Purpose: This study examined the effect of credit accessibility cost on food security among smallholder farmers in Kenya by focusing on disbursement costs, interest rates, transaction costs, collateral requirements, and credit processing costs. The study sought to determine how the affordability of credit influences farmers’ access to and utilization of agricultural credit, and the extent to which this enhances investment in farm production, acquisition of quality inputs, adoption of improved technologies, income generation, and ultimately household food availability, access, and consumption. Methodology: The study adopted a cross-sectional descriptive survey design and collected primary data using structured questionnaires from a sample of 384 smallholder farmers selected through purposive and stratified proportionate sampling from a population of 417,494 farmers registered under One Acre Fund across seven counties. The Grameen joint liability model and Asymmetric Information theory underpin this study by explaining how credit accessibility costs influence food security among smallholder farmers. The theories posit that non-governmental organizations led group lending mechanisms reduce moral hazard, adverse selection, and transaction costs through peer monitoring, joint liability, and collective accountability, thereby enhancing affordable access to agricultural credit and strengthening household food security outcomes. A high response rate of 89.8% (n = 345) was achieved. Data were analysed by descriptive statistics, Spearman’s correlation, multiple regression, and factor analysis. Findings: The study findings indicate that credit accessibility cost exerts a statistically significant influence on food security, underscoring the importance of affordable credit mechanisms in enhancing household food security among smallholder farmers. Affordable administrative costs were positively associated with children’s food availability (r = 0.162, p<0.01), suggesting that ease of credit access enhances household consumption. However, interest rates (r = -0.345, p < 0.01) and repayment costs (r = -0.228, p < 0.01) showed negative relationships, indicating that even relatively affordable borrowing costs can exert financial pressure and reduce food access. For adults, repayment flexibility demonstrated a positive association with food availability (r = 0.184, p < 0.01). Regression results further confirmed that credit cost significantly influences food security outcomes (R² = 0.070, F= 8.54, p< 0.05). Notably, 63.2% of farmers perceived credit costs as fair, while 53.3% considered them cheaper than those of commercial banks. The study concludes that non-governmental organizations led agricultural credit facilitation programs play a significant role in improving food security through enhanced access to affordable inputs, credit and social capital. However, high borrowing costs, limited financial literacy, and inconsistent access constrain effective credit utilization and scalability. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends enhancing credit literacy and financial management training among smallholder farmers to improve their capacity to effectively access, manage, and utilize agricultural credit; while promoting policy and institutional reforms that reduce credit accessibility costs and enhance the flexibility of agricultural financing mechanisms. The study also recommends further research to examine the influence of credit management factors, including borrowing capacity, loan utilization efficiency, repayment behavior, and lending conditions, on the effectiveness of agricultural credit interventions and their subsequent impact on food security outcomes among smallholder farming households.
Purpose: This article examines whether an automatic personality right in face, voice, likeness and synthetic performance can provide an effective remedy for ordinary victims of AI-generated identity harm in India and Bangladesh. It defines effectiveness by accessibility, speed, practical outcomes and independence from celebrity or market value. Methodology: The study uses doctrinal, comparative and law-and-technology analysis of cases, legislation, platform regulation, human-rights standards and technical research reviewed through 15 July 2026. India is examined as the more developed regional common-law and constitutional personality-rights jurisdiction, while Bangladesh is used to test institutional feasibility in a lower-resource and speech-sensitive setting. Findings: An automatic right is necessary but insufficient. Celebrity litigation establishes important commercial and dignitary principles, yet ordinary victims face anonymous distribution, litigation cost, stigma, platform opacity and detector error. Bengali audio evidence and demographic-fairness research show that technical detection can become an unequal gateway to legal proof. A 53% accurate detector cannot fairly determine access to preservation or interim relief. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The article shifts the debate from ownership to remedy design and connects detector bias directly to evidence, equality and institutional access. It proposes a judicially supervised Digital Identity Remedy Cell within the legal-aid system rather than an executive censorship authority. Bangladesh should adopt a narrow civil AI Identity Harm Act triggered by synthetic identification rather than fame. It should require rapid platform preservation and disclosure, graduated proof thresholds, audited local-language tools, anonymised dockets, in-camera hearings, distinct commercial and dignitary remedies, and clear speech defences with explicit burdens of production.
