This thesis reflects the findings of a study conducted in Lumwana in the North-Western province of Zambia in 2009, 2013 and 2014. It looks at the socio-economic impacts of large scale mining...Show moreThis thesis reflects the findings of a study conducted in Lumwana in the North-Western province of Zambia in 2009, 2013 and 2014. It looks at the socio-economic impacts of large scale mining activities on the Lumwana community. To find out how the community has been impacted, the study combined primary and secondary data collection including a small survey, open and structured interviews,a documentary research, field observations and focus group discussions. Copper mining industry plays a very important role in Zambia: it is the main driving force behind Zambia's economy. In order to mitigate some of such negative effects and ensure peaceful coexistence between the mining company and the surrounding communities, LMC tries to provide certain socio-economic incentives for the Lumwana communities. However, perceived inequalities in the distribution of economical benefits, unfulfilled expectations, the lack of social infrastructure and the issues of migration are all contributing to the development of social conflicts. It is suggested that for the interests of the communities to be represented, government, chiefs and the international corporations involved should redefine their roles. Copper mining industry plays a very important role in Zambia: it is the main driving force behind Zambia's economy. In order to mitigate some of such negative effects and ensure peaceful coexistence between the mining company and the surrounding communities, LMC tries to provide certain socio-economic incentives for the Lumwana communities. However, perceived inequalities in the distribution of economical benefits, unfulfilled expectations, the lack of social infrastructure and the issues of migration are all contributing to the development of social conflicts. It is suggested that for the interests of the communities to be represented, government, chiefs and the international corporations involved should redefine their roles.Show less
The thesis approaches the complex of ethnicity in Rwanda under German colonial rule (1885-1916) and focuses on how Rwandan social structures were perceived by German colonialists and influenced by...Show moreThe thesis approaches the complex of ethnicity in Rwanda under German colonial rule (1885-1916) and focuses on how Rwandan social structures were perceived by German colonialists and influenced by their policy. The research question – what was the German approach to ethnicity in the former protectorate of Rwanda, what informed it, and how did it impinge on the society? – already suggests that this period is severely under-researched. Challenging the contemporary discourse that it was the Belgian rule under which Hutu and Tutsi were divided into two premordial entities, the thesis argues that it was earlier, during the German period, that social differences were introduced as racial differences. This argument gets developed on the basis of archive material and with a focus on four key personalities who were implementing German racial ideology in Rwanda by translating it into colonial policy. Without attributing direct responsibility for the 1994 genocide to the German rule, the case shows that the search for root causes of ethnic conflict in Rwanda must consider this timespan as a crucial incision for the further developments that tore society apart along racial lines.Show less
This thesis focuses on the discourses on women and conflict in the context of the conflict of 2012 in Northern Mali. There are various actors involved in this conflict: the United Nations, the...Show moreThis thesis focuses on the discourses on women and conflict in the context of the conflict of 2012 in Northern Mali. There are various actors involved in this conflict: the United Nations, the Dutch government, the soldiers on the ground, local women, local women’s organizations,independent researchers, and the occupying groups. The main question I’ve answered is ‘What are the perspectives that various actors involved in the Malian conflict have about the role of gender, women and the conflict of 2012, and what do these tell us about the effectiveness of the gender policies of MINUSMA?’. Analyzing these different discourses, it is clear that the stories of the different actors are disconnected. Only with better communication between all actors involved, effective implementation of gender policies can be achieved.Show less
In World War Two Polish refugees were deported from Poland to the Soviet Union, to Uzbekistan and to Persia. From Persia half of them were deported to East and Southern Africa. Northern Rhodesia...Show moreIn World War Two Polish refugees were deported from Poland to the Soviet Union, to Uzbekistan and to Persia. From Persia half of them were deported to East and Southern Africa. Northern Rhodesia had three camps. One of the camps was in Abercorn, in the remote Northern Province. This thesis explores why the camp was built in such a remote area, how the Poles got there, how long they stayed, the rules in the camp, their daily life and the contacts with the British and the Zambians.Show less
This research examines a radio program in Accra, Ghana entitled, “Citi Breakfast Show”, and seeks to discover and investigate the manner in which it positions itself as a watchdog in the media...Show moreThis research examines a radio program in Accra, Ghana entitled, “Citi Breakfast Show”, and seeks to discover and investigate the manner in which it positions itself as a watchdog in the media landscape of Ghana. The research uses the concept of framing to investigate the approach of the talk radio show and its positioning in the media landscape of Ghana. The contribution of listeners to the show is also examined and analysed within the context of the genre of talk radio.Show less
This research analyzes the socioeconomic impact of the implementation of a gas plant in progress in the Nzema region, a territory located in the South-Western Ghana which has around 250,000...Show moreThis research analyzes the socioeconomic impact of the implementation of a gas plant in progress in the Nzema region, a territory located in the South-Western Ghana which has around 250,000 inhabitants. In recent years the oil and gas found in the area have been a significant event in this locality consisting of the State acquisition of part of district territories in the area to launch some energy projects which promises to be revolutionary for the population. Work on the construction of the gas plant has already started in 2011 by means of the Ghana National Gas Company and of the Sinopec, a Chinese company hired by the Ghanaian government. To date, some of the local people in the area have been struggling with the lack of or insufficient compensation for their crops and they are still looking for alternative means of livelihood. Most are demanding corporate social responsibility from the gas companies or at least the opportunity to contribute in a more significant way in the implementation of the project since the main job opportunity in the gas plant is to work as unskilled workers. Directly or indirectly all of the people from surrounding area are strongly affected by the gas plant, and their ways of looking at the project are many and varied.Show less
