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African Christian discourse redefining identity, literature and language education in Southern Africa: the case of the founding text of Paul Mwazha’s African Apostolic Church
(National University of Lesotho: Faculty of Humanities, 2008) Manyawu, Andrew Tichaenzana
Being both a subject and a medium of learning in Southern African schools, language is the vehicle through which society may pass on its worldview to its youths. This raises questions of selection and grading of material to be incorporated into syllabi and textbooks. This paper argues that Southern African language syllabi need a paradigm shift in order to better serve an African society seeking to reaffirm its identity after decades of oppression. There is need to more aggressively open up language curriculum to texts and discourses widely consumed by Africans but hitherto ignored by formal educational systems still biased towards Western worldview. These texts include founding the discursive production of African Instituted Churches. One such text is examined from the perspective of intertextuality in order to illustrate its literary and educational value. A case is then made for the inclusion of such texts onto secondary school curricula in Southern Africa.
Analysis of economic and socio-demographic factors influencing consumption of beef and fish in Banjul, the Gambia
(2009) Bello, H.M.; Bah, S.
This study investigated the determinants of demand for beef and fish in Banjul. The main objective of the study was to assess the factors affecting the demand for these products with a view to ascertain the influence of the socio-economic and demographic features of the respondents affecting the demand for these products to gaining more insight. Data used for the analyses were obtained through personal interviews conducted between April and May 2001 using structured questionnaire. A sample of 100 consumers was drawn from the study area using cluster sampling technique. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The results obtained showed that income, prices of the products, and household size were the major determinants of variation in the consumption of beef and fish among the respondents. Both products were found to be normal goods and generally price inelastic with fish being a close substitute to beef in the beef market. Increase in income leads to increased demand for meat in the area. Religion of household head as socio-demographic variable was found to be significant variable influencing demand for beef in the beef market.
Characteristics and Trends in production and Market Potential of Certified Maize Seeds in Nigeria
(National University of Lesotho: Faculty of Agriculture, 2007) Alimi, T.; Williams, S.B.; Bamire, A.S.; Akinrin, A. O.
The study determined the characteristics and trends in market potential and production of certified maize seed in Nigeria. Data came from certified maize seed and maize grain farmers, and from various issues of Statistical Bulletins of the Central Bank of Nigeria. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, markov chain process, time series analysis and budgetary technique. Results of the analyses indicated that certified maize seed production is a modern farming method, and producers were mainly male, literate, had mean age of about 42 years and mean experience of 9 years in certified maize seed production. Producers operated as sole proprietors, obtained farmland largely through inheritance and used informal farm financing sources. The seed farmers prefer selling to government agencies that guarantee purchase of their entire seed output. Significant proportion (55%) of maize grain farmers did not use certified maize seed largely because of ignorance and lack of complementary inputs. Both market potential and production of certified maize seed will grow with time.
Economic Analysis of Maize Production in the Maseru District,Lesotho:The case of the Masianokeng Resource Center
(National University of Lesotho: Faculty of Agriculture, 2007) Matete, Mampiti
Maize is a staple food and an important source of starch for many households in Lesotho. But, for many years, its domestic supply has failed to meet demand. In order to increase its supply, the Lesotho government has provided many incentives to maize producers, ranging from price support to input subsidies. Despite these efforts, maize supply continues to fall short of demand. Using the Maseru district as a case study, this study determined the economic efficiency of maize production in Lesotho, based on regression and budgetary analytical tools. The study further identified problems that hinder increased maize production in Lesotho. The regression analysis results indicated that, while farmers were economically efficient in using labor, they under-utilized land and fertilizer inputs. Budgetary analysis results indicated that farmers earned a net income of M272.93 per hectare. The study also observed that, lack of capital, unavailability of some inputs and high input costs, hindered maize production in Lesotho. From the overall results of the study, it is evident that maize production in Lesotho can be profitable and that domestic supply can be increased if farmers could use all the production inputs efficiently and if credit facilities and inputs can be made available.
