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Case Report
Agro-Processing Value Chains Mapping and Technology Needs Assessment for Taita Taveta County, Kenya
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
1-11
Received:
25 October 2024
Accepted:
13 November 2024
Published:
22 January 2025
Abstract: A value chain mapping exercise was carried out in Taita Taveta County, focusing on the agro-processing value chain. The survey carried out by the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI), was conducted as part of the Kenya Industry and Entrepreneurship Project (KIEP), supported by the World Bank. The aim of the survey was to explore the technological challenges and opportunities faced by small businesses to help them grow, innovate, and compete more effectively. By looking closely at value chains like rice, dairy, bananas, mushrooms, beekeeping, leather, and engineering services, the study mapped out the specific technology needs of local enterprises. To do this, researchers used both qualitative and quantitative methods, gathering insights through interviews, group discussions, and on-site visits with key players in these sectors. The findings from the mapping exercise, revealed several challenges holding these businesses back which include; outdated equipment, limited opportunities for value addition, poor access to markets, and weak infrastructure. On top of that, the high cost of inputs adds more strain to farmers and processors. The outcome of the survey doesn't stop at identifying problems; it offers practical solutions in an intervention matrix, laying out clear steps to help businesses improve productivity, enhance product quality, and boost income. With the right support, Taita Taveta’s agricultural and livestock sectors have strong potential for growth and transformation.
Abstract: A value chain mapping exercise was carried out in Taita Taveta County, focusing on the agro-processing value chain. The survey carried out by the Kenya Industrial Research and Development Institute (KIRDI), was conducted as part of the Kenya Industry and Entrepreneurship Project (KIEP), supported by the World Bank. The aim of the survey was to expl...
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Research Article
Dynamic Trends and Patterns of Urban Development in Bamenda City of Cameroon
Nfor Constance Kinyui*,
Mary Lum Fonteh Niba,
Fombe Lawrence Fon
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
12-24
Received:
30 January 2025
Accepted:
17 February 2025
Published:
27 February 2025
Abstract: The urban developmental process depicts transformation of the landscape through spatial changes in zones closer to towns and cities across the world. This is evident in the spatio-temporal and sectorial changes in demographic, social, economic, technological and environmental aspects. Bamenda City is experiencing rapid growth in population and continues expansion of built-up land use, resulting in the reduction of agricultural and forest lands. There is continuous haphazard densification of buildings and uncontrolled urban sprawl. The aim of this article is to examine the dynamic trends and drivers of urban development anchored on the premise that urban development trends are directly related to population growth in Bamenda City. The methodology uses historical survey and correlational designs of field investigations to administer 300 questionnaires to the target population with a spatial picture reflected on the three municipalities (Bamenda I. Bamenda II and Bamenda III) for comparative analysis. Landsat Images were processed to show the spatio-temporal changes in land uses from 2000-2024. This was complemented by field observations and secondary data sources from institutions. Findings revealed that urban development is manifested in significant increase in infrastructures (22.7%) and peri-urban growth (18.2%). The trend is increasing in spatial rates seen in Bamenda I (47%), Bamenda II (42%) and Bamenda III (45%). Farmland use has reduced from 124.36 km2 (44.6%) in 2000 to 119.17 km2 (42.7%) in 2024 while built-up land has increased from 28.16 km2 (10.1%) 62.99 km2 (22.6%) in 2024. Population increase has been most dominant driver of urban development (Bamenda II (31%), Bamenda I (30%) and Bamenda III (28.8%). This replicates an inseparable nexus between population growth and urban. The study recommends the need for controlled land use planning to mitigate the increasing duplication of land uses and planned urban development.
Abstract: The urban developmental process depicts transformation of the landscape through spatial changes in zones closer to towns and cities across the world. This is evident in the spatio-temporal and sectorial changes in demographic, social, economic, technological and environmental aspects. Bamenda City is experiencing rapid growth in population and cont...
