Browsing by Author "Dinbabo, Mulugeta"

Now showing 1 - 19 of 19
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    Assessing the impact of exports and imports on economic growth: a case study of Malawi from 1970 to 2010
    (University of the Western Cape, 2013) Nyasulu, Themba; Dinbabo, Mulugeta
    In line with neoclassical economic growth propositions that outward-orientation fosters economic growth, since independence from Britain in 1964 the Government of Malawi has placed international trade at the centre of its economic development agenda. In spite of this theoretical affirmation of the trade-growth relationship, some empirical studies that have been done both in the country and abroad show contrary results. This prompted this study to be undertaken with the aim of assessing the impact of exports and imports on economic growth in Malawi from 1970 to 2010.This study has used a neoclassic economic growth model containing gross domestic product, exports, imports, capital and labour force as variables of analysis. After collecting annual time series data on the variables for the period 1970 to 2010 from the World Bank online statistical data base, Ordinary Least Squares regression and several econometric tests were run on the model to ensure robust and accurate results. Statistical accuracy of the findings was further cemented by use of the 5 percent level of significance. Exports were found to have a positive and statistically significant effect on the country’s economic growth, while imports had a negative and insignificant influence. Similarly, capital and labour force showed a positive effect on economic growth even though the capital’s effect was statistically insignificant. Nevertheless, the study also strongly confirmed the presence of a long-run equilibrium among the variables. The above results strongly suggest that Malawi should continue with its export-led economic growth strategies such as the Economic Recovery Plan (ERP) and the Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MDGS). However, if the two economic development plans are to bear fruit this study strongly urges Malawi to consider diversifying its economy away from primary export production and instead embark on value-addition. Furthermore, the country should not only reduce the importation of consumer goods in favour of capital goods, but also improve the quality of the labour force and capital formation, if Malawi is to realise its economic development and poverty alleviation aspirations.
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    An assessment of participatory monitoring and evaluation in NGOs: a case study of SOS children’s village, Cape Town, South Africa
    (University of the Western Cape, 2018) Tewolde, Gebretedek Biruk; Dinbabo, Mulugeta
    This study is an assessment of participatory monitoring and evaluation in NGOs: a case study of SOS Children’s Village,Cape town, South Africa. The aim of the study is to examine the process of application of PM&E framework in the SOS Children’s Village Project, with a view to ascertaining its impact on the project and to provide suggestions and recommendations to SOS and NGOs in South Africa. There were four primary objectives of this study: to provide a theoretical and conceptual framework, through the discussion and/or analysis of applicable PM&E theories and concepts; to provide an overview of organizational structure of the project implementation team of SOS; to identify the different stakeholders involved in the monitoring and evaluation process; to empirically assess the process of PM&E in the SOS Project. The theoretical and conceptual framework of participatory development approach and the child rights based approach is used in this study. Both quantitative and qualitative methods of research are used throughout the study and measurement of key variables are made. While the systematic random sampling technique is utilised to collect data for the quantitative research, purposive sampling was used to select respondents for semi-structured interviews in the qualitative research. The study identified that the monitoring and evaluation process in SOS Children’s Village, Cape Town, South Africa is participatory in which the relevant stakeholders, especially the beneficiaries i.e. children participate in the monitoring and evaluation process. However, the study recommended that there should be an updated training and seminar for the staff to empower them to enhance their understanding of participatory monitoring and evaluation.
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    An assessment of participatory monitoring and evaluation in NGOs: a case study of SOS children’s village, Cape Town, South Africa
    (University of the Western Cape, 2018) Gebretedek, Biruk Tewolde; Dinbabo, Mulugeta
    This study is an assessment of participatory monitoring and evaluation in NGOs: a case study of SOS Children’s Village,Cape town, South Africa. The aim of the study is to examine the process of application of PM&E framework in the SOS Children’s Village Project, with a view to ascertaining its impact on the project and to provide suggestions and recommendations to SOS and NGOs in South Africa. There were four primary objectives of this study:to provide a theoretical and conceptual framework, through the discussion and/or analysis of applicable PM&E theories and concepts; to provide an overview of organizational structure of the project implementation team of SOS; to identify the different stakeholders involved in the monitoring and evaluation process; to empirically assess the process of PM&E in the SOS Project. The theoretical and conceptual framework of participatory development approach and the child rights based approach is used in this study. Both quantitative and qualitative methods of research are used throughout the study and measurement of key variables are made. While the systematic random sampling technique is utilised to collect data for the quantitative research, purposive sampling was used to select respondents for semi-structured interviews in the qualitative research. The study identified that the monitoring and evaluation process in SOS Children’s Village, Cape Town, South Africa is participatory in which the relevant stakeholders, especially the beneficiaries i.e. children participate in the monitoring and evaluation process. However, the study recommended that there should be an updated training and seminar for the staff to empower them to enhance their understanding of participatory monitoring and evaluation.
