African Journal of Social Work

Transnational families in urban areas of Ethiopia: understanding the lived experiences of children left behind

Eliyas TAHA, Faye MISHNA, Ashenafi HAGOS — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Despite a huge flow of international labor migration, sub-Saharan Africa has not been given due consideration in the transnational families literature. There is a considerable flow of international labor migration from Ethiopia to economically prosperous countries. This study aims to explore and understand the lived experiences and life tapestry of children left-behind by one or both parents in Addis Ababa and Adama City, Ethiopia. The study was informed by the "new social studies of childhood" theory, which considers children as active in constructing their lives and those around them. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 25 children who experienced parental migration. The findings revealed that parental migration has many significant effects in shaping and permeating children's lives and identities—their emotions, education, and living arrangements. Despite children's spatio-temporal separation, smartphones were found to play a prominent role in fostering parent-child relationships. Parental migration affected children's aspirations, specifically to be reunited with their migrant parent(s). This study contributes by expanding our understanding of children left-behind in Ethiopia and identifies social work services that need attention. In the existing policies related to children in Ethiopia, children left-behind must be considered as a segment of the population that requires earnest attention.

Current and previous volumes are available at: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net

HOW TO REFERENCE USING ASWDNET STYLE
Eliyas T. Faye M. & Ashenafi H. (2024). Transnational families in urban areas of Ethiopia: understanding the lived experiences of children left behind. African Journal of Social Work, 14(6), 303-310. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v14i6.1

Supporting informal older adult caregivers in Nigeria: Recommendations for policy

Chika Rita IKEORJI, ThankGod Chiamaka UBANI — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The aim of this study was to understand the roles of informal caregivers in Nigeria and how to support them in providing quality care for older adults. Despite their indispensable contributions, informal caregivers encounter numerous challenges, including physical and emotional strain, financial constraints, and a lack of recognition and support. Currently, Nigeria lacks specific policies supporting informal caregivers, making it imperative to establish comprehensive measures addressing their needs. This study adopted a systematic review approach using secondary data resources from reputable data bases such as Google scholar, PubMed and African Journals Online. The Ujama African theory was used as a theoretical framework. The cultural, economic, and systemic factors influencing informal caregiving in Nigeria impacts the quality of care provided to older adults and the wellbeing of caregivers. The findings showed the need for families, social workers and government to provide financial support, respite, training, education, and access to healthcare services for caregivers. It was recommended that policy should not only acknowledge the significance of informal caregivers but also offer the necessary support to ensure the well-being of both caregivers and the older population they serve. Older adults and their caregivers should be considered while implementing social support and care systems in Nigeria.

Current and previous volumes are available at: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net

HOW TO REFERENCE USING ASWDNET STYLE
Ikeorji, C. R. & Ubani, T. C. (2024). Supporting informal older adult caregivers in Nigeria: recommendations for policy. African Journal of Social Work, 14(6), 311-320. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v14i6.2

Integrating African epistemologies in social work: The role of proverbs

Vincent MABVURIRA, Jabulani MAKHUBELE — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +0000

The colonisation of Africa saw an onslaught of African ways of knowing and celebration of western epistemologies. During colonial and postcolonial eras, African indigenous knowledge systems have been decimated, trivialized, and received little to no attention in the education and professionalization of most disciplines. Therefore, what constitutes 'basic knowledge' in most disciplines has generally ignored traditional African knowledge systems despite their utility in specific contexts. Despite the call to decolonize social work, its education continues to be based on teaching content developed outside of Africa. The resources used in social work education are often informed by western epistemologies, though the decolonization process requires the development of approaches, perspectives, models, and theories that speak to African contexts. In this current paper, we argue that African proverbs that are central to African epistemologies can form a prominent jigsaw part in the knowledge base for decoloniality in social work. Very few scholars have studied the applicability of proverbs in the social work profession. These proverbs are found in almost all African languages and cultures, which makes it easy for social workers to apply them in their localities. During training, social workers should be taught to identify proverbs in local cultures and apply them in their professional practice. Such proverbs may guide the conduct and professional behaviour of social workers, their interaction with clients, as well as influencing techniques and approaches used in problem solving. There are innumerable proverbs found in the breath and width of Africa, and only a few will be selected to demonstrate their pertinence in social work practice. The proverbs help to promote contextualism in the practice of social work. They help promote good communication between social workers and clients, promote good moral and professional conduct, and respect for clients.

