OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development
Open access peer-reviewed journal
Local Development of a Hermetic Storage Container for Quality Preservation of Rice Seeds in the Philippines
Ricardo F. Orge and John Eric O. Abon
Philippine Rice Research Institute
Maligaya, Science City of Muňoz, Nueva Ecija, Philippines.
Volume 07, Issue 09, Pg. 11-20, 2014.
Abstract: Experiences in the implementation of the Philippine government’s Hybrid Rice Commercialization Program (HRCP) showed that storing rice seeds under a hermetic (gas tight) condition using an imported flexible plastic-lined container can effectively prevent storage pest infestation as well as protect the seeds from the quality-deteriorating effect of high humidity during rainy season. However, the available technology is expensive thus limiting its adoption by the local rice seed producers (RSPs). Hence, this study was conducted to develop a low cost alternative hermetic seed storage technology which can easily be mass fabricated locally. A prototype of a hermetic seed storage container (HSSC), equipped with a simple zipping mechanism, was developed and tested to evaluate its performance in comparison with the other seed storage practices/technologies. Results of the three one-year storage trials showed that the HSSC performed consistently and significantly better than the conventional practice (open-piled bags under ambient condition) and comparably with the imported hermetic container (IHC) in maintaining the viability and vigor of the stored rice seeds (hybrid and inbred varieties) as well as in preventing storage pest infestation.
Keywords: hermetic storage; hermetic container; hybrid rice seeds; seed quality; seed storage
Building Sustainability Into The Township Retail Supply Chain – An Exploratory Study Of Third Party Distribution
Justin Henley Beneke
School of Management Studies, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa.
Volume 07, Issue 09, Pg. 21-36, 2014.
Abstract: In the South African retail market, Township retail outlets have different needs to ordinary retail stores, thus creating a challenge for manufacturers of Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) on how to effectively distribute their products to these retailers. This study aimed to investigate the various forms of Third Party Distribution and how effectively they are able to service the Township retail sector. In so doing, sustainability in the supply of such merchandise can be built and maintained.
The literature determined that using Third Party Distributors allows manufacturers to focus on their core activities as well as reduce costs. Three models of Third Party Distribution were identified, namely Asset-Based Vendors, Warehouse clubs and Hybrid Models. With regards to Township retail, three major typologies of retailers operate in that sector, namely Hawkers, Spazas and General Dealers.
Upon conducting the empirical research, a large portion of findings coincided with that of the literature however, previously undocumented findings were also recorded. Some major findings include the improved access to facilities that township retailers possess, as well as new unique forms of distribution discovered within the townships. In terms of FMCG companies, it was found that costs were not significantly reduced when outsourcing distribution. However, a significant increase in market share, sales and customer satisfaction was confirmed. Based on the findings, relevant conclusions and recommendations were constructed and are presented at the end of this paper.
Keywords: retailers, manufacturers, third party distribution, township, South Africa
Can ISO 9001 certification of water utilities in developing countries be used to evaluate institutional sustainability?
S. Kayaga a, J. Mugabi b , W. Kingdom c
a Water, Engineering and Development Centre (WEDC)
School of Civil and Building Engineering,
Loughborough University, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU, UK
b, c Water Global Practice
The World Bank, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA
Volume 07, Issue 09, Pg. 35-70, 2014.
Abstract: Provision of reliable water services is critical for sustainable development. Next year (2015), the United Nations will review achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Based on previous trends, The WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme estimates that about 700 million people will not have access to safe drinking water in 2015. During the post-2015 era, urban water utilities in less developed regions of the world will face greater challenges in extending and sustainably providing water services, where, it is projected, the urban population will increase from 2.57 billion in 2010, to 3.95 billion in 2030 (UN-Habitat, 2010). Consistent with various scholars, we argue in this paper that there can be no sustainable development in any sector without the support of effective and sustainable institutions.
Whereas indicators for measuring improved quality of service are established in policy and practice, there has been no agreement between policy makers, practitioners and academicians on how best to measure institutional sustainability for improved organisational performance. An increasing number of urban water utilities in developing countries are adopting quality management systems (QMS) based on ISO 9000 series of standards in order to improve their performance. This paper reports on the results of a study commissioned by the World Bank to assess whether ISO 9001 QMS offer a sound framework for evaluating institutional sustainability of urban water utilities.
