Vol XXX, Nos 1&2, 2005

Abstracts

Maladjusted African Economies and Globalisation
Thandika Mkandawire

Abstract

The policies of adjustment pursued in the 1980s and 1990s promised African countries not only 'accelerated development' but also a means to end Africa's marginalisation from the process of globalisation by encouraging foreign investment and the expansion and diversification of exports. While for much of the 1980s and early 1990s, the poor performance of African economies was blamed on the failure of African governments to adopt 'the right policies', by the mid-1990s, international financial institutions were saying that the significant adjustments made by African economies had led to economic recovery. However, the performance of African economies with respect to both investment and trade diversification remained poor. Since this could no longer be explained away by saying that African economies had not adjusted, other explanations were needed: these included institutions, geography, culture and ethnic diversity. In this paper I argue that it is the deflationary policies under the structural adjustment policies (SAPs) that have placed African economies on a 'low growth path' which has discouraged investments, trade expansion and diversification, by undermining the investment-growth-trade nexus. Indeed, as a result of this, African economies have been so maladjusted that they responded poorly to a wide range of economic stimuli.

Shared Governance and Leadership in African Universities: Experiences from Mzuzu University, Malawi, and Amoud University, Somaliland
Mohamed A. Nur-Awaleh & Dorothy M. Mtegha

Abstract

This paper examines the application of shared governance structure and leadership styles in African Universities, specifically at Mzuzu University in Malawi and Amud University in Somaliland. First, a brief background about Mzuzu and Amoud Universities, and their governance structure will be presented. This is followed with the description and analysis of data on teamwork, job satisfaction, shared decision-making at Mzuzu and Amoud universities. Finally, this paper will provide recommendations for African universities who are faced with similar problems of shared governance with valuable data regarding governance and leadership, and provide information about the ways in which universities governance can be modified to increase the success of higher education institutions. 

The Growth of Islamic Learning in Northern Ghana and Its Interaction with Western Secular Education
Abdulai Iddrisu

Abstract

This paper examines the growth of Islamic learning in northern Ghana and its interaction with western secular education. It argues that colonial policies and practice had far-reaching implications for Islamic learning, stifling attempts at growth, and suggests that the contemporary situation with regard to Islamic learning in Ghana cannot be properly understood without an appreciation of the historical forces that have helped fashion this system of learning. It concludes that there is need for a meaningful and sustainable interaction between Islamic and Western secular education, especially in the era of decentralisation and increased demand for new competence at local levels.

Graduates’ Perception of University Programmes and Their Relevance to Employment: University of Nairobi (1991-1998)
Gerald Ngugi Kimani

Abstract

This paper reports a study to assess graduates' perception of the learning conditions and provisions at the University of Nairobi, Kenya. The study identified the jobs held by the graduates and the extent to which they use knowledge, attitudes and skills acquired during their study at the University of Nairobi in their present jobs. The sample consisted of 1,640 graduates drawn from 3,300 graduates of Bachelor of Education (Arts), Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Commerce degree programmes who had completed their studies between 1991 and 1998. Questionnaires were sent to 1,400 graduates and some 240 others were administered directly to respondents. A total of 580 questionnaires were returned representing a return rate of 35.4 per cent. The findings show that overall the scope and coverage of the courses, teaching quality of lectures and contact with students were the most highly rated aspects of study conditions and provisions of the University of Nairobi. Counselling services, catering facilities on the campus and recreational facilities were the lowly rated aspects. About 61 per cent of graduates were employed in public sector while 37 per cent were in private sector. About 2 per cent were self-employed. Of the surveyed graduates 72 per cent indicated that they used knowledge and skills acquired at the university to a high or very high extent while 25 per cent indicated moderate use. Only 3 per cent responded to the contrary.

Supporting University ICT Developments: The Makerere University Experience
Francis Frederick Tusubira

 Abstract

The integration of information and communication technology (ICT) services and systems into the functions of an enterprise will be easier when there is a clearly identified strategic need, with ICT responding to the vision and strategic priorities. The experience of Makerere University is used to highlight best practice approaches to addressing the key challenges of: lack of awareness; mindset and fear; the process; and sustainability. It is argued that a good ICT policy and master plan developed with the full participation of the stakeholders is a key ingredient for success.