Effect of breeding month, pre-partum and post-partum protein supplementation on pregnancy, kidding rates, mortality rates, milk yield and birth weight in Angora goats under mountain conditions of Lesotho
(2009) Lenono, M. T.; Odenya, W.O.
wenty seven Angora goat does blocked on initial body weight and divided into three dam weight groups were randomly assigned to three protein supplementary regimes: 0g, 150g and 300g and three breeding months (May, June and July). The experimental design consisted of three levels of 0g, 150g and 300g protein supplementation and three breeding months (May, June and July) combined factorially in a complete randomized block design (CRBD) with three replicates per treatment. Data were subjected to Analysis of variance using General Linear Model procedures (SPSS). Mean pregnancy rate of does bred in May and June (44%) was significantly (p 0.05) lower than those bred in May and June that were the same (100%). Pregnancy rates for does that were not supplemented (68%) were significantly lower (p<0.05) than those on 150g and 300g protein. Kidding rates of does bred in May (122%) and June (100%) were significantly higher (p<0.05) than for July (56%). Mean birth weights of 2.25, 2.87, 3.08kg were obtained from supplementation of 0, 150 and 300g protein respectively. Heavier dams had higher birth weights of kids: 2.64, 2.68 and 2.89kg for dam groups 1 (24-30kg), 2 (31-37kg) and 3(38-43kg) respectively. Mortality rates
Effect of Three Indegenous Pig Breeds and Creep Feeding on Pre-Wearing Litter Performance
(National University of Lesotho: Faculty of Agriculture, 2007) Molapo, S. M.; Okello-Uma., I.; Odenya, W.O.
The aim of this study was to determine the litter performance of three indigenous pig breeds in Lesotho based on birth weight and weaning weight. Twenty-seven suckling pigs weighing (0.90 – 1.30 kg) were assigned to three treatments of three levels of feeds. The experiment was designed as a randomised 3*3 factorial of three breeds and three dietary treatments of Makhulo feeds. Three piglets from each breed received the experimental diet (Makhulo commercial feeds) of 200g/day, 100g/day and 0g/day (control) for a period of six weeks. Mean birth weight was 1.13, 0.97 and 1.23kg for Breed 1 (black with smooth coat), Breed 2 (black with rough coat) and Breed 3 (black and white) and were significantly different (P<0.05). The mean weight at weaning (11.62, 7.85 and 10.72kg) was significantly different among the three breeds. The average weaning weight was 11.74, 10.13, and 8.32kg for the 200g/day, 100g/day and 0g/day, respectively. The GLM procedure was used for analyzing the dataset.
Electoral Management Bodies as Institutions of Good Governance: Focus on Lesotho Independent Electoral Commission.
(National University of Lesotho:Institute of Southern African Studies, 2009-06) Likoti, Fako Johnson
Good Governance is an intrinsic part of democracy. A country to be democratic (it) must hold regular participative elections. Similarly, for good governance to be sustainable, the system must be open, accountable and participative. Participation in election on its own is a process of good governance. The paper argues that the role of Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) or Independent Election Commissions (IECs) as institutions of good governance is to facilitate the above processes and ensure that elections are free and fair because this is essential for good governance to prosper. While Lesotho IEC appears to have faired relatively well as far as good governance is consent, the institution like other EMBs is still faced with some challenges which the IEC must address head on.
‘Entangled Objects’: Cultural Contact in Things Fall Apart and Stars of the New Curfew
(National University of Lesotho: Faculty of Humanities, 2008) Mokuku, Molefi
Evaluation of clones originating from true potato seeds (TPS) at Maseru in Lesotho
(2009) Mohammed, J.; Letuma, P.
Nine clones originating from TPS, a local check variety and a commercial check variety were compared in a randomised complete block design with three replications at Maseru during the 2003-growing season. The objective of the study was to compare the performance of clones originating from TPS with one local and one commercial check variety with respect to total tuber yield, number of stems per plot, number of tubers per plot and relative tuber size and identify the best clone for possible use by farmers. Results revealed a highly significant difference in total yield, number of stems per plot, number of tubers per plot and its separation into small and large tubers per plot. Clones A133, A136 and the local check variety, Basotho 1, were the preferable clones. Basotho 1 was one of the better adaptable and stable but not preferred for commercial production because of its shape and many deep eyes. On the other hand the commercial check variety, BP 1, was one of the low yielding candidates. On the basis of data collected and analysed, A133 and A136 were as good as Basotho 1 in tuber yield with more desirable tuber shape and size for commercial use. The same clones were significantly higher in tuber yield than the commercial check variety, BP 1. These results further suggest that better clones could be developed by starting from TPS and selecting specific clones with desirable traits.
Factors Associated with Risky Sexual Behaviour Among Adolescents in Lesotho.
