African Journal of Emerging Issues

CLIMATE CHANGE AND FOOD PRODUCTION; A CASE STUDY OF SOYBEAN PRODUCTION IN BRAZIL

2023-09-17T12:22:33+00:00

Purpose of the Study: the study sought to explore the effects of Climate Change and Food Production. A Case Study of Soybean Production in Brazil
Statement of the Problem: The problem of climate change and food production, exemplified by the case study of soybean cultivation in Brazil, centers on the disruptive impacts of changing climatic conditions on agricultural systems. Altered temperature patterns, irregular rainfall, and shifting pest dynamics challenge traditional farming practices, leading to reduced soybean yields, compromised nutritional quality, and potential socioeconomic vulnerabilities.
Findings: Shifting climate patterns disrupt traditional agricultural timelines, creating uncertainty in planting and harvesting schedules and leading to decreased yields. Elevated temperatures cause heat stress during vital growth phases, affecting flowering, pod development, and seed quality, resulting in reduced overall production. Additionally, irregular precipitation patterns and water scarcity further exacerbate these issues, underscoring the vulnerability of soybean cultivation to changing climate conditions.
Conclusion: The evident disruptions in planting and harvesting schedules, reduced yields due to heat stress, and water scarcity issues collectively underscore the vulnerability of food production systems to changing climate patterns. The study emphasizes the pressing need for proactive measures, including the adoption of climate-resilient crop varieties, implementation of precision agriculture technologies, formulation of supportive policies, and global collaboration to ensure sustainable food production, rural livelihoods, and broader agricultural resilience in the face of an evolving climate.
Recommendations: To effectively address the intricate challenges of climate change on soybean production in Brazil, a multifaceted approach is crucial. Promoting research and development of climate-resilient soybean varieties tailored to local conditions can enhance the sector's adaptability. The integration of precision farming technologies, such as remote sensing and data analytics, can optimize resource allocation and mitigate climate-induced risks. Governments should formulate policies that incentivize sustainable agricultural practices, including subsidies for adopting climate-resilient techniques and providing insurance against climate-related losses. Lastly, international collaboration and knowledge-sharing platforms should be established to facilitate the exchange of successful strategies, fostering a global effort to safeguard food production in the face of climate change.

Keywords: Climate Change, Food Production, Soybean, Brazil

PHYSICAL ILLNESSES AND PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH AMONG ELDERLY WOMEN IN HAWAII, USA

2023-09-17T12:32:09+00:00

Purpose of the Study: The purpose of the study was to investigate the physical illnesses and psychological health among elderly women in Hawaii, USA

Statement of the Problem: The aging population in Hawaii, including a substantial number of elderly women, raises concerns about the intersection of physical illnesses and psychological well-being within this demographic. Understanding the challenges and opportunities associated with their health is crucial for developing targeted interventions and support systems.

Methodology: The study was literature based. The study collected and analyzed existing research and publications to inferences.

Findings: The research indicates that elderly women in Hawaii experience a higher prevalence of physical illnesses, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and cancer, which can significantly impact their overall well-being and quality of life. Psychological distress, including feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety, is a prevalent issue among elderly women in Hawaii, often exacerbated by the presence of chronic physical illnesses. There is importance of cultural resilience and intergenerational relationships as protective factors for the psychological health of elderly women, with cultural practices and traditions playing a significant role in promoting emotional well-being within this demographic.

Conclusion: The complex interplay between physical illnesses and psychological health among elderly women in Hawaii underscores the need for a holistic approach to healthcare. Addressing their unique challenges, such as the prevalence of physical ailments and the impact of cultural factors, is essential for improving their overall well-being. By promoting culturally competent care, enhancing mental health support, and fostering community engagement, we can work towards ensuring that elderly women in Hawaii age gracefully and maintain their physical and psychological health in this culturally rich environment.

Recommendations: Improve healthcare accessibility by implementing initiatives like mobile clinics and telemedicine services to address the unique geographical challenges in Hawaii, ensuring that elderly women receive timely diagnoses and specialized care for their physical illnesses. Develop and promote culturally sensitive mental health programs that incorporate traditional Hawaiian healing practices, while also raising awareness about mental health issues and reducing the stigma surrounding seeking psychological support among elderly women. Foster community engagement by expanding social programs, senior centers, and intergenerational activities that celebrate and preserve Hawaiian culture, promoting a sense of belonging and support, ultimately enhancing the physical and psychological health of elderly women in Hawaii.

Keywords: Physical Illnesses, Psychological Health, Elderly Women, Hawaii

EFFECT OF RESOURCE ALLOCATION ON SOCIAL PROTECTION OF ELDERLY PERSONS IN TURKANA COUNTY, KENYA

2023-09-19T16:48:39+00:00

Purpose of the study: To determine the effect of resource allocation on social protection of elderly persons in Turkana County.

