{"title":"Suspecting the Figures: What Church Leaders Think About Government's Commitment to Combating COVID-19 in Nigeria.","authors":"Uchechukwu M Agbo, George C Nche","doi":"10.1177/00219096211069645","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00219096211069645","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Public trust in government can significantly determine the outcome of health policies in any society. Hence, studies have been gauging peoples' level of trust in their governments' commitment and capacity to win the fight against COVID-19. However, these studies have omitted religious leaders. This is despite the fact that religious leaders play key roles in the area of health in many societies. The present study, therefore, explored the opinions church leaders have about the credibility of the COVID-19 statistics and other government responses in Nigeria. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 18 church leaders drawn from Anglican, Catholic, and Pentecostal churches in Nigeria. A descriptive narrative approach was employed in the thematic organization and analysis of data. Findings show that only one participant expressed confidence in the credibility of the COVID-19 statistics and other government's responses. The rest, with the exception of one participant who was uncertain, was distributed between those who believe the statistics and other government efforts are exaggerated and those who believe they are false. The study also found that denominational affiliation mattered with respect to the perceptions about the credibility of the COVID-19 statistics and other government responses. Implications of findings for policy and research are discussed.</p>","PeriodicalId":46881,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Asian and African Studies","volume":"58 5","pages":"725-746"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10345814/pdf/10.1177_00219096211069645.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10189541","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Book Review: Undoing Apartheid","authors":"M. Neocosmos","doi":"10.1177/00219096231190527","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00219096231190527","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":46881,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Asian and African Studies","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2023-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44344248","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Does China’s Flow of FDI and Institutional Quality Matter for Poverty? Evidence from Sub-Sahara Africa","authors":"K. Iddrisu, J. Abor, Michael Insaidoo, K. Banyen","doi":"10.1177/00219096231188948","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00219096231188948","url":null,"abstract":"The study adds to the discussion on the necessity for Sub-Sahara African (SSA) countries to eradicate poverty, as outlined in SDG 1 and Africa’s Agenda 2063. This contribution was successful in achieving some key objectives. First, we examine the impact of Chinese FDI and institutional quality on the eradication of poverty in SSA. Second, we test empirically whether institutional quality can help Chinese FDI to reduce poverty in SSA. Using an annual dataset for 36 SSA countries for a 20-year period ending in 2020, our pooled OLS results showed that Chinese FDI does not reduce poverty unless there are strong institutions and good governance. Also, the results showed that strong institutions and good governance reduce poverty in SSA. As a result, we recommend that governments establish policies to develop systems and structures that encourage industrialization and attract foreign investors for SSA to reap the full benefits of Chinese FDI.","PeriodicalId":46881,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Asian and African Studies","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43712039","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Rise of Asia-Pacific Agribusiness in the Global South—The Corporate Food Regime Under the Third Regionalism","authors":"Scott Y. Lin","doi":"10.1177/00219096231188954","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00219096231188954","url":null,"abstract":"Food regime theory asserts that the Global North has controlled food production chains since the 1800s, establishing a corporate food regime in the late 1980s. Through liberalization, Northern food corporations became powerful, leading the contemporary food regime and even replacing states. However, Global South corporations in the Asia-Pacific have grown to become important players in corporate food regimes. Through a literature review, content analysis, and interviews, this study leverages Third Regionalism as the theoretical approach to supplement the food regime theory, and explains how Third Regionalism featured free trade agreements established by Asia-Pacific countries, and how it supported the rapid rise of Southern food corporations. Regionalism helped Asia-Pacific Southern corporations become important figures in the contemporary corporate food regime, reinforcing the Global South’s food security and the livelihood sovereignty aspect of food sovereignty. The stances of Global South food sovereignty groups toward genetically modified crops are shifting and worthy of continued consideration.","PeriodicalId":46881,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Asian and African Studies","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47869574","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Debunking the Myth of Independence of the NPRC Commissioners in Zimbabwe","authors":"Knowledge Mwonzora","doi":"10.1177/00219096231188943","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00219096231188943","url":null,"abstract":"Scholars have long been interested in understanding the functions and efficacy of Truth and Reconciliation Commissions (TRCs) in promoting post-conflict justice and reconciliation, particularly in countries emerging from violent conflict. However, less well understood is how issues of autonomy and independence of commissioners condition the efficacy of TRCs. In joining this debate, I contend that how and why certain people are selected to be commissioners of TRCs has an impact on the legitimacy and success or lack thereof of such bodies. The article unpicks how and why the social status of the commissioners, their level of professionalism, independence and their political leanings (neutrality) impact on the integrity, efficacy and legitimacy of TRCs. Drawing on the Zimbabwean case study, I show how loyalty, past and current allegiance, selection criteria (methods) or appointment and conduct of commissioners shape the efficacy of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC). Such an investigation is relevant in contributing to a deeper