East African Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies

What Goes Around Comes Around?: The Sustainability Paradox of Second-Hand Clothing Marketplaces in a Cross-Cultural Context

Maha Panju — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 06:30:03 +0000

Humanity living far beyond its planetary boundaries has galvanised a desperate scramble toward sustainability, in all its socio-economic-ecological complexity. In increasingly fragmented global(ised) arenas, however, the sustainable growth trajectories of second-hand clothing production/consumption systems have proven non-linear, disjunctive and paradox-laden. The present thesis carves out epistemic space for exploring how these exacting paradoxes are both productive of and produced by circular fashion economies. Through a place-attuned, multi-scalar and relational lens, my investigatory scope is framed by two understudied geographies of second-hand apparel trade - the mitumba industry in East Africa, and e-marketplace platforms in the Global North context. Interweaving the analytic threads of political ecology, decolonial theory and feminist reflexivity, I undertake a cross-case comparative analysis to consider: between the global, national and local, how does the notion of second-handedness refract the lifeworld of differently-located and differently-embodied actors? Navigating the complex discursive terrain of greenwashing, I first de/reconstruct self-congratulatory corporate rhetoric which deliberately conflates ‘circularity’ with ‘sustainability’. By repoliticising human/environment encounters against the grain of technocratic dogma, the viscerally embodied realities of mainstream development interventions are explicated and enlivened - rather than elided and erased. In the spirit of reflexivity, my questioning framework also attends to (im)possible moments of alterity, agency and alliance-building instantiated in/through second-hand clothing marketplaces. In juxtaposing hegemonically-framed developmentalist discourses with personal counter-narratives emerging from the ground, the resulting picture is nuanced, messy and contextually-situated. The succeeding conclusion I draw is thus demonstrative and generative of such nuance. Sustainable fashion development need not be considered an end-in-itself, but instead an enduring means to an end - however imperfect and challenging. Scholars, practitioners and activists must collectively resist apocalyptic imaginaries, which prematurely foreclose political horizons for (co-)constructing alternative Anthropocene futures

Emotional Intelligence: Concept, Theoretical Perspectives and Its Relevance on Job Performance

David Haruna Mrisho, PhD, Samweli Mseti, PhD — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 10:35:07 +0000

This study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of emotional intelligence by reflecting on its conceptual framework, analysing the theoretical foundations that support it and evaluating its relevance in relation to job performance in workplace settings. Through this investigation, the study aims to enhance the current comprehension of emotional intelligence, shedding light on its theoretical basis and practical implications for enhancing performance in professional environments. By pursuing these aims, the study endeavours to offer valuable contributions to the field, advancing understanding of emotional intelligence and its impact on achieving success within organisational contexts. The study examines three prominent models of emotional intelligence. The first model, developed by Salovey and Mayer, establishes a foundational framework for understanding emotional intelligence as a multifaceted concept. This model outlines essential components integral to emotional intelligence, offering valuable insights into the core abilities within this domain. The Bar-On model of emotional intelligence, proposed by Reuven Bar-On, offers a comprehensive framework that emphasises the role of emotional and social factors in overall well-being and success. Bar-On's model encompasses various facets, including intrapersonal, interpersonal, adaptability, stress management, and general mood. On the other hand, Daniel Goleman's model of emotional intelligence, popularised by the author Daniel Goleman, highlights the significance of emotional competencies in personal and professional success. Goleman's model revolves around five key components: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills. The paper provides the affirmative link between emotional intelligence (EI) and diverse aspects of job performance, accentuating the significance of organisations' acknowledging and nurturing the emotional competencies of their employees. Amidst the ongoing evolution of workplaces, the strategic incorporation of EI emerges as a pivotal strategy for fostering employee well-being and securing organisational prosperity

Lifelong Educational and Decolonization Programs for the Batwa Indigenous People of Southwestern Uganda

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 08:06:15 +0000

This article is based on a study conducted among the Batwa Indigenous people in southwestern Uganda between 2021 and 2022. The study aimed to explore culturally relevant lifelong education and decolonization programs for the Batwa people. Using indigenous research methodology, 60 participants comprising of elders, parents, children and teachers were recruited from the Batwa community for the study. We used Egalitarian liberalism and justice in education (ELJE) theory as analytical framework. Key findings demonstrate that participants were conscious of the challenges faced by their community and collectively brainstormed practical redress measures. These measures include but are not limited to setting up an entrepreneurship education program, vocational and skilling programs, and promotion of Rutwa language. Besides, some specific Batwa life skills identified by participants are briefly described as imperative for integration in the schooling system to achieve the decolonization mission

Saving and Credit Cooperatives Services and Socio-economic Empowerment of Women in Temeke Municipality, Tanzania

Kastory Abel Mbunda — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 08:16:39 +0000

The majority of the SACCOS clientele consists of low-income women who form solidarity groups to obtain credit. However, poverty has persisted among women and their communities for a very long time. This study assessed the financial services that SACCOS offer to women and the impacts that SACCOS have on women's empowerment and household livelihoods in Temeke Municipality, Tanzania. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) were used in a qualitative research design to gather primary data from female members of the selected SACCOS (Mbagala Lutheran and KIUMA) on the research issue. The survey found that women use SACCOS for a wide range of services, such as savings accounts, low-cost loans, options for investing and financial advisory services. Additionally, the study revealed that SACCOS have both non-financial and financial impacts on women's empowerment and household livelihoods, including greater financial security through saving and insurance products, strengthening of financial literacy and decision-making skills among women, empowerment through participation in SACCOS leadership and decision-making, business development through access to capital and credits from SACCOS, and enhanced household ability to meet basic and material needs. This study concludes that it is through its services that SACCOS is an instrumental entity in addressing the financial inclusion gap, especially for women in Tanzania. Moreover, it is recommended based on this study that, apart from mere financial services, SACCOS and other microfinance institutions should invest in education and financial advisory services to assist women in making wise financial decisions, such as budgeting and making productive investments of capital. This is because women save more in SACCOS; however, a large number of them have continuously been trapped in a vicious cycle of financial debt, poverty, and dependency syndrome