The study was conducted in 2011/12 through a comprehensive literature review and primary data collection from two case study urban water utilities in sub-Saharan Africa. Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews and questionnaires with senior and middle-level managers; Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with lower cadre staff of the utilities; and analysis of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) before and after ISO certification.
Evidence from the literature showed that there is a plausible link between ISO 9000 QMS standards and institutional sustainability. Field data from the two African water utilities corroborated the findings from the literature. However, findings from the case studies indicate that there is no causal link between ISO 9001 certification and institutional sustainability. The study shows that the purpose and motivation for implementing ISO 9001 QMS are important moderating factors. Furthermore, ISO 9001 framework does not adequately cater for many factors in the external environment of the service providers, which are critical for institutional sustainability. There is need, therefore, to develop a more effective assessment tool for tracking a water utility’s progress towards institutional sustainability.
Keywords
Institutional Capacity, Institutional Sustainability, ISO 9000 Quality Management Systems, Sustainable Development, Urban Water Utilities
Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for sustainable development in Sedibeng District Municipality
Shikha Vyas-Doorgapersad a, Engenine Zwane b
Public Management and Administration, Faculty of Humanities,
Vaal Triangle Campus (North-West University), South Africa.
Volume 07, Issue 09, Pg. 71-99, 2014.
Abstract: The restructuring of local governance in South Africa requires municipalities to serve the communities within their areas of jurisdiction. This has brought capacity challenges for the municipalities. They are charged with delivering acceptable standards of services to the residents. The current lack of deliverance is evident in the widespread protests, with community members showing their dissatisfaction with sub-standard service delivery and backlogs. Furthermore, municipalities are required to formulate their own by-laws to improve the lives of community members, and to implement their legislative mandates satisfactorily. In order for the municipalities to perform more effectively a transformative model is necessary. The quality of services currently delivered at municipal level must be reviewed. Monitoring and evaluation, key elements of assessment must be undertaken. The rationale behind this monitoring and evaluation is to make the system of governance more effective by an even-handed assessment of policies, programmes, projects, strategies, performance of personnel, and indeed of the organization as a whole.
The article is based on a study conducted to investigate the implementation of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms at South African municipal level. The local government structure requires more attention because of marked skill challenges. However, there is a need not only to enhance the performance of employees but also the quality of services provided and the effective management of municipalities as a whole. The focus area of this research is Sedibeng District Municipality (SDM), a Category C municipality in the Gauteng Province.
The study was based on the hypothesis that effective monitoring and evaluation mechanisms can provide sustainable development in Sedibeng District Municipality with improved service delivery. In order to validate the hypothesis, empirically based questionnaires on the monitoring and evaluation, and service delivery were utilized. Frequency analysis, which lends itself to correlation analysis, of employees’ responses and residents’ responses was conducted using the Pearson Correlation.
The study tried to identify gaps within municipal capabilities to assess community needs. The quantitative study has revealed gaps in infrastructure delivery related to lack of capability mainly in primary resources, viz. financial, technical and human. The capabilities of Sedibeng District Municipality require effective utilization of these primary resources, resulting in acceptable standards of service delivery to satisfy community needs. The municipal performance to address community needs can be identified, reviewed, prioritized and strategized through a Municipal Assessment Tool, discussed in a proposed model called as Monitoring and Evaluation for Sustainable Development (MESD). Once the above model is in place the municipality may well achieve a level of efficiency towards sustainable development.
Keywords: monitoring and evaluation; municipal assessment tool; Sedibeng District Municipality; service delivery; sustainable development.
Assessing the role of gender in local governance [political context]: the case of South African municipalities
Shikha Vyas-Doorgapersad
Public Management and Administration, Faculty of Humanities,
Vaal Triangle Campus (North-West University), South Africa.
Volume 07, Issue 09, Pg. 101-116, 2014.
