TASARA MUGUTI - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by TASARA MUGUTI
African Perspectives on Poverty, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, and Innovation, 2022
![Research paper thumbnail of Teachers’ Perceptions of the Assessment Structure of the O’level History Syllabus [2167] in Zimbabwe: A Case Study of Zaka District](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/95807471/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Greener Journal of Educational Research, 2012
This study examined teachers' perceptions of the assessment structure on the 0'level History Syll... more This study examined teachers' perceptions of the assessment structure on the 0'level History Syllabus 2167 examination in Zimbabwe. A descriptive survey approach in which 30 History teachers from 15 Zaka District secondary schools responded to a questionnaire was used. Quantitative and qualitative paradigms of data presentation were both useful in this project. Findings from the study revealed that assessment and teaching History are two sides of the same coin but dropping the Source Based Question to an option was considered to be throwing away the baby with bath water. Most teachers are no longer teaching Source Based Questions and critical higher order skills are no longer developed in History students. The essay question with its tri-segmented structure gives prominence to factual regurgitation. This study led to the conclusion that the removal of the Source Based Question from the compulsory status has prevented History students from developing genuine higher order skills in Zimbabwe. It is recommended therefore that syllabus 2166 be revisited with an aim of merging it with syllabus 2167 in order to resuscitate the development of higher order skills of analysis ,inference and evaluation among History students.
Journal of Pan African Studies, 2012
Across the globe, the environmental discourses on climate change and weather forecasting continue... more Across the globe, the environmental discourses on climate change and weather forecasting continue to preoccupy scholars and policy planners alike. Like other regions of the world, Africa is a victim of climate change that emanates from global warming. It has been noted that global warming has a strong bearing on natural ecosystems whose ripple effects ultimately affect humanity in several complicated socioeconomic ways. Throughout generations, humanity has tried to control climate in order to serve and save its needs. Nevertheless, despite the technological advances in the use of modern scientific equipment to predict and manipulate weather, the study posits that the scientific methods of weather forecasting are flawed, to some extent. It should not be forgotten that from time immemorial, indigenous Africans relied very much on close observations on environmental phenomena in regards to weather forecasting. Drawing from the indigenous Shona approaches to weather forecasting in Zimbabwe, the study argues that Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKSs) based on observing natural phenomena and celestial objects have helped to predict the imminence of the agricultural season and determine the patterns of the climate changes with a high degree of reliability. Therefore, the aim of the paper is to expose the Shona indigenous techniques of forecasting weather. In our conviction, it is necessary to employ the complementary role of the indigenous methods of weather forecasting and blend with those modern scientific techniques.
Langaa RPCIG eBooks, Mar 11, 2022
This studyexamines Africa’s newest political phenomenon of forced political marriagescalled Gover... more This studyexamines Africa’s newest political phenomenon of forced political marriagescalled Governments of National Unity (GNUs) or Inclusive Governments. Itendeavours to situate these governments in the continent’s political landscapewith the view of assessing the phenomenon’s contribution to the democraticdiscourse in Africa. It analyses the foundations of such governments with theview of examining the extent to which they have been conflict resolvers incountries where they have been established. While this study acknowledges thepositive contribution of GNUs in conflict management and resolution, the studyposits that by and large GNUs have had the effect of subverting the voices ofthe electorate in Africa. The study argues that where they have beenestablished, such governments have made the administrative systems of the countries fail to deliver desired services to the people as the political parties in the ‘marriage’ haggle for political supremacy. The study furtheravers that the...
