The African Quarterly Social Science Review (AQSSR) is a distinguished peer-reviewed journal published by AJER Publishing Inc. in academic and research collaboration with Interfaith Global University, Rostov State Transport University, ARTIFEX University of Romania, Don State Technical University, National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine and Fotabe University of Cameroon among other partner institutions and universities worldwide. Bridging intellectual exploration with an unwavering commitment to excellence, AQSSR serves as a beacon for scholars, students, and educators by providing a vibrant platform for peer-reviewed research articles and empirically driven works. Established in East Africa and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the journal thrives in a vast and wealthy ecosystem of reviewers, editors, and participants drawn from faculty, prestigious universities, seasoned researchers, and respected research institutions within the academic and research communities of various African countries. Our mission is to cultivate a dynamic environment that not only provides access to the latest literature and innovations in the social sciences but also fosters the exchange of ideas and expertise in Africa and beyond. Emphasizing empirical research, meta-analysis, and systematic reviews, AQSSR upholds rigorous standards through a meticulous peer-review process, ensuring that only the highest-quality research contributes to our publications. Deeply rooted in a rich ecosystem of reviewers, editors, and contributors from esteemed universities and respected research institutions worldwide, our journal boasts a global reach extending to thousands of libraries. We firmly believe in open access to knowledge, allowing unrestricted access, distribution, and reproduction of published works. Authors are the lifeblood of AQSSR, and we offer comprehensive support throughout the publishing journey. Whether guiding initial submissions or providing assistance with revisions, we invite you to embark on your academic journey with us, contributing to the advancement of empirical research and the exchange of multidisciplinary knowledge. AQSSR welcomes you to share your insights with the world, shaping the future of scholarly endeavors.
Managing the demands of higher education: Perspectives from student mothers at a university in Ghana
The study explored pressures student mothers go through and their coping strategies as they navigate the dual roles of motherhood and academic life within a Ghanaian university. Pivoted on the ideals of role theory and guided by the interpretivist paradigm, the study employed a qualitative case study design to gain in-depth understanding of participants’ experiences. With a population of student mothers within a faculty of the university, a census sampling technique was used to sample nine (9) participants. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide, which permitted participants to recount stories in their own voices. Using thematic analysis as the main analytical procedure, the study revealed, among others, that student mothers faced challenges such as time management difficulties and exhaustion, emotional and psychological strain, financial constraints, and institutional and structural deficiencies that limited their ability to effectively balance academic and parenting responsibilities. In the face of these challenges, student mothers employed various coping strategies such as adaptive time management and study patterns, participation in study groups and support networks, reliance on family and community support, and the use of emotional and spiritual coping mechanisms. The study concludes that while student mothers demonstrate resilience in managing multiple demands, their reliance on personal and informal support systems exposes the weaknesses in institutional support within the university context. The findings advocate the need for higher education institutions to adopt more inclusive policies and practices that recognize the unique challenges faced by student mothers.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dillis Appiah, Prof. Hinneh Kusi, Dr. Mark Quansah (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Socioeconomic and environmental determinants of Sustainable Development Goals performance in Africa
Africa faces complex, interrelated socioeconomic and environmental challenges, resulting in uneven progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Empirical evidence on how socioeconomic and environmental factors jointly influence SDG performance across African countries is limited. This study examines the determinants of SDG Dashboard performance using cross-country data from 54 African countries drawn from the 2025 Sustainable Development Report and the World Bank's World Development Indicators, applying descriptive statistics and ordered logistic regression, grounded in sustainable development theory. Descriptively, Central Africa shows high poverty and low female labor participation, while Eastern and Western Africa display moderate but variable poverty and employment. Regression results indicate several socioeconomic and environmental factors are significant (p < 0.05 and p < 0.10), with model fit R² = 0.33 to 0.70. Social vulnerabilities, including poverty and child mortality, are positively associated with performance in several goals, notably SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnership for Goals), reflecting the effects of targeted social interventions. Service-sector expansion and employment growth support performance in education, gender equality, energy access, decent work, and sustainable cities, aligning with SDG 4, SDG 5, SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). In contrast, rapid financial expansion, industrial activity, energy inefficiency, and biodiversity loss constrain performance in goals where inclusiveness and environmental safeguards are weak, particularly SDG 5, SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Overall, the results underscore that sustained SDG performance in Africa depends on a balanced integration of social inclusion, economic development, and environmental protection. The study highlights the need for strengthening social investments, including cash and food transfers; awareness campaigns, including financial and labor market participation inclusivity; and closer alignment of industrialization with environmental standards through integrated SDG planning and monitoring frameworks.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jazzline Temba, Reuben Kadigi, Charles Peter Mgeni, Joseph Jovin Mugula (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Board diversity and investment decisions: Evidence from financial firms listed on frontier stock markets in East Africa
The study evaluated the influence of board diversity on investment decisions using evidence from financial firms listed on frontier stock markets in East Africa. Covering the period 2017 to 2023, the research employed a balanced panel of 15 listed firms, making a total of 105 firm-year observations. Investment decisions served as the independent variable, while the proxy for independent variables included board gender diversity, nationality diversity, tenure diversity and financial expertise diversity. Control variables comprised board independence, board size, board meeting, audit quality, firm size and firm age. Grounded in agency theory and resource-based view theory, the study relied on secondary data extracted from published annual reports and audited financial statements, and adopted a fixed-effects regression model for analysis. The correlation analysis among the study variables ranged from -0.432 to 0.674, revealing weak to moderate associations which confirms the absence of multicollinearity concerns. Fixed-effects regression results indicated that gender diversity had significant negative impact on investment decisions, with beta coefficient of -0.0124 and p-value of 0.023. However, board nationality diversity (β = 0.0108, p = 0.004), tenure diversity (β = 0.0310, p = 0.023), and financial expertise diversity (β = 1.7754, p = 0.004) emerged as positive significant predictors. These findings confirm that certain dimensions of board diversity, particularly nationality, tenure and financial expertise, significantly shape firm investment decisions. The study recommends that listed firms in East Africa seeking to improve investment decisions should focus on strengthening board expertise, experience and international representation, while also ensuring effective integration of gender diversity within board processes. The study contributes to the understanding of the nuanced role of board composition in improving strategic financial decisions in emerging markets. Further research may focus on financial firms across Sub-Saharan Africa and conduct a comparative analysis between East Africa and West Africa to enhance generalizability.