(National University of Lesotho:Institute of Southern African Studies, 2009-06) Makatjane, T. J.; Lebuso, M.; 'Maseribane, T.; Mokhoro, M.
Since 1993 HIV prevalence in Lesotho has increased 5 fold making Lesotho the third highest HIV infected country in the world. The government of Lesotho has not only declared HIV pandemic a crisis, but several efforts have been made to curb the spread of the disease that include encouraging Basotho to know their status as well as requesting government departments to use 2 percent of their budget allocations towards mitigation against the disease. The latest HIV prevalence figures from the 2004 Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey suggest that more still needs to be done in order to reverse the spread of the disease. Using the 2002 Lesotho Core Welfare Indicator Questionnaire Survey (CWIQ) data the paper examined variables associated with risky sexual behaviour among Basotho adolescents. The results of the paper suggest that HIV programmes targeting girls should be different from those targeting boys. Results further indicate that HIV programmes might have to be district specific.
Folktales as an Educative Device
(National University of Lesotho: Faculty of Humanities, 2008) Ekanjume, Beatrice Ilongo
Studies on folklore (William Bascom 1954, Cox, M. 1968, Wolfgang Mieder, 1981, Perez-Stable, M. 1994, amongst others) have focused on how cultural views are expressed in societies through tales, music, dance, legends, oral history, and proverbs. Folklore is thus considered as a set of practices through which these expressive genres can be shared. The present paper looks at one aspect of Folklore - “Folktale” - from the educative perspective. Given that folktale can be considered as a general term for different varieties of traditional narratives, this paper seeks to depict the communicative and educative values of folktales using one of Cameroonian tales entitled “Baku, Prince of the Forest”. The claim here is that the choice of words and characters makes the tale a vital element in moral education and character building. This folktale tells about the essence of life and the role of mankind in it. It shows how the evil characters are disposed of and the good ones rewarded. This folktale as a tool and method for teaching moral education asserts that folktale is a very effective means in teaching moral education since it instructs while entertaining to enable learners to see the moral concepts of the society. These include the biophysical, the social, the political, and the economic aspects. Through participation in the folktale, learners are also able to bring out the possible moral and environmental risks, crises and challenges surrounding their society.
Gender Asymmetry in the Address System of the Basotho
(National University of Lesotho: Faculty of Humanities, 2008) Letsoela, P.M.
Address forms are regarded as indicators of deference, politeness and markers of social distance. This paper examines the address forms and referring expressions used by the Basotho. These forms and expressions are examined with a view to looking at the factors determining their use. The paper is based mainly on semantic and pragmatic analysis with sociolinguistic/ethnographic overtones. It argues that the use of these terms is a result of cultural stereotypes which have seen men and women treated differently. The paper thus indicates that the terms are not merely linguistic but are indicators of the Basotho's social universe.
Good Governance for Quality Service Delivery: National University of Lesotho (NUL) Under a Microscope and Challenges therefrom
(National University of Lesotho:Institute of Southern African Studies, 2009-06) Makara, Ntimo
The purpose of this paper is to highlight occurrences of poor governance practices at the National University of Lesotho and to propose the way forward for the Institution in order to get itself out of the present quagmire. Qualitative data collection approaches have been used to get information for this study. These have included in-depth interviews with purposively selected key informants among university, staff “exit interviews” with some staff members who had recently resigned from the service of the University; content analysis of both local print and electronic media sources; the review of the relevant internal NUL documents such as policies and reports and general observations by the author during participation in deliberations over important issues at various significant policy making University committees such as Council and Senate. The major finding of this study has confirmed that the bulk of the critical operations of the Institution have not been guided by the existing policies and legal frameworks. Consequently, the various academic and related administrative service deliveries were adversely affected as earlier suspected. NUL must therefore make a deliberate effort to conduct business within the confines of the law; provide proper phased induction programmes particularly for academic and relevant administrative staff for them to understand how the university system operates and help them positively see their professional role in the whole scheme of things.