The research examines the activities of varimi vatsva (new black farmers), who invaded and occupi... more The research examines the activities of varimi vatsva (new black farmers), who invaded and occupied the former white commercial farms through what has been dubbed as Third Chimurenga, that is, the land reform program. This study constitutes a specialised exposition of the experiences and responses of varimi vatsva in view of the shortcomings of the contentious land reform program in Zimbabwe. In the light of its findings, the paper posits that in general, it was one thing that varimi vatsva were allocated some pieces of land under the auspices of a reform program and in particular, another thing to achieve optimum agricultural returns. Whereas the restoration of land from the former white farmers to black ownership was a package of a theology of liberation and freedom, but without proper logistical planning, the whole agrarian reform movement has tended to be self-destructive. There has been an economic meltdown in Zimbabwe as a
Introduction Southern Rhodesia was occupied by the British South African Company (BSAC) on behalf... more Introduction Southern Rhodesia was occupied by the British South African Company (BSAC) on behalf of the British government in 1890. Thereafter, the political and socio-economic relations that developed between the white settlers and the African people in the new colony were characterised by tension. In addition to enacting legislation calculated to force the African to accept settler authority, they also used indirect methods to constantly remind the people that they were now a subjugated people. One such indirect method employed by the settlers was 'language and cultural imperialism' through the naming process as reflected in the typo and anthroponyms used by the antagonistic groups in the colony. Names bestowed on places, rivers and infrastructure such as buildings, schools, hospitals and roads by the settlers were meant to convey specific political messages, hence, an expression of their political victory and "an important part of the act of claiming and confirming ...
Journal of Pan African Studies, 2012
Across the globe, the environmental discourses on climate change and weather forecasting continue... more Across the globe, the environmental discourses on climate change and weather forecasting continue to preoccupy scholars and policy planners alike. Like other regions of the world, Africa is a victim of climate change that emanates from global warming. It has been noted that global warming has a strong bearing on natural ecosystems whose ripple effects ultimately affect humanity in several complicated socioeconomic ways. Throughout generations, humanity has tried to control climate in order to serve and save its needs. Nevertheless, despite the technological advances in the use of modern scientific equipment to predict and manipulate weather, the study posits that the scientific methods of weather forecasting are flawed, to some extent. It should not be forgotten that from time immemorial, indigenous Africans relied very much on close observations on environmental phenomena in regards to weather forecasting. Drawing from the indigenous Shona approaches to weather forecasting in Zimbabwe, the study argues that Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKSs) based on observing natural phenomena and celestial objects have helped to predict the imminence of the agricultural season and determine the patterns of the climate changes with a high degree of reliability. Therefore, the aim of the paper is to expose the Shona indigenous techniques of forecasting weather. In our conviction, it is necessary to employ the complementary role of the indigenous methods of weather forecasting and blend with those modern scientific techniques.
![Research paper thumbnail of Teachers’ Perceptions of the Assessment Structure of the O’level History Syllabus [2167] in Zimbabwe: A Case Study of Zaka District](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/80081125/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](Greener Journal of Educational Research, 2012
This study examined teachers' perceptions of the assessment structure on the 0'level History Syll... more This study examined teachers' perceptions of the assessment structure on the 0'level History Syllabus 2167 examination in Zimbabwe. A descriptive survey approach in which 30 History teachers from 15 Zaka District secondary schools responded to a questionnaire was used. Quantitative and qualitative paradigms of data presentation were both useful in this project. Findings from the study revealed that assessment and teaching History are two sides of the same coin but dropping the Source Based Question to an option was considered to be throwing away the baby with bath water. Most teachers are no longer teaching Source Based Questions and critical higher order skills are no longer developed in History students. The essay question with its tri-segmented structure gives prominence to factual regurgitation. This study led to the conclusion that the removal of the Source Based Question from the compulsory status has prevented History students from developing genuine higher order skills in Zimbabwe. It is recommended therefore that syllabus 2166 be revisited with an aim of merging it with syllabus 2167 in order to resuscitate the development of higher order skills of analysis ,inference and evaluation among History students.