Copyright (c) 2026 Gabinus Nkwera (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Household determinants of food security among leafy vegetable producers in semi-arid central Tanzania
This study examined household-level determinants of food security among smallholder leafy vegetable producers in semi-arid central Tanzania, focusing on the roles of gender dynamics, household structure, and enabling conditions. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 385 vegetable-producing households in Dodoma City and Singida Municipal Council. Food security was measured using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) and was analysed as a binary outcome (food secure versus any food insecurity). Data were analysed using hierarchical binary logistic regression. Results indicated that 52.7% of households were fully food secure, with very low prevalence of severe food insecurity, suggesting a stabilising effect of vegetable-based livelihoods. Female-headed households exhibited 55.2% lower odds of food insecurity compared to male-headed households (OR = 0.448, p < 0.001), challenging conventional assumptions about gender vulnerability. Married households had 45.8% lower odds of food insecurity (OR = 0.542, p = 0.030). High crop diversification was associated with increased food insecurity (OR = 2.473, p = 0.001), suggesting distress-driven diversification rather than a causal pathway. Climate-smart agriculture adoption showed a clear dichotomy between near-universal uptake of traditional practices and minimal adoption of technology-intensive approaches. Nearly one third of households employed vegetable-based coping strategies, predominantly distress sales, underscoring the dual role of leafy vegetables as food sources and liquid assets. The findings highlighted that household demographic characteristics, particularly gender of household head and marital status, were stronger predictors of food security than individual agricultural practices within vegetable-producing communities. Policy implications included strengthening gender-responsive agricultural interventions, investing in complementary water infrastructure, and integrating leafy vegetable production into national food security strategies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Stephen Bishibura Erick, Twalibu Bella, Bounamax Mbasa (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Integrating agribusiness and climate-smart agriculture: A global bibliometric review
This study presents a bibliometric analysis of global research on the integration of agribusiness practices and climate-smart agriculture (CSA) from 2010 to 2024. A total of 118 peer-reviewed articles indexed in Scopus were analyzed using VOSviewer, Biblioshiny, and Gephi to examine research trends, intellectual structure, and thematic evolution. The field progressed through three phases: conceptual emergence from 2014 to 2016, rapid expansion from 2017 to 2021, and consolidation from 2022 to 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 40.7 percent during the expansion period. Six dominant thematic domains were identified: resilience and adaptation, adoption and implementation, value chains and markets, policy and governance, financing and investment, and technology and innovation. Despite growing scholarly attention, 66.9 percent of studies remain at early stages of integration, indicating a persistent implementation gap. Network analysis reveals fragmentation between technological innovation and financial and governance mechanisms. This study proposes a CSA Agribusiness Integration Maturity Model and a multidimensional framework grounded in resilience, innovation, governance, and sustainable finance. Comparative benchmarking demonstrates distinct thematic trajectories relative to the broader CSA literature. The findings emphasize the need to conduct regionally inclusive and equity-driven research, particularly in Latin America and Southeast Asia, and provide policy-relevant insights for accelerating CSA mainstreaming within agribusiness value chains.
Copyright (c) 2026 Stephen Bishibura Erick, Ezekiel Kanire, Bonamax Mbasa (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Droughts, gender and rural household livelihoods in the Nandom municipality, Ghana
In a technologized 21st century, the global community is grappling with the issue of climate change, within which drought is topical and considered the most threatening component of climate change, and its impact is much felt in societies where there is heavy dependence on natural resources for survival with minimal or low coping mechanisms. Most of these societies are to be found in Africa. This study, thus, examined drought and its effects on men's and women’s livelihoods among rural households in the Nandom Municipality of the Upper West Region of Ghana. The study adopted the drought identification theory. A non-experimental descriptive research design was used, allowing for the use of questionnaire administration and focus group discussions. Guides were used to solicit information from the respondents and participants. The target population was men and women in the ten communities. The questionnaire was administered to 100 women and men in the ten communities in the Nandom Municipality. The simple random sampling technique was used. Focus group discussions were held with three (3) men's groups and three (3) women's groups. The data was analyzed using the SPSS version 20 software, followed by descriptions, explanations, and narratives. The study revealed that droughts have devastating effects on the livelihood of rural households in the municipality. Thus, the rural households have to supplement their livelihoods with low-income jobs, including migrating to the southern part of the country to engage in menial jobs. Locally, households also engage in fuelwood and charcoal burning during drought periods. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) minimally support the rural pro-poor households during the drought periods. Comparatively, women’s drought stress is more severe than men's. Drought is also more severe among the aged, the illiterate, and the landless who are considered poor. Conclusively, drought is a real phenomenon in the Nandom Municipality, and it has more debilitating effects on women than men. Recommendations are the need for irrigation initiatives in the municipality and the assembly to incorporate and coordinate drought development interventions by national, international, governmental, and non-governmental organizations.
Copyright (c) 2026 Roland Adatuu, Thomas Azagsiba Agana, George Gyader (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Sustainability challenges of matching grant-funded enterprises: Qualitative perspectives from smallholder farmers and implementers
Despite substantial investment in matching grant programmes to promote rural enterprise development, many funded farming enterprises fail to remain sustainable beyond the funding period. This study examines the reasons why some farming enterprises funded through matching grants fail to remain sustainable in Chipili District, Zambia. The study seeks to answer the question: what challenges prevent matching grant-funded farming enterprises from succeeding in the long term? The research is guided by principal-agent theory, the sustainable livelihoods framework, and institutional theory. The target population were beneficiary farmers of the Matching Grant Facility of Chipili District and the government officers. The research design employed was qualitative, and a total of nineteen (19) participants participated in semi-structured interviews and three (3) focus group discussions, who were sampled in a purposive manner. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data in order to establish common trends that affect the sustainability of a farming enterprise. The results indicate that matching grants assisted others to initiate and grow their businesses; however, most of the projects did not survive, owing to a number of challenges. These included poor access to markets, lack of certified seed, weak exit strategies, and delays in administrative procedures. Other challenges were low financial literacy, inadequate training, limited access to additional finance, poor stakeholder involvement, weak leadership, and conflicts within farmer groups. The study concludes that providing funds alone is not enough to ensure the success of farming enterprises. Based on the findings, the study recommendations are continued capacity building, stronger institutional support, and clear exit strategies to improve the sustainability of matching grant-funded enterprises. The findings are useful for policymakers and development practitioners involved in the design and implementation of matching grant programmes aimed at supporting sustainable rural livelihoods.
