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An Investigation in the role that Non-Profit Organisations play in Public Service Delivery in Munali Constituency
(2026) MWANSA, Kalenga
This study explored the contributions of nonprofit organizations (NPOs) to public service delivery in the Munali Constituency of Lusaka, Zambia. NPOs play a critical role in addressing gaps in essential services, such as healthcare, education, and social welfare, particularly in urban areas facing socio-economic challenges. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, this research collected quantitative data from 180 residents and qualitative insights from the respondents. Findings revealed high community awareness of NPOs, with 88.9% of respondents familiar with their roles. However, only 55.6% of participants reported using nonprofit services, highlighting barriers related to accessibility, awareness, and trust. The study also identified significant contributions by NPOs in enhancing service delivery quality, as recognized by 66.7% of respondents, though concerns regarding consistency and sustainability remain. Recommendations include
strengthening outreach efforts, fostering collaboration between NPOs and government, and improving accessibility to ensure NPOs maximize their impact in underserved communities. These insights aimed to inform policies and strategies that enhance public service delivery and promote sustainable development in Zambia.
An Assessment of the Social, Economic and Environmental Benefits of achieving Open Defecation Free (ODF) Status in Ndake Village
(2026) SINYINZA, Changala Clara
This study investigates the sanitation experiences and perceptions of Ndake Village residents in Luangwa District, Zambia, following the attainment of Open Defecation Free (ODF) status. Using a qualitative design, the research draws on focus group discussions, household interviews, and key informant insights from Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) champions and the District Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Education (DWASH) committee. The study was guided by the general objective of assessing the social, economic, and environmental benefits of achieving ODF status in Ndake Village, with specific objectives focusing on economic impacts, social well-being, and environmental improvements. The target population comprised residents of Ndake Village under Luezi Ward, including male- and female-headed households, community leaders, and key stakeholders involved in sanitation governance. A total of 50 respondents participated in the study, consisting of 42 community members, 4 government and non-governmental officials, and 4 community leaders. Of the respondents, 53.3% were male and 46.7% were female, with the majority engaged in farming as their main livelihood. The findings reveal that achieving ODF status significantly improved public health outcomes, personal dignity, and community cohesion. Women reported enhanced safety and privacy, while households noted reductions in diarrhoeal diseases and improvements in school attendance among children. Social norms around defecation transformed substantially, with
strong community pressure to maintain clean and functional latrines. Economic benefits were also observed, including reduced medical expenditures and increased productivity. However, the sustainability of ODF status faces several challenges. Seasonal flooding frequently damages shallow pit latrines, financial constraints limit the construction of durable facilities, and water access remains inconsistent. Some households struggle to maintain handwashing stations and replace worn-out latrine components, threatening long-term sanitation gains. The study concludes that sustaining ODF achievements requires ongoing behaviour change reinforcement, targeted support for vulnerable households, and investment in flood-resistant sanitation technologies. Strengthened local governance and climate-resilient WASH interventions are essential for advancing and sustaining rural sanitation outcomes in Ndake Village and similar contexts. The findings have important implications for policy and practice, highlighting the need for sustained post-ODF monitoring, integration of climate-resilient sanitation technologies into rural development planning, and strengthened collaboration between government institutions, non-governmental organisations, and community leadership to prevent slippage and ensure long-term sanitation sustainability.
An Investigation of the Relationship between Adult Literacy Programmes and Economic Empowerment Among Women in George Compound of Lusaka District
(University of Lusa, 2026) MONDE, Felix
This study examined the impact of adult literacy programmes on women’s empowerment in George Compound, Lusaka District. The study was motivated by the continued socio-economic marginalisation of women in low-income urban communities, where limited access to education constrains income generation, financial management, participation in household decision-making, and overall well-being. The main objective of the study was to assess the relationship between participation in adult literacy programmes and women’s economic and social empowerment. Specifically, the study sought to examine the influence of adult literacy participation on women’s confidence, engagement in income-generating activities, financial management practices, and involvement in household decision-making. A mixed-methods research approach was employed. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 50 women participants in George Compound, while qualitative data were obtained through focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and presented in tables and charts, whereas qualitative data were analysed thematically to capture participants’ experiences and perceptions regarding adult literacy programmes and empowerment outcomes. The findings revealed that the majority of respondents were aged between 18 and 45 years and had diverse marital and educational backgrounds. Approximately 58% of the respondents had participated in adult literacy programmes, with attendance ranging from once to three times per week. The study further established that participation in adult literacy programmes was positively associated with women’s empowerment. About 54% of participants reported initiating income-generating activities after joining literacy programmes, while 48% indicated an improvement in their income levels. Qualitative findings showed that adult literacy enhanced women’s self-confidence, numeracy skills, and ability to manage finances, enabling them to participate more actively in household decision-making, savings groups, and small-scale entrepreneurship.
