School of Education and Social sciences

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Start date: 2004End date: 2009

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    Putting on a Brave Face: The Experiences of Women living with HIV and AIDS in Informal Settlements of Nairobi Kenya
    (Taylor & Francis, 2007-03-07) Amuyunzu-Nyamongo, M.; Okeng'o, L.; Wagura, A.; Mwenzwa, E.
    This paper examines two key dimensions of HIV and AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa, namely poverty and gender, within the particular context of informal settlements. The study, conducted in five informal settlements of Nairobi, Kenya explored the challenges facing women living with HIV and AIDS (WLWA) in informal settlements in Nairobi in terms of the specific risk environments of informal settlements, the support they receive and their perceptions of their future. The data were gathered through an interviewer-based questionnaire administered to 390 WLWA and 20 key informant interviews with Kenya Network of Women with AIDS (KENWA) project personnel. The results show that for WLWA in informal settlements, poverty and poor living conditions combine to increase the risk environment for HIV infection and other opportunistic infections and that the WLWA then face HIV- and AIDS-related problems that are exacerbated by poverty and by the poor living environments. In response, the WLWA had devised coping strategies that were largely centred on survival, including commercial sex work and the sale of illicit liquor, thus increasing their susceptibility to re-infections. Insecurity in informal settlements curtailed their participation in income generating activities (IGAs) and increased their risk of rape and HIV re-infection. Recognising the disadvantaged position of communities in informal settlements, the non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (CBOs) and faith-based organizations (FBOs) provide a range of services including HIV and AIDS information and therapy. Paradoxically, living in urban informal settlements was found to increase WLWA's access to HIV and AIDS prevention and treatment services through NGOs and social networks that are not found in more established residential areas. The sustainability of these services is, however, questioned, given the lack of local resources, weak state support and high donor dependency. We suggest that the economic and tenure insecurity found among WLWA demands in response consistent support through comprehensive, sustainable HIV and AIDS services complemented by social networks and community sensitisation against stigma and discrimination. Fundamentally, the upgrading of informal settlements would address the wider risk environments that exacerbate the poor health of the WLWA who line in them.
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    Post-2015 Development Planning: Adaption of a Holistic Approach to Planning and Research - a Commentary from a Practitioner’s Perspective
    (International Journal of Innovation and Economic Development, 2004) Kiambati, Kellen; Itunga, Julius
    In this article, we analyse the argument that lack of holistic approach in planning and research have contributed to the lack of sustainable development in Africa. We base our discussion on the speech by the special advisor on the national consultation on the post-2015 development as it relates to Uganda and other African Context (held on 8th August 2015). The advisor was convinced that there is a need to adopt a more integrated and comprehensive planning approach to reinventing traditional development tools, and meeting persistent and emerging challenges. Efforts must be made to start putting in place the practical measures, markers, mechanisms and partnerships that make sustainable advancements possible. Scholars and managers are called upon to take the challenge of demonstrating how the adoption of a holistic approach in planning, and research can contribute to sustainable development.
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    Peace building and Transformation from below: Indigenous Approaches to Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation among the Pastoral Societies in the Borderlands of Eastern Africa.
    (2008-06-25) Osamba, Josiah
    Violence among the pastoral communities in the borderlands of Eastern Africa has escalated to such an extent that governments seem to be unable to contain the conflict. More is needed than efforts by states to restore law and order. If these conflicts are to be dealt with effectively, more will also be needed than western methods of conflict resolution. Traditional customs and values have to be utilised. Marginalised indigenous ways of approaching and resolving conflict have to be explored and utilised. Taking theoretical considerations and the historical background into account, this article focuses our attention on indigenous approaches that may promote a more peaceful coexistence. It shows how the application of such methods may result in a wider involvement of the communities concerned, which may contribute substantially to the actual resolution of conflicts and to real reconciliation.
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