Copyright (c) 2026 David Banda, Austin Mwange, Jason Mwanza (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Total Quality Management (TQM) principles and their application in Zambian higher education institutions: A Systematic literature review
Total Quality Management (TQM) is widely regarded as a valuable approach for enhancing quality, accountability, and competitiveness in higher education. This study examines how TQM principles are adopted and applied across universities in different regions to improve student satisfaction, with a particular focus on Zambia. This review is grounded in Total Quality Management (TQM) Theory. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of 41 empirical and policy-orientated studies was conducted to identify key factors influencing TQM implementation, its effects on quality management systems, and the challenges faced by higher education institutions. The review suggests that leadership commitment, stakeholder involvement, staff capacity, and performance measurement systems are central to the effective implementation of TQM, although their influence appears highly context-dependent. While TQM is generally associated with improvements in internal quality assurance, administrative processes, and student satisfaction, evidence linking it directly to learning outcomes and graduate employability remains limited. In Zambia, TQM-aligned practices have supported stronger governance structures and continuous improvement efforts, but limited resources, inadequate training, and resistance to change often constrain progress. The review also highlights a shortage of peer-reviewed empirical studies examining comprehensive TQM implementation in Zambian higher education institutions. To work around these constraints and, hopefully, make TQM less of a paper exercise, there may be value in closer collaboration between institutional leadership and the Higher Education Authority (HEA). Targeted TQM training, especially for managers who are expected to implement it, appears necessary rather than optional. At the same time, investment in Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) is likely to matter more than is often acknowledged, since decisions still tend to rely on incomplete or outdated data. Quality Assurance (QA) principles could also be treated less as a compliance requirement and more as part of everyday planning and budgeting. Finally, involving students and industry stakeholders in QA processes beyond occasional surveys or formal consultations may help ensure that quality efforts reflect real institutional and labour-market expectations.
Copyright (c) 2026 Evans Mwenda, Bupe Getrude Mwanza-Mutono, Clement Kasenge (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Systematic review: Linking environmental attitudes of top management and green HRM effectiveness in Kenya
The increasing environmental problems have forced organizations to adopt sustainable practices, placing Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) as a key strategic tool. This detailed study looks at the important part of top management's environmental attitudes in driving GHRM effectiveness. Successfully using GHRM is not guaranteed, it relies on various internal institutional elements particularly the engagement of top leadership. This study draws upon the principles of the Upper Echelons Theory and Institutional Theory. This review draws on existing literature to explain how top management's environmental beliefs shape concrete GHRMoutcomes.Moreover, the link between top management's environmental views and GHRM success isn't straightforward it is affected by influencing factors like organizational culture and communication, and also by modifying factors such as industry and regulatory pressures. This study conducted a methodical analysis of current research with the goal of pinpointing key trends, uncovering potential discrepancies, and identifying areas for future investigation to advance our understanding of this essential connection for organizational sustainability. The criteria for including studies were that they had to be empirical, examine the relationship between top management's environmental attitudes and GHRM effectiveness, and be published in peer-reviewed journals. Editorials and conference abstracts were excluded. The results show that top management's environmental attitudes are multidimensional, encompassing cognitive, affective, behavioral, and temporal aspects, all strongly affecting GHRM implementation. The study also found that the relationship is shaped by factors that intervene, such as the environmental culture within the company and employee engagement, and that it's adjusted by external pressures, the company's resources, and whether leaders inspire transformation. To get top managers more on board and make GHRM work better, effective strategies involve making sustainability a core part of the business plan, building a company culture that supports green efforts, leaders showing the way, involving relevant parties, and including environmental results on how the company is managed. However, this study found some important gaps in the existing research. These include not having a strong overall theory, few studies that follow companies over time, not enough research on specific situations, difficulties in measuring how well GHRM works, and a lack of understanding about the impact of new technologies and having diverse leaders at the top. Future research should try to fill these gaps by creating strong theories, doing long-term studies, looking at specific situations, finding better ways to measure GHRM success, and studying the role of technology and diversity to help us better understand and use GHRM for companies to be sustainable. The Kenyan government, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders like Federation of Kenya Employers, trade unions, environmental organizations, and academic institutions, should develop a comprehensive National Green HRM Framework.
Copyright (c) 2025 African Quarterly Social Science Review https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Screen addiction, the silent epidemic: Examining the effects of mobile phone use on undergraduate students’ academic performance - Insights from Valley View University (VVU), Oyibi Campus, Accra, Ghana
The main objective of the study was to examine the effects of mobile phone use on the academic performance of undergraduate students at VVU, Oyibi Campus, Accra, Ghana. The study was underpinned by Uses and Gratifications Theory (U&GT) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The study addresses four key questions on mobile phone usage among undergraduate students: (i) the extent of mobile phone addiction, (ii) the average time students spend using mobile phones, (iii) the reasons behind mobile phone usage, and (iv) the effects of mobile phone use on students' academic performance. The undergraduate students’ population was 2,613, and the sample size was 384. The study employed a descriptive survey approach. A well-structured questionnaire was the only instrument used for data collection. Cochran’s method was applied to determine the suitable sample size for the study. In this study, the researchers analysed the data using IBM SPSS, version 27 (Statistical Package for Social Sciences). The findings indicated that students spent 1 to 3 hours every day using their mobile phones. The findings revealed that mobile phone addiction among students adversely affects their academic performance. The study found again that students use their phones to visit various social media network sites for entertainment, leisure, sharing images, and communicating with their peers. The implication is that in the absence of adequate supervision and control measures, mobile phone usage may persist in detrimentally affecting students' educational achievements. The researchers recommended that the university's management prioritise mobile phone usage for educational purposes. In conclusion, the findings will contribute to the ongoing discussion about the impact of mobile technology on student performance.
