies in the country’s disaster management system. This study uses a phenomenological case exploration of the experiences of local residents in Rusitu Valley following cyclone-induced floods that affected the area in March 2019. Through capturing narratives of participants who were recruited through chain referrals, the research intends to understand how local actors, utilizing their local-based response systems, managed to fill in the voids that characterize disaster management practice in Zimbabwe. Results show that the participation of local “heroes” and “Samaritans,” by deploying their social networks, norms, relationships, practices, and modest ingenuity, helped to speed up response times and minimize threats to lives and livelihoods. Documentation of the stories of local actors about their disaster experiences also gives a richer picture of the Cyclone Idai disaster. Although the community response system also facilitated the operation of external disaster management agencies, their premature withdrawal tended to weaken the trust and values existing in the area, and created tensions between the disaster-affected people and other villagers. Given the delays in formal responses by the government and other external relief agencies, the practices of local actors, although spontaneous and largely uncoordinated, offer rich insights into the design and development of disaster management regimes.

PERCEPTIONS AND PRACTICE OF TIPPING AMONGST DOMESTIC TOURISTS IN ZIMBABWE

Tipping is a common practice globally and at times mandatory in some societies, at the same time, some communities regard tipping as taboo. African societies view tipping differently and this poses a challenge among international tourists, particularly those from the west who are used to expressing their gratitude towards a satisfactory service through giving a tip. While it is almost certain that some nationals will always give a tip, do Africans, particularly Zimbabweans subscribe to the tipping philosophy? There is not enough literature in academia on tipping amongst African tourists, particularly those in Zimbabwe. Preliminary review of literature has revealed that there are only two studies published on the tipping practice in Zimbabwe. The one focused on the impact of tipping on waiters’ service delivery as well as working relations among waiting staff (Mkono, 2011). The other study looked at the perceptions of hotel employees towards tipping and motivation (Kazembe, Mapingure & Chimutingiza, 2014). It is evident that the published studies were all supply side oriented without considering the demand side. This study seeks to interrogate the demand side by; (i) establishing the perceptions of domestic tourists when it comes to tipping; (ii) expose the nature of tipping amongst local tourists; (iii) establishing the motivation for tipping amongst domestic tourists. The study adopted a phenomenological philosophy, and used a qualitative design to collect and analyze data. The study conveniently sampled forty (40) domestic tourists from four (4) hotels in Zimbabwe and interviewed them. The findings revealed that domestic tourists in Zimbabwe perceive tipping as an appropriate and good practice. The main form of tipping indicated in the study is the monetary. The study also found out that the motivations for tipping are as varied as the people who practice it.

Psychosocial deficits underpinning child headed households (CHHs) in Mabvuku and Tafara suburbs of Harare, Zimbabwe

Debates around the psycho-social deficits experienced by children in child headed households are necessary for the transformation of child welfare policies, philosophies and practices in Zimbabwe and beyond. This qualitative study used a case study design to explore the manifestations of the core psycho-social deficits associated with children domiciled in child headed households. The study was conceptualised around the following research question: What are the manifestations of psychosocial deficits among children living in child headed households of Mabvuku and Tafara suburbs of Harare, Zimbabwe? A total sample of fourteen participants including twelve children and two key informants were interviewed using pre-designed interview schedules. Findings revealed that psychosocial deficits among children from child headed households manifested through poor personal grooming, indecision and avoidance of challenging situations by the children; sexual violence and unplanned teenage pregnancy; familial and societal neglect, discrimination and isolation and vicarious bereavement. The study recommended moral regeneration, refinement and realignment of child welfare policies and practices; and an extension of grief counselling services to children in child headed households.

Student midwives' self-assessment of factors that improve or reduce confidence in clinical practice during a 1-year training period in Zimbabwe