Despite these positive outcomes, the study identified several challenges affecting programme effectiveness, including financial constraints, heavy household responsibilities, inconsistent attendance, and cultural norms that limited women’s participation. In addition, inadequate funding and limited institutional support were found to threaten the sustainability of adult literacy initiatives. The study concludes that adult literacy programmes play a significant role in promoting women’s economic, social, and psychological empowerment in George Compound. Participation in literacy programmes was found to enhance self-reliance, improve financial management, and strengthen women’s decision-making power at household level. The study recommends strengthening adult literacy programmes through increased government and non-governmental organisation support, enhanced community sensitisation, and the integration of financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and leadership training into literacy curricula. Such measures are essential to improve programme sustainability and maximise the empowerment outcomes of adult literacy initiatives in low-income urban settings.
Keywords: Adult Literacy, Women’s Empowerment, Education, Income Generation, Financial Management, George Compound, Zambia.
Analysing Policy Implementation: A Case Study of the Free Education Policy in Selected Public Primary Schools in Lusaka District
(2026) MWELWA, Safeli
The Free Education Policy was introduced by the Government of Zambia to improve access to education and promote equity by removing user fees in public primary schools. This study examined the implementation of the Free Education Policy in selected public primary schools in Lusaka District, with the aim of understanding school responses to the policy, identifying successes, and exploring challenges encountered during implementation at school level. The study adopted a qualitative case study design. The target population comprised head teachers, teachers, and Parent Teacher Association (PTA) representatives from selected public primary schools. A purposive sampling technique was used to select participants who were directly involved in the implementation of the policy. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically in line with the study objectives. The findings revealed that public primary schools responded positively to the Free Education Policy by admitting all eligible learners, removing user fees, engaging communities, adjusting teaching schedules, and adopting coping strategies such as splitting classes and rotating learners. Key successes recorded included increased enrolment, improved access for vulnerable learners, reduced school dropouts, positive community perception of government commitment to education, and the ability of schools to focus on teaching rather than fee collection. However, the study also established several challenges, including overcrowded classrooms, high teacher–pupil ratios, inadequate teaching and learning materials, strained sanitation facilities, insufficient funding through school grants, and limited administrative support and monitoring from education authorities. Based on the findings, the study recommends increased funding of primary school grants, recruitment of additional teachers, expansion of school infrastructure, consistent provision of teaching and learning materials, strengthened monitoring and support by the Ministry of Education, and enhanced community engagement. The study recommends that while the Free Education Policy has significantly improved access to education, its sustainability and effectiveness depend on adequate resourcing, strong administrative support, and effective coordination between policymakers and frontline implementers.
Understanding how the Construction Industry Growth influences the quality of Engineering Services in Zambia
(2026) KOMBE, Nathan
Among other organizations, the National Council for Construction, NCC, is one of the main organizations governing the engineering sector in Zambia. Some of their duties include, the registration of all construction companies operating in Zambia, monitoring of projects, enforcement of regulations and training of technical personnel. The rapid growth occurring in the engineering sector has introduced a number of concerns in the quality of work being executed in Zambia; abandoned projects, increased reworks and repairs, structural flaws and other key quality issues. This study intended to understand how the construction industry growth influences the quality of engineering services in Zambia. Hence, the objectives of this study included, to explore how the registration of construction companies with NCC influences the quality of engineering services in Zambia, to understand the role of governing bodies in enforcing compliance and to explore the adequacy of Continuous Professional Development, CPD, by NCC. The study utilized the Qualitative approach to understand the reasons behind the problem. To do this, a historical design had to be used to provide quality information to the study. Data collection was done using semi-structured interview guides. Purposive sampling was used to select the participants. The study found that the current registration process has not been very efficient. New entry companies have flooded the sector and have not been thoroughly processed before confirmation. The rapid increase of companies and increased number of national projects has been overwhelming for the existing NCC systems and resources. This has hindered many compliance enforcement activities, as well as the expansion of CPD programs. The findings indicate that, construction companies are underbidding for projects, compromising on quality of labour and material being used, and simply avoiding complying with regulations. The study recommended that the NCC systems need to be upgraded, with new regulations and modern technology. It was further recommended that the NCC requires an increase of manpower, transportation modalities, finances and other resources. The study provided understanding of quality regulations and filled the knowledge gap associated with the effects of industry growth on quality.
Key Words: Company Registration, Sector growth, Regulation Compliance, skills training, Construction