Copyright (c) 2026 Samuel Ameyaw, Frank Boateng Afoakwa, Esther Manyeyo Tawiah, Harriet Fosua Attafuah (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Excluded in inclusion: Female employees’ perspectives on career progression in the local government system of Ghana
This study examined female employees' perspectives on career advancement within Ghana's local government system, focusing specifically on the Nabdam District in the Upper East Region. It is based on the Resilience and Career Motivation theories to explore female employees’ views on their career development in the Assembly. Qualitative case study methods, guided by interpretivism, were employed to collect interview data from 15 female employees. These participants were selected through purposive and census sampling techniques. The data were analysed thematically. The findings are organised into three main themes: Female Motivations for Pursuing a Career, Female Staff Perspectives on Career Progression, and Milestones in Female Career Progression. Results indicate that the women's career advancement efforts were driven by personal ambitions and perseverance but hindered by weak institutional structures. Achieving higher academic qualifications and engaging in professional development were identified as key factors facilitating progression. The study concludes that institutional reforms and cultural shifts are crucial for fostering an equitable and supportive environment for female career development in the Nabdam District. Based on the conclusions, it is recommended that governmental agencies, such as the Nabdam District Assembly, undertake policy reforms that recognise the demands on female employees due to cultural factors and target enhancing female employees’ progression at work.
Copyright (c) 2026 David Naya Zuure (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Labour rights and corporate accountability in Zambia: Evidence from corporate governance practices
This study examined the extent to which labour rights are integrated into corporate governance and business practices in Zambia, with particular attention paid to how organisational policy commitments translate into operational accountability. Guided by stakeholder theory and accountability theory, the study conceptualised labour rights as a core governance obligation rather than a discretionary corporate social responsibility function. The research was motivated by persistent labour rights violations in high-risk sectors, such as mining, agriculture, construction, and manufacturing, despite the existence of national labour legislation and international human rights frameworks. A convergent mixed-methods research design was employed. The target population consisted of employees and managers in medium-to-large enterprises operating within the identified sectors, as well as labour inspectors, trade union representatives, civil society actors, and government officials involved in labour governance. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 336 employees and managers, selected using stratified random sampling based on sectoral representation. Qualitative data was generated from 32 purposefully selected key informants to capture institutional, regulatory, and experiential perspectives on labour rights enforcement. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and logistic regression in SPSS to assess the relationship between governance mechanisms and labour rights violations. Qualitative interview data was thematically analysed using NVivo, following an inductive coding approach. The findings revealed that only a minority of firms fully integrate labour rights into governance structures, with most demonstrating minimal to moderate integration. Qualitative results highlighted systemic challenges, including informal employment practices, weak enforcement capacity, limited rights awareness, a fear of retaliation, ineffective grievance mechanisms, and limited board-level oversight of labour issues. The study concludes that enforcement deficits and reliance on voluntary accountability frameworks, not policy gaps, drive labour rights failures in Zambia. It recommends mandatory human rights due diligence, strengthened labour inspection capacity, accessible grievance and remedy mechanisms, and the formalisation of employment relationships to enhance corporate accountability.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mwewa Phiri, Dr. Romeo Yohane, Prof. Jason Mwanza (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The impact of informal justice systems on access to justice for marginalised communities in Patte Island, Lamu county, Kenya
This study focused on the impact of informal justice systems on access to justice for marginalised communities in Patte Island, Lamu County, Kenya. It was necessitated by the need to examine the existing informal justice systems used on Patte Island, evaluate their effectiveness in resolving disputes, and analyse their perceptions compared to formal justice systems. Although previous studies have examined informal justice systems, this study is unique in its focus on culturally resonant, context-specific, and often primary justice access points where formal justice systems have failed. It presents both the positive aspects and the significant risks associated with informal justice systems. It bridges the gap between expectations and lived realities, navigating the complex interplay between informal and formal justice systems. The study adopted a mixed-methods research design combining a qualitative case study and quantitative surveys anchored on legal pluralism theory and the access to justice framework theory. The target population was the residents of Patte Island aged 18 years and above. The respondents were police officers, prosecutors and chiefs who were purposely selected. Other respondents were randomly selected, and they included religious leaders, community elders, community paralegals, and residents of Patte Island. The total sample size was ninety (90) respondents. Data was collected through interviews, focused group discussions, structured surveys and observations. The instruments used for the study were interview schedules and a standardised questionnaire. Quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). In contrast, qualitative data was analysed by interpreting responses and aligning them to form identifiable themes and actual narratives. Findings indicated that the existing informal justice systems were chiefs, community elders, religious leaders, community paralegals, and the Bajuni council of elders. These systems relied heavily on Sharia law and local customs to solve disputes and were found to be effective due to accessibility, affordability, and familiarity. Despite the challenges of human rights violations and male dominance, the informal systems were filling a gap left by the absence of a formal justice system. The findings implied that informal justice systems were the primary and most embraced means of accessing justice for the residents of Patte Island. The study suggests that informal justice actors should be trained and given more power in professional mediation, human rights, and national laws, while still respecting the values and needs of local informal justice systems. It also recommends strengthening the collaborative approach where informal and formal systems complement each other.
