Abstract This paper reflects on the ontological, epistemological and methodological underpinnings of the two major research approaches i.e the quantitative and the qualitative approaches. Their differences, occasioned by these philosophical foundations are discussed and practical implications examined. It is our view that this paper will have positive impact on the work of researchers and students undertaking courses in research studies
Abstract/Overview Monitoring and evaluation are important management functions in ensuring that program/project objectives remain on course and the expected outcomes are realized. However, there is limited information on how different monitoring and evaluation (M&E) design components affect program outcome(s). Specifically, the extant literature is not clear on how frequency of monitoring regimes affects ultimate program outcomes. The study‟s main objective was to assess the effect of moni...
Abstract/Overview Since 1990, more than 1.1 billion people have moved out of extreme poverty globally. Africa is the poorest, with 28 of the world‟s poorest countries, and more than half of the world‟s poor, living in Sub-Sahara. Kenya is ranked eighth globally and sixth in Africa, among countries with the largest number of people living in extreme poverty with 29% (14.7 million) of its population consuming less than $1.90 (Sh197) per day or Kshs 5,910 monthly. Marsabit County, poverty i...
Abstract/Overview Conditional cash transfers are increasingly becoming best practice in the social sector for developing countries. In 2004, Orphans and Vulnerable Children Cash Transfer was introduced on pilot basis in Kenya. This was in response to the impact of HIV/Aids on children. A study carried out by Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (2006) show poverty rates tend to be higher among vulnerable groups such as children (53.5%), including orphans and vulnerable children (54.1%). Kenya...
Abstract/Overview Conditional cash transfers are increasingly becoming a best practice in the social sector for developing countries. In 2004, Orphans and Vulnerable Children Cash Transfer was introduced on pilot basis in Kenya. This was in response to the impact of HIV/Aids on children. A study carried out by Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (2006) show poverty rates tend to be higher among vulnerable groups such as children (53.5%), including orphans and vulnerable children (54.1%). Ken...
X-rays play a vital role in medical diagnosis and therapy. Exposure to radiation can however cause a variety of biological mutations. The effects of exposure to radiation could be as severe as leading to rapid death when the whole body is irradiated with large doses. They could also be so minimal and almost negligible for a variable period of time after low doses until delayed effects of radiation manifests in a group of the exposed individuals. As a result, x-rays pose a threat to the safety...
Abstract: Energy affects all aspects of development: social, economic and environmental, including livelihoods, access to water, agricultural productivity, health, population levels and education. Public schools spend a lot of money every year on energy bills. Currently, they are experiencing an exponential increase in student enrolment which puts more pressure on energy needs. This study focuses on cost benefit analysis of different energy sources used in public secondary schools in Mtito A...
Abstract: 'n Studie is op die vlakhaas in die Willern Pretorius-wildtuin vanaf Januarie 1975 tot September 1977 uitgevoer. Tydens die studie is aspekte soos reproduksie, enkele morfologiese en fisiologiese aspekte, habitatsvoorkeure, aktiwiteite, loopgebiede en territoria onder soek. Uit 'n monster van vlakhase wat maandeliks versamel is, is gevind dat die vlakhaas die hele jaar teel maar 'n duidelike hoof-teelseisoen kom tussen Julie en Desember voor waartydens 76,72 persent van die jaarlik...
Abstract: Aloe ankoberensis M.G. Gilbert & Sebsebe and A. debrana Christian are endemic species of Ethiopia that are currently listed as endangered and least concern, respectively under international union for conservation of nature (IUCN) category. Recent studies concluded that climate change is predicted to be one of the primary drivers which determine the distribution of plant species. Therefore, this study aimed to model the distribution of A. ankoberensis and A. debrana under different ...
Abstract: Climate variability poses threats to agriculture and natural resources across the world. Studies on the effect of climate variability on specific crops and farmers perception on the variability are necessary to make targeted and effective adaptation measures. Based on this reality, this study assessed impact of climate variability on barley production and farmers’ perception and adaption responses in Misha District. A households’ survey was carried for a total of 129 household ...
Abstract: As water regulates fish’s life functions such as feeding, swimming, breeding, digestion, and excretion; the change in water quality and availability due to existing natural or anthropogenic activities can adversely affect its production. Physico-chemical water quality characteristics provide important information about the suitability of water for fish production. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the physico-chemical characteristics of Dembi reservoir water in r...
Abstract: Wheat (Triticum aestivum L) is one of the most important cereal crops grown in Awbare district mainly for improving households’ income and food security.The aim of this study was therefore to assess the adoption status and identify determinants of adoption of improved bread wheat varieties in Awbare district, Somali Regional State. This study considered 160 randomly selected sample households for face to face interview. Key informants interviews and focus group discussions were u...
Abstract: A significant increase in low carbon investments is required to limit global warming to less than 2°C. For example, about USD 900 billion should be invested annually in the energy sector up to 2030 to meet this target. Climate finance provides opportunities for investments in climate-smart projects. Such investments could enhance Africa’s adaptive capacity, food security and economic growth. Nonetheless, Africa lags behind in the access and utilisation of these funds. Climate fi...
Abstract: Understanding the challenges to increasing maize productivity in sub-Saharan Africa, especially agronomic factors that reduce on-farm crop yield, has important implications for policies to reduce national and global food insecurity. Previous research on the maize yield gap has tended to emphasize the size of the gap (theoretical vs. achievable yields), rather than what determines maize yield in specific contexts. As a result, there is insufficient evidence on the key agronomic and ...
Abstract: This study examines the farm-level economic benefits and aggregate welfare impacts of adopting push–pull technology (PPT)—an innovative, integrated pest and soil-fertility management strategy—with a set of household- and plot-level data collected in western Kenya. The evaluation is based on a combination of econometric and economic surplus analysis. Treatment effect estimates are used to assess the technology-induced shift in the maize supply curve, which is then used as an i...