Purpose: Promoting women’s empowerment remains a central development priority across Africa and other regions of the Global South, where persistent gender disparities constrain women’s participation in economic activities. While global frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 emphasize gender equality and equitable access to financial resources, the practical realization of these commitments often depends on how financial services are delivered. Although microcredit is widely recognized as a tool for fostering financial inclusion, many women entrepreneurs still face barriers linked to the channels through which credit is accessed. This study therefore examined the influence of microcredit access channels on the empowerment of women entrepreneurs in Nairobi County, drawing on Feminist Theory to guide its conceptual framing. Methodology: The study adopted a cross-sectional design and employed a quantitative approach to ensure objectivity and accuracy of findings. The target population comprised 921 women entrepreneurs operating licensed microenterprises within 12 rental markets in Nairobi County. Using systematic sampling, 279 respondents were selected and primary data was collected through structured questionnaires. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, with coefficients above 0.6 considered acceptable. Data analysis entailed both descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations) and inferential techniques, that is linear regression, to test the study hypothesis. Findings: Results revealed that the channel used to access microcredit significantly influences the empowerment of women entrepreneurs in Nairobi County (β = 0.643, p = .000). Specifically, flexible and inclusive channels-particularly digital platforms-were associated with improved access and utilization of microcredit, thereby enhancing empowerment outcomes. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study recommends that microcredit providers, including commercial banks, microfinance institutions and digital lenders, strengthen digital platforms by investing in user-friendly applications, multilingual support and customized services tailored to women entrepreneurs. Capacity-building initiatives should equip women with the necessary skills to effectively use digital tools, while policymakers should develop supportive fintech infrastructure and regulatory frameworks that promote innovation, consumer protection and inclusion for underserved women borrowers.
Purpose: This study seeks to examine the role of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan (ECSS) in the process of community development within the Wau Diocese with a particular regard to the ways in which the church fills the void left by the government in the provision of education, health and social services. Methodology: This study was a mixed-method research study, conducted amongst 435 participants of churches and church leaders using questionnaires and interviews. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data, while qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. Findings: The research shows that ECSS positively impacts community development by enhancing education and healthcare and advocating for human rights and non-violence. Its main challenges include financial limitations, political interferences, and cultural factors that hamper its work. It also finds that faith-based organisations should involve themselves with government and non-governmental organizations, undertake more outreach, and address structural challenges to service delivery through training and development efforts. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The implications of the study suggest that faith-based organizations like the ECSS can serve as pivotal actors in supplementing state functions in fragile settings, especially when empowered through partnerships, policy support, and community engagement. Therefore, the study concludes that sustainable development requires enhanced resource mobilization, stronger collaborations, and systemic reforms.
Purpose: Sand harvesting is one of the major livelihoods in Kenya Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) and more so in Mbooni Constituency in Makueni County. Despite the gained employment and the income opportunities, the practice has caused a serious concern among people because of its negative effect on livelihood and the environment. The extent of sand harvesting and its effect to local livelihood and environmental degradation in the Mbooni Constituency were examined in this paper. Methodology: The research was informed by the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, Human Capital Theory and the Environmental Kuznets Curve theories, among others. Its survey design was descriptive and contained 354 participants who were sand harvesters, truck drivers, sand owners and community members. Stratified random sampling was employed, and information was collected using structured questionnaires. Data analysis was performed using SPSS, employing both descriptive and inferential statistics, as well as multiple regression analysis. Findings: The results showed that unregulated and intensive sand mining has led to a decline in land productivity, the destruction of riverbeds and water resources, and a reduction in agricultural potential, necessitating the application of alternative management strategies. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: To mitigate the negative effects of sand harvesting and promote sustainability, it is recommended to enforce stricter regulations controlling the amount and rate of sand extraction.