Copyright (c) 2026 Martin Mwaka Mwanza RCrim (K) (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Factors affecting the sustainability of group-based loan programmes from the Youth Development Fund in Ilemela District, Tanzania
Tanzania's government set up a way for young people to ask for financial help through group-based loan programs in order to boost socioeconomic development. In spite of this, these projects face many problems on their way to their goal. As a result, this study looked into the factors that affect how long group-based loan programs at Ilemela District can last. The goal of the study was to find out how group relations, financial knowledge, and risk management affect the long-term viability of loan programs for groups. In order to reach these goals, the study was based on the theory of planned behavior. A hybrid approach and the constructivism research theory were used in the study, which used a convergent parallel design. A simple random sampling method was used to get 134 young people to fill out surveys, and 8 were chosen at random to be interviewed. The quantitative data analysis was done with SPSS, and the factors of the study were evaluated using the linear regression model. Thematic analysis was used to look at qualitative data. The results show that group dynamics, financial literacy, and risk management strategies all had a positive effect on the long-term success of the group-based loan plan at Ilemela District. All of these factors were statistically significant. Financial knowledge was found to have the biggest effect on the long-term success of group-based loan programs. It was also the most important of the three factors. The researcher found out that the government and other interested parties should set up the right checks to make sure that borrowers understand money before giving them loans. The study also shows that the problems of financial literacy, group dynamics, and risk management that come with group-based loan programs should be fixed by carefully screening the people who want to borrow money and giving the groups that will be receiving loans more tools to help them succeed.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dorice Festo (Translator); Sadiki Sumawe (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Comparative analysis of academic performance differences between public and private secondary schools: A systematic review of literature
This study explored factors behind differences in academic performance between public and private secondary schools. It focused on school-level, teacher-related, and socioeconomic influences. The current research was based on the Education Production Function Theory. A systematic review of 18 peer-reviewed studies published from 2005 to 2025 was conducted. The studies covered global and African contexts. Databases, such as Scopus, Dimensions, and Web of Science, were searched using terms related to academic achievement, secondary education, and school type. Only studies involving secondary school students and teachers that reported measurable outcomes on performance gaps were included. Data were analyzed thematically, and recurring patterns were identified using inductive coding. The findings showed that private schools often achieved higher results, particularly in mathematics, science, and literacy. This performance was linked to better learning resources, smaller class sizes, motivated teachers, and effective management practices. Socioeconomic status and parental involvement reinforced these advantages. Public schools faced challenges such as limited resources and weaker home support. The results indicate that school capacity, teacher quality, and household conditions, rather than school type alone, shape performance differences. The study recommends that policymakers improve resource allocation, strengthen teacher supervision, and enhance parental engagement in public schools.
Copyright (c) 2026 Paul Raphael Kitula, Deodath Meney (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Service design for reducing waiting times and improving patient experience in Tanzanian primary-healthcare facilities
Across healthcare systems worldwide, long waiting times and unsatisfactory patient experiences continue to signal persistent inefficiencies in service delivery. However, there is the lack of empirically grounded guidance on how service design principles can be applied to reduce waiting times while simultaneously enhancing patient experience in a sustainable and contextually appropriate manner. This study investigates how service design can be applied in Tanzanian primary healthcare facilities to reduce waiting times and improve patient experience, specifically in major urban centres including Arusha, Dodoma, Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, and Mwanza. This study is grounded in service design theory and contemporary services marketing perspectives. It uses positivism, quantitative approach, descriptive and explanatory cross-sectional design. Data were collected through structured questionnaire from 462 patients who were sampled using a multi-stage sampling strategy in primary healthcare facilities in major urban centres including Arusha, Dodoma, Dar es Salaam, Mbeya, and Mwanza. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and structural equation modelling. The findings demonstrate that service design practices play a pivotal role in enhancing both operational efficiency and patient experience. Well-designed service processes are associated with significantly shorter patient waiting times (β = −0.46, p < 0.001; R² = 0.42), while longer waits substantially undermine perceptions of service quality, responsiveness, and overall satisfaction (β = −0.39, p < 0.001). Service design practices also exert a direct positive effect on patient experience (β = 0.41, p < 0.001), with the model explaining a substantial proportion of experiential variance (R² = 0.58). The partial mediating role of waiting time (β = 0.18, p < 0.001) indicates that efficiency and experience are complementary outcomes of service design. These findings indicate that integrating service design into primary healthcare management is not only an operational improvement tool but also a critical pathway for achieving patient-centred, efficient, and sustainable health service delivery in Tanzania. Accordingly, the study recommends adopting service design as a strategic approach to support more responsive and sustainable healthcare services in Tanzania.
Copyright (c) 2026 Charles Raphael (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
The influence of social media platforms in promoting self-employment opportunities among university graduates in Tanzania
Graduate unemployment in Tanzania remains a persistent challenge, with many degree holders facing limited formal job opportunities and underemployment. In response, university graduates are increasingly turning to social media platforms as accessible avenues for generating income, marketing products, and building entrepreneurial networks. This study investigates the influence of social media platforms, specifically Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp, on promoting self-employment opportunities among university graduates in Tanzania. Based on the Social Capital Theory, a quantitative research design was employed, targeting a population of 300 self-employed bachelor graduates, from which a sample of 171 respondents was selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics and linear regression in SPSS version 26. Linear regression analysis (n=171) showed that social media platforms had a significant positive impact on self-employment among university graduates (B=0.331, t=7.465, p<0.001). The standardised coefficient (Beta=0.498) indicated a moderate to strong relationship, suggesting that increased use of social media platforms enhances self-employment opportunities. The study concluded that social media is a key tool for graduate entrepreneurship, reducing entry barriers and enhancing innovation and networking. Based on these results, it is recommended that universities provide practical digital marketing and social media training, government agencies support online business initiatives, and graduates actively engage with digital platforms to strengthen their entrepreneurial outcomes.
Youth, memory, and resilience in African literature: A comparative analysis of Sundiata Epic and Weep Not, Child
This paper presents a literary analysis of how African literature reflects the continent’s socio-cultural and historical legacies through the interwoven themes of youth, memory, and resilience. By examining D.T. Niane’s Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali and Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s Weep Not, Child, the study compares the coming-of-age journeys of Sundiata and Njoroge, two protagonists shaped by distinct socio-political contexts, to reveal how Africa’s historical legacy continues to shape its literary expression. Grounded in reader-response, postcolonial, and narratology theories, the study adopts a literary analysis as a scientific method rooted in observation, hypothesis, and synthesis. The discussion explores how Sundiata’s destiny is guided by oral tradition and prophecy, while Njoroge’s fate is marked by the trauma of colonialism. Through comparative analysis, the study reveals that both characters embody resilience as they confront inherited cultural memory and undergo personal transformation in the face of adversity. Ultimately, by placing these protagonists side by side, the study underscores the enduring power of literature to illuminate the struggles of African youth while demonstrating how African narrative forms reflect both identity and empowerment through the protagonists’ pursuit of self-realisation within the broader tapestry of African history. Based on these findings, future studies should broaden their scope to include female voices, diverse perspectives, and interdisciplinary frameworks, thereby enriching understanding of the evolving nature of African youth literature and transnational connections.
