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The Influence of Social Media on Political Engagement among Political Science and International Relations Students at the University of Lusaka, Pioneer Campus
(2026) CHAIMA, Theresa Mwango
This paper examined the role of social media in political participation among Political Science and International Relations students at the University of Lusaka, Pioneer Campus. It aimed to learn the role of social media platforms in influencing the political opinion of students, political participation and activism, and political awareness and interest. The study was designed in a descriptive case study design, but a mixed-method approach, that is, qualitative and quantitative data, was used. The respondents were 75 fourth-year students who were purposely chosen. The data were gathered by means of the structured questionnaires, both open and closed-ended, and analyzed with the help of descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The results indicated that social media was a significant source of political opinion formation, as 64 per cent of the respondents reported that social media affected their political opinions. Facebook and WhatsApp emerged as the most influential platforms. The researchers also established that social media encouraged 67 per cent of students to engage in political activities, and 64 per cent of students were likely to share political content on the Internet, implying that digital interaction was closely connected with political activism. In addition, 70 per cent of the respondents stated that social media made them more politically aware, while 72 per cent indicated that social media kept them interested in and updated about political matters. Nevertheless, several challenges were also identified, including misinformation, political polarisation, and the presence of echo chambers, which necessitated a critical assessment of online political information. The paper found that social media could be highly effective in political learning, mobilisation, and civic engagement when used responsibly. It recommended the incorporation of digital and media literacy courses into university curricula to enable students to develop the ability to critically analyse political information online. Furthermore, it suggested that policymakers, educators, and social media platforms should have worked collaboratively to encourage young people to become truthful and critical digital citizens.
Keywords: Social media, Political Engagement, Political participation, political awareness, misinformation, digital literacy, university students, Zambia.
An Investigation of the Effects of Microfinance Services on Economic Independence of female maize cash crop farmers in Chibwe Forest Farming Area in Kapiri Mposhi District
(2026) MUSONDA, Sisa
Microfinance has been widely regarded as an important instrument for promoting women’s economic independence, particularly among smallholder farmers in developing economies. In Zambia, female maize farmers have contributed significantly to agricultural production and rural livelihoods; however, persistent financial exclusion has continued to limit their income growth, asset accumulation, and opportunities for economic diversification. This study investigated the
effects of microfinance services on the economic independence of female maize cash crop farmers in Chibwe Forest, Kapiri Mposhi District. The study adopted a qualitative research design and drew on data collected through in-depth
interviews and focus group discussions with 26 female maize farmers who had accessed microfinance services, alongside key informant interviews with microfinance institution staff and agricultural extension officers. The data were analysed using thematic analysis to capture participants’ perceptions, experiences, and challenges associated with the utilisation of microfinance services. The findings indicated that access to microfinance services had contributed to improved household income management, increased ownership of productive assets such as livestock and farm equipment, and enhanced capacity for income diversification beyond maize farming. Nevertheless, the study identified several constraints, including high interest rates, limited loan sizes, inadequate financial literacy, and market-related challenges, which restricted the extent to which microfinance services translated into sustained economic independence.
The study concluded that although microfinance services played a positive role in enhancing women’s economic independence, their impact was context-specific and uneven. Strengthening financial literacy, aligning loan products with agricultural production cycles, and improving market access were identified as critical measures for maximising the benefits of microfinance for female maize farmers. The study contributed empirical evidence to the discourse on gender
responsive financial inclusion and offered policy-relevant insights for improving microfinance interventions in rural Zambia.
An Investigation of the effects of Gender-based Violence on school dropouts among adolescent girls in Chongwe District
(2026) KUMWENDA, Raewyn Goveya
Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a critical social challenge that undermines the educational participation and retention of adolescent girls, particularly in developing contexts such as Zambia. Despite policy interventions aimed at promoting gender equality and universal education, many girls continue to experience various forms of violence that disrupt their schooling. This study investigated the effects of gender-based violence on school dropout among adolescent girls in Chongwe District, Zambia. The general objective of the study was to examine how GBV influences school dropout, with specific focus on forms of violence experienced, their effects on school participation, and their
relationship with dropout risk. A quantitative research approach was employed using a structured questionnaire administered to 95 adolescent girls. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages. The findings revealed that adolescent girls experience multiple forms of GBV, including sexual, physical, and emotional abuse occurring across home, school, and community settings. The results show that 69 respondents reported difficulties in concentration due to violence, while 52 indicated missing school because of fear. Additionally, 68 respondents reported feeling unsafe at school, and 70 indicated that violence negatively affected their academic performance. The study further established a strong relationship between GBV and school dropout. All 95 respondents agreed or strongly agreed that sexual violence increases the likelihood of school dropout, while 95 respondents also indicated that experiencing multiple forms of violence significantly raises dropout risk. Furthermore, gaps in support systems were identified, as 37 respondents reported not knowing where to seek help despite the presence of reporting mechanisms. The study concludes that GBV is a major barrier to girls’ retention in school, with its effects intensified by weak institutional support and limited awareness of protection systems. The study recommends strengthening school-based counselling services, improving reporting mechanisms, enhancing community awareness, and promoting supportive family environments. Future research should focus on evaluating intervention strategies and examining the long-term effects of GBV on educational outcomes.