Purpose: This study has discussed the determinants of fodder production in reference to access to land, finance, extension services and input costs and its effect on the household income among pastoralists in Wajir County, Kenya. Methodology: The Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, Diffusion of Innovations Theory, and Social Exclusion Theory were used to inform the study. The descriptive survey design was used where the study population consisted of 357 people who comprised of livestock herders, fodder producers, extension officers, and community members. Gathering of data was via the use of structured questionnaires and subsequent analysis was done via descriptive statistics, correlation and multiple regression analysis with the help of SPSS. Findings: The findings indicated that access to land, financial services and granting of extensions in a secure manner was significantly beneficial in the household income whereas high costs of inputs limited productivity. Together, the four factors had a significant share in the explanation of income fluctuation, which highlights the potential of fodder production as an effective diversification strategy of livelihood. Unique Contribution to Practice and Policy: The study suggests the necessity to enhance land tenure security, increase access to affordable credit, improvement of delivery of extension services, and subsidizing the costs of inputs. The targeted interventions will support the development of strong household incomes and fodder systems in Wajir and other counties in the ASAL regions.
Purpose: Market factors such as market value of vended food has significant effect in the household food security among the food vendors in Mbale town, Vihiga County. The demand levels increase with types of food sold, etc. And this nature of the demand will determine the price ceiling for the food vendors. The study investigates the effects of demand level of food; market segmentation of food; and cost of preparation of food on household food security among food vendors in Mbale, Vihiga County. Methodology: This research thus targeted 176 food vendors in Mbale town and all the respondents were used in census sampling. Structured questionnaires and interviews were applied in data collection, and analysis. This was further conducted by use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Content analysis was used to analyze qualitative information. A multiple regression analysis was applied to test relationships between study parameters. Findings: The research revealed that market demand is a critically significant determinant of food vending in Mbale (68.8%); with substantial 59.7% agreeing market segmentation through having specific clientele demand; and equally a considerable number (57.4%) agreeing that the costs of preparation are minimal due to the few inputs required. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The research recommends subsidies and maintenance of input costs by having bulk buying schemes; packaging material subsidies with regards to preparation costs.
Purpose: The concept of Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) marks a substantial shift from initiatives to address climate change and agricultural output in developing nations. Over time, farmers in Kenya's Lower Nyakach Division have been utilizing CSA technology to combat soil erosion, drought, and unpredictable rainfall. The effect of CSA technology adoption on household food and nutrition security for small-scale farmers in Lower Nyakach Division, Kisumu County, was examined in this study. Methodology: The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive methodology and applied the capacity approach, utility maximization theory, and agricultural technology adoption theory to the target group of 300 small farmers. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data, and stratification random sampling was employed. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, and Propensity Score Matching (PSM) were among the analytical techniques employed to calculate the Average Treatment Effect on the Treated (ATT). Findings: The results showed that both the dietary diversity of adopter households and food insecurity of households were significantly impacted negatively by the adoption of CSA technology (a drop of 0.336 points (p<0.05)). Additionally, the results indicated that CSA adopters had lower Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) ratings and greater Household Dietary Diversity ratings (HDDS) than non-adopters.Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: According to the study, CSA adoption can enhance food access, promote household resilience, and produce sustainable nutrition results. In order to facilitate the deployment of CSA technologies in highly vulnerable agro-ecological zones, it suggests expanding farmer training activities, the coverage of extension services, and policy guidelines.