Copyright (c) 2026 African Quarterly Social Science Review https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Factors influencing public project sustainability in Tanzania at the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs
This study aimed to evaluate the determinants of project sustainability in public organizations, focusing on a case study of initiatives executed by the Ministry of Constitutional and Legal Affairs (MOCLA). The study aimed to ascertain the impact of stakeholder engagement on project sustainability, evaluate the influence of government funding on project sustainability, and analyze the efficacy of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms in promoting project sustainability. The study was guided by stakeholder theory and sustainability theory. The methodology employed to achieve the aims of this study was a mixed-method approach incorporating both quantitative and qualitative techniques. Data collection was conducted using questionnaires and interview guides from a total sample of 105 respondents, all of whom were MoCLA staff. Descriptive, inferential, and regression statistical methods were employed to analyze the data. The results were illustrated through figures and tables, utilizing frequency and percentage to delineate the data. Results regarding the initial objective revealed that stakeholder engagement was a primary determinant of public project sustainability. The data indicate that government support significantly contributes to the project's viability. The study concluded that monitoring and assessment mechanisms are the primary elements leading to project sustainability. Consequently, the study determined that for the nation to attain sustainability in various programs, it must consider the participation of all relevant stakeholders. This necessitates the eradication of all sorts of meddling by senior political leaders in district or village development programs, thereby establishing a clear demarcation between politicians and civil officials.
Copyright (c) 2026 Dorice K. Festo (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Examining the role of school leadership in enhancing teachers’ adaptation of inclusive teaching practices in mainstream primary schools in Arusha City Council, Tanzania
Inclusive education has become a global priority in education reforms, aiming to provide all learners, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, with equal opportunities to succeed. However, meeting the diverse needs of learners in the inclusive classroom remains a pressing challenge for school leaders and educators worldwide. This study explored the role of school leaders in enhancing teachers’ adaptation of inclusive teaching practices that address the diverse needs of learners in an inclusive classroom among primary schools in Arusha City Council. The study was guided by the Transformational Leadership Theory, which advocates for school leadership that inspires both teachers and learners to embrace an inclusive learning environment and enhances teachers' adaptation of inclusive teaching practices. The study employed a mixed-methods research approach and a convergent parallel design. Data were collected using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews from 94 teachers and four head teachers who were recruited using random and purposive sampling techniques and analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, respectively. The findings revealed that school leaders play a pivotal role in enhancing inclusive teaching practices through providing resources, promoting professional development, encouraging collaborative planning and mentorship programmes, and supporting the use of diverse teaching strategies in mainstream classrooms. The study concludes that effective school leadership is essential for creating, maintaining, and fostering an inclusive teaching environment. It recommends targeted leadership training, a strong policy framework, resource mobilization, continuous professional development for teachers, and increased funding as key enhancement strategies for teachers’ adaptation of inclusive teaching practices in mainstream primary schools.
Library-based access to reproductive health information from an informatics perspective in Tanzanian universities
This study investigates academic libraries in Tanzania, focusing on the Institute of Accountancy Arusha (IAA) and Tumaini University Makumira (TUMA), to examine access to reproductive health information from an informatics perspective. This study was anchored on three theories. The Health Belief Model Information, Seeking Behavior Theory and The Digital Divide Theory. A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was employed, involving 130 respondents drawn from students, librarians, and other staff. Data were gathered through questionnaires, interviews, and observation and were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) alongside thematic content analysis. The findings reveal that access to reproductive health information through academic libraries remains limited, largely due to inadequate subject-specific information resources, insufficient information-searching skills, and constrained Information Communication Technology [ICT] infrastructure. Although some libraries implemented awareness-raising initiatives such as orientation programs and current awareness services, these efforts were insufficient to ensure effective access to and utilization of reproductive health information. Viewed from an informatics perspective, the results highlight gaps in digital information system support and user competencies that hinder equitable access to essential health information. The study concludes that academic libraries at IAA and TUMa possess significant potential to support access to reproductive health information, but this role is not fully optimized. It therefore recommends increased budgetary support, integration of information literacy training into academic curricula, enhancement of ICT infrastructure, and the establishment of counseling units to strengthen library-based access to reproductive health information and promote student health awareness in Tanzanian universities.
Copyright (c) 2026 Simon Alfred Kimayani (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Hermeneutic phenomenology as methodological practice: Interpreting lived experience in qualitative research
Qualitative research frequently claims to investigate lived experience, yet many studies provide limited methodological articulation of how lived experience is interpreted, situated, and constituted in context. This article advances hermeneutic phenomenology as a rigorous methodological approach for qualitative inquiry, clarifying how lived experience is understood and interpreted within the interpretivist and constructivist research traditions. Drawing exclusively on philosophical and methodological sources commonly employed in qualitative research, including Heidegger’s hermeneutic phenomenology, Gadamer’s philosophical hermeneutics, Schutz’s phenomenological sociology, and van Manen’s phenomenology of practice, the paper develops a conceptual and methodological synthesis. Hermeneutic phenomenology is explicated as a practical methodological framework that informs research design, data generation, and interpretive analysis through principles such as being-in-the-world, lifeworld, temporality, fore-structures of understanding, intersubjectivity, co-constitution, reflexivity, and the hermeneutic circle. The paper demonstrates that hermeneutic phenomenology provides a coherent methodological logic for interpreting lived experiences as meaningfully embedded in everyday practice rather than as decontextualised accounts. By foregrounding interpretation, temporality, and reflexive engagement, the framework clarifies how meaning emerges through iterative movement between pre-understanding and interpretive insight, thereby strengthening the analytical depth and transparency of qualitative research. This article contributes to qualitative research in organisations and management by positioning hermeneutic phenomenology not merely as a philosophical orientation but as an operational methodological practice. In doing so, it addresses ongoing concerns about methodological vagueness in qualitative studies of lived experience. It offers a robust, reflexive framework for researchers seeking to investigate meaning, practice, and lived experience with greater interpretive rigour. In conclusion, the article positions hermeneutic phenomenology as an operational methodological practice capable of enhancing interpretative rigour in qualitative studies of lived experience in organisational and management contexts. It recommends that researchers explicitly articulate their interpretive stance, embed reflexivity throughout the research process, and evaluate rigour through philosophically aligned criteria that prioritise interpretive coherence, transparency, and contextual grounding over procedural validation techniques.