Abstract: Due to social and economic factors, gender inequality persists in society requiring initiatives for women empowerment. It is vital that government policies are gender-sensitive incorporating the elements of gender-disaggregated data, gender-based demography, gender-based tasks and gender equality resulting in women empowerment. The review of relevant literature, official documents and international/regional/national policies [descriptive and analytical methodology] reveal the lack of participation by women in political decision-making, especially at grass-roots level. The reasons could be, inter alia, the lack of skills, capacities, household responsibilities, societal pressure and cultural beliefs. This nature of constraints can be overcome through building women’s capacity for improved political involvement in local governance [a hypothetical statement].
In order to find solutions, the article raises the following questions for [on-going] debate and discussion: What is the magnitude of gender-awareness in political decision-making in municipalities? To what extent are gender equity policies implemented at grass-roots level? Are municipalities acknowledging the need to empower women? Are there any initiatives in place to capacitate women to ensure participation in decision-making processes? There are diverse arguments on this issue. The strong augmentation emphasizes the significance of the normative approach that supports public participation as a form of transformation. Another augmentation stresses the instrumental approach supporting the political decentralization for participatory decision-making at grass-roots level. In order to find answers to the above questions, the article investigates at the status of women in South African local governance [political context].
The article utilizes an empowerment approach of the feminist theory. The empowerment approach has its own indicators for measurement varying from individual to collective at micro and macro levels. The micro level symbolizes an individual seeking progression from subjugation to an evolutionary personality. The macro level symbolizes the institutions/authorities/regulations taking relevant decisions regarding progression of individuals. In this article, the micro level, that is, the individuals, are women seeking empowerment and recognition, while the macro levels are municipalities (organizations), authorities (political office–bearers), and regulations (gender equality policies and programmes).
The article recommends that it is vital to review and revise existing constitutional, political, legislative and regulatory frameworks, including electoral systems, to remove provisions that hinder women’s equal participation in the decision-making processes. To facilitate research on the conditions under which women representation is enhanced in political parties, parliament and government at all spheres is significant. The government must ensure monitoring and evaluation of the participation and representation of women in the decision-making processes. At the political level, the parties must review and revise their manifesto and structures to accommodate the participation of women. To enhance the participation of women in political decision-making, a quota on gender is being considered as an important policy measure. At the social level, there is a need to change attitudes that should include: the culture of local government needs to be reviewed to ensure that women are treated fairly and equally; discrimination against women is unacceptable; gender awareness programmes for men and women need to be developed; and opportunities need to be availed to women as soon as they are elected so that they can learn about local government, governance and receive the required support.
Keywords: empowerment approach; gender; gender equity; local governance; women empowerment.
Effect of Micro Finance Scheme of the National Special Programme on Food Security (NSPFS) on Livelihoods and Well-Being: A Panacea for Sustainable Development in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Nelson Udo Okorie a, Julius Ajah b, Francis E. Nlerum
a Faculty of Agricultural Education, School of Vocational and Education,
College of Education, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Economics and Extension, Agriculture,
University of Abuja, Nigeria.
Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, Faculty of Agriculture,
River State University of Science and Technology, Rivers State, Nigeria.
Volume 07, Issue 09, Pg. 125-130, 2014.
Abstract: The overall purpose of the study was to assess the operations and effect of micro-finance scheme of the National Special Programme on Food Securities on Livelihoods and Wellbeing in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study estimated the effect of the programme on per capita expenditure of beneficialries and to compare them with those of non-beneficiaries. It analyzes the perception of the beneficiaries on the effect of NSPFS microfinace on their socio-economic lives, identified the major constraints to effective participation and performance of beneficiaries and identify factors affecting timely repayment of the loan. The study was carried out in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Two project sites out of the three project sites in Akwa Ibom State was randomly selected, namely; Ukana Uwa site in Essien Udim Local Government Area of Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District and Ikot Essien in Nsit Atai Local Government of Uyo Senetorial District. One hundred and Twenty project beneficiaries (120) and One Hundred and twenty non-project beneficiaries were sampled from each local government Area. A total of two Hundred and Forty (240) respondents made up of One hundred and twenty (120) beneficiaries and One hundred and twenty non-beneficiaries were used in the study. Copies of questionnaire and interview schedules were used as data collection instrument. Percentages, propensity score, matching technique, mean, standard deviation, factor analysis, and t-Test were used in the analysis of data. Results showed that a greater proportion (92. 