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    Beyond entrepreneurship education: Business incubation and entrepreneurial capabilities
    (Emerald, 2017) Ikebuaku, Kenechukwu; Dinbabo, Mulugeta
    As a way of dealing with Nigeria’s macroeconomic challenge of unemployment and its concomitant socio-economic problems, the federal government, in 2006, made entrepreneurship study a compulsory course for all higher education students irrespective of their area of specialization. However, studies have shown that the programme is yet to achieve its goals as many Nigerian graduates still remain unemployed long after graduation. Using Sen’s capability approach, this paper aims to investigate business incubation as an effective tool for enhancing entrepreneurial capabilities beyond entrepreneurship education.
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    Beyond entrepreneurship education: business incubation and entrepreneurial capabilities
    (Emerald, 2018) Ikebuaku, Kenechukwu; Dinbabo, Mulugeta
    PURPOSE – As a way of dealing with Nigeria’s macroeconomic challenge of unemployment and its concomitant socio-economic problems, the federal government, in 2006, made entrepreneurship study a compulsory course for all higher education students irrespective of their area of specialization. However, studies have shown that the programme is yet to achieve its goals as many Nigerian graduates still remain unemployed long after graduation. Using Sen’s capability approach, this paper aims to investigate business incubation as an effective tool for enhancing entrepreneurial capabilities beyond entrepreneurship education. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH– This study has engaged both quantitative (survey questionnaire) and qualitative methodologies (semi-structured interview). FINDINGS– The result shows that through business incubation, budding entrepreneurs have increased access to infrastructures and resources necessary for entrepreneurial success, thereby enhancing their real opportunities (capabilities) for success. Practical implications – For greater effectiveness, business incubation should be integrated into the current entrepreneurship education programme in Nigeria. ORIGINALITY/VALUE – This study is a debut of research endeavours which theoretically assess entrepreneurship programmes via the capability approach lens. It has developed a conceptual model for assessing business incubation using the capability approach.
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    The challenges of accessing labour markets for asylum seekers and refugees in Cape Town, South Africa: A case study of Bellville.
    (University of Western Cape, 2020) Sebakwiye, Celse; Dinbabo, Mulugeta; Penderis, Sharon
    The world has recognised the global record of increased international migrants and refugees in the last two decades. In South Africa in particular, migrants and refugees have remarkably increased in the last ten years. Refugees in South Africa face many challenges of accessing employment while the government also faces the high global unemployment of its citizens. Also, refugees have problems of accessing social services such as education, shelter, and social grants and also problems of insecurity and safety, discrimination and exclusion.
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    Child rights in Sub-Saharan Africa: a call for a right-based global research agenda
    (University of Stellenbosch, 2013) Dinbabo, Mulugeta
    Despite many achievements regarding child rights over the last 20 years, including improvements in many indicators such as the significant reduction in infant and child mortality; the more positive way of thinking about and listening to children; and increased response to those who abuse children, the rights of children are still insufficiently protected. Millions of children across the world suffer from the effects of extreme forms of poverty and their associated evils, such as malnourishment, stunted growth, nutritional-deficiency diseases and illiteracy. Recent figures from the International Labour Organisation (2010) show that, globally one in every six children work, 126 million children work in hazardous conditions, and the highest proportion of child labourers is in sub-Saharan Africa, where 26% of children (49 million) are involved in work. These figures provide only a glimpse of the challenges and obstacles that a child faces around the world
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    Dynamics of human security and regional social and economic development: A case study of the Lake Chad basin
    (University of Western Cape, 2020-09-26) Badewa, Adeyemi Saheed; Dinbabo, Mulugeta
    Transboundary river basins (TRBs), and its array of biodiversity, have created a web of complex security, socio-economic and political interdependencies among populations, communities and multiplicity of actors across the world. However, the continuous degradation of these vital resources, resulting from natural and anthropogenic factors, has serious implications for global development, peace and security. Indeed, it further threatens regional resource base, induce livelihoods impairment, scarcities and conflicts over the utilisation and control of strategic resources, particularly in the Global South. The study explored the cause effect analysis of the desiccation of Lake Chad basin and the dreadful Boko Haram crisis within the prisms of human security and regional development. It reflects on the interconnections among environmental change, human development, livelihoods, conflicts and the outcomes of interventions - military and humanitarian in reconstructing human security and regional development narratives in the Lake Chad Basin. The research was contextualised within two theoretical frameworks: eco violence, and the capability approach. This was conceived to provide an improved understanding of both the micro (individual or group interactions) and macro (large scale - national and multinational actors) development processes, the enablers and constraints of human security in the region. Their implications for regional development, security, sustainability and stabilisation process are also elucidated. Mixed-method research and a case study design was adopted to specifically study the Lake Chad impact area, covering 542,829 km2, across the four riparian countries - Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria. Although, the conventional or active basin of the lake - an estimated 984,455 km2 area was generally referenced. Purposive sampling was used to select participants for semi-structured interviews, focused group discussions (FGD) and document review.