Current and previous volumes are available at: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net

HOW TO REFERENCE USING ASWDNET STYLE

Mabvurira, V. and Makhubele, J. (2024). Integrating African epistemologies in social work: The role of proverbs. African Journal of Social Work, 14(6), 321-327. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v14i6.3

Sectors labour force participation and poverty in the Douala Metropolis of Cameroon

Billa Robert NANCHE — Fri, 12 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +0000

This work examines how difficult economic situation has affected the quality of workers’ family life in the domains of domestic comfort, health seeking behaviour, feeding habits and leisure activities. The systematic non-random sampling method was used to select respondents in which we started with an nth subject and then selected every twentieth unit after the first was selected. We discovered that the higher the rate of decent jobs in a sector, the higher the income inequality in that sector and precarious sectors like the informal and agricultural sectors have very low-income inequality. The public sector is a very decent sector in Cameroons with more decent jobs concentration and less income inequality than the private sector which has less decent jobs and higher inequality. The higher the income inequality in a sector, the higher the inequality of workers’ access to modern health facilities and the diversification of their leisure activities. Works in Douala do not help workers to live a sustainable life void of poverty, hunger, indecent and health problems. The government should invest in education and training, promote the private sector and the agricultural sector to enhance employability and to identify and register informal sector workers.

Current and previous volumes are available at: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net

HOW TO REFERENCE USING ASWDNET STYLE

Nanche, B. R. (2024). Sectors labour force participation and poverty in the Douala Metropolis of CameroonAfrican Journal of Social Work, 14(6), 328-341. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v14i6.4

Challenges with the adoption of indigenous theories in Nigerian social work field practice

Nma-Njoku Alexandra CHUKWU, Ngozi Rita OKAFOR, Amarachi IDU — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Social work field practice is a major component of social work education programs where students learn to practice social work through educationally focused experienced in agencies and community settings. A social worker in an African setting, should be well equipped with indigenous African theories, which interacts with culture and norms of client’s environment. However, most social work students apply foreign theories and approaches during field work practice. This study investigates the challenges in the adoption of indigenous theories among students during social work field practice in Nigerian setting. The study adopted a qualitative method of data collection using the focus group discussion (FGD) and In-depth interview guide (IDI) in generating data among 80 social work students and 20 lecturers using multistage sampling technique. An informed consent form was used in the identification of participants who were interested in the study. The study revealed insufficient classroom training using indigenous theories as a major challenge in the adoption of indigenous theories. Recommendations for a reorientation of social work educators and adjustment in the social work curriculum to suit practitioner settings were made.

Current and previous volumes are available at: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net

HOW TO REFERENCE USING ASWDNET STYLE

Nma-Njoku Alexandra Chukwu N A, Okafor N R & Idu A (2024). Challenges with the adoption of indigenous theories in Nigerian social work field practice. African Journal of Social Work, 14(6), 342-350. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v14i6.5

Social protection measures utilised by older widows in Kamuli, Uganda: An African feminist perspective

Deborah ATWINE, Mziwandile SOBANTU — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Globally, social protection has become a key policy trend to afford the ‘greying’ population an opportunity to age with dignity amidst escalating nutrition and health care costs. As people are living longer, countries are increasingly urged to come up with concrete social protection measures that will promote equal opportunities particularly for older persons. Despite the progress made by the Ugandan government, social protection policies are arguably not gender sensitive. Informed by the African feminist perspective, this paper explores and describes the social protection measures that are utilised by older widows in Kamuli, Uganda. The African feminist perspective provides a contextualised understanding of the vulnerability facing older widows against the backdrop of the interrelated forms of injustice that confront them. Data was collected from 16 widows and 4 key informants through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, respectively. The findings revealed that older widows in particular face a nexus of related challenges that puts them at a higher risk of poverty and deprivation. The older widows use formal social protection measures, while all also utilising indigenous pathways. Particularly for social work practice and education, this paper recommends greater sensitivity by social workers and policy to the social and economic realties of older widows in addition to the structural barriers that perpetuate their disadvantage.