Purpose: Youth unemployment still remains a major socio-economic problem in Kenya especially in the urban informal settlements whereby absence of access to formal employment contributes to the issue of poverty and social exclusion. To this the Government of Kenya has come up with National Hygiene Programme (NHP), alias Kazi Mtaani, as a form of temporary employment and better living standards by way of public hygiene programs. This paper has discussed how available jobs in the form of the National Hygiene Programme have an impact on the socio-economic well-being of the young people in the informal settlements within the Nairobi County. Methodology: The research was informed by the theory of spatial mismatch and adopted the descriptive survey design that involved 6,046 youths involved in the programme. A stratified random of 375 participants were chosen and the data were gathered through the structured questionnaires. The SPSS was used to analyze the data, both through descriptive and inferential statistics, such as correlation and regression analysis. Results: The results showed that there was a significant positive correlation between opportunities of employment and socio-economic well-being which was strong and significant (r = 0.990, p < 0.01). Regression findings also established that the employment opportunities had a significant influence in predicting the well-being of youth (b = 4.313, p = 0.000). It was shown that the engagement in the programme had increased the stability of youth income and decreased dependency and facilitated the integration of communities even though it lacked any long-term effects. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The research suggests the institutionalization of sustainable youth employment patterns that incorporate both intertemporal provisions of short-term temporary work with skill-building and entrepreneurship training along with long-term employability options. These strategies are capable of increasing the resilience of the youth, encouraging self-reliance, and facilitating inclusive urbanization.
Purpose: To aim of the study was to analyze the legislative clarity on whistleblower protection and its impact on institutional accountability in public sector governance in United States. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: In the United States, clear and well-defined whistleblower protection laws, particularly under the False Claims Act and the Whistleblower Protection Act, have significantly increased the reporting of misconduct within public institutions. This legislative clarity has led to stronger corrective actions, including substantial recovery of misappropriated public funds and improved transparency in government operations. However, variations in enforcement and interpretation across agencies still limit the full potential of institutional accountability. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Principal–agent theory, institutional theory & transparency and accountability theory may be used to anchor future studies on the legislative clarity on whistleblower protection and its impact on institutional accountability in public sector governance in United States. Public institutions should strengthen whistleblower systems. Training on legal protections is essential. Reporting procedures must be clear. Governments should enact clear, comprehensive whistleblower laws. Enforcement mechanisms must be explicit.
Purpose: To aim of the study was to analyze the policy coherence in multi-level governance and its influence on the enforcement of environmental protection laws. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Policy coherence in multi-level governance significantly enhances the enforcement of environmental protection laws by improving coordination, reducing regulatory conflicts, and clarifying enforcement responsibilities across national, regional, and local levels. Jurisdictions with aligned policies record higher compliance rates, more consistent enforcement actions, and better environmental outcomes compared to fragmented governance systems. Conversely, weak policy coherence undermines accountability, leads to uneven enforcement, and limits the effectiveness of environmental protection efforts. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Multi-level governance theory, institutional theory & policy integration theory may be used to anchor future studies on the policy coherence in multi-level governance and its influence on the enforcement of environmental protection laws. Practically, environmental enforcement agencies should strengthen intergovernmental coordination mechanisms. From a policy perspective, governments should adopt integrated environmental policy frameworks.
Abstract Purpose: To aim of the study was to analyze the regulatory responsiveness and policy adaptability in managing emerging digital evidence within criminal justice systems. Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: Regulatory responsiveness and policy adaptability significantly enhance the effective management of emerging digital evidence within criminal justice systems by improving evidentiary admissibility, case resolution efficiency, and judicial consistency. Jurisdictions with flexible and clear legal frameworks demonstrate faster adaptation to new technologies, reduced procedural disputes, and higher conviction reliability. Conversely, rigid or outdated regulations contribute to evidentiary exclusion, case delays, and inconsistent judicial outcomes. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Adaptive governance theory, legal realism theory& institutional theory may be used to anchor future studies on the regulatory responsiveness and policy adaptability in managing emerging digital evidence within criminal justice systems. From a practical standpoint, criminal justice institutions should prioritize capacity building to enhance the handling of emerging digital evidence. At the policy level, governments are encouraged to adopt technology-neutral and forward-looking legal frameworks that can accommodate evolving forms of digital evidence.