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    The evolving role of social media in food remitting: Evidence from Zimbabwean Migrants in Cape Town, South Africa
    (University of the Western Cape, 2022) Sithole, Sean Thulani; Dinbabo, Mulugeta
    In the global South, food remittances play a significant role in the food and nutrition security of many households, especially low-income families. However, in the last two decades, debates and research on migration, remittances, and development have primarily focused on cash transfers. Non-cash remittances such as food transfers have received limited attention. The bias of being solely attentive to cash remittances is alarming. It conceals an in-depth and comprehensive grasp of food remittances' developmental and significant food security role in the global south. In addition, food remitting is a complex phenomenon that involves social networks, and emerging studies underscore how social media is transforming migrant networks. Yet, the connection between social media and migration outcomes such as remittances have been under-researched.
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    Exploring the determinants of conventional and participatory monitoring and evaluation: A case study of world vision Ethiopia (wve)
    (University of the Western Cape, 2023) Mekonnen, Endale Sebsebe; Dinbabo, Mulugeta
    For the success of development programs at any level, the process of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) plays an indispensable role. Although it has been exercised for decades in different contexts, its multidisciplinary features and variegated applications made it a complex enterprise. The complexity is due to multidisciplinary nature, differing methodological, philosophical stance and theoretical assumptions The two approaches—conventional and participatory monitoring and evaluation—said to be diametrically opposite in their epistemological, methodological stance, and practices resulting in meeting different purposes. A great deal of study has been done in the area of identifying the weaknesses of both approaches, but there has been no study about the possibility of combining the determinants of these two approaches, to craft a better approach that responds to differing needs of stakeholders at different stages of the monitoring and evaluation process. This dissertation undertook to fill this gap.
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    Gearing up for implementation: A new Children's Act for South Africa
    (Taylor & Francis, 2008) September, Rose; Dinbabo, Mulugeta
    The South African Government is presently processing a new comprehensive Children's Act, which is expected to be promulgated in 2008. The primary purpose of the Act is to give effect to the rights of children as contained in section 28 of the Constitution as well as other international child rights instruments ratified by South Africa. The implementation of the new Act holds extensive implications for the targeted beneficiaries, the mandated implementers and the capacity of the relevant organisations. Drawing on the perceptions of 700 social workers who participated in a Children's Act orientation training programme, the authors draw attention to several implementation challenges needing to be addressed if the objectives of the new legislation are to be realised.
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    The impact of social enterprise on labor market structure: A case study of social enterprises in Nairobi
    (University of the Western Cape, 2018) Mwaniki, Joy Muthanje; Dinbabo, Mulugeta
    Social entrepreneurship has spread worldwide, as social entrepreneurs seek the solutions to developmental challenges. This is especially true in Nairobi, Kenya, as social entrepreneurship has established itself in the labor market. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the impact of social enterprises in African countries, especially with regards to the labor market. It is for this reason that this study aims at highlighting the impact of social enterprises on the labor market in Nairobi, Kenya. It also provides an outline of the labor market structure in Nairobi. The study employed a mixed methods approach, using both qualitative and quantitative approaches, collected concurrently as part of a concurrent triangulation design. Five social enterprises located in Nairobi were involved in the study, and were chosen through snowball sampling. These social enterprises offered direct employment, training programmes or support for beneficiaries to start their own businesses. The research instruments used in this study were as follows; 10 interviews (5 interviews with beneficiaries and 5 with social entrepreneurs), 50 questionnaires distributed to beneficiaries through random sampling, field work observations and a literature review. The results of this study were that social enterprises in Nairobi have a significant impact on the livelihoods of beneficiaries by directly employing them, providing necessary skills for later employment or supporting them to start their own businesses. However, these increases in income are often either inadequate or inconsistent as most beneficiaries are forced to diversify their livelihoods. Social enterprises also fail to reduce the gender wage gap among their beneficiaries. Social enterprises also increase market access among their beneficiaries by providing them with advice and training, as well as, direct access to customers. In the same vein, they increase the level of training of beneficiaries. This helps beneficiaries improve their relations with customers, produce high quality goods, hone their skills, gain employment, gain experience, build a repertoire, earn profits and start businesses. The subject of training also affects the income levels of beneficiaries, as many of those who study entrepreneurship, quality training and customer service earn above minimum wage.