Current and previous volumes are available at: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net

HOW TO REFERENCE USING ASWDNET STYLE

Atwine D, Sobantu M and Raniga T (2024). Social protection measures utilised by older widows in Kamuli, Uganda: An African feminist perspective. African Journal of Social Work, 14(6), 351-360. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v14i6.6

Determinants of the relationship between medical social work and psychology practice in health in Arab societies

Mohamed M. SHAHIN, Yaser SNOUBAR — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Health and disease issues have become increasingly prominent in social and psychological sciences, particularly in their application within humanitarian assistance professions. These disciplines collaborate to protect society from diseases and ensure high-quality healthcare for diverse patient groups. This study explores the professional practices of social work and psychology in the health sector across Arab societies, focusing on the collaborative relationship between medical social workers and health psychologists. By reviewing theoretical literature, previous research, and field observations, the study identifies essential mechanisms for enhancing these professionals' preventive and therapeutic roles. These mechanisms include integrated care models, crisis intervention strategies, patient education programs, and collaborative approaches between social workers and psychologists. The study also addresses the challenges these professionals face, such as administrative burdens and the need for further professional development. The findings suggest that a closer integration of medical social work and health psychology leads to significant improvements in patient outcomes and the overall effectiveness of healthcare services in Arab countries. This research highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in healthcare, advocating for stronger collaboration between these fields to enhance the quality of care and support provided to patients.

Current and previous volumes are available at: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net

HOW TO REFERENCE USING ASWDNET STYLE

Mohamed, M. S. & Snoubar, Y. (2024). Determinants of the relationship between medical social work and psychology practice in health in Arab societies. African Journal of Social Work, 14(6), 361-371. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v14i4.7

Person-centred approach to substance-induced psychosis management among adolescents in Zimbabwe’s psychiatric hospitals: insights from hospital social workers

Florence GWANGWADZA, Taruvinga MUZINGILI, Floyd A SADOMBA — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The study investigates hospital social workers' views on using a person-centred approach in the management of substance-induced psychosis among adolescents admitted to psychiatric hospitals. Specifically, the study looks at the critical requirements needed to achieve a person-centred approach in the management of substance-induced psychosis in Zimbabwe’s psychiatric hospitals. The study used a qualitative approach to gather data from 11 hospital social workers, recruited through the purposive sampling technique. Data were collected through key informant interviews. The study used an inductive thematic analysis approach to analyze the data and identify the key themes guiding the person-centred approach in the management of substance-induced psychosis. Biopsychological and medical approaches dominate current practice in substance-induced psychosis management, relegating social and cultural aspects of adolescence to a peripheral role. Based on Afrocentric Afrocentricity ideas, the study concluded that a person-centred approach to treating drug-related psychosis in teens should include more than just medical and biopsychological aspects. It should also take into account each person's cultural, spiritual, and social differences.

Current and previous volumes are available at: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net

HOW TO REFERENCE USING ASWDNET STYLE

Gwangwadza F, Muzingili T and Sadomba F A (2024). Person-centred approach to substance-induced psychosis management among adolescents in Zimbabwe’s psychiatric hospitals: insights from hospital social workers. African Journal of Social Work, 14(6), 372-382. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v14i6.8

Ubuntu Ethics: A framework for rehumanising social research with young people

Trevor MAKHETHA — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Ubuntu is an African moral and philosophic worldview based on the values of shared and interconnected humanness. This contribution argues that Ubuntu can and should be extended to the realm of social science research by embracing Ubuntu ethics: an alternative ethical framework to the dominant Western-centric conventions. This presents social science researchers with a viable opportunity to open areas of inquiry that are often considered too sensitive, taboo, or risky to study. This is especially true for researchers working in oppressive, exploitative, exclusionary, and dehumanising contexts. This youth-centred qualitative study shows that research which embraces Ubuntu ethics has the potential to rehumanise research participants and researchers alike. By reflecting on research conducted with young people who work and live on the streets of Cape Town, I illustrate the transformative potential of research rooted in Ubuntu Ethics. This contribution offers a novel reformulation of research ethics in practice, specifically useful for the teaching and practice of Social Work Research in Africa.