Purpose: Using yearly data from 1980 to 2020, this study investigates the macroeconomic factors influencing Sierra Leone's balance of payments (BoP). The purpose is to determine the main macroeconomic determinants affecting Sierra Leone's external sector performance in order to address the paucity of empirical data on BoP dynamics in post-conflict nations. Methodology: Both short- and long-term relationships between BoP and its determinants—real GDP, foreign direct investment (FDI), real interest rate, official effective exchange rate (OEEXR), and the external balance on goods and services (EBGS)—are estimated using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) bounds-testing approach. Findings: The results show that while FDI has a negative impact on the BoP because of its link to import-intensive businesses and profit repatriation, real interest rates and exchange rate fluctuations have a considerable short- and long-term impact on the BoP. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: While EBGS is statistically insignificant, real GDP exhibits a favorable long-term effect. In order to guarantee a sustainable external balance, the study recommends preserving currency rate stability, encouraging export diversification, and creating FDI policies that improve domestic ties and lessen reliance on imports.
Purpose: This study investigates the challenges faced by judges and lawyers in Puntland, Somalia, focusing on how personal and professional obstacles hinder their effectiveness and undermine the integrity and authority of the judicial system. It aims to explore the multifactorial social, cultural, political, and institutional barriers confronting legal professionals in the region. Methodology: A qualitative research design was employed, using in-depth interviews to gather data from legal practitioners in Puntland. The study utilized purposive sampling to gain insights into the lived experiences of judges and lawyers. Findings: The findings reveal that legal practitioners face numerous personal challenges such as emotional stress, threats to physical safety, financial constraints, and work overload. Professionally, they are hindered by insufficient legal resources, outdated infrastructure, and limited training opportunities. Furthermore, judicial independence and impartiality are compromised by political interference and clan-based affiliations, contributing to a weakened justice system. Unique Contribution to Theory and Policy: This study contributes to the existing literature by highlighting the interplay between personal, professional, and socio-political challenges in a fragile legal system. It offers policy recommendations including the enhancement of professional development, promotion of judicial independence, strategic allocation of resources, and reforms to address cultural and political pressures. These measures are essential for building a more transparent, efficient, and fair legal system in Puntland, thus reinforcing the rule of law and democratic governance.
Purpose: The objective of this paper is to analyze the state and underlying causes of poverty in Albania during its transition period. To achieve this, several key objectives have been outlined: examining the concept, types, and measurement of poverty; presenting major theories related to poverty; analyzing the extent and methodologies used to measure poverty in Albania across different periods; reviewing research findings on poverty and discussing their implications; and providing conclusions and recommendations for government policies aimed at reducing poverty levels. Methodology: To achieve these objectives, primary data on poverty from relevant institutions are analyzed, with a particular focus on the measurement data collected by the Institute of Statistics during the transition period. Graphical analysis is employed to identify poverty trends and the key factors influencing them. This method also helps assess the variations in measurement approaches used by the Institute of Statistics over the years. Additionally, the study examines poverty levels across different periods, explores the root causes of poverty, and compares Albania’s poverty levels with those of other countries in the region. Furthermore, a comprehensive review of both domestic and international literature on poverty is conducted. Findings: The analysis indicates that, despite improvements in various economic indicators, the poverty level in Albania remains high. Between 2002 and 2008, poverty declined; however, the 2008 financial crisis negatively impacted the Albanian economy, primarily by slowing economic growth. As a result, overall poverty increased from 13% in 2008 to 14% in 2012. In 2016, new measurements for the food basket were conducted in accordance with the Food and Agriculture Organization’s recommendations on minimum calorie requirements based on age and gender. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Theories on poverty measurement have served as the foundation for analyzing the results of poverty assessments conducted in Albania. Based on these findings, recommendations have been formulated for government policies aimed at reducing poverty levels. The Albanian government should implement efficient macroeconomic policies focused on economic restructuring and identifying priority sectors for growth. In this context, increasing agricultural production is particularly important, as rural poverty remains significantly higher than urban poverty. Also, the institutions responsible for the measurement and control of poverty, such as Institute of Statistics, Bank of Albania, Ministry of Finance, etc., must precede the recommendations for the government with analyzes and scientific studies.
