Search

This study focuses on the uses of digital technology during teaching and learning. The preparedness, adoption, and use of virtual learning are inquired. Technology cannot enhance learning unless adopted, embraced, and effectively used. Three hundred and one (301) online questionnaires were administered to Higher and Tertiary institutions (HTEIs) students. The data were analyzed using the Structural Equation Model (SEM). Performance Expectancy (PE), Effort Expectancy (EE), and Social Influence (SI) were confirmed to be positive predictors of the Behavioural Intention (BI) to use technology. Facilitating Conditions (FC) is a non-significant construct to BI to use technology. Thus, irrespective of the availability of Information Communication Technologies (ICT) infrastructure and support needed to use virtual learning, students are forced to use virtual technology due to COVID-19. Pandemics such as COVID-19 force students and lecturers to use virtual learning irrespective of factors surrounding them. Pandemics are an anchor for the full embracement of virtual learning. Pandemic 'like' elements applied in the education system foster education. Google Classroom and its features prove to improve the teaching and learning processes. Chatbots and contextualized virtual Educational Humanoid robots enhance learning through interactivity. Pandemics need to be tested if they are a perfect fit as a new Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model construct. In addition, a model for effective blended learning during and post COVID-19 must be developed.

Quinoa is one of the ancestral grains now considered as the "superfoods of the future" due to their characteristics as functional foods with great environmental adaptability. The Zimbabwe Resilience Building Fund has introduced quinoa in Zimbabwe to increase resilience of farming systems in light of environmental shocks. In order to improve adoption of the crop, it is important to understand the combined effects of socio‐demographic variables on consumer perceptions of the crop. However, there is limited literature on the combined effects of socio‐demographic variables on quinoa health and nutritional benefits in Zimbabwe. In this study, we used principle component analysis to identify consumers' perception about health and nutritional benefits of quinoa in Gweru Urban District, Gweru, Zimbabwe. A questionnaire was designed and applied to 200 participants. However, only 167 forms were valid for analysis. Age, education, and income level are main factors that determine consumer perceptions on health and nutritional claims. The results indicate that quinoa need to be promoted a as a crop that goes beyond food and income security by placing additional emphasis on health and nutritional aspects. This is very insightful in light of the need to improve the uptake of the crop by smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe. However, the use of self‐reporting survey method has received criticism for failing to get detailed information on perceptions of individuals. These findings could be handy to promote quinoa as a climate smart crop with additional health and nutritional benefits. This is one of the novel research studies exploring the motives of Zimbabwean consumers towards quinoa as a functional food crop. The work also contributes to knowledge on consumer food preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately one-third of the global population suffering from chronic hunger are in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). In addition to high prevalence of chronic hunger, millions of people suffer from micronutrient deficiencies. Meanwhile, there is growing consensus across scientific disciplines concurring that fish plays a crucial role in improving food and nutrition security. Therefore, the present review aims to demonstrate the role of fish and the whole fisheries sector towards securing food and nutrition security in SSA by summarizing the existing literature. Fish is a treasure store of animal protein and essential micronutrients such as zinc, iodine, calcium, and vitamins, which are essential in human nutrition and have proven to help reduce the risks of both malnutrition and non-communicable diseases. Policymakers, development agencies, and society should recognize the role that the fisheries sector can play in combatting hunger and undernutrition, especially for the poor and marginalized people in SSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]