European Journal of Sustainable Development, 2013
The article seeks to delineate and evaluate some constraints that the new black farmers in the fo... more The article seeks to delineate and evaluate some constraints that the new black farmers in the former white commercial farms face in the backdrop of the contested land reform programme in Zimbabwe. Whereas there was euphoria in the manner the peasants 'occupied' the commercial farms, but the current reality on the ground is pessimistic. The study claims that instead of improving the quality of lives, the new black farmers appear to be literally 'marching forward to the past' in light of the continued challenges. This is how a theology of liberation comes to the fore. Methodologically, the descriptive method used a population sampling of fifty resettled farmers who occupied Congela farm in Kwekwe district. This method was corroborated by the participant observations, questionnaires and interviews as techniques to gather data from the field. This triangulation was necessary to facilitate a holistic picture of resource constraints faced by the resettled black farmers. The study concludes by suggesting some recommendations which might help to promote sustainable development, justice and equality in Zimbabwe.
Journal of Southern African Studies, 2012
On the surface, Southern Rhodesia was a melting pot into which people of European origin were abs... more On the surface, Southern Rhodesia was a melting pot into which people of European origin were absorbed, mixed with one another and forged new identities. In reality, Rhodesia failed to permit non-British Europeans such as Poles, their fair share of the Rhodesian dream. Behind this lay not only British Rhodesians’ self-perception of their superiority to other Europeans but also the fear that other European immigrants might have communist connections. The British placed different white ethnic groups on a scale based on their perceived distance from white British cultural and political values. Polish people found themselves near the bottom of the scale because British whites suspected them of being communists or Jews and of holding different cultural values, such as greater liberality about race relations. British Rhodesian discrimination against the Poles was revealed especially in the reception Polish refugees received upon arriving in Rhodesia during the Second World War, evidenced in the placement of refugee settlements and the provision of social services, as well as discrimination in the employment sector. Although ethnic prejudice lay at the centre of Rhodesian discrimination, the immigration policy and treatment of the Poles also reflected conflicting concerns. On the one hand the Rhodesian government had an obligation to accommodate war refugees on behalf of the Imperial government, while, on the other hand, they did not want a deluge of non-British whites which might dilute British ethnic purity and spread communist ideas. We examine the nature, application and impact of this discriminatory policy on Polish refugees during and immediately after the Second World War, arguing that ambivalence towards Polish refugees constituted a larger feature of Rhodesian society.
African Perspectives on Poverty, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, and Innovation, 2022
Greener Journal of Educational Research, 2012
This study examined teachers' perceptions of the assessment structure on the 0'level History Syll... more This study examined teachers' perceptions of the assessment structure on the 0'level History Syllabus 2167 examination in Zimbabwe. A descriptive survey approach in which 30 History teachers from 15 Zaka District secondary schools responded to a questionnaire was used. Quantitative and qualitative paradigms of data presentation were both useful in this project. Findings from the study revealed that assessment and teaching History are two sides of the same coin but dropping the Source Based Question to an option was considered to be throwing away the baby with bath water. Most teachers are no longer teaching Source Based Questions and critical higher order skills are no longer developed in History students. The essay question with its tri-segmented structure gives prominence to factual regurgitation. This study led to the conclusion that the removal of the Source Based Question from the compulsory status has prevented History students from developing genuine higher order skills in Zimbabwe. It is recommended therefore that syllabus 2166 be revisited with an aim of merging it with syllabus 2167 in order to resuscitate the development of higher order skills of analysis ,inference and evaluation among History students.
Journal of Pan African Studies, 2012
Across the globe, the environmental discourses on climate change and weather forecasting continue... more Across the globe, the environmental discourses on climate change and weather forecasting continue to preoccupy scholars and policy planners alike. Like other regions of the world, Africa is a victim of climate change that emanates from global warming. It has been noted that global warming has a strong bearing on natural ecosystems whose ripple effects ultimately affect humanity in several complicated socioeconomic ways. Throughout generations, humanity has tried to control climate in order to serve and save its needs. Nevertheless, despite the technological advances in the use of modern scientific equipment to predict and manipulate weather, the study posits that the scientific methods of weather forecasting are flawed, to some extent. It should not be forgotten that from time immemorial, indigenous Africans relied very much on close observations on environmental phenomena in regards to weather forecasting. Drawing from the indigenous Shona approaches to weather forecasting in Zimbabwe, the study argues that Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKSs) based on observing natural phenomena and celestial objects have helped to predict the imminence of the agricultural season and determine the patterns of the climate changes with a high degree of reliability. Therefore, the aim of the paper is to expose the Shona indigenous techniques of forecasting weather. In our conviction, it is necessary to employ the complementary role of the indigenous methods of weather forecasting and blend with those modern scientific techniques.
