Journal of Social Development in Africa

Journal of Social Development in Africa Volume 38 No. 2

Victor, N. Muzvidziwa — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000

No Abstract

Challenges and Opportunities for Child-Sensitive Social Protection Programmes in Zimbabwe

Witness Chikoko, Kudzai Mwapaura — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000

There is a growing need among social workers and stakeholders that have a bearing on the welfare of children to find the best ways to respond to the specific challenges faced by children and their families. The article interrogates the child-sensitive social protection programmes in Zimbabwe in terms of opportunities and challenges. The review process targeted both formal and non- formal social protection programmes. Some of the social protection programmes include; the harmonised social cash transfer programme, the assisted medical treatment order (AMTO), the basic education assistance module (BEAM), the child supplementary feeding programme, zunde ramambo, and sara pavana among others. The review is based on qualitative documentary analysis. The child rights perspective has been adopted to analyse the sensitivity of the social protection programmes in Zimbabwe. The research findings suggest that the child-centeredness of the social protection programmes in Zimbabwe is severely affected by the nature and level of the challenges they face. The article concludes by lobbying and advocating for social protection programmes in Zimbabwe to put children at the centre of their programming.

Perspectives of stakeholders on the implementation of the Basic Education Assistance Module in Zimbabwe

Joice Kanengoni, Edmarie Pretorius — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This article is based on a study conducted on the contribution of the Basic Education Assistance Module (BEAM) in enhancing access to education in Gutu District, Zimbabwe. The aim of the study was to explore the perspectives of stakeholders on how the Zimbabwean BEAM enables Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVCs) to access education. A qualitative research approach and a case study design was employed in this study. Purposive sampling was used to sample eight stakeholders who were involved with the implementation of BEAM on a local level. The method of data collection was audio-recorded face to face interviews. A semi-structured interview guide was used in the process of data collection. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. The study findings revealed that BEAM facilitates access to education in the Gutu District. The focus is on the education of girl children as there is high prevalence of school dropouts among girl children in Gutu District. Active participation of community members and involved stakeholders are characteristics of the BEAM implementation process. However, the inconsistent and low budgetary allocations that characterise BEAM compromise its effective implementation. To enhance the effectiveness of BEAM an improved and consistent budgetary allocation is required. To raise awareness on BEAM community workshops on BEAM must be implemented and the establishment of feeding programmes for beneficiaries of BEAM is recommended.

Trends and Patterns of Maternal Mortality in Nigeria: Any link with Economic Growth?

Elizabeth Omolola Oyedepo — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000

By recent WHO records, Nigeria is the third most unsafe place in the world to procreate as it’s one of the leading countries with the worst maternal mortality rates after South Sudan and Chad. This study was conducted to assess the trends and patterns of maternal mortality in Nigeria and to determine if it has any association with economic growth. Ordinary least squares regression was employed in the study and findings showed that a significant increase in female life expectancy (p<0.01) and economic growth (p<0.05) leads to a reduction in maternal mortality. However, increase in female fertility rate (p<0.01), life time risk of maternal death (p<0.01) and neonatal mortality rates (p<0.01) significantly leads to an increase in maternal mortality in Nigeria. Policies that will encourage economic growth effectively are recommended. Adequate funding should be granted the health sector to provide facilities for quality health care delivery. More education on family planning should be made available to women of reproductive ages in Nigeria.

Standing at the crossroads: An overview of reflections on paradigms of African women’s inclusion and exclusion in the religion and gender relations discourse in Zimbabwe

Gilbert Tarugarira, Annah Moyo — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Although the traditional image of women in religion portrays them as passive and docile, women have not been mere victims of subordinate religious and gender roles but active agents in the construction of their religious identity and belief. The study explores the historical and psychosocial dimensions of African traditional religious beliefs and practices which have exacerbated the subordination of women. A revelation is made that; while Christianity challenged the hegemony of the local eco-religion- cum-royal ancestor cults, within both traditional and Christian religion, women have fought for and continue to fight for their own free space in which they can develop a sense of solidarity and autonomy.