Background/Aims Several studies demonstrate that midwifery students do not feel confident in their ability to practice independently post-qualification, both globally and in Zimbabwe. To build competence, it is critical that midwives are encouraged to assess factors that improve or reduce their confidence in clinical practice. This study aimed to explore factors enhancing or reducing midwifery students' confidence in clinical practice in Zimbabwe, following a 1-year training course. Methods A total of 300 midwifery students from 22 government midwifery training schools in Zimbabwe participated in a cross-sectional survey that assessed self-confidence at completion of a 1-year training course. Students responded to the question ‘What factors improved or reduced your confidence in clinical area during training?’ Thematic analysis was used to describe and interpret students' responses. Results The main theme taken from students' answers was that resource availability in the clinical learning environment is key. There were four sub-themes: (1) the midwifery education programme, (2) teaching-learning methodologies, (3) clinical instructor/supervisor professional behaviour, and (4) student fear and insecurity. Conclusions Confidence development is a process to be cultivated and nurtured in students during midwifery training. Student midwives are faced with multiple factors inherent to an unsupportive clinical learning environment, which negatively impacts their confidence. These include shortages of resources and the attitudes and teaching practices of supervisors or instructors. Focus should be given to creating a supporting clinical learning environment, to improve students' confidence and competence.

Contestation of Ideas: Media Activism and Media Democracy in Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT The struggle for media reform by media reform activists in Zimbabwe has revolutionised the media sphere from various perspectives. Regardless of these changes, the media in Zimbabwe has remained undemocratic. This article explores the extent to which media reforms adopted in the post-2000 era have democratised the media. It further examines the contestation of ideas that characterised the media reform processes in Zimbabwe. Guided by the democracy theory, the article questions the extent to which media reforms in Zimbabwe have democratised the media space. Analysis of documents and in-depth interviews with media policy actors in Zimbabwe constitute the methodology of this study. The article argues that media reforms have changed the dynamics of media policy and practice in Zimbabwe. However, despite these changes, the media has remained undemocratic due to the hegemonic control of the media by the state.

‘Revenge Porn’ and Women Empowerment Issues: Implications for Human Rights and Social Work Practice in Zimbabwe

Although the issue of revenge porn dates back before the popularization of social media, concerns over its gender bias and other adverse concomitant ramifications have recently attracted attention from a human rights perspective. While it has been widely acknowledged that women subjugation through revenge porn is a reality in Zimbabwe, this has not been met with the radical policy reformations that the challenge demands. Using a qualitative approach, this paper explored the dynamics surrounding revenge porn as a phenomenon thwarting the efforts of women-NGOs in their fight against gender inequality and women exclusion. The paper underscores the urgent need to enact laws that would provide a clear legal and policy framework for dealing with revenge porn in Zimbabwe.

Dealing with gender-related challenges: A perspective of Zimbabwean women in the practice of law

Women in legal practice in Zimbabwe are subjected to cultural and structural restrictions in the cause of their work. In this context, the paper argues that women are not passive recipients of thes...

Inter-sectoral work practice in Zimbabwe: Professional competencies required by occupational therapists to facilitate work participation of persons with disabilities

Background Persons with disabilities experience higher unemployment rates and limited participation in work. Occupational therapy can promote participation and engagement in work by persons with disabilities. However, there is no clarity on the required set of competencies for entry-level occupational therapists with a bachelor’s degree to start up and participate in inter-sectoral work practice initiatives in Zimbabwe. Aims To explore what work practice competencies entry-level occupational therapists require to meet the work-related needs of persons with disabilities. Material and Methods This exploratory qualitative research sought to explore what professional competencies entry-level occupational therapists required for them to offer collaborative inter-sectoral work practice initiatives for persons with disabilities within the Zimbabwean context. Six participants selected using criterion sampling, participated in semi-structured interviews. Inductive content analysis was conducted. The Stellenbosch Health Research Ethics Committee and Medical Rehabilitation Practitioner’s Council of Zimbabwe gave ethical clearance and permissions to conduct the study. Results Three themes; core knowledge for work practice, skills for work practice and occupational therapy professional attributes; emerged. These were used in formulation of ten professional competency statements for occupational therapists offering work practice services. Conclusions Although Zimbabwean occupational therapists require similar competencies for work practice as those required in other countries, additional competencies that fall outside traditional health care contexts are essential in order to promote contextually relevant practice.