Purpose: In the landscape of the United States, an escalating number of states are ushering in a new era by enacting legislation that affords individuals the right to employ cannabis for medical purposes. However, this commendable stride toward medical autonomy is accompanied by an escalating tension, a discordant symphony of conflict between state and federal jurisdictions. This study embarks on a journey through the labyrinth of legislative intricacies, seeking to unravel the roots of this tension and proffering insights into potential resolutions. At the heart of the matter lies the dichotomy between state and federal legislation. While states pave the way for medical cannabis use, the federal stance casts a looming shadow of ambiguity and discord. The conflict, multifaceted and dynamic, beckons for a nuanced exploration. Methodology: The study adopted desktop literature research design. Findings: By delving into the intricacies of the legislative measures themselves, this research identifies mitigating factors that can potentially alleviate the tension between conflicting jurisdictions. Mitigation, however, requires more than a superficial understanding of legislative nuances. It demands a comprehensive acknowledgment of the extensive legal and medical data interwoven with the fabric of cannabis use for medical purposes. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study advocates for a holistic approach, urging policymakers to draw upon a repository of knowledge that transcends mere legal frameworks. In doing so, it seeks to bridge the gap between state and federal perspectives, fostering a more informed and cooperative discourse. Navigating the path toward resolution involves a delicate balance. The sculpting of legislative measures should be informed by a deep appreciation of the medical intricacies associated with cannabis use. The study underscores the significance of considering medical data as an essential compass in the journey toward harmonizing state and federal regulations. By acknowledging the complex interplay between legality and medical efficacy, this research contributes to the ongoing dialogue surrounding cannabis legislation. In conclusion, this study illuminates the intricate dance between state and federal jurisdictions in the realm of medical cannabis use. Through a meticulous examination of legislative intricacies and a robust consideration of legal and medical data, it endeavors to pave the way for a more harmonious coexistence between state and federal perspectives.
Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine the legal and policy implications in the age of social media in South Africa Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The study revealed that privacy concerns, copyright infringement, cyberbullying, data protection regulations, content moderation, online political advertising, employer surveillance, and emerging technologies like deepfake, researchers have shed light on the evolving legal frameworks governing social media platforms. The study emphasized the critical need for enhanced privacy protection measures, transparent content moderation policies, comprehensive cyberbullying laws, and stricter regulation of online activities to safeguard users' rights and mitigate potential harms. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Social Contract Theory, Diffusion of Innovations Theory & Network Society Theory may be used to anchor future studies on legal and policy implications in the age of social media in South Africa. Formulate policies that strike a balance between freedom of expression and the need to curb harmful content such as hate speech, misinformation, and online harassment. Legal frameworks should provide guidance on content moderation practices while safeguarding fundamental rights. Encourage social media companies to adopt ethical principles and practices that prioritize user well-being and societal good over profit maximization. This includes measures to combat online addiction, promote digital well-being, and mitigate the negative impacts of their platforms on mental health and democracy. This contributes to both legal theory and practice by emphasizing the role of corporations in upholding broader societal values.
Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine the role of international human rights law in addressing refugee rights and asylum seekers' protection Methodology: This study adopted a desk methodology. A desk study research design is commonly known as secondary data collection. This is basically collecting data from existing resources preferably because of its low cost advantage as compared to a field research. Our current study looked into already published studies and reports as the data was easily accessed through online journals and libraries. Findings: The role of international human rights law in addressing refugee rights and asylum seekers' protection is significant yet complex. While legal frameworks and mechanisms have been established to safeguard the rights of vulnerable populations, challenges persist in ensuring their effective implementation and enforcement across different regions. The study highlighted variations in adherence to legal obligations among countries, as well as evolving trends in jurisprudence at regional and international levels. Despite these challenges, there are opportunities for enhanced cooperation and capacity-building efforts to strengthen refugee protection mechanisms globally. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Liberalism Theory, Constructivism Theory & Critical Theory may be used to anchor future studies on the role of international human rights law in addressing refugee rights and asylum seekers' protection. Enhance the capacity of legal professionals, policymakers, and humanitarian actors to effectively implement international human rights law in refugee protection efforts. This includes providing training and resources to improve understanding of legal obligations and strengthen the application of rights-based approaches in practice. Integrate refugee rights and asylum seekers' protection into broader policy agendas, including migration, development, and human rights frameworks. Ensure coherence and consistency across policy domains to maximize the impact of international human rights law in addressing refugee crises.