3% and 77.5%) of the beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries were male, married, and had large households and mean age of 48.7 and 51.2 years respectively. Majority (75.0%) of the beneficiaries were crop farmers while 25.0% were livestock farmers. Cassava, maize and groundnut were the major crops grown in the project sites by the beneficiaries. Majority (55.0%) of the beneficiaries defaulted in paying back loans received and they attributed these to problems like untimely loan disbursement, poor marketing/poor sales, Hugh cost of inputs and insufficient loan. The beneficiaries perceived great level of impact on their social-economic lives as a result of NSPFS in areas like increased crop output, increased level of social interaction, improvement in nutritional status, among others. The result however showed that several factors constrained the effective performance of NSPFS in the study areas. These factors were grouped into logistic problems, management problems, technical problems and financial limitations. Strategies suggested for effective performance of the programmed included early/timely disbursement of loans, provision of sufficient loan, adequate/effective monitoring of the programme, creation of marketing channels, and provision of farm inputs. The findings further revealed that there was no significant difference in the perception of the beneficiaries who have received credits facilities once and beneficiaries who have received credit facilities at least twice on the impact of NSPSF on their socio-economic live only as pertaining to better marketing strategies. The impact of NSPSF on the beneficiaries was ascertained using propensity score matching technique result showed the average gain in expenditure per capita by the beneficiaries, using nearest neigbough matches to be N8, 750.58 with a significant t-value of 2.85 at p< 0.05. It is recommended that before the commencement of another phase of the programme, government prioritize constraints identified in this study and look for possible solutions if the MDGs by 2015 should be realized to give as a panacea for sustainable development.
Keywords: Effect, Food Security, Livelihoods, Micro Finance, Sustainable Development
Problems in Paradise! Rethinking Poverty and the Response of the Nigerian State
Osaretin Igbinehimwen Idahosa a, Joyce Oke Idahosa b
a Department of Political Science and Public Administration, Faculty of Social Science,
University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
b Department of Political Science and Public Administration, Faculty of Social Science,
University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.
Volume 07, Issue 09, Pg. 131-141, 2014.
Abstract: It is widely acclaimed that Nigeria has met the first goal of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) (i.e.., eradicating extreme poverty and hunger). However, despite it richly endowed natural resources, a large percentage of Nigerians still live below the United Nations’ drawn poverty line. This paper investigates the factors that cause shift in government policies and culminates in new frameworks for poverty alleviating initiatives in the country. The introduction of a series of poverty reduction programmes as well as the subsequent broadening of their scopes has been instrumental in the fight against poverty in Nigeria. Nonetheless, the future is strewn with a lot of challenges. The Nigerian government is yet to fully address poverty as a societal and developmental issue that tend to integrate inputs from the poor themselves. In other to overcome this challenge, this paper calls on the Nigeria government to focus more on macroeconomic issues that affect the poor such as high inflation and slow economic growth on development.
Keywords: Development Government Policies Poverty Resources
The Interdiction of Okada Transportation Business: Implication for Human Security, Poverty Reduction
and Sustainable Development in Kaduna State
Akume Albert T. a, Abdullahi Yahya M. b, Dahida Philip D. c
a, b Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna, Nigeria.
c Public Administration, University of Abuja, Abuja-Nigeria.
Volume 07, Issue 09, Pg. 141-152, 2014.
Abstract: It is established that poverty is rife in Nigeria. Acknowledging this, various governments have been committed to eradicating poverty using different approaches; with motorcycle transportation (okada) featuring prominently. Due to the ease of operation, low cost of start-up, and guaranteed steady income, the government did not only morally encourage but financially supported okada as an approach for eradicating poverty in Kaduna state. Unfortunately however, the okada approach to poverty eradication had to be proscribed because it became a reliable mechanism for perpetrating crime and terrorism thereby heightening insecurity in the state. It is against this backdrop that this paper uses the documentary and analytical research methods to examine the implication of interdicting okada business for poverty reduction, human security and sustainable development in Kaduna state. The study therefore emerges with this outcome: while the ban strengthened traditional security, it however has severe consequences on poverty reduction, human security and sustainable development in Kaduna state. It was therefore recommended that the government should rather strengthen her traditional security apparatus and facilitate cooperation that addresses security risk on the citizens
Keywords: Ban; Human Security; Okada Transportation; Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Development.