Copyright (c) 2026 Musaka Mulanga Chikobola, Bupe Getrude Mutono-Mwanza (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Technical jargon simplification strategies in agricultural communication: A qualitative case study of Misungwi District, Mwanza, Tanzania
This study investigates strategies for simplifying technical jargon in agricultural communication materials produced by the Tanzania Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) in Misungwi District, Mwanza Region, Tanzania. Employing a qualitative approach, including semi-structured interviews with 43 participants (peasants, extension officers, and officials) and text analysis of eight TARI leaflets, the study analysed communication strategies that enable the simplification of jargon. Guided by Text Comprehension Theory and Grice’s Cooperative Principle, the findings reveal six key strategies: simplified language with analogies, translanguage, definitions, synonyms, visual aids, and the involvement of peasants in content creation. These methods reduce cognitive load, enhance clarity, and promote the dissemination of inclusive knowledge. The Ministry of Agriculture and other stakeholders should train extension officers in participatory design and multimodal communication. The results will significantly improve agricultural extension effectiveness in resource-limited and multilingual contexts. The inclusion of peasants in communication crafting and translanguaging should be exploited to enhance proper understanding of the information. The study contributes to bridging expert-peasant gaps for sustainable development by encouraging a participatory communication model that enhances peasants’ understanding of the information.
Assessing the influence of succession planning on long-term success in selected organizations in Arusha City, Tanzania
This study assessed the influence of succession planning practices on long-term organizational success in Arusha City, Tanzania. The study adopted a cross-sectional research design, comprising 375 respondents in Arusha City. The sampling techniques used were stratified and purposive sampling techniques to obtain a diverse representative sample. The study utilized a closed-ended questionnaire to collect data from the respondents. The collected data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially by means of SPSS Version 26.0 software. The study was guided by the resource-based view and human capital theories; the findings revealed that 201 (53.6%) of the respondents perceived low implementation of succession planning. Findings further indicate a moderately strong positive relationship (R = 0.552), with succession planning accounting for 30.4% of the variance in organizational success. Regression analysis showed a significant positive effect (β = 0.521, p < .001), indicating that effective succession planning fosters leadership continuity, career advancement, and the attainment of organizational objectives. This study concludes that succession planning practices are low in surveyed organizations. Based on these findings, this study recommends that organizations should develop good succession planning practices, develop leaders, and provide mentorship programs to realize long-term organizational success.
A TQM-centered framework for improving student satisfaction in higher education institutions in Zambia
The study aimed to examine the application of Total Quality Management principles in selected Zambian higher education institutions and propose a framework for improving student satisfaction. The study employed a mixed-method study and used an explanatory sequential design. The population for quantitative data comprised 795 students and 16 participants for qualitative data, based on the principle of saturation. Quantitative data was collected through a questionnaire and qualitative data through semi-structured interview guides from 14 participants from higher education institutions, comprising quality assurance officers and one of the following: university leadership, administrative staff, and faculty members, and 2 representatives from the Higher Education Authority. For data analysis, quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 26.0, employing descriptive statistics, while qualitative data from the interviews was analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings show that proactive leadership, participatory decision-making, and student-centered approaches enhance satisfaction, while resistance to change, resource limitations, and inadequate training constrain implementation. The study concludes that a context-sensitive TQM framework can significantly improve academic quality, and this will lead to an improvement in student satisfaction in higher education institutions. The study recommends that regulatory bodies put quality standards that will guide institutions, while institutional leadership translates these requirements into internal strategies through resource allocation, policies, and a culture of quality. Effective implementation of core TQM pillars—stakeholder engagement, governance, quality assurance, continuous improvement, and adequate support systems—strengthens institutional performance and service delivery.
The role of the internal control system on the financial performance of Umurenge SACCO Bwishyura of Karongi District, Rwanda
This research sought to analyse the role of internal control on the financial performance of one financial institution, namely Umurenge Bwishyura Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization, referred to as Bwishyura SACCO in this research. It specifically sought to assess the relationship between the control environment and the financial performance of Bwishyura SACCO, examine the relationship between control activities and the financial performance of Bwishyura SACCO, investigate the relationship between risk assessment and the financial performance of Bwishyura SACCO, and find out the role of internal control on the financial performance of Bwishyura SACCO. It was descriptive in nature. It was guided by two theories, namely the “Agency Theory (AT)” and the “Stakeholder Theory (ST)”. A quantitative approach was used for collecting, analysing and presenting data. The target population of this research comprised 19 individuals, including 9 staff of Bwishyura SACCO and 10 members of its board of directors. The study sample size included 19 individuals of Bwishyura SACCO. A universal sampling technique was employed in the selection of respondents. Questionnaires were used to collect primary data, whereas a documentary review was utilised for gathering the secondary data of this study. All data were recorded and coded into SPSS software. This research found out that a high and positive relationship exists between the control environment and the financial performance of the SACCO, which is equal to 0.715**, and the sig. is 0.000 (less than 0.01). In addition, this research identified the existence of a high and positive relationship between control activities and the financial performance of this SACCO. Moreover, the study depicted the presence of a high and positive correlation between risk assessment and the financial performance of Bwishyura SACCO. Furthermore, the results indicated that internal control plays a key role in the financial performance of Bwishyura SACCO. This research also identified a coefficient correlation of R=0.898. This means that there exists a positive and strong relationship between internal control and the financial performance of Bwishyura SACCO. However, 14.2% of the variation in financial performance of this SACCO is elucidated by other reasons which are not captured by this model. Finally, this study concludes that internal control is a critical factor influencing the profitability of Bwishyura SACCO, enhancing its financial performance by mitigating risks as well as ensuring its operational efficiency. The study, therefore, recommends that this SACCO should strengthen its risk assessment processes to efficiently detect, evaluate, and moderate risks to always help it protect its assets, reduce losses, and sustain its financial performance.