Langaa RPCIG eBooks, Mar 11, 2022
This studyexamines Africa’s newest political phenomenon of forced political marriagescalled Gover... more This studyexamines Africa’s newest political phenomenon of forced political marriagescalled Governments of National Unity (GNUs) or Inclusive Governments. Itendeavours to situate these governments in the continent’s political landscapewith the view of assessing the phenomenon’s contribution to the democraticdiscourse in Africa. It analyses the foundations of such governments with theview of examining the extent to which they have been conflict resolvers incountries where they have been established. While this study acknowledges thepositive contribution of GNUs in conflict management and resolution, the studyposits that by and large GNUs have had the effect of subverting the voices ofthe electorate in Africa. The study argues that where they have beenestablished, such governments have made the administrative systems of the countries fail to deliver desired services to the people as the political parties in the ‘marriage’ haggle for political supremacy. The study furtheravers that the...
The research examines the activities of varimi vatsva (new black farmers), who invaded and occupi... more The research examines the activities of varimi vatsva (new black farmers), who invaded and occupied the former white commercial farms through what has been dubbed as Third Chimurenga, that is, the land reform program. This study constitutes a specialised exposition of the experiences and responses of varimi vatsva in view of the shortcomings of the contentious land reform program in Zimbabwe. In the light of its findings, the paper posits that in general, it was one thing that varimi vatsva were allocated some pieces of land under the auspices of a reform program and in particular, another thing to achieve optimum agricultural returns. Whereas the restoration of land from the former white farmers to black ownership was a package of a theology of liberation and freedom, but without proper logistical planning, the whole agrarian reform movement has tended to be self-destructive. There has been an economic meltdown in Zimbabwe as a
Introduction Southern Rhodesia was occupied by the British South African Company (BSAC) on behalf... more Introduction Southern Rhodesia was occupied by the British South African Company (BSAC) on behalf of the British government in 1890. Thereafter, the political and socio-economic relations that developed between the white settlers and the African people in the new colony were characterised by tension. In addition to enacting legislation calculated to force the African to accept settler authority, they also used indirect methods to constantly remind the people that they were now a subjugated people. One such indirect method employed by the settlers was 'language and cultural imperialism' through the naming process as reflected in the typo and anthroponyms used by the antagonistic groups in the colony. Names bestowed on places, rivers and infrastructure such as buildings, schools, hospitals and roads by the settlers were meant to convey specific political messages, hence, an expression of their political victory and "an important part of the act of claiming and confirming ...
Journal of Pan African Studies, 2012
Across the globe, the environmental discourses on climate change and weather forecasting continue... more Across the globe, the environmental discourses on climate change and weather forecasting continue to preoccupy scholars and policy planners alike. Like other regions of the world, Africa is a victim of climate change that emanates from global warming. It has been noted that global warming has a strong bearing on natural ecosystems whose ripple effects ultimately affect humanity in several complicated socioeconomic ways. Throughout generations, humanity has tried to control climate in order to serve and save its needs. Nevertheless, despite the technological advances in the use of modern scientific equipment to predict and manipulate weather, the study posits that the scientific methods of weather forecasting are flawed, to some extent. It should not be forgotten that from time immemorial, indigenous Africans relied very much on close observations on environmental phenomena in regards to weather forecasting. Drawing from the indigenous Shona approaches to weather forecasting in Zimbabwe, the study argues that Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKSs) based on observing natural phenomena and celestial objects have helped to predict the imminence of the agricultural season and determine the patterns of the climate changes with a high degree of reliability. Therefore, the aim of the paper is to expose the Shona indigenous techniques of forecasting weather. In our conviction, it is necessary to employ the complementary role of the indigenous methods of weather forecasting and blend with those modern scientific techniques.