Health-Care Waste Practices in Selected Health-Care Facilities in Maseru
(National University of Lesotho:Institute of Southern African Studies, 2009-06) Majara, M.; Leduka, R.C
Although constituting a relatively small proportion of waste matter, the waste produced during medical treatment and routine dispensing of medical care is potentially the most infectious and environmentally hazardous. Health-Care Facilities (HCF) are, therefore, duty-bound to effectively manage the waste that they produce in order to avert environmental pollution and risks to people’s health. This paper reports on the findings of a recent study of current medical or Health- Care Waste (HCW) management practices in four purposively selected Health-Care Facilities (HCFs) in the district of Maseru, focusing on generation, segregation, treatment and disposal practices. These management practices are reported from a social science perspective, with no pretensions to expert medical or biological knowledge of the issues raised. The primary purpose of the paper is to raise public awareness and sensitivity to this serious but generally neglected environmental and public health issue. Evidence is adduced in the paper to show that the HCW management practices in the four HCFs are unhygienic and dangerously unsafe and that the HCW from these HCFs is an environmental and public health hazard. Most disturbingly, perhaps, is that Lesotho has neither a HCW management policy nor guidelines, and there are no indications that such policy will be in place in the foreseeable future.
HIV/AIDS related discrimination among females aged 15-24 in Lesotho
(2009-06) Makatjane, T. J.; Lebuso, M.; 'Maseribane, T.; Sefume, M.
In many developing countries, stigma and discrimination together pose most significant challenges towards stemming the spread of HIV/ AIDS. Although Lesotho has one of the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence in the world, there is little or no research about how people living with HIV/AIDS or are suspected of living with HIV/ AIDS are perceived and treated. The paper utilised data from the Lesotho 2000 End Decade Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey and the 2004 Lesotho Demographic and Health Survey to address the three fold primary objective of the paper. The paper first compared attitudes of females aged 15-24 towards people who are HIV positive or are suspected of being HIV positive between 2000 and 2004. Secondly it assessed whether knowledge about transmission of and protection against HIV/AIDS has improved overtime. Lastly it examined the factors that are associated with HIV/AIDS-related discrimination. Using both descriptive and multivariate logistic regression to analyse the data, the findings of the paper indicate that HIV/AIDS-related discrimination declined by 12 percent overtime, knowledge about means of transmission of and protection against HIV/AIDS increased by 20 percent, while knowledge of means of transmission and protection against HIV/AIDS translated into reduced levels of HIV/AIDSrelated discrimination. Multivariate analysis confirmed that HIV/AIDS-related discrimination had declined between 2000 and 2004 while education was identified as one of the most important factors associated with HIV/ AIDS-related discrimination. The conclusion of the paper is that efforts to educate the public about HIV/AIDS are transforming the attitudes of the general population towards people who are HIV positive or are suspected of being HIV positive.
Indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) and sustainable agriculture: the case of sorghum production in Lesotho
(2009) Mashinini, V. I.; Mokhothu, Motlatsi N.
The research whose results are presented in this paper sought to investigate the use of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in the production of sorghum by Basotho farmers. Participatory research methods were employed to facilitate the sampled communities to document and discuss their use of indigenous knowledge in sorghum production. The researchers were facilitators only in this process while some of the community members were research assistants in order make this research process to be community driven. Assessment of temporal variations in the study indicated that the indigenous knowledge systems had undergone continual changes as new innovations and resources became available and others dwindled in the communities. This flexibility facilitated the establishment of local knowledge systems (LKS) that reflected both temporal and spatial variations and regional specificities. Moreover, the indigenous knowledge was reported to be under threat of extinction, not only partly due to western cultural and scientific imperialism, but also because of the oral tradition through which it is passed from one generation to the other and recorded in the people’s heads and practices without written documentation. The research also found that indigenous knowledge systems used in sorghum production and management were environmentally driven. The various plants, trees, animals and implements used to drive various techniques and technologies were sourced within the local environment of the communities. Moreover, the indigenous knowledge systems were culturally driven. They were ocastrated and executed within the rubric of Sesotho culture — Bosotho. Furthermore, the indigenous knowledge systems emphasized the concept and practice of African Communalism where the sharing of resources within the community was central to the welfare of all members. Lastly, indigenous knowledge systems were also gender sensitive. The multiple differential roles and tasks performed in sorghum production and management were based on a socially-derived division of labour between women and men.
Introduction of Free Primary Education in Lesotho: Who are the Beneficiaries?