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Research Article
The Synergistic Effect of PPP Financing Structure, Delivery Capability and Government Support on Completion of Geothermal Energy Development Projects in Kenya
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
25-39
Received:
4 February 2025
Accepted:
21 February 2025
Published:
28 February 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijsdr.20251101.13
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Abstract: Despite increased adoption of the Independent Power Producer (IPP) variant of Public-Private Partnership (PPP), investments in Geothermal Energy Development Projects (GEPs) are still considered high-risk and capital-intensive while their completion remains unpredictable, especially in the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region; some have delayed, stalled or failed, or grappled with governance and ethical issues amidst public outcry over value for money. Although previous scholars have published on geothermal projects in more than 20 countries, mostly developed and emerging economies, this study builds on existing conceptual, methodological and contextual gaps; it examines the joint effect of PPP financing structure, delivery capability and government support on GEP completion in Kenya. This investigation is especially relevant as Kenya possesses abundant geothermal resources estimated at over 10,000 megawatts, yet faces significant challenges in achieving desirable completion outcomes. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining descriptive, correlation and regression analysis of data collected on 42 licensed geothermal projects with qualitative insights from 10 key stakeholders across public, private, development, research, civil and academia sectors. Statistical analysis reveals a significant synergistic relationship between the three variables (R² = .663, p < .001), with delivery capability emerging as the strongest predictor (β = .607, p < .001), followed by PPP financing structure (β = .400, p < .001) and government support (β = .260, p = .042). This study offers multiple novel contributions: it provides the first empirical evidence of a synergistic effect of PPP financing structure, delivery capability and government support on GEP completion in the SSA context; determines the dominance of delivery capability, especially technical expertise, value maximization, and agile project management abilities; integrates the public choice, agency, dynamic capability and systems theoretical frameworks to present a synergistic model for the four variables; outlines best practice project monitoring and control measures of GEP completion; and presents opportunities for further research. These findings offer valuable guidance for policymakers and project developers while contributing additional knowledge to enhance geothermal energy development in Kenya and similar contexts.
Abstract: Despite increased adoption of the Independent Power Producer (IPP) variant of Public-Private Partnership (PPP), investments in Geothermal Energy Development Projects (GEPs) are still considered high-risk and capital-intensive while their completion remains unpredictable, especially in the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region; some have delayed, stalled ...
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Research Article
Chi Square Test Analysis in Use of Digital Library on the Basis Gender, Education Levels, and Regional Differences
Pooja Dhakal*
,
Lila Nyaichyai
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 1, March 2025
Pages:
40-47
Received:
7 February 2025
Accepted:
21 February 2025
Published:
6 March 2025
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijsdr.20251101.14
Downloads:
Views:
Abstract: Library and Information Science (LIS) relies on effective management to organize, deliver, and enhance information services, ensuring efficient resource use and meeting user needs. In today's digital age, access to online resources is crucial, especially in education. Universities, including Nepal Open University (NOU), have ensured students, teachers, and researchers across all levels—from Bachelor's to PhD—can easily use digital libraries, regardless of their location. This study, involving 200 respondents, basically used Likert Scale questions which were validated through SPSS data analysis tool, explored the impact of gender on digital resource usage, revealing a significant link between gender and resource access but no strong correlation with education level or urban-rural residence or region. Value (V) represents Chi Square Statistics, Degree of Freedom (df) represents to the number of categories in the data and affects how the test is calculated. And P Value relationship between the two variables. In this study, ultimately, gender shows the association in use of digital resource but education level and region validate the no strong association or relation in the use of digital resources which is experimented though the lens of Chi Square hypothesis highlighting their broad accessibility. Regardless of their geographical setting, individuals proficient in internet usage can seamlessly access digital resources, emphasizing the universal accessibility of these resources and education level doesn’t affect in the use of digital resources.
Abstract: Library and Information Science (LIS) relies on effective management to organize, deliver, and enhance information services, ensuring efficient resource use and meeting user needs. In today's digital age, access to online resources is crucial, especially in education. Universities, including Nepal Open University (NOU), have ensured students, teach...
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