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    In the best interest of the child: Food choices and body mass index of adult and children living in urban peripheral townships in Cape Town
    (University of Western Cape, 2020) Belebema, Michael Ngautem; Dinbabo, Mulugeta
    The increase in overweight and obesity worldwide is described as a global health epidemic. A great proportion of this epidemic is now found in low- and middle-income countries with higher levels of prevalence, particularly in emerging economies. In sub-Saharan Africa, South Africa ranks high in the prevalence of obesity at all levels. Since the inception of democracy in 1994, the government is yet to overcome the burden of poverty and inequality routed in its apartheid past. Apartheid systematically and unjustly disintegrated and segregated black Africans and people of Colour, denying them access to economic opportunity, thus leaving them on a dependency status. Khayelitsha and Mitchells Plain are the relics of apartheid policies. Obesity and associated diseases are highly correlated with gender dynamics, economic conditions, nutritional status, poverty, and urbanisation. It is increasingly evident that poor urban dwellers, especially women and children are at risk of obesity-related factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart diseases. The increasing incidence of obesity especially amongst children is concerning. The prevalence of child poverty is in South Africa is a cause for concern. Over 18.5million children are in South Africa, 64% of which are dependent on CSG. With poverty and inequality affecting millions of households, access to food and quality food has reached crises level. Yet, it is a basic human right that has received little empirical response amongst policymaker in South Africa. The South African food system is complex, poverty is endemic and poor households are most vulnerable to unhealthy eating habits. This research critically analysis the link between food choices, overweight and obesity in adults and children living in urban peripheral communities in Cape Town. The study was designed to interrogate the kinds of food eaten by urban peripheral dwellers, their socioeconomic status and how the policy of the BIC addresses the problem of child obesity in South Africa.
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    International migration and poverty alleviation: Understanding how remittances help in alleviating poverty in Zimbabwean households. A case study of Epworth, Zimbabwe.
    (University of Western Cape, 2020) Hove, Tsitsi T.; Dinbabo, Mulugeta
    Over the past years, Zimbabwe has witnessed enormous amounts of economic challenges which have forced many to migrate out of the country in search of better living conditions and employment. The money and goods sent by migrant workers to their families have become very important in alleviating poverty in Zimbabwean households. However, there are a few studies that have been conducted at a household level to explore the role of remittances in alleviating poverty in Zimbabwe. This research examines the role that remittances play in alleviating poverty at a household level in Zimbabwe by using a case study of Epworth remittance-receiving households in Zimbabwe. The main objective of this research is to explore how the remittances sent to the poor households increase their income level and human capital in order to reduce their poverty level. The research mainly focuses on the New Economics of Labour Migration Theory (NELM) to understand the meaning of international migration and its link to remittances. A qualitative research method was used to provide experiences of the households who receive remittances. The information was collected through one on one interviews which were conducted in Epworth to 14 participants who received remittances and one focus group discussion with 6 participants. The study found out that majority of households in Epworth that receive remittances depend solely on the money sent to them by their loved ones, which help them meet their basic needs such as food, clothes and proper sanitation. The qualitative data analysis also showed that the remittances sent to the families increase human capital through the payment of school and hospital fees. However, the participants that were interviewed highlighted that they faced challenges of accessing cash remittances, especially through formal channels. It was established that the majority of households prefer using informal channels to receive their cash because of the presence of long queues at the banks and shortage of hard cash. Policymakers in Zimbabwe need to come up with strategies that will allow easy access to remittances and also encourage migrants to use formal channels which are safe and accountable.
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    International migration and social protection in South Africa
    (Taylor and Francis Group, 2022) Nzabamwita, Jonas; Dinbabo, Mulugeta
    For a developing country, South Africa has the most comprehensive social protection system in terms of social grant coverage. Moreover, the country is also often hailed for its transformative constitution which enshrines socio-economic rights for all. Similarly, South Africa is widely praised for its progressive refugee policy, which encourages refugees to self-settle into the local community, and those who are not able to support themselves are provided with services in the same way as the citizens of South Africa. In light of this, in 2012 the Department of Social Development promulgated changes to the regulations, by which refugees became eligible to claim social grants provided by the government of South Africa.