(National University of Lesotho: Faculty of Humanities, 2008) Makatjane, T. J.
by all Basotho children irrespective of their socio-demographic standing. It was also the objective of this study to investigate if differences in participation rates between boys and girls have disappeared following the introduction of Free Primary Education. Using the ten percent sample from the 1996 Lesotho Population Census and the 2001 Lesotho Demographic Survey, the findings of the study suggest that children’s access to primary education is influenced by their socio-economic standing. The sex of the child and the child’s relationship to the head of the household are associated with access. Male children were the major beneficiaries of Free Primary Education while children of the household head were the least of the beneficiaries. The results further showed that female children who benefited were mainly non-relatives of the head of household while among male children grand children of the head and other relatives of the head were the major beneficiaries. It was also apparent from the study that when resources are limited for sending children to school female children were given a chance over male children. There is a need to address the gender imbalance with respect to access to education in Lesotho. Regarding participation gap between boys and girls, 2001 figures indicate that the gap has declined by at least 50 percent in the majority of cases. More still has to be done to afford Basotho boys access to primary education. Legislating for Free and Compulsory Primary Education is not enough to increase boy’s access to primary education without change of attitude among Basotho men regarding herding of livestock.
Irrigation Prospects in Lesotho:An Appraisal of the Seaka Irrigation Project
(National University of Lesotho: Faculty of Agriculture, 2007) Moeti, L. D.
Irrigation farming has been practised in Lesotho for over thirty years and yet, to date, there is very little noticeable success. The objective of the paper is to investigate the perceptions of farmers with regard to the causes of failure of the Seaka Irrigation Project. The findings of the study indicate that, the planning, design and implementation of the project were imposed by the decision-makers on the community of the Lower Senqu Valley. The community is generally uneducated and, as a result, struggled to understand the share-out mechanisms related to block farming. In addition, the financial implications of running irrigation farming were not properly understood. Despite past failures, the majority of the farmers within the study indicated readiness to participate in irrigation projects provided that factors which led to the collapse of the Seaka Irrigation Project are fully addressed. There was a strong feeling that a fully participatory project with community initiative could make a positive contribution to the valley’s economy.
I’m Going To Lis The Cows: Development Of Code Switching In The Speech Of Sesotho- English Bilingual Preschool Children
(National University of Lesotho: Faculty of Humanities, 2008) Moloi, Francina L.
Code Switching as a topic in linguistics has been dealt with so extensively that it no longer needs to be defined. For some people it means a “dialectal mixture” (see, for example, Labov, 1972:188). For others it means “…some sort of relationship – negative or positive – between languages” (Khati, 1992:181) or even “…switching languages or linguistic varieties within the same conversation” (Slabbert and Finlayson, 1999). The present study uses a naturalistic approach to examine development of lexical, morphological and syntactical mixing of English L2 and Sesotho L1 in the same utterance between ages 3;0 and 6;0. In this way it differs from some current local studies whose focus is on the sociological (Khati, 1992; Slabbert and Finlayson, 1999; Kamwangamalu, 1999; Matee, 2000) and educational (Keiswetter, 1995; Akindele and Letsoela, 2001, du Plessis and Louw, 2008) functions of code switching. It shows a bell-shaped rate of code switching development from the beginning of exposure to the second language, where there is very little switching to L2, through the “grey area” period, where children switch easily from one language to another, to the period where they largely separate the two linguistic codes. It further shows a productive switching of morphemes, lexical items, phrases and sentences from one language to the other.
Microbial activity and fungal composition of composted animal manure suppressive to soil-borne pathogens
(2009) Kena, M.; Swart2, W.J.
Microbial composition in composted organic materials is an important factor to be considered when producing compost for disease suppression. The objectives of the study were to evaluate both microbial activity and fungal composition in composted animal manure with varying degree of suppressiveness towards soilborne fungal pathogens. Microbial activity of composted cattle, pig, poultry and sheep manure and loamy field soil was tested by means of hydrolysis of fluorescein diacetate (FDA). Fungal populations in these composts were also studied by serial dilution technique. Microbial activity was significantly higher (P<0.05) in poultry, pig and cattle manure compost as well as field soil compared to composted sheep manure which had the lowest microbial activity. High fungal populations were recorded in cattle (62%), poultry (63%) and pig (65%). Trichoderma harzianum, T. viride, Talaromyces trachyspermum and Penicillium verrucosum were the most common species isolated from cattle, poultry and pig manure composts. Significantly (P<0.05) less species were observed in both control (48.6%) and composted sheep manure (12.5%), with Humicola sp. being the only species isolated from this compost. Microbial composition of composted animal manure is an ideal indicator of the suppressiveness of such composts towards soilborne pathogens.

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