University of Lusaka Library
Welcome to the University of Lusaka Library repository, a platform dedicated to preserving and sharing academic works.
- Easily deposit documents, audio, video, and datasets with comprehensive metadata.
- Showcase your research to both local and global audiences.
- Ensure persistent access and trustworthy identifiers.
Learn more about our services on the University of Lusaka website.
Communities in DSpace
Select a community to browse its collections.
Recent Submissions
Managing Food Loss and Waste: Case Study of Granadilla Production at Everglades Farm, Mkushi
(University of Lusaka, 2025) MUKUKA, Tasha
Food loss (FL) and waste pose economic challenges in agricultural supply chains, particularly in fresh fruit chains like the granadilla. In the fruit supply chain (SC), significant losses occur at various stages of the SC, leading to high levels of waste and limited profitability. This thesis investigates FL and waste in a Granadilla SC based on a Farm in Mkushi Zambia, focusing on production to distribution stages. The objective of this study is to investigate the causes and impacts of FL and waste in Everglade’s Granadilla supply chain. This thesis used a case study approach paired with a concurrent triangulation design. The qualitative data was collected by interviewing five key respondents who are critical to the operations in each stage of the SC. Additionally, the quantitative data was collected through secondary sources, using data previously gathered by the company, and analysed using the Additionally, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe measuring methodology. Results indicated that the production stage of the SC accounts for the highest stage of FL due to wind damage and pests and diseases. These issues cause a snowball effect eventually causing the fruit to be deemed unexportable. The processing stage exhibits moderate losses primarily from quality issues. These losses reduce the farm’s export profitability and capacity. It was found that approximately 25% of the granadilla loss
occurred at the production stage, amounting to an estimated K4,227,810.00 per season (at K30/kg). A further 26% was lost at the processing stage, and 9% was lost during distribution. Thus, the study highlights the need for strategic intervention, such as utilising the theory of constraints to identify constraints in the SC and work towards improving those constraints. This would mean, identifying the constraint – such as focusing on pests and diseases, exploiting the constraint - exploring and undertaking pest and disease management practices, subordinating other processes – allocating workers for pest scouting and treatment during high-risk months, elevating the constraint – investing in disease-resistant granadilla varieties such as the yellow granadilla (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa) and repeating the process with other constraints. Additionally, it was recommended that the farm works towards diversifying its income through the introduction of value-added products such as juices, jams and other granadilla-relevant products. This research contributes to understanding the food supply chains and food loss in sub-Saharan Africa and offers insights for agricultural stakeholders.
Effect of Vocational Education on enhancing livelihoods for persons with disabilities at the National Vocational rehabilitation Centre (NVRC) in Ndola District of Zambia
(University of Lusaka, 2025) MATUKUTA, Talent
The study examined the effect of vocational education on the livelihood of persons with disabilities (PWDs) at the National Vocational rehabilitation Centre Ndola District in Zambia. To achieve this study objectives, a qualitative approach and a descriptive research design were used in order to have a complete and comprehensive examination of vocational education effect on livelihood improvement of persons with disabilities in at NVRC. The approach for obtaining data adopted the qualitative. The results were qualitative and so, it was subjected to qualitative analysis. The population of the study included administrators from the National Rehabilitation Centre, Zambia Agency for Persons with Disabilities under MCDSS the departments of Community Development, members of Organizations for persons with disabilities and vocational education graduates with disabilities. The graduates were drawn from within Ndola who had completed their tertiary education at NVRC. The results obtained showed that vocational training had a fundamental role to play in enhancing the inclusion, employability, and financial independence of the PWDs. The participants mentioned healthcare access, social support, and many job opportunities. Earning skills such as sewing, information technology, and other trades directly affected the overall quality of life. However, challenges of vocational education for persons with disabilities still persist, encompassing lack of awareness of vocational educational programs, inclusive infrastructure, and financial challenges leaving PWDs at a disadvantage due to logistical challenges, socio-cultural barriers, societal attitudes, and stigmatization. The findings today call for the necessity of common measure policies on inclusive access while developing resilience for PWDs in various vocational education programs. Recommending addressing the above highlighted challenges, ensuring the government of the Republic of Zambia looks into improving infrastructure, targeted funding for vocational education, training of instructors in special education, and collaborating and partnering with employers on giving job opportunities to persons with disabilities to enhance their livelihood potential in Ndola district.
Keywords: vocational education, persons with disabilities, employability, social inclusion, financial independence, livelihood improvement.