Greenwashing and responsible investment practices: empirical evidence from Zimbabwe

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the nature of responsible investment (RI) practices in Zimbabwe from the point of view of the institutional asset owners by investigating not only how they incorporate the ESG criteria when selecting investee companies but also the elements of greenwashing and impression management.Design/methodology/approachBased on semi-structured interviews conducted with Pension Fund Entities, Mutual Funds and Life Assurance companies, the authors used interpretive methodological approach to derive the symbolic RI techniques used.FindingsThis study discovered many symbolic acts of “greenwashing” and impression management as opposed to genuine concerns for ESG issues which are at the core of RI practice. RI is used as not only a systematic risk management instrument but also a symbolic marketing tool due to weak regulatory environment. Contrary to the significantly high public communication on RI, the actual links of the asset owners with the environmental impacts in investee companies is insignificant. The authors also found that there are clear distinctions between how foreign and local firms operating in the local economy engage on ESG matters.Practical implicationsThis is likely to have practical implications for stewardship practices in developing jurisdictions where RI practices are puerile.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the literature on RI dialogue by demonstrating the peculiarity of ESG engagement in a developing economy.

Big Brother is Watching: Surveillance Regulation and its Effects on Journalistic Practices in Zimbabwe

ABSTRACTIn many African countries, including Zimbabwe, journalists have been subjected to various policy regulations that have widely been criticised for making the practice of journalism difficult. Part of the reason has been the advent of competitive politics that have left the ruling regimes scrambling to limit freedoms and stop opposition onslaught on their power. One way the Zimbabwean government has limited freedom of expression has been through the introduction of the Interception of Communications Act, a surveillance regulation law that has had a chilling effect on the practice of journalism. This paper utilises Pierre Bourdieu’s journalistic field as theoretical lenses, focusing on the concepts of journalistic field to explore how journalists have been affected by the threats posed by this law in their daily newsgathering and production activities. The study is based on qualitative interviews with Zimbabwean journalists and civil society activists with an interest in the media, sampled from the private print media. The article argues that state surveillance has disrupted the journalistic field in the country by damaging the relationship between journalists and their sources, thus compromising one of the basic tenets of journalism. Journalists can no longer follow the widely held newsgathering routines as a result of state surveillance policies. Furthermore, investigative journalism, which was already under pressure from political influence, has been further eroded. We argue that Zimbabwe journalists need to develop reporting practices that expose surveillance and find creative ways to negotiate and resist surveillance.

Inside Mentor-Mentee Meetings in Pre-Service Teacher School-based Teaching Practice in Zimbabwe

Mentor-mentee meetings are a critical aspect of student teacher mentoring during teaching practice (TP)as they significantly contribute to the success of the whole mentoring process and consequently to the positive accomplishment of the entire practicum. This study contributes to debates on mentor-mentee meetings given the limited research on this phenomenon. By investigating the kinds of knowledge student teachers gain from such meetings, the findings may influence researchers to investigate other aspects of mentor-mentee meetings.

Solid waste management practices in Zimbabwe: A case study of one secondary school

The discourse on waste management in general and solid waste management in particular has captured the interest of many scholars. Although there is a plethora of literature on the solid waste management phenomenon globally, there is an apparent dearth of literature on solid waste management in schools in Zimbabwe. This study explored the solid waste management practices at a secondary school in Masvingo. The researchers adopted a descriptive survey research design. Data were generated from 110 learners and 3 teachers using questionnaires and interviews. The researchers also utilised observations. Findings from the study revealed that solid waste generated by the school included paper, plastics, furniture, food, vegetables, stationery and cans. In addition, the researchers noted that the school used standard bins, cardboard boxes, plastic bags, old desks and open dumping as solid waste receptacles. The researcher also established that the main solid waste disposal system at the school was open dumping. Other solid waste disposal systems identified in this study were incineration, landfills and composting. Based on the research findings, the researcher recommends waste sorting and use of durable, standard and formal receptacles.

Priority setting in otolaryngology practices in Zimbabwe.

This article describes priority setting in otorhinolaryngology healthcare services in Zimbabwe. It aims to initiate discussion on priority setting among otorhinolaryngologists working in African countries. The WHO reports that most developed countries have formal processes in place for the collection and analysis of information that is used in priority setting in healthcare services. However, many resource-limited nations lack well-defined processes for priority setting. Information surrounding priority setting in otorhinolaryngology in particular is scarce. Priority setting refers to the distribution of limited resources among competing programmes and patient or patient groups in an equitable and just manner. A dearth of information on priority setting in otorhinolaryngology exists. This silence is more pronounced in African settings. Despite the myriad of challenges facing many African countries, formal guidelines for priority setting are rare. Priority setting therefore is often haphazard and unplanned. We therefore recommend agility in bringing together otorhinolaryngology stakeholders in an effort to initiate dialogue and come up with formal processes that will collect information that will lead to provision of guidelines in priority setting.