Table of Contents
- Research Article
Modeling Robustness of Business Ecosystem of End of Life Vehicles Players PDF S. Keivanpour, C. Mascle, D. Ait-Kadi End of life vehicles (ELVs) recycling infrastructure is a business ecosystem of players that similar to a biological ecosystem, the sustainability of this structure depends on the interaction among players. For evaluation, the robustness of this ecosystem, not only economic sustainability of players but also the environmental and social impacts of their strategies should be considered. Moreover, this assessment should involve market forces, the impact of government policies and society needs as well as technology market. In this study, we introduced a framework for modelling robustness of the business ecosystem of automobile recycling players considering the response to dynamical effects, stability and learning outcomes. The descriptions of building blocks of the model are adapted for modelling the car passenger recycling infrastructure in US; however, the architecture of the model can be used in other regions or even in other industries. - Research Article
Servicing the Needs of Inflating Population at Growth Points in Zimbabwe? Spatio-Temporal and Economic Considerations PDF Innocent Chirisa, Smart Dumba, Buhle Dube While growth points in Zimbabwe were created to become economically viable spatial entities, over time they have not so much grown as intended. Amid the urbanization thrust in the country, these places have grown and continue to grow demographically. Little studies, if any, in Zimbabwe, have been done to establish the possible future outcomes of this urbanization of small settlements. This present paper examines the implications of the multiplier effect at growth points in the country. The main question is: What is the likely future of the growth centres in the country and what new infrastructural and related assets need to be in place if chaotic urbanization is to characterize these places. By case studies we attempt to make a rapid assessment of the situation, basing on historical trends and developments with the aim of proposing future policy and practical alternatives. - Research Article
Prospects and Challenges for Food Security in Rural Zimbabwe: Unearthing the Contestations in Conservation Farming in Mukore Village of Bikita PDF Leonard Chitongo The paper sought to investigate the challenges and prospects for effective institutionalization of conservation farming as a food security measure amidst the gross incidence of drought and failure of traditional subsistence agriculture in Zimbabwean rural areas. The study endeavored to achieve this through exploring the contestations among various stakeholders in their efforts to educate the rural folk about the viability of conservation farming as an option for curbing the proliferation of droughts and improve livelihoods of the rural communities. Of the many findings elicited by the research, it was established that, the perceptual, technocratic and political contestations among various actors in conservation farming should be addressed and rationalized for the fruition of the efforts to create sustainable agricultural framework and rural livelihoods. The research thrived through Norman Long's Actor Oriented Approach in which the various power dynamics between agents due to different positions, knowledge and influence presented differential "˜lifeworlds' for contestations. The research methodologically proceeded within the qualitative framework in which case, in-depth interviews with key informants and focus group discussions were used as data gathering tools.