Greener Journal of Educational Research, 2012
This study examined teachers' perceptions of the assessment structure on the 0'level History Syll... more This study examined teachers' perceptions of the assessment structure on the 0'level History Syllabus 2167 examination in Zimbabwe. A descriptive survey approach in which 30 History teachers from 15 Zaka District secondary schools responded to a questionnaire was used. Quantitative and qualitative paradigms of data presentation were both useful in this project. Findings from the study revealed that assessment and teaching History are two sides of the same coin but dropping the Source Based Question to an option was considered to be throwing away the baby with bath water. Most teachers are no longer teaching Source Based Questions and critical higher order skills are no longer developed in History students. The essay question with its tri-segmented structure gives prominence to factual regurgitation. This study led to the conclusion that the removal of the Source Based Question from the compulsory status has prevented History students from developing genuine higher order skills in Zimbabwe. It is recommended therefore that syllabus 2166 be revisited with an aim of merging it with syllabus 2167 in order to resuscitate the development of higher order skills of analysis ,inference and evaluation among History students.
European Journal of Sustainable Development, 2013
The article seeks to delineate and evaluate some constraints that the new black farmers in the fo... more The article seeks to delineate and evaluate some constraints that the new black farmers in the former white commercial farms face in the backdrop of the contested land reform programme in Zimbabwe. Whereas there was euphoria in the manner the peasants 'occupied' the commercial farms, but the current reality on the ground is pessimistic. The study claims that instead of improving the quality of lives, the new black farmers appear to be literally 'marching forward to the past' in light of the continued challenges. This is how a theology of liberation comes to the fore. Methodologically, the descriptive method used a population sampling of fifty resettled farmers who occupied Congela farm in Kwekwe district. This method was corroborated by the participant observations, questionnaires and interviews as techniques to gather data from the field. This triangulation was necessary to facilitate a holistic picture of resource constraints faced by the resettled black farmers. The study concludes by suggesting some recommendations which might help to promote sustainable development, justice and equality in Zimbabwe.
Journal of Southern African Studies, 2012
On the surface, Southern Rhodesia was a melting pot into which people of European origin were abs... more On the surface, Southern Rhodesia was a melting pot into which people of European origin were absorbed, mixed with one another and forged new identities. In reality, Rhodesia failed to permit non-British Europeans such as Poles, their fair share of the Rhodesian dream. Behind this lay not only British Rhodesians’ self-perception of their superiority to other Europeans but also the fear that other European immigrants might have communist connections. The British placed different white ethnic groups on a scale based on their perceived distance from white British cultural and political values. Polish people found themselves near the bottom of the scale because British whites suspected them of being communists or Jews and of holding different cultural values, such as greater liberality about race relations. British Rhodesian discrimination against the Poles was revealed especially in the reception Polish refugees received upon arriving in Rhodesia during the Second World War, evidenced in the placement of refugee settlements and the provision of social services, as well as discrimination in the employment sector. Although ethnic prejudice lay at the centre of Rhodesian discrimination, the immigration policy and treatment of the Poles also reflected conflicting concerns. On the one hand the Rhodesian government had an obligation to accommodate war refugees on behalf of the Imperial government, while, on the other hand, they did not want a deluge of non-British whites which might dilute British ethnic purity and spread communist ideas. We examine the nature, application and impact of this discriminatory policy on Polish refugees during and immediately after the Second World War, arguing that ambivalence towards Polish refugees constituted a larger feature of Rhodesian society.