Measuring Business Skills Cognition

The Case of Informal Sector Entrepreneurs in Kenya

Joseph Bosireand Paul Gamba

Abstract:

There has been an increased interest in informal sector business activities. One of the major concerns has been the cognitive abilities of the participants of this sector, especially in view of the liberalised and highly competitive nature of business operations today. This paper presents and discusses findings of a study on measuring Business Skills Cognition among informal sector business owners. Data were collected from 208 respondents distributed over nine trading centres in both urban and rural Kenya. Business Skills Cognition was measured using three instruments to yield a continuum of scores ranging from 45 to 265 points. It was found that informal sector business owners differ in the various dimensions of business and in Business Skills Cognition. The findings are important in evaluating the usefulness of the informal sector in employment creation and the ability of the participants to earn a comparative advantage in an increasingly complex and competitive free market system.

 

Combining Land Capability Evaluation, Geographic Information Systems, AnD Indigenous Technologies for Soil Conservation in Northern Ethiopia

Belay Tegene

Abstract:

A framework for soil conservation planning is proposed by combining land capability evaluation, geographic information systems (GIS), and indigenous conservation technologies for use in the northern Ethiopian highlands. The applicability of the framework was tested in a typical agricultural micro-watershed, i.e., the Gido watershed of South Welo. Land capability and land use status were established following the procedures of a modified treatment-oriented capability classification using GIS. The case study recommends contour-furrows and broad-based terraces on 40.67 per cent (capability unit C1), broad- to narrow-based terraces on 17.57 per cent (C2-C4), and intensive narrow-based to bench terraces on 31.95 per cent (C2/P & C3/P) of the cultivated land. The rest of the cropland is not at all suitable for annual cropping, and hence, should be put out of production. Where terraces are recommended, acceptance by farmers is ensured not only by developing the structures from indigenous technologies (i.e., ‘Weber’ and ‘Kab’ or ‘Kirit’), but also by adopting various strategies to increase their economic advantages and profitability.

 

Sub-region Differentials in Migration and Remittances in Zimbabwe between 1988-90 and 1996-98

Dick Ranga

Abstract:

In Zimbabwe, while some regions are agriculturally developed others are drought prone and poor. It is the study’s argument that such drought-prone areas are not for ever poor and under-developed. On the contrary, when agriculture becomes impractical, people can engage in other activities, migration and remittances being one of them. The study employed the household questionnaire, in-depth interview and focus group discussion to collect data and the logistic regression analytical model to assess sub-regional differentials in the likelihood to remit to households of origin. The results confirmed expectations that migration and remittances are necessary in a drought-prone region and, therefore, should be more organised.

 

TACKLING HIV/AIDS AND RELATED STIGMA IN SWAZILAND THROUGH EDUCATION

Ackson M. Kanduza

Abstract:

This paper discusses how the Swazi Government and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Swaziland have responded to HIV/AIDS between 1986 and 2002.  The central strategy has been to use education in various forms in order to change the behaviour of Swazi citizens and non-Swazi residents in the country.  This involved adoption of a policy and structures which were informed by research and a variety of field experiences.  Through the use of IEC, peer education and mass education, the Swazi Government has eventually decided to set up specialised bodies and to develop programmes focused on changing the behaviour of young people.  The central focus is to develop life styles which reduce risky behaviour and which also avoid risky situations.  The central goals of the HIV/AIDS education strategy have been to prevent HIV infection, deal with impact mitigation and eliminate stigma.

 

A PROFILE OF POVERTY IN THE LIMPOPO PROVINCE OF SOUTH AFRICA

Agyapong B. Gyekye and Oludele A. Akinboade

Abstract:

The Limpopo province is one of the poorest regions in South Africa. The article develops a poverty profile for the province by location, administrative region and racial grouping. Poverty is quite high in the rural areas though urban poverty is also significant. Bushbuckridge, Southern, Central and Lowveld administrative regions are the poorest as are non-white households.

 

Research Note

EXTRACTING A CYCLE FROM ETHIOPIAN AGRICULTURAL GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP)

Zerihun Gudeta Alemu Klopper Oosthuizen and Herman van Schalkwyk

Abstract:

This study has two objectives. First, to extract a cycle from agricultural GDP. Second, to compute the periodicity of the cycle. To achieve these objectives, a univariate time series procedure is applied. It is found that agricultural GDP is cyclic and that the cycle occurs every 8.25 years.