Globalisation, ICTs, and the New Imperialism: Perspectives on Africa in the Global Electronic Village
Yunusa Z. Ya’u

Abstract

Globalization as promoted by the World Trade Organization (WTO) is resulting in a new imperialism that is characterized by knowledge dependence and the shrinking of the national space for decision making. It is facilitated by information and communication technologies (ICTs). The centrality of ICTs to globalization has resulted in an international concern for bridging the unequal access to ICTs that has come to be termed as digital divide. However, the discourse about bridging the digital divide tends to mask the reality of the digital deficit which is the consequence of a wider development divide. Yet the reality is that the marginality of Africa cannot be addressed by isolationism as a counterforce to globalization. What is needed is to rethink the terms and nature of Africa's integration in the global economy. This means interrogating among others, the current discourse about bridging the digital divide. This contribution addresses the substantive nature of the new imperialism and offers explanation as to why the digital divide tends to increase rather than decrease in spite of the various efforts aimed at closing it. It concludes by offering some directions in which the digital deficit as part of the wider development divide can be addressed.

L'Union africaine comme réponse africaine au défi de la mondialisation
Reine Djuidje Kouam

Abstract

This study deals with the construction of regional integration as a tool for Africa to better adapt to globalisation. It analyses the African Union, from the perspective of the most recent African initiatives and strategies, created as a response to the new stakes brought about by globalisation. It questions whether the African Union (AU) is an appropriate response to the globalisation process, the key paradigms of which are integration and interdependence? In other words, is the fact of creating an institution enough to provide the African continent with the necessary means to challenge the problems brought about by globalisation, within today's world dispensation? The study attempts to present the pragmatic nature of the AU, bearing in mind that globalisation-related issues as well as the new elements in international relations as seen through an African perspective. It argues that this understanding implies an analysis of both the global and continental context of the AU creation, as well as its implementation processes, and objectives of its founders.   

NEPAD and the Digital Divide: The Case of Botswana and the Silent Marginalised Minorities
Sethunya Tshepho Mphinyane

Abstract

This paper addresses the question of whether the New Partnership for Africa development (NEPAD) through its e-Africa Commission and its Science and Techno-logy agenda for ICT provides for new possibilities for Africa's marginalised indigenous minorities to engage meaningfully with development processes. It questions whether NEPAD recognises the power of ICT beyond providing access to information, particularly its potential as a resource for the oppressed to wage their battles for self-determination, and willing to go beyond questions of access, and address the politics of power and the Internet and other ICT. Is there likelihood in Africa, for ICTs to become new sites of resistance and oppression? The paper suggests that there is already evidence that for marginalised ethnic minorities such as the Basarwa, the San peoples of Botswana, this new forum and the Internet in particular will be yet another tool to mute their voices. 

Connecting African Activism with Global Networks: ICTs and South African Social Movements
Herman Wasserman

Abstract

In this article the potential of ICTs to amplify the work done by social movements and activists in South Africa will be explored. Against the background of new discourses of Pan-African Unity such as those around the African Renaissance and the New Plan for African Development (Nepad), the use of ICTs by a South African activist group, the Treatment Action Campaign, will be investigated to establish how these communication technologies can embed local social movements within larger political and communicative networks both on the African continent and globally.

NGOs and Conflict Prevention in Burundi:
A Case Study
Lennart Wohlgemuth

Abstract

Since the abortive coup in October 1993, Burundi has been in a severe crisis, however, lately reaching a more hopeful situation. The international community has made substantial efforts at preventing the escalation of the conflict and at contributing to a process for sustainable peace in the country. This includes the UN system, bilateral countries and in particular the neighbouring states. A number of NGOs have been among the actors. Here the efforts of some major NGOs lending their support to Burundi's peace process are discussed both as regards their support for peace building and for support to peace mediation. The aim has been to assess their performance based on their aims and objectives in relation to respective NGO's overall reasons for coming to Burundi in the first place, as well as their wider aims. Efforts are made to find common denominators and possible conclusions and recommendations useful for others involved in similar activities in Burundi and elsewhere. 

Le chemin de l'autodestruction:
origine et dynamique de la guerre civile en Côte d'Ivoire
Dele Ogunmola & Isiaka Alani Badmus

 Abstract

This article contends that colonial history and heritage coupled with an ill-managed Houphouët legacy have led to the crisis in Côte-d'Ivoire. The economic crisis that followed the period of economic prosperity resulted in the harming of the patrimonial system, thus leading to a shattering of the Ivorian society. The crisis that is occurring around the Ivorian identity is based on ethnic, as well as religious grounds, and has led to a military and political stalemate. Ivorians must demonstrate an authentic and patriotic reaction, as well as collective and pragmatic political will, in order to support the international mediation aiming at settling the conflict in a peaceful way.