Abstract: Owing to the alarming prevalence of depression among older adults in Central Uganda and the ever changing family set-up (Musisi, 2015; MoLGSD, 2020), this paper examined the effect of interpersonal relations on depressive symptoms among older adults in Central Uganda. The study leveraged on the family environment Scale (FES) and Becks Depression inventory. As the number of persons over 60 years is expected to increase three folds by 2050 (UBOS, 2016; WHO, 2017; Rudnicka, et al, 2020), assessing the correlates of family interpersonal relations with depressive symptoms is important. This research adopted a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design (Kiyingi, 2022; Creswell & Zhang, 2009). A sample size of 292 older adults was considered. The statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) was used to test the null hypothesis (There is no effect of interpersonal relations on depressive symptoms among older adults in Central Uganda.) and make data intelligible. Study results revealed a significant relationship (r = 0.352, p = 0.000) between interpersonal relations and depressive symptoms among older adults. Based on the Coefficient of Determination, interpersonal relation was found to contribute 12.4% to depressive symptoms among older adults in the study area. Based on the obtained p-value of 0.000, the null hypothesis was rejected. Conclusively, interventions like fostering social support systems, enhancing communication skills, and reducing relational stressors could be effective in reducing depressives symptoms among persons 60years. By addressing interpersonal dynamics, policymakers and practitioners can help to promote mental health and resilience amidst old age difficulties among older adults.

Firmina Humri
Ilkiding’a Secondary School, Arusha.
Email: firminasarme@gmail.com

Abstract: This study investigated the effectiveness of School Management Teams’(SMTs’) strategies on conflict resolution in public and private secondary schools. Distributive Leadership Theory guided the study and Sequential Explanatory Design was employed to collect data in a sequential manner in which both quantitative and qualitative data were collected in phases. Correlational research design was also adopted and hypotheses were tested using Chi-square. Teachers were selected by stratified random sampling whiles MTs and school heads were conveniently and purposively selected from a population of 312 SMTs and 662 teachers from 39 publicand120 SMTs and 346 teachers from 15 private secondary schools. Questionnaire and structured interview were used to collect data. Cronbach coefficient alpha was employed to test for reliability of instruments; TQP= 0.737 & TQPr=0.721. Credibility of qualitative data was established through detailed reporting of the research process. Chi-square test for hypotheses was conducted using SPSS version 23. The study revealed that there is no significant difference on the strategies used by SMTs in conflict resolution between public and private secondary schools {H01; χ2 (4) = 5.028, p=0.284}. Similarly, there is no significant difference on the effectiveness of the SMTs’ strategies in conflict resolution between public and private secondary schools {H02; χ2 (2) = 3.611, p=0.164}. In conclusion, since p>0.05the null hypotheses are not rejected. This study recommends that school administrators and SMTs should receive continuous training and preparation on issues of leadership and conflict management upon appointment.

Abstract: The study examined the conflict resolution mechanism and its influence on quality education in private secondary schools in Arusha district council, Tanzania. Objectives were to; examine conflicts and their resolution mechanisms in private secondary schools and the extent to which conflict resolution mechanisms influence quality education in private secondary schools. Conflict Resolution Theory steered the study. Convergent mixed methods design appropriate to collect data through questionnaires and interview guides was adopted. Sample size consisted of 270 respondents; 192 students, 66 teachers selected by simple and stratified random sampling techniques while 8 school heads, 3 WEOs and one DEO were purposively sampled. Validity was established through expert judgment whereas reliability was determined using test -retest technique and reliability index, SQ, r=0.91 and TQ, r=0.83 was reported. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically alongside the research questions and presented in narrative forms while quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in the SPSS and results were presented in tables of frequencies and percentages. The findings show that financial mismanagement, unfair treatment of students and teachers, frequent fee increments, competition for limited resources, overlapping responsibilities, poor working environments and intimate relationships are conflicts in private secondary schools. In conclusion, by implementing conflict resolution mechanisms, schools can create a well -coordinated, disciplined, and inclusive learning environment that promotes collaboration among stakeholders and ultimately improves the quality of education. The study recommended fair treatment of students and teachers should be promoted through the development of clear policies and guidelines in order to address emerging conflicts.

