Family Governance and Other Dilemmas of Biomedical Ethics in Reproductive Health in Uganda

Tabitha Naisiko   

The paper highlights the challenges of practicing biomedical ethics in reproductive health in Uganda. The most contentious is patriarchy where most women don’t take personal decisions concerning the subject. In addition to poverty, ignorance, religions, practice of ethical values is limited. Considering this, there have been ethical quandaries in reproductive health, some of which have compromised not only women’s health but children and community health at large. Taking an ethico-cultural critique, the paper is based on literature review and documentary analysis to expound on the challenges and propose a way forward.

Factors Influencing the Economic Performance of Women Fish Processors: The Case of Small Scale Omena Fish Processors in Lake Victoria-Homabay County, Kenya

Millicent A. Mokua and Aloo, P.

In Homabay County, women are predominant in fish marketing and processing. However there are bottlenecks towards women economic progress. Socio-economic and demographic characteristics are indicators of performance in the society. A study was undertaken to understand the constraints to economic performance among women fish processors. Structured questionnaires were administered randomly to 120 women fish processors. Descriptive statistics was used for data analysis. Results indicate that poor environmental condition and poor personal hygiene contribute to poor quality of fish. The study recommends that there is the need for awareness creation on food safety regulations and implementation of environmental management systems.   

Recurrent Male-To-Female Partner Violence in Mkoba High Density Suburb of Gweru Town in Zimbabwe

Cowen Dziva, Didmus Dewa and Princess Khumalo

The study aimed to establish factors responsible for repetitive intimate partner violence and its effects in high density suburbs of Zimbabwe. This qualitative study was informed by a phenomenological design to have a deeper understanding of repetitive domestic violence in Mkoba. The study relied on data from seven victims and three perpetrators of domestic violence snowballed in Mkoba suburb of Gweru. This data was complemented with literature review, observations and key informant interviews with five purposively selected domestic violence service providers. Data were thematically analysed. It emerged that repetitive intimate partner violence results from economic and patriarchal forces amid administrative inadequacies of service providers. Domestic violence recurrence results in stunted social development and infringement on women and children’s rights. The study recommends for comprehensive women empowerment and protection of measures, and awareness raising for communities to re-think anti-human rights norms.

A Crisis of the Green Gold: A Case Study of Large Scale Agricultural Investment in Gambella Region, Ethiopia

Amanuel Kussia Guyalo, Degefa Tolossa & Esubalew Abate

This article examines trends, size, governance, and the perceived benefits of large-scale agricultural investment in Gambella region. Primary and secondary data were collected from diverse sources through survey questionnaire, interview and focus group discussion checklists, and review of related documents. Data analysis was carried out by using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Systematic and purposive sampling techniques were employed to select 237 households and 31 key informants, respectively. The article finds that the investment flow started to amplify in the region in 2008/9 and reached its peak in 2014/15. The evidence shows that more than 650, 000 ha of land was transferred to several investors in the region. Land and project governance system is found as unresponsive, non-transparent, non-participatory, and corrupted. The result also revealed that perceived benefits of the investment such as employment, infrastructure, and technological transfers were not materialized. The article concludes that despite an extensive investment in the region, the ambition of the government to modernize agriculture sector and improve livelihoods of the local people through large-scale farming is failed. The government is, therefore, urged to revise its policies and adopt a holistic and an integrated approach that balance the market interest, natural environment, and societal priorities. 

Challenges Of Near Miss Incidents Reporting At A Mine In The Midlands Province Of Zimbabwe

Tatenda Musasa and Steven Jerie

Near miss reporting has historically been a challenge in the mining industry. The research sought to examine the challenges associated with the reporting of near miss incidents at a mine in the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods was used as observations were juxtaposed with 150 questionnaires randomly distributed among the employees. Interviews were conducted with key informants such as; SHE Officers, SHE Representatives and Mine Captains. To analyse data, the Statistical Package for Social Sciences 23.0 (SPSS) was exploited. The research revealed that at risky behaviour, inattention to hazards, unsafe working conditions were the main causes of near miss incidents. Injuries included; lacerations (29%), crushes (23%), and sprains (20%). Numerous factors such as fear of victimisation, employee attitude and lack of comprehensive training complicate near miss incident reporting. This was not surprising as the majority (65.33%) did not report near misses they had experienced which clearly points out that a lot of near miss incidents go unreported. Near miss reporting systems at the mine were found to be poor and scrappy. Employees indicated that near misses reported verbally are not documented hence they are not accounted for; which puts the effectiveness of such systems into question. Findings conclusively indicated that near miss reporting remains a challenge as campaigns and systems put in place have failed to yield desirable results. The study advocates for fiscal support from the SHE department to reward employees who report incidents so as to motivate others. 

Besides Physical Scarcity: An Analysis of Domestic Water Access in Rural Rakai, Uganda

Innocent R Kamya, Narathius Asingwire and Dauda B Waiswa

Water scarcity research, in rural settings, mainly uses a hydrological lens. Basing on key informant interviews and documentary review, we argue that inadequate access in Rakai results from socio-political factors relating to infrastructural allocation and operation and maintenance of water facilities. In Uganda, Local governments play a role in making decisions and managing water-related services. The communities play a role in the continued functioning of water sources. The findings indicate that in Rakai, non-physical scarcity factors determine the point of water service location basing on political expediency; the water supply technology used is informed by economies of scale and not sustainability and robustness. Water source maintenance funding and the functionality of community-based management systems also influence water access. Community contribution and equitable distribution of water points are imperative in improving rural water access.