Globalization And Development. The Impact On Africa; A Political Economy Approach
Ishaku Bitrus Lere
Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences,
Plateau State University, Bokkos, Nigeria.
Volume 07, Issue 09, Pg. 153-162, 2014.
Abstract: The world is becoming a global village because of advancement in information communication technology, culture, political, economic and social activities across the globe. The pro globalization scholars would want us to believe that, globalization is all about modernity. Globalization is another form of re colonization of African countries including those nations that were hitherto not part of the old colonization, have discovered a virgin ground for the re colonization of African countries. This involves the use of exploitative instruments like World Trade Organization (WTO), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, multinational corporations and other international financial institutions in order to capture the world in the name of globalization under the umbrella of United States of America. All these gadgets in the name of globalization are diversionary and plausible because there is no any country in the world that is in the process of development as a result of globalization or that have developed as a product of globalization. The pro globalizers deceive people that, there is a path to development in which all African countries suppose to follow in order to become modern. The assertion has been problematic; this is because there is no any country in the world that has passed through this process of development. Thus there is no any country in the world that is in the process of developing in the name of globalization or has developed because of its involvement in the global economy. In other words, globalization at this juncture is seen as another new method of recolonialization of African countries by those developed nations who where hitherto not part of the old colonialization to explore virgin land to operate and be part of the exploiters of the African countries. Afterwards, the path to modernization as suggested by the modernization scholars can be described as a new wine in an old bottle masquerading and metamorphosing in different forms from colonialism, neocolonialism and now globalization as the solution to the development of African countries. The benefits of African countries in the global world are economic, political, social, religious and cultural crisis pervading the nocks and crannies of African countries. It is based on this premise that the paper intends to introduce the topic, conceptualizing and contextualizing the concepts of globalization and development, a brief historical origin of globalization, the impact of globalization on the development of African countries and the way out of this present predicament and conclusion.
Keywords: Development, Globalization, Impact on African countries, Recolonizalion.
Intensifying hiv education for sustainable human and social development
Nceba Nyembezi
Division of Academic Affairs and Research Directorate of Research Development,
Walter Sisulu University, Private Bag X1421, East London, 5200, South Africa.
Volume 07, Issue 09, Pg. 163-172, 2014.
Abstract: HIV and AIDS present a critical challenge to the viability of education systems in many countries. As the spread of the HIV and AIDS epidemic continues, the potential of the education sector to respond to the root causes of vulnerability to HIV infections has increasingly been highlighted. While raising the educational level of the population is a desirable goal in itself, it can help to restrain the spread of HIV and AIDS through effective prevention education linked to adequate support services provided by other sectors. Numerous international texts and global agreements have reaffirmed the basic right to education for all, and countries have invested considerable public and private resources in developing their education system. Without specific targeted responses, the AIDS epidemic will continue to threaten this investment in several ways. In countries with a high prevalence of HIV, the human resource base of education systems is decreasing. Other sectors are also affected, reducing productivity and hard-won human capacity, and thereby reversing economic and social development gains. The purpose of this study was to investigate Grade 12 learners’ perceptions of their vulnerability to HIV and AIDS. This was to gain insight into their experiences of HIV and AIDS in two purposively selected high schools in the Eastern Cape. The study adopted a mixed method approach in which focus group discussions and questionnaires were used to gather data. However, this article reports only on the qualitative data, and thematic categorisation was used to analyse the data. The theory of planned behaviour (TPB) was found to be relevant to this study. The findings revealed that respondents were of the opinion that the teaching of HIV and AIDS or Life Skills is not adequate in the schools. It is possible that the lack of learner involvement in the design and implementation of the programmes is one of the reasons for the poor participation of learners in the intervention programmes in schools. There is need for strong advocacy of the use of condoms as a preventive measure against unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. More involvement in extra-curricular activities would help learners to develop self-esteem and the ability to resist drugs and other risky sexual behaviours. This study identified various strategies that could rescue and protect education systems in countries heavily impacted by HIV and AIDS to determine what the various stakeholders of the international community can and must do to encourage and assist countries to overcome the effects of the epidemic on basic education.
Keywords: AIDS; Grade 12 learners; HIV-infections; perceptions; vulnerability