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The role of information and communication technology in tertiary education in Africa
(IAEME Publication, 2019-12) Fomunyam, Kehdinga George
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays an essential role in all sectors of an economy including education. In the higher education sector, the usefulness of ICT cuts across all disciplines of study from mathematics to social science. ICT transforms the educational system by replacing traditional ways of teaching and learning with modern, computer-based infrastructure. This paper highlights the role of ICT and its ability to increase the quality of education in higher institutions of learning in Africa. The paper further discusses the advantages of having ICT infrastructure such as: e-learning/virtual library, access to quality education through special tools for physically challenged students in tertiary institutions across Africa. The study concludes that government funding of ICT infrastructure is important so as to improve the quality of education in tertiary institutions.
Strategies for building resilience to hazards in water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) systems: The role of public private partnerships
(Elsevier, 2014-07-15) Johannessen, Ase; Rosemarin, Arno; Thomalla, Frank; Gerger Swartling, Åsa; Stenström, Thor-Axel; Vulturius, Gregor
The aim of this paper is to enhance understanding of how the resilience of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) systems to hazards can be improved. In turn, this aims to inform different strategies for public and private partnerships (PPPs). In a new approach, to acknowledge the multi levelled nature of resilience; risk at the relevant levels are taken into account, (regional/river basin, urban area, and individual). For these levels, we first describe the different components of risk, vulnerability and resilience of the WASH system that influence people's exposure to hazards. We illustrate these components using examples from case studies in the literature. Using a social learning lens - a crucial ingredient of resilience - we examine opportunities for reducing risks through improving public–private engagement. These are presented as strategies which could guide invest-ment decisions: As pressures from climate change and development add up, businesses must become aware of the risks involved in operating and investing without considering ecosystem health, both in terms of the services they provide for mitigating floods and droughts, as well as in terms of the development approaches that define how ecosystems are managed (e.g. “making space” for, rather than controlling water). There is a need to develop an institutional culture that strives towards greener and more resilient urban environments with the help of various quality assurance methods. Partnerships must reach the poorer customer base, encourage informal small entrepreneurs, and boost financial mechanisms (e.g. micro-insurance, micro-finance) to support the most vulner-able in society.