Innovation climate and innovation performance in manufacturing small and medium enterprises in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area, Uganda: A developing country perspective
In today’s dynamic business environment, improving innovation performance is fundamental to the competitiveness and sustainability of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in manufacturing. Existing research supports the association between innovation climate and innovation performance; however, there is a limited understanding of this relationship in developing countries, such as Uganda. This study examined the influence of innovation climate on the innovation performance of manufacturing SMEs in the Greater Kampala Metropolitan Area (GKMA), Uganda, using the Componential Theory of Innovation and Creativity. This study employed a positivist paradigm and a quantitative explanatory research design to collect data from 326 SMEs in a population of 958. The data were collected through a structured self-administered questionnaire. SMEs were selected through proportionate stratified sampling, and respondents were selected purposively. Hierarchical regression was used for data analysis. Results indicate a positive, significant relationship between the innovation climate and innovation performance. This study contributes to the literature on innovation performance, specifically on internal organizational context antecedents. In practice, the findings may support owner-managers of SMEs and the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Cooperatives in improving the implementation of existing policies and practices in innovation management in manufacturing firms. This study therefore recommends that SME owners and managers empower employees and grant them autonomy to think innovatively for the firm without fear of failure to improve innovation performance.
Scheduled desludging model and pit latrine emptying mitigation measures for peri-urban areas, Lusaka, Zambia: A hermeneutic phenomenological approach
The study purpose was to improve the sanitation situation in George Compound, one of the peri-urban areas in Lusaka, Zambia. The researcher adopted an interpretive hermeneutic paradigm in which knowledge was established through Gadamer’s hermeneutic cycle, relying on iterations and fusion of horizons by merging the researcher’s background and participants’ views. Epistemologically, the researcher adopted a subjective epistemological stance in which knowledge was generated through the researcher’s personal experiences and reflective interaction with participants. Further, the researcher adopted a value-bound axiological stance, hence acknowledging his positionality in terms of personal background, experience, values, and beliefs. The study sample size was 29 participants, disaggregated as 10 males, 15 women, and 4 key informants. The study uncovers that scheduled desludging is a strategy that ensures predictable and affordable pit emptying. The study established that households register their pit latrines and make small routine contributions to facilitate emptying. The study further notes that the introduction of scheduled desludging enables community residents in the peri-urban areas to easily empty the pit latrines once they fill up. Moreover, the desludging has environmental and public health benefits, which include, among others, prevention of the pit latrines from overflowing due to delayed pit emptying of pit latrines by most customers, which is typical of most peri-urban areas in Lusaka. The study informs policy on strengthening the capacity of service providers to ensure a timely and efficient turnaround period for desludging. Ensure strengthening the environmental laws on licensing of transporters of effluent to avert desludging in the open environment premised on the low restorative charges that are significantly non-deterrent to the polluters. The study concludes that scheduled desludging is a game changer in resolving on-site sanitation pit emptying challenges given the financial constraints that many residents face. The study recommends strengthening capacities of service providers to ensure a timely and efficient turnaround period of desludging. The finding is novel because it offers peri-urban and institutional insights into pit emptying through scheduled desludging, considering that desludging previously lacked a scheduled plan; as a result, most households chose to relocate and construct new pit latrines elsewhere. The study purpose was to improve the sanitation situation in George Compound, one of the peri-urban areas in Lusaka, Zambia.
Effect of production process capabilities on supply chain performance of sugar manufacturing firms in western region, Kenya
Supply chain performance refers to the ability of an extended supply chain to meet end-customer demands through responsive inventory and capacity management, timely delivery, and product availability. This study examined the effect of production process capabilities on supply chain performance. The study was anchored on the Dynamic Capabilities Theory. A descriptive survey research design was employed, targeting four sugar manufacturing firms with a total population of 281 respondents. A sample size of 165 was selected from a population of 281 using purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Data was collected using structured questionnaires. A pilot study conducted at Kibos Sugar Company in Kisumu County tested the reliability and validity of the research instruments. Reliability was confirmed with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients of 0.7 and above, while validity was ensured through expert reviews. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, and SDs) and inferential statistics, including linear, multiple, and hierarchical regression analysis. The findings revealed that production process capabilities (r = 0.525, R² = 0.276, p = 0.000) had a significant positive effect on supply chain performance. It is evident that production process capabilities had a significant positive influence on the supply chain performance of sugar manufacturing companies since they have a significant impact on the outcomes attained. These results implied that supply chain performance was higher for sugar manufacturing companies with more robust production process capabilities. The study recommends that sugar manufacturing firms streamline production cycles.
Effect of human development index on stock exchange performance in Kenya: A time series analysis (2009–2023)
This study examines the Human Development Index (HDI) as a factor influencing Kenya's stock exchange performance, utilizing quarterly data from 2009 to 2023. It presents the HDI, a composite measure of health, education, and income, as an indicator of structural development in market analysis, moving beyond traditional macroeconomic variables and their relationships. The authors employ the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model after confirming that the variables are integrated in order one, I(1), through the ADF and KPSS tests. Correlation analysis reveals a very strong, statistically significant negative relationship between HDI and the NSE 20 Share Index (r = −0.6761, p < 0.01). The ARDL regression further confirms a significant short-term negative effect of HDI on stock performance, with a negative coefficient (β = −5.5517, p < 0.01). However, a long-term co-integration relationship was not identified using the bounds test. Diagnostic tests verify that the model is stable, normally distributed, and free from multicollinearity and serial correlation. This data indicates that while human development is essential for the long-term growth of an economy, in the short term, it affects investor sentiment and fund allocation, especially in a transitional market like Kenya. The study contributes to endogenous growth theory by framing human capital as a dynamic, potentially disruptive force, and it critiques the efficient market hypothesis by demonstrating how development information may not be immediately reflected in emerging market prices. The policy recommendations emphasize the importance of integrating development strategies with market literacy and stability initiatives.