Abstract: This research sought to investigate how dialogue can be effectively used as a means to conflict resolution among pastoral communities in Kenya. The study was done in Kapedo location, Turkana County. It was set to investigate the effectiveness of dialogue as a means of conflict resolution among pastoralist communities in Kapedo location. This study was guided by Relation-Cultural Theory (RCT). A mixed methods approach with a focus on descriptive research design was adopted. A sample size of 341 participants was achieved for the study. Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data, while FGDs and interviews were used to collect qualitative data. SPSS software was used to analyze quantitative data while thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. The study found out that dialogue, if adopted, would help resolve the long-lived conflict in Kapedo location. The study recommends that the rites of passage ceremonies should be used as instruments through which the young men who are directly involved in these conflicts could be taught on the centrality of dialogue in conflict resolution in Kapedo location. A recommendation is made that other than the use of military force, a multi-level taskforce ought to be formed to oversee the use of dialogue as a means of conflict resolution. Similarly, the study recommends that the relationship between culture and conflict resolution among the pastoralists need to be independently researched.

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of cattle rustling on economic sustainability of Samburu Community a case study of El-barta Ward, Samburu County, Kenya. Mixed research design of descriptive-survey and explanatory research design was adopted in the study. The target population comprised of 427 households found in El-barta Ward and two security agencies (private rangers and government security agency) and one social and youth offices. The sample size was 203 respondents. A simple random and stratified sampling technique was used since members of El-barta Ward are sparcely populated. Data was collected using questionnaire and review of secondary sources which collected both qualitative and quantitative data. Data collected was keyed and analysed using the latest version of SPSS. From the analysis, it was established that the main economic activities in El-barta ward include pastoralism and trading. The causes of cattle rustling include illiteracy, unemployment, cultural beliefs, proliferation of firearms, and political influence. The effects of cattle rustling include underdevelopment, loss of manpower, increased deaths, closure of business and markets, destruction of infrastructure among others. The study recommends that there is need for empowerment programs to be put in place, development of infrastructure for the accessibility of markets and open up the area to new business, encouraging diversification of sources of income such as adoption of agri-business and small scale farming and the government to work together with the locals in order to boost security in the ward.

Abstract: This study investigated the effectiveness of negotiation as a means of addressing family conflict in Kajiado North Sub-County by looking at major causes of family conflict, role of negotiation in addressing family conflict and how to enhance negotiation in addressing family conflict. The study was anchored on Social Learning Theory, Family System Theory and Behavioral Exchange Theory. The study adopted mixed research design and used a sample size of 420 respondents. Data was collected using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews and analyzed through descriptive statistics with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 20. The study revealed that domestic violence and infidelity, poor communication, fight over resources, drug abuse and gender roles disagreement as well as infertility and interference from in-laws/relatives/kin were major causes of family conflict. Further, findings showed that negotiation was crucial in calming emotions of conflicting parties, establishing root cause of the problem and helping family members in a conflict to reach a compromise thereby promoting amicable solution to family conflicts. However, findings revealed that adoption of negotiation in resolving family conflict was faced with a number of challenges such as retrogressive culture, taboos and traditions, gender imbalance, double standard and personality traits of warring parties. This study recommended tailored awareness and sensitization campaigns on the use of negotiation as well as introduction of consultation desks in key institutions such as Churches, Chiefs/local administration offices where family members in conflict can get assistance from trained counselors, family therapists and mediators in addressing cases of conflict.

Received September 20, 2018; Revised October 16, 2018; Accepted January 25, 2019

Abstract: Fish farming has and continues to play a vital role in improving nutrition and creating employment. The sociological aspects manifest in the household as well as the community were the centre of focus in the study aimed at establishing the households and group networks in the development of fish farming in Busia County. It sought to assess the importance of family support to the development of fish farming. The rational choice theory as propounded by George Homans (1961) was used to explain the sociological relevance of the study. The survey research design that is cross-sectional in nature was used. The target population was that of farmers who were actively involved in fish farming as well as a number who through their own initiative, ventured into the enterprise. Eight key informants were selected for the study. This study used a mixed-methods approach. The main statistical test that was used was Chi-square goodness-of-fit. The findings of the study revealed that a majority of the farmers realized a growth on their fish farms. The study findings also revealed that family support was a significant component in the development of fish farming in Busia County. The study recommended that key components on conflict resolution and functionality should be included in the training, to be applied at family level. This would enhance the synergy and efficient functioning of the families as sociological units in the optimal development of the sector.