Investigating the effects of load shedding on income generation by Small and Medium Enterprises: A case study of selected butcheries of Chilanga Central Business District
(2026) MUYABI, Mutinta
The study provides the general background information that sets its context on the effects of load shedding on income generation with a particular focus on SMEs in Chilanga Central Business District (CBD) of Lusaka province, Zambia. The main objectives were to examine the nature of load shedding experienced by butcheries and cold storage SMEs in Chilanga CBD; to assess how load-shedding affected employment (working hours, temporary layoffs) and customer behavior; and to identify coping strategies adopted by butcheries and cold-storage SMEs to manage the effects of load shedding in Chilanga CBD. The study employed a qualitative research method. The target population consisted of all registered and unregistered small and medium-sized butcheries operating within Chilanga CBD. A total sample of thirty (40) respondents were selected from Chilanga CBD. Research instruments were interview guides, a camera and a tape recorder. Findings showed that load shedding was experienced and affected business of butcheries in Chilanga CBD and effected employment and customer behaviour. In line with this objective, the findings showed that load shedding had bad effects on employee working hours. For SMEs facing load shedding, survival depends on adaptive responses such as adopting backup energy sources, adjusting operating hours or reconfiguring stock management practices. The implication of load shedding threatened the sustainability of butcheries, job insecurity particularly for casual workers and changing customer patterns and forced butcheries to adapt coping strategies like bulk sales or alternative storages solutions. In conclusion, for SMEs facing load shedding, survival depended on adaptive responses such as adopting backup energy sources, adjusting operating hours or reconfiguring stock management practices. From the findings recommendations were that government to assist butcheries and other SMEs with alternative energy sources so as to ensure that they have power throughout. Suggested future research was to establish effects of load shedding on Small Scale Entrepreneurs in selected Lusaka Central Business District. Key concepts: Load shedding, income generation, Butcheries, operational costs, spoilage losses and coping mechanisms, population, businesses, generator and grid.
An Assessment of the Adoption Rate of Alternative Energy Solutions Promoted by Development Partners: A Case of Chainda Compound, Lusaka
(2026) MUNENGE, Maimbo
This research assessed the adoption of alternative energy solutions (AES) advocated by development partners in Chainda Compound, Lusaka. The study explored household experiences and usage patterns concerning specific AES; the socio-economic, perceptual, and cultural factors that influence adoption decisions; and community perceptions regarding the promotional strategies implemented by development partners. Utilizing a mixed-methods framework within a descriptive cross-sectional case study design, the target population encompassed all households in Chainda Compound. A sample size of 100 households was determined, with 86 households successfully participating through simple random sampling techniques. Data collection was by semi structured questionnaires administered to households. Quantitative and qualitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, respectively. The principal findings revealed that households predominantly engaged in energy stacking, opting for multiple energy sources such as bio-mass energy, fossil fuels and hydroelectricity concurrently, rather than fully transitioning to AES. There was prevalent dissatisfaction with the unreliability of national grid electricity service fueling interest in AES. Pay-as-you-go solar home systems were the most widely adopted AES. However, sustained adoption faced economic constraints such as low household incomes and substantial initial or maintenance costs. Additionally, a strong cultural inclination towards charcoal particularly for cooking and safety concerns regarding certain modern alternatives further hindered behavioral changes. While promotional strategies like door-to-door marketing effectively raised initial awareness, they proved less effective in mitigating post-adoption challenges, resulting in notable discontinuation rates associated with technical failures and financial hardships. In light of these findings, the study proposes several recommendations: development partners and policymakers should enhance local after-sales service and maintenance networks for AES; financing models ought to be diversified to better accommodate the irregular income patterns typical of low-income households; enforcement of product quality standards is essential for fostering consumer trust; and awareness campaigns should be tailored to specifically address cultural norms and safety perceptions related to clean cooking and energy use practices. Furthermore, it is advisable to integrate AES planning into broader urban development strategies for informal settlements and conduct longitudinal studies to gain insights into the long-term sustainability of adoption.