Entrepreneurship amongst Somali migrants in South Africa

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Management, University of the Witwatersrand, in 50 per cent fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management (in the field of Public and Development Management). February, 2016This study focused on understanding the drivers of entrepreneurship amongst Somali migrants in South Africa. An administered survey questionnaire and in-depth case studies are used to explore the manner in which Somalia migrants, who arrive in South Africa, as refugees, establish enterprises and thrive in the business environment despite their uncertain status and limited access to investment capital or other supportive initiatives. Drawing on the wider available literature a broad conceptual framework was used to guide and shape the areas of detailed exploration. These broadly include, a) the socio cultural explanations, b) the push and pull factors that encourage entrepreneurial activities, and c) the environmental factors (economic and legal) that facilitate entrepreneurship amongst migrants. At an overall level, there are no ‘secret’ transferable ingredients for such entrepreneurship. The study reveals that it is a combination of historic factors and elements of ‘social capital’ that shape and motivate entrepreneurship activities amongst these migrants. The lessons derived can and are being be used to inform policy interventions to shape entrepreneurship in the wider society. However, there has to be appreciation of the unique circumstances and historic incentive opportunities that drive particular practices. In so doing, the study concluded on the need for further research in this terrain and the importance of building a deeper understanding on verifiable and substantive quantitative and qualitative data. Keywords: Migrant Entrepreneurship, Social Capital, Small Enterprises, Somali Refugees, South AfricaMT201

Development Tools of Parasitic Paradigm: An African Perspective of Western Theories of Development and Reforms

The orthodox conceptualisation of development and its reforms which are rooted in Western schools of thought recognizes the existence of three categories of polities, viz: developed, developing and underdeveloped states. But the major questions that are of concern are: on what grounds do we submit that a country is developed, and the other is either developing or underdeveloped? Using a historical method of research and utilising mainly secondary sources of data, the paper attempts to answer these salient issues by critiquing the orthodox western development theories and reforms, citing a wide range of instances of faulty development reforms imposed on the global south by the West. The study found that the western driven ̳development reforms or policies‘ for the governments of the global North are incompatible with the dynamics and interests of the South. It also found that the western driven ̳development reforms or policies‘ were never intended to sustain the economies of the global south or worsen the North-South dichotomy. The paper concludes that every society has its own sense of development and that the orthodox conception of development, and its reforms are not sacrosanct given the peculiarities of the global South. The paper also posits that western driven ̳development reforms or policies‘ are ̳neo-colonial schemes‘ targeted at strengthening the core-periphery arrangements between the global North and the global South

Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (Lc/Ms) profile revealed flavonoids and terpenoids with antioxidant potential in aqueous fraction of Combretum micranthum leaf extract

Combretum micranthum (CM) is commonly used for its ethno-medicinal potentials without much or no scientific basis. Thus, the aim of this research is to evaluate aqueous fraction of C. micranthum leaf extract for possible antioxidant compounds using liquid chromatography mass spectrometer technique. In vitro antioxidant was carried out using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Ferric Reducing Power (FRAP) assay methods and the results indicated the free radical scavenging activity of 80.351±0.732 and 0.800± 0.00 at 2.50mg/m1 concentrations which is significantly different when compared to reference standard of 84.718±0.605 and 0.426±0.000 (ascorbic acid) respectively, with concentration or dose-dependent. LC-MS profile revealed the presence of medicinally important compounds like Myricetin (Flavone), Epioxylubimin (Sesquiterpenoids), Furocoumaric acid (Phenolic glycoside) among others. The findings of this study revealed that C. micranthum is rich in potential metabolites and was reflected as its antioxidant potential and could be used for drug and other oxidative stress related management

Determinants of Yield among Rice Farmers: Evidence from Fadama III AF Project Intervention in Sokoto State

The major focus of this paper was to examine the factors that contribute to rice yield among Fadama III AF beneficiaries in the three senatorial zones of Sokoto state. A sample of one hundred and twenty (120) rice farmers was surveyed across the three senatorial zones of the state to identify the determinants of yield and compare yield between senatorial zones. The study hypothesized that farm specific and socioeconomics are directly related to farm yield. Findings of the study could provide important insights on how to improve farm productivity among farmers in the study area. Results of the study revealed that farm size, experience, income and variability due to difference in farm location influence farm yield among Fadama III AF supported rice farmers in Sokoto state. Similarly, the high average yield obtained by the farmers could be as a result of Fadama III AF support in the area. The study concluded that farm specific factors could be tapped to improve yield. Keywords: Determinants, yield, rice, Fadama III AF, interventio

Factors Influencing Farm Income among Farmers in Northern Nigeria

The observed decline in farm income in recent times was a source of concern for farmers and other stake holders in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. This could be a serious setback for Nigeria’s drive to achieve self-sufficiency in food production. This paper focused on identifying the determinants of farm income in northern Nigeria. Result of the study could be beneficial to farmers and policy makers by providing insight on the factors that could raise farm income. The study was based on the hunch that certain socio economic factors and climatic elements could improve farm income. Findings of the study revealed that livestock keeping, access to credit, farm power, proximity to market, marital status, gender and climate influenced farm income. In addition variation in factors due to difference in agro ecological zones significantly affected revenue. Conclusion of the study was that farm specific factors could be used as a framework to improve farm income. Keywords: Factors, farm income, farmers, Northern Nigeri

The moderating effect of brand loyalty on service quality and customer satisfaction in the telecommunications industry in northwest Nigeria