Investigating the effects of work-life balance initiatives on employee well-being and productivity within project management environment: A case study of World Vision Zambia
(University of Lusaka, 2025) SIMUBWA, Sydney
Places of work and the demands they put on employees are in a state of continuous change. This study steps into the pressure cooker context of an organization that is administering donor funded socio-economic development aid to vulnerable children and their families, World Vision Zambia. The context is characterized by strict budgetary demands, high frequency of reporting demands and rising workload in periods when projects are about to close. The study was conducted by mixed methods to investigate effects of the Work Life Balance Initiatives (WLBI) adopted by the organization, particularly motivated by progressive downward adjustments in the
scope and monetary value of interventions as the organization faces tighter budgets. Unlike the bulk of existing research, this study considered effects of a broad range of interventions for WLB. Data for the study was obtained by a semi-structured questionnaire that was administered to a countrywide sample of 85 employees of the organization at various levels, using Kobo-Collect. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS while qualitative data was subjected to thematic analysis. Findings of the study confirmed high levels of awareness and accessibility of the WLBI to employees of the organization with 100%
of respondents reporting such awareness and that 55.3% of the respondents agreed with the assertion that they felt encouraged by the organization to make use of the various WLBI initiatives while (28.2%) those that strongly agreed suggesting that there is a strong focus on ensuring utility of WLBI in the organization. 56.5 % of the respondents also confirmed positive effects of WLBI on overall employee wellbeing and productivity the test statistic of 53.776 was statistically significant at the 1% level given the p-value of 0.000. However, study participants also noted need for improvement in workload management practices to ensure fair relationships between
workload and compensation. They also noted the need for extension of leave days. The study recommends that management in organizations such as World Vision Zambia offer broad based WLBI that meet diverse employee needs but also obtain employee feedback in their design to sustain relevance and achieved desired overall employee wellbeing and productivity outcomes. It adds to the existing literature by demonstrating the value of measures for overall wellbeing of employees as well as importance of workplace policies that reflect the significance of families in lives of employees.
Evaluation of Service Delivery in Utility Companies in Zambia: A Case Study of Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation Limited
(University of Lusaka, 2025) SOTA, Susan Namfukwe
This study evaluates the service delivery of utility companies in Zambia, with a focus on Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (ZESCO). A quantitative approach was employed using a survey design to assess customer satisfaction, loyalty, and service quality. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS (version 27.0). Wilcoxon, Friedman’s, and Spearman’s Correlation tests were conducted to measure customer satisfaction levels, loyalty, and the relationship between service quality and customer perceptions using the SERVQUAL model. Findings indicate that the majority of respondents were dissatisfied with ZESCO’s service
delivery. However, despite this dissatisfaction, many customers expressed continued loyalty to ZESCO. The SERVQUAL analysis revealed variations across service dimensions, with strengths in responsiveness and empathy but deficiencies in tangibles, reliability, and assurance. A strong positive correlation between service quality and customer satisfaction was identified, which emphasized the critical role of reliability and assurance in improving overall customer experience. The study concludes that addressing deficiencies in service quality is essential for enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. It recommends that ZESCO invest in infrastructure development, staff training, and strategic customer service initiatives to align service delivery with customer expectations and improve overall efficiency.
Keywords: Service Delivery, Utility Companies, ZESCO, Customer Satisfaction, Service Quality, SERVQUAL Model, Customer Loyalty
The Relationships between Mobile Money and Tax Collection: A Case of MSE's in Lusaka Town Center
(University of Lusaka, 2025) CHISENGA, Sungwe
This study looked at the relationship between mobile money services and tax collection among micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in the Lusaka Town Centre. Using a mixed methods approach, the research examined mobile money adoption patterns, tax registration status, and the influence of mobile money attributes—perceived ease of use, transaction cost, awareness, and usefulness—on tax collection. The study also identified challenges faced by MSEs and the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) in fostering tax compliance. In addition, the study explores challenges hindering MSEs' compliance from the perspective of both business owners and the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA). A descriptive research design was employed, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods. Data was collected from 263 respondents, yielding a 66.2% response rate. Quantitative data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 27.
Descriptive statistics, including frequency distributions, percentages, and measures of central tendency (mean and median), were calculated to summarize key variables. Multiple regression analysis was then used to examine the relationship between mobile money attributes and tax compliance. Regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between mobile money attributes and tax collection, revealing that these attributes explain 44.3% of the variability in compliance levels. The findings indicate that while mobile money platforms, primarily Airtel and MTN, are widely used, systemic barriers such as high transaction costs, limited awareness of tax obligations, and financial constraints hinder full tax compliance. Nvivo Tool was employed to analyse insights from ZRA highlight the need for simplified tax procedures, financial relief programs, and enhanced public awareness initiatives. The study concludes that mobile money has the potential to enhance tax collection compliance, but its effectiveness depends on complementary structural reforms. Recommendations include collaboration between policymakers, ZRA, and mobile money service providers to streamline tax processes, lower transaction costs, and improve tax literacy among MSEs. Future research should explore the role of mobile money in tax compliance within rural areas and sector-specific business environments.