Methodology used: Descriptive survey research design was used. The target population were 3243 respondents, comprising of 243 employees of cash transfer program and 3000 older persons aged 65 years and above. The sample size comprised of 27 employees and 329 older persons. Purposive, Stratified and simple random sampling was used to select respondents. Data collection instruments were questionnaires and interview schedule. Expert judgement was used to determine the content validity. The Cronbach alpha coefficient was used to determine the reliability of the questionnaire. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics which included frequencies and percentages, while inferential statistics comprising of Pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression analysis.

Findings of the study: The study findings showed that there was a positive significant relationship between resource allocation (β1=0.953) and social protection of elderly persons in Turkana County.

Conclusion: Resource allocation had significant relationship with social protection of elderly persons in Turkana county.

Recommendations: The national and county governments should look for ways of removing the hidden costs incurred by the elderly persons in obtaining the money.

The national and county government should increase the community sensitization among the elderly to enroll into the social protection programs.

Keywords: Resource Allocation, Social Protection, Elderly Persons, Turkana County, Kenya

INFLUENCE OF MODE OF PAYMENT ON SOCIAL PROTECTION OF ELDERLY PERSONS IN TURKANA COUNTY, KENYA

2023-09-19T17:02:29+00:00

Purpose of the study: To assess the influence of mode of payment on social protection of elderly persons in Turkana County.

Methodology used: Descriptive survey research design was used. The target population were 3243 respondents, comprising of 243 employees of Cash Transfer Program and 3000 elderly persons aged 65 years and above. The sample size comprised of 27 employees and 329 elderly persons. Purposive, Stratified and simple random sampling was used to select respondents. Data collection instruments was questionnaire. Data was analyzed using inferential statistics such as linear regression analysis.

Findings of the study: The study findings showed that there was a positive significant relationship mode of payment (β1=0.741) and social protection of elderly persons in Turkana County.

Conclusion: Mode of payment had a significant relationship with social protection of elderly persons in Turkana County.

Recommendations: The national and county governments should look for ways of removing the hidden costs incurred by the elderly persons in obtaining the money. The cash transfer should be remitted through mobile phones to reduce the transport cost the elderly spend to access the paying points or banks. The national government should ensure there is internet connectivity that enhance the use of digital channels such as mobile money and e-wallets cash transfer.

Keywords: Mode of Payment, Social Protection, Elderly Persons, Turkana, County

THE MEDIATING ROLE OF EMPLOYEE MOTIVATION ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND TURNOVER INTENTIONS AMONG TEACHING STAFF IN KENYA'S PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES

2023-09-19T17:08:22+00:00

Purpose of the study: Private universities in Kenya play a key role in the economy yet they find it difficult to attract and retain teaching staff. The purpose of this study was to assess how these universities could reduce the turnover intentions of their teaching staff and eventually turnover.

Statement of problem: Private universities in Kenya are plagued by high turnover of teaching staff which affects the quality of education. This is due to inability to recruit and retain highly qualified academic staff because of various challenges faced by these universities. These challenges have led to the dissatisfaction and demotivation of the said staff resulting in their turnover intentions, some of these eventually covert into turnover. It is necessary to look into ways of minimizing the above challenges so as to retain teaching staff in private universities.

Objective of study: The objective of this study was to determine the mediating effect of employee motivation on the relationship between emotional intelligence and turnover intentions among teaching staff in Kenya’s private universities.

Method/methodology: The study was anchored on mixed theory of emotional intelligence and it was guided by positivism philosophy and used cross-sectional survey design. It focused on all 36 private universities in Kenya. A sample size of 364 teaching staff was obtained through stratified proportionate random sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data.

Results of the study: The study results established that there is significant partial mediating effect of employee motivation on the relationship between emotional intelligence and turnover intentions among teaching staff in Kenya's private universities. The null hypothesis was therefore rejected and the alternative hypothesis accepted.

Conclusion and policy recommendation:

The study concluded that if employee motivation mediates on the relationship between emotional intelligence and turnover intentions among teaching staff in Kenya’s private universities it leads to less intentions of these staff to quit their jobs. The research recommends the leadership of these universities to employee teaching staff with high emotional intelligence. Employees in these institutions be trained on emotional intelligence at institutional and personal level. These institutions should invest more on both intrinsic and extrinsic employee motivation. All in private universities be trained on emotional intelligence and employee motivation.

Key Words: Employee Motivation, Emotional Intelligence, Turnover Intentions, Teaching Staff, Private Universities, Kenya