This study investigates the moderating effect of brand loyalty on service quality and customer satisfaction in the telecommunications industry in Northwest Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive survey design was utilized, which permits the collection of data from respondents at a certain point in time. The convenience sampling method was used, and structured questionnaires were administered to the customers of Airtel Nigeria telecommunications company using a service performance (SERVPERF) model. Out of the 768 questionnaires administered, 390 valid responses were analyzed, and the hypotheses were tested with the aid of SmartPLS 4. The results for the direct relationships indicate that reliability, assurance, responsiveness, and tangibility were significantly and positively related with customer satisfaction, while empathy had no significant effect on customer satisfaction. For the indirect relationships, brand loyalty was not found to moderate the relationships between the five SERVPERF dimensions and customer satisfaction. The study concludes that regardless of brand loyalty, service quality remains the only driving force of customer satisfaction in the Nigerian telecommunications industry. It is therefore recommended that Airtel should find ways to transcend their competitors and ensure the continued loyalty of their subscribers, especially by tailoring services to customers’ needs. It is also recommended that the company should ensure a pleasant and seamless experience for their subscribers during calls or when accessing the internet. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) should continue to monitor the quality of the services provided by telecommunications companies and sanction those that provide sub-standard services

Influence of Entry Grades in Mathematics and Principles of Accounting on Students Performance in Financial Accounting in Nasarawa State Colleges of Education Akwanga, Nigeria

This study examines the influence of entry grades in mathematics and principles of accounting on students’ performance in financial accounting in Nasarawa state Colleges of Education Akwanga.  The study had eight objectives and eight null hypotheses.  Developmental research design was adopted for the study. In the test of null hypotheses, documentary records (students’ performance in financial accounting and O’L grades in accounting and mathematics) of all the 115 NCE II Business Education students in the 2011/2012 academic session were used.  Logistic regression was employed to test null hypotheses one to three, while t-test was used to test null hypotheses four to eight. All the hypotheses were tested at significance level of 0.05.  The results of the test revealed among others that entry grades in mathematics and principles of accounting have significant impact on students’ performance in financial accounting. Hence the researcher recommended that credit grades in mathematics and accounting should be emphasized as one of the entry requirements for students opting for business education in tertiary institutions in Nigeria.  This will assist to enhance students’ performance in financial accounting at tertiary institutions. Keywords: Entry grades, Mathematics, Principles of Accounting, Financial Accounting, Performanc

Design Construction and Performance Evaluation of Solar Still for Rural Dwellers

This paper is aimed at designing, constructing and performance evaluation of a solar still. The solar still is design and constructed with locally source materials for rural dwellers. The still absorber plate is constructed with 2 mm galvanised plate painted black with an area of 2 m2 to absorb solar radiation effectively. The side wall and the base is constructed with concrete. Sawdust and felt is used between the retaining wall and base to resist heat transfer from the system to the surrounding vice-versa. The top cover of the still is constructed with transparent glass pane of 4 mm housed in an aluminium frame. The catch basin that collects the condensate is constructed with PVC pipe channel of 50 mm. The performance of the still was evaluated with; Overall yield (sum of daily yield and over-night yield) at a different water depth of (20, 40, 60 mm), (5127 ml/m2/hr, 4558 ml/m2/hr, and 3852 ml/m2/hr). The efficiency of the system at different water depth (20, 40, 60 mm) 51.27 %, 45.58 %, and 38.52 %. The water analysis before and after distillation was certified safe and portable for human consumption

Experiential Analysis of Awareness and Adoption of E-Extension Among Poultry Farmers in Gombe State, Nigeria

The study assessed the e-extension awareness and adoption among poultry farmers in Gombe state, Nigeria. The study had two objectives, two research questions and two null hypotheses. Survey design was adopted for the study. The population of the study was 798 registered poultry farmers under Poultry Farmers Association of Nigeria Gombe state. Proportional sampling technique was used to select 240 poultry farmers for the study. The instrument for data collection was a questionnaire. The instrument was administered by researcher assisted by 3 research assisted using direct contact. The data collected were analyzed using mean scores to answer the research questions. ANOVA was used to test the null hypotheses at the significance level of 0.05. The study revealed that poultry farmers are aware and also adopt poultry farming technologies through e-extension programme in Gombe State. It was concluded that e-extension facilities significantly contributed on awareness, adoption and effectiveness among poultry farmers in Gombe state. It was recommended among others that facilities for e-extension programme should be use effectively in disseminating new techniques, skills and innovations in poultry farming. Keywords: Awareness, Adoption, E-Extension, Poultry, Farmers DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/10-2-01 Publication date: January 31st 202

Adsorption, Thermodynamic and Kinetic Studies of Azadirachta indica (AI) Bark Extract as a Potential Corrosion Inhibitor for Zinc in 0.25 M HNO3 Solution

The inhibition action and adsorption behavior of Azadirachta indica bark extract was studied on zinc in 0.25 M HNO3 solution using weight loss, FT-IR and SEM analysis. The result of the findings show that inhibition efficiency of the extract increases with increase in inhibitor concentration and decrease with rise in temperature. Corrosion rate was found to increase with rise in temperature and decrease with increase in inhibitor concentration. FT-IR and SEM analysis shows that there is adsorption of inhibitor molecules on metal surface which lead to decrease in corrosion rate. Adsorption isotherm study shows that experimental data obey Freundlich isotherm and the mechanism of adsorption follow physisorption. Adsorption thermodynamic study indicates feasible and spontaneous process from the large negative value of free energy. The value of enthalpy are all positives indicating endothermic nature of adsorption. The result of activation energy was found to be higher in the presence of inhibitor than its absence indicating the decrease in energy barrier of zinc dissolution process