Current and previous volumes are available at: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net

HOW TO REFERENCE USING ASWDNET STYLE

Makhetha T (2024). Ubuntu Ethics: A framework for rehumanising social research with young people. African Journal of Social Work, 14(6), 382-391. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v14i6.9

An African view of ethics for research and practice: Ethics letter two (2) from the African Independent Ethics Committee (AIEC)

Tracy B. E. OMOROGIUWA, Rugare MUGUMBATE — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The African independent Ethics Committee (AIEC) was set up in 2021 to provide ethics advice to African researchers and researchers in Africa, initially with a bias towards social work and development. In 2023, the committee was enlarged to include people who work with communities, African cultural experts and professionals. The committee issues advisory letters, and this is the second one. In this letter, the AIEC provides a view of ethics for research and practice. Eight key ethics derived from Ubuntu are presented and discussed.

Current and previous volumes are available at: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net

HOW TO REFERENCE USING ASWDNET STYLE

Omorogiuwa T B E and Mugumbate R (2024). An African view of ethics for research and practice: Ethics letter two (2) from the African Independent Ethics Committee (AIEC). African Journal of Social Work, 14(6), 392-395. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v14i6.10

Your child is my child! The plea to address challenges of school violence in South Africa

Mohale TSHEPISO, Skhosana Rebecca MMAMOAGI — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The incidence of violence in schools and their surroundings is increasing. Although violence within schools is not a new phenomenon, the recent spate of attacks in South African schools resulting in the loss of lives of both learners and educators has raised serious concerns. This study aimed to develop an in-depth understanding of the challenges experienced by educators in addressing violence in schools. This study applied a ‘qualitative research approach’ to develop an in-depth understanding of the challenges experienced by educators in addressing violence in schools. The objectives were to explore and describe the challenges educators face in addressing violence in schools and make recommendations. Only educators from the four schools in Soweto, Braamfischerville, Gauteng Province, South Africa, were selected by employing ‘purposive sampling’. The study was guided by two theoretical frameworks: social learning theory and Ubuntu philosophy. The data was analysed using Tesch's eight steps, with ethical considerations considered. The results indicate a rising trend of violence in schools, which is exacerbated by the lack of sufficient resources and effective disciplinary measures to tackle this issue. The study also underscores that Ubuntu is the cornerstone in communities and emphasises an urgent need for the government to collaborate with educators and provide them with the necessary support to mitigate the challenges of school violence.

Current and previous volumes are available at: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net

HOW TO REFERENCE USING ASWDNET STYLE

Mohale T. and Skhosana R. M. (2024). Your child is my child! The plea to address challenges of school violence in South Africa. African Journal of Social Work, 14(6), 396-406. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v14i6.11

Exploring changing dynamics in subsistence farming: narratives of women farmers in Western Kenya

Njeri KAGOTHO, G. O. AKURA, Michael O. OTIENO — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Despite the great potential that small-scale farming holds, there remain widespread impediments to the adoption of economically and environmentally sustainable agricultural practices. Of particular interest to this discourse are poor women who live off ecologically fragile lands. In addition, while these women hold the primary responsibility for household food production, their ability to fully leverage the land on which they subsist remains attenuated. Using an institutional framework, this qualitative study explored the experiences of women engaged in subsistence farming in western Kenya by interviewing women engaged in subsistence farming (n=41), community gatekeepers and local government officials (n=15). The study’s central emergent theme indicated that farming decision-making was informed by women’s agricultural knowledge, socio-cultural obligations, their kinship ties, and services provided by both government and non-governmental agencies. As society has changed, the socio-cultural rules which were once designed to secure generational wealth have become untenable for women, youth, and other minoritized groups. This, coupled by weak interventions in the public and private sector and the changing ecology has increased the fragility of subsistence farming. Social work practitioners working with small-scale farmers in the region should consider the implications these factors have on clients’ ability to engage in viable agricultural activities.

Current and previous volumes are available at: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net

How to reference using ASWNet style:

Kagotho, N., Akura, G. O. and Otieno, M. O. (2024). Exploring changing dynamics in subsistence farming: Narratives of women farmers in Western Kenya. African Journal of Social Work, 14(6), 407-416. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v14i6.12