understanding of the inner workings and legitimacy of TRCs in Africa and beyond as they seek to promote justice and reconciliation in post-conflict contexts.","PeriodicalId":46881,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Asian and African Studies","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43180712","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Developing the Sugar Valley: Missing Linkages Between Farming and Industrial Capacity of Sugar Processing in Kilombero, Tanzania","authors":"Mtechura Brighton Winghton, M. Chuhila","doi":"10.1177/00219096231186389","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00219096231186389","url":null,"abstract":"Despite the initiatives that have been taken by the government and different stakeholders, the availability of sugar is uncertain in Tanzania for years. It is on that basis that this article uses a historical approach to analyse the mismatch between sugarcane farming and industrial processing capacity in the Kilombero valley. The shortage of sugar indicates the missing link between sugarcane farming and industrial processing capacity that is coupled with business interest of sugar dealers. We indicate that the sugar industry has been webbed in divided interests of promoting farmers on one hand and maintaining business profits on the other.","PeriodicalId":46881,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Asian and African Studies","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48874942","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
F. Sanyare, Wisdom N-yilyari, Ernest Malir Lagnang
{"title":"Discourse of Composite Budgeting System in Ghana: Contextual Perspectives on Its Potentials and Constraints from the Wa Municipality, Upper West Region","authors":"F. Sanyare, Wisdom N-yilyari, Ernest Malir Lagnang","doi":"10.1177/00219096231186383","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00219096231186383","url":null,"abstract":"Decentralization is accepted globally as a way of enhancing development and a trigger for good governance. Effective decentralization is premised on fiscal decentralization, which transfers finances to the local level. To make fiscal decentralization a reality, Ghana implemented the composite budgeting system (CBS) in 2011. This paper used qualitative case study design, where in-depth interviews from key informants were the main methods used to collect data. We found six main challenges of the CBS thus: policy and regulatory challenges; inadequate knowledge on the CBS by staff; political meddling in the implementation of projects; and untimely and inconsistent release of funds for the Assembly. We also found that CBS holds the following prospects: waste is minimized; transparency in resource use is assured; unified processes of budgeting and monitoring and evaluation; and ensures local participation. We conclude that district assemblies while “muddling through” intractable challenges, could strive to maximize on the potentials identified.","PeriodicalId":46881,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Asian and African Studies","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45611926","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Factors Constraining Rural Road Transport Systems in Enugu State, Nigeria","authors":"A. Ali, I. Madu, Uchenna Paulinus Okafor","doi":"10.1177/00219096231184403","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00219096231184403","url":null,"abstract":"The study investigated the underlying factors constraining sustainable development of rural road transport systems in Enugu State. Interview schedules and field observations data were purposively collected from 714 respondents comprising vehicle operators, passengers and representatives of transport units of Local Government Works Departments of the state. Principal Component Analysis was used to identify five constraints to sustainable rural road transport systems’ improvement in Enugu State. These constraints accounted for 84.71% of the observed poor improvement of rural road transport systems in Enugu State. Recommendations were made to achieve sustainable rural road transport improvement in Enugu state.","PeriodicalId":46881,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Asian and African Studies","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42795056","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Male-Selective Outmigration and Decision-Making Among Females: A Case Study of Select Villages in Kumaon Himalayas of India","authors":"Manoj Jatav, S. Sen, Deepika Jajoria","doi":"10.1177/00219096231186379","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00219096231186379","url":null,"abstract":"This paper is based on a household-level survey conducted in seven villages of the Kumaon region of India and seeks to examine if male-selective outmigration has strengthened the decision-making among left-behind females. There has been an improved role of left-behind females in holding the responsibility of taking decisions in both household and economic spaces. However, these effects are observed relatively smaller in the domains or activities that have a financial involvement. The selective outmigration has opened up opportunities for left-behind females to develop skills related to financial management at the household and farm levels and also in farm-business management and entrepreneurship.","PeriodicalId":46881,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Asian and African Studies","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44481718","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Theorizing Intimacies and Articulation in Nigerian Hip Hop Music","authors":"Adesoji Babalola","doi":"10.1177/00219096231186386","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/00219096231186386","url":null,"abstract":"This paper explores how Nigerian hip hop music, lyrics, and histories illuminate connections and relationalities, intimacies, and articulations, among and across African and African diasporic communities. Drawing on the works of Lisa Lowe, Stuart Hall, Paul Gilroy, Katherine McKittrick, and others, I demonstrate how these intimacies and articulations allow us to reimagine hip hop, focusing not on origins or beginnings (or African American authenticities) but instead as an expressive transnational mode of cultural production. In this way, I discuss the significance of Black politics in popular music and foreground how intimacies and articulation produce new ways of theorizing race.","PeriodicalId":46881,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Asian and African Studies","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2023-07-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44162319","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"社会学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}