Eastern Africa Social Science Research Review - June 2017 Issue

Dynamics of Fresh Produce Marketing in Small-scale Irrigation Schemes: Challenges and Opportunities for Smallholder Farmers in South Africa by Bulisani L. Ncube

Small-scale irrigation schemes provide a worthwhile livelihood for smallholder farmers, though those farmers struggle to obtain a guaranteed and consistent market for their produce. This article focuses on constraints and opportunities that different types of smallholder irrigation farmers in South Africa have in meeting requirements of fresh produce markets. It draws on findings from 94 household interviews, in-depth life histories, and in-depth interviews with stakeholders. The findings reveal that not all farmers are able to effectively market their produce, while not every smallholder is suited to the same type of market. Matching of smallholder characteristics with particular markets is thus necessary.

The Association between Brand Equity and Customer Store Selection in Zimbabwean Fast Foods Industry by Tapiwa Takundwa and Faustino Kufakunesu

This paper delves into the impact of brand equity on customer store selection in the fast foods industry of Bindura in Zimbabwe. The association between brand equity elements (awareness, loyalty, image and associations) and customer store selection was tested. The research adopted both qualitative and quantitative research paradigms. Sample of 100 respondents was selected using convenience sampling method. The results showed that brand awareness has indirect relationship with customers’ store selection while loyalty, image and association have a strong positive correlation with customer store selection. By implication, all brand equity elements require a wise attention.

Commercial Uses of Sweet Potatoes— a Missing Link to Community Development: A Case Study of Rural Zimbabwe by Gaylord Hlabiso and Farirepi Mugozhi

Many rural communities have rampant underdevelopment; hence, the aim of this paper was to investigate if there were knowledge gaps on the commercial uses of sweet potatoes being grown in the rural areas of Beacon-Hill of Chipinge District in Zimbabwe, for community development. This research used qualitative and quantitative approaches, in which interviews and questionnaires were used as instruments for data collection. This research discovered heterogeneous distributions of knowledge on the uses of sweet potatoes, which can enhance community development. This research recommends that the concerned departments of local governments have to train the rural populace on the pertinent knowledge on how to use their natural resources.

The Informal Apprenticeship Miracle: A Case for Mbare-Magaba Informal Industry, Zimbabwe by Muchabaiwa Wonder and Muyambo Tenson

The economic turbulences faced by Zimbabwe in the first decade of the 21st century culminated in almost total demise of the formal industry. Concomitantly, this resulted in the emergence and proliferation of the informal industry as an alternative solution. This study explored the training strategies and approaches employed in the informal manufacturing industry. The study adopted the qualitative research paradigm to collect, present and analyse data. Findings from the study point to the efficacy of the informal apprenticeship in terms of human capital development and hence this skills training approach becomes the main trajectory to economic recovery for Zimbabwe.

Analysis of Media Role in Bridging the Information Gap for Environmentally Sustainable Development in Zimbabwe by Sindiso Zhou, Nhlanhla Landa and Isabella N. Zhou

Mass media have been acknowledged as wielding persuasive power that can yield positive response from media consumers. For sustainable development realisation, communities need adequate information about their environment and their role in protecting it. This paper analysed the media’s role in bridging the information gap about sustainable development. It employed a critical discourse analysis approach in analysing purposively sampled newspaper articles. Findings indicate that the environment story in media is infrequent and politicised. We recommend targeted training in enterprise journalism in which journalists are coached on innovative pre-crisis and post-crisis reporting, the nexus of the media, environment and sustainable development.

The Role of Prophecy in Zimbabwean Socio-economic Transformation: The Case of Ezekiel Guti by Fairchild Siyawamwaya

Perhaps the most enduring legacy of the Old Testament prophets is in the area of economic engagement as Elisha’s ministry speaks volume. In Zimbabwe, Ezekiel Guti has championed. This paper focuses on the economic engagement of the prophet Ezekiel Guti in his bid to improve the lives of the underside of history and how this resonates with the prophetic vocation of Elisha. The paper, through canonical approach, typological comparative analysis, and literature review contends that the prophet Ezekiel Guti is a quintessence to demonstrate that the engagement of prophets in economic initiatives is vital in contemporary times.