Purpose: This study presents an appraisal of some of the dynamics which Cameroon continues to face in the 21st Century in its quest to achieve sustainable. Using various indicia, the study identifies and proffers explanation why the country continues to face surmountable challenges in its pursuit towards achieving sustainable development. To attain this objective, a broad review of published literature was employed using various journal articles, textbooks, internet sources, etc. Methodology: The study adopts a qualitative research methodology in the interpretation of data. These data are both primary and secondary derived from laws, text books, journal articles, reports, working papers and other internet sources. This study adopts an analytical approach in the interpretation of the available data. Findings: The study observes that irrespective of existence of deterrent penal laws, policy formulations from international organization and support from foreign donor institutions, the country is not yet on the path towards sustainably sound environmental practices. Cameroon is engulf in a number of challenges both internal and external, which has accounted for continuous impoverishment of its population, social progress and economic advancement of the country generally. The Study employs the post-colonial and dependency theories of development to justify some of the key findings. The internal challenges revealed in the study ranges from the continuous prevalence of poverty and hunger, corruption and misappropriation, lack of judicial independence, the prevalence of conflicts, environmental degradation and poor enforcement measures. Similarly, this study also found the underlying external challenges to include the Structural Adjustment Programmes, the influence of Foreign Financial Institutions, and neo-colonialism. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study therefore concludes that strengthening enforcement measures, effective implementation of poverty alleviation policies, fight against corruption and misappropriation, and citizen participation can positive contribute to sustainable development in the Cameroon.
Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the moderating consequence of management of community expectations on the relationship between community stakeholder involvement and project delivery. Methodology: The research study employed a descriptive research design that integrated qualitative and quantitative approaches for data gathering. Although the primary approach used was qualitative design, a modicum of quantitative methods was incorporated to evaluate views. The precision and dependability of the data were ensured using a triangulated methodological design. The study employed the questionnaire method for quantitative data collection whereas qualitative method used key informant interviews and focus group discussion for data collection. The total population of the study site/area is 1401 people spread in the villages proximal to the oil and gas wells within the two Wards of Lokori / Kochodin and Lokichar falling under the two adjacent sub-counties of Turkana East and Turkana South respectively. The sample size was 138. This study employed a multistage sampling technique, specifically cluster sampling as one of the sampling methods. In the first stage of sampling, communities were divided into clusters and then randomly selected depending on their closeness to the oil wells and presence of community projects supported by Tullow Oil Exploration Company. Samples were randomly selected from two villages in Lokori / Kochodin Ward in Turkana East Sub-County and eight villages in Lokichar Ward in Turkana South Sub-County. The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential analytic methodologies (cross-tabulation with chi square and binary logistic regression) with SPSS version 25. Analysis of qualitative data was conducted using the Content Analysis (CA) approach. Data was presented on tables. Findings: The relationship between community stakeholder involvement and project delivery by Tullow Oil Exploration Company in South Lokichar Basin in Turkana, Kenya is statistically significant in the management of community expectations (X2=61.566, df=1, sig. = .000). Management of stakeholder expectations goes a long way in determining the type of community projects to be initiated, hence influencing the level of stakeholder involvement and project delivery. According to binary logistic regression, the effect is statistically significant (p = 0.001). This suggests that managing and meeting community expectations are crucial for improving project delivery outcomes. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study extends Resource Dependence Theory by incorporating community expectation management as a moderating factor in the relationship between stakeholder involvement and project delivery in the oil and gas industry. To this end, this study shows that successful community expectation management reduces power imbalance caused by dependency, which is considered to result in better outcomes for project delivery. Practically, this research enlightens companies by proving that the early resolution of community concerns helps companies avoid conflicts, enhance resource acquisition, and smooth the implementation of community projects. Second, it involves policy, which calls for policies in the development of community consultation guidelines, ensuring communications are done with complete transparency, while representatives are credible to ensure the success of a resource extraction community project.