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    The intersectionality of women’s access to sexual and reproductive health services and information in Ismailia, Egypt
    (University of Western Cape, 2020) Elsayed, Reem; Dinbabo, Mulugeta
    Background: Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is a right that should be guaranteed to every woman worldwide in order to have a healthy and safe sex life. In most Arab countries, including Egypt, there are different cultural, political, and religious factors that have contributed significantly to the manner that the society views and treats women’s bodies and sexuality. As a result, it is difficult to provide solid data and information to guide policymakers, policies, and to implement awareness and preventive programs. This thesis sought to address this gap by conducting a study looking at the intersectionality of women’s access to sexual and reproductive health services and information in Ismailia, Egypt. Methods: The relevant information was collected using qualitative methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve married women and two key informant interviews with health professionals in the study area. Results: Intersectional theory was used to critically examine the various interacting factors such as gender, patriarchy, economic disadvantages, and other discriminatory systems that that can undermine women’s access to SRH information and services. The study revealed that married women suffer from the lack of access to proper SRH services and information. Conclusion: Married women’s experiences of accessing SRH services and information were affected by different intersecting factors. These factors are socio-economic, policy, cultural norms, power structure contexts, and privilege structures, and religious institutions. Recommendations were drafted to add more information and evidence related to Egyptian women and their SRH rights.
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    Role of development communication in fostering social change: evidence from Lesotho
    (KRE Publishers, 2013) Carciotto, Sergio; Dinbabo, Mulugeta
    A number of programmes have been implemented in the field of development communication with the specific aim of promoting social change among communities. Series of studies have also illustrated the positive effects of Entertainment-Education (EE) interventions on individuals’ behavioural change. In line with the theory and conceptual framework of the Integrated Model of Communication for Social Change (IMCSC), this research empirically explored how development communication programmes can foster collective action amongst community members in Lesotho using media to promote social transformation and individual change. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods of enquiry were employed throughout the research. The results of the study reveal that firstly, development communication initiatives are able to foster collective forms of action by increasing the level of self-efficacy amongst the audience. Secondly, participatory development communication with an educational aim allows people to identify problems and to strategise and mobilise resources for collective action.
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    Sustainable irrigation agriculture for food security and poverty reduction among smallholder farmers in Northern Nigeria
    (University of the Western Cape, 2019) Adeniyi, Daniel Adeoluwa Seun; Dinbabo, Mulugeta
    Nigeria, like many African countries is caught up in the uncertainty of the effectiveness of agricultural intervention in achieving food security, poverty reduction and improved quality of life. This ambiguity is more pronounced especially in rural areas where majority of the poor and those involved in agriculture reside. Indeed, issues relating to resource utilization and productivity in the agricultural sector and how they affect livelihoods and food security of smallholder households remain underexplored. The study examines the contribution of small-scale irrigation agriculture towards ensuring food security and poverty alleviation among smallholder households. It assesses the productivity, food security and livelihoods status of smallholder households in the Middle Rima Valley Irrigation Project, North West Nigeria, the relationship that exist between the phenomena, as well as factors influencing them. It also explores smallholder households’ differentials on the basis of their efficiency, food security and income status, and what other factors determine the smallholder typologies. The research was situated within three bodies of theoretical work; political ecology, political economy of food and agriculture, and sustainable livelihoods. This was done with a view to providing a nuanced understanding of both the micro and macro processes and factors influencing agricultural production, food security and livelihoods of smallholder households. A concurrent triangulation mixed methods research design was adopted for the study. This involves the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods of research to drive the research agenda. Systematic random sampling technique was used to collect data for the quantitative aspect and purposive sampling was used to select participants for semi-structured interviews for the qualitative research. A total of 370 questionnaires were administered but 306 questionnaires were successfully completed and returned, representing an 83% response rate. Also eight respondents were interviewed for the study. While thematic content analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data, quantitative data was analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics.
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    Youth agricultural entrepreneurship as a vehicle for employment creation in Nigeria: A capability approach
    (University of Western Cape, 2021) Ikebuaku, Kenechukwu; Dinbabo, Mulugeta
    Nigeria is indisputably blessed with both human and material resources. With 74 million hectares of arable land, the country has enormous potential to meet its rising food demand while tackling the challenge of youth unemployment. However, harnessing these opportunities will require the active engagement of the youth in agriculture. Through innovation and entrepreneurship, young people are better positioned to transform the sector for greater productivity and growth. It is therefore not surprising that agriculture is considered one of the most strategic sectors to be exploited in creating employment for young Nigerians. This study is an original research work which explored youth agricultural entrepreneurship as a vehicle for employment creation in Nigeria.