Undergraduate Research Reports & Masters Dissertations

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://research.unilus.ac.zm/handle/123456789/446

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Start date: 2023Has files: Yes

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Now showing 1 - 10 of 73
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    An Evaluation of Community Participation in Health Systems Strengthening: A Case of the Community Health Worker (CHW) Programme in Chongwe District
    (2026) MBAYA, David Kanyanta
    Community participation is widely recognised as a cornerstone of effective primary health care delivery, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where health systems often face resource constraints and limited reach. This study evaluated community participation in the planning, implementation, and governance of the Community Health Worker (CHW) programme in Chongwe District, Zambia, with a specific focus on a health-related software feature introduced to support service delivery. The target population comprised community residents, CHWs, and staff from the Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIRDZ), reflecting a diverse group of stakeholders directly engaged in or affected by the programme. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 40 respondents out of the current population which sits at above 300,000 people through questionnaires and focus group discussions, enabling both quantitative and qualitative insights into the nature and extent of participation. The findings revealed limited and largely tokenistic community involvement in the planning and prioritisation of the software feature. Specifically, 83% of community residents reported no participation in planning processes, highlighting a disconnect between policy commitments to participatory health governance and actual practice. While participation increased during implementation—73% of residents took part in testing—the quality of engagement was undermined by challenges such as language barriers, inadequate training, and increased workload for CHWs. Feedback and accountability mechanisms were weak, indirect, and non-transparent, contributing to low levels of ownership and trust among community members.
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    A Study of the Livelihood Vulnerabilities of Inland Small Scale Fishing Communities: A Case of the Kafue Bridge Fishing Camp
    (2026) MUMBI, Benjamin Chama
    This study examined the livelihood vulnerabilities of inland small-scale fishing communities, focusing on the Kafue Bridge Fishing Camp in Kafue Town, Zambia. A qualitative research approach was employed using a case study design. Data were collected from a sample of 100 respondents through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions involving fishers, fish traders, and household members within the fishing camp. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data, allowing for the identification of recurring patterns, experiences, and coping strategies. The findings revealed that fishing Human - Wildlife conflict face multiple and interconnected vulnerabilities, including declining fish stocks, climate variability, inadequate fishing assets, limited access to credit and markets, weak institutional support, and poor infrastructure. These challenges resulted in unstable incomes, food insecurity, and reliance on short-term coping strategies such as borrowing, overfishing, and livelihood diversification into low-return activities. The study further found that socio-economic characteristics such as education level, fishing experience, household size, and asset ownership significantly influenced households’ adaptive capacity. Women were particularly vulnerable due to limited access to productive assets and decision-making opportunities. The findings underscore the importance of integrating livelihood considerations into fisheries management and development planning. The study concludes that reducing livelihood vulnerability among inland small-scale fishing communities requires holistic interventions that combine sustainable fisheries management, livelihood diversification, access to credit, improved infrastructure, and inclusive institutional support. The study recommends strengthening community-based fisheries governance, improving access to livelihood assets, and enhancing social protection mechanisms. Future research is encouraged to adopt comparative and longitudinal approaches to further explore livelihood vulnerability dynamics across different inland fishing communities in Zambia.
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    Political Patronage and Service Delivery in Zambia’s Public Health Sector: Evidence from the Ministry of Health and Uth
    (2026) CHALI, Mangalita
    This study examined the influence of political patronage on service delivery within the Ministry of Health in Lusaka Province and the University Teaching Hospital (UTH). The study was guided by three objectives: to assess the effects of political patronage on staffing and administrative appointments; to examine how political influence shapes decision-making in resource allocation and procurement; and to explore healthcare workers’ and administrators’ perceptions of political patronage and its effect on service efficiency. A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining quantitative data collected through structured questionnaires with qualitative data obtained from semi-structured interviews. The study targeted medical, administrative, and technical/support staff from the Ministry of Health provincial offices and UTH. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The findings indicate that political patronage significantly influences staffing and administrative appointments. More than half of the respondents (27 out of 50) reported that senior management positions were either rarely or never advertised, suggesting limited transparency in recruitment processes. In addition, 20 respondents (40%) acknowledged direct political interference in senior personnel selection, while 24 respondents confirmed the occurrence of politically motivated transfers or promotions. Qualitative accounts further revealed that leadership changes often coincide with political transitions, contributing to institutional instability and weakened continuity. The study concludes that political patronage remains a systemic challenge within Zambia’s public health sector, compromising transparency, accountability, equitable resource distribution, and effective service delivery. By providing institution-level empirical evidence, the study fills a critical gap in the literature on political interference in healthcare management in Zambia. The study recommends strengthening institutional autonomy, enforcing merit-based recruitment and procurement systems, enhancing accountability mechanisms, and clearly separating technical health sector decisions from political influence. Further research is recommended to explore comparative patterns across provinces and other public service sectors.
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    Investigating the Adoption of Alternative Energy Sources in Alleviating Energy Poverty in Lusaka’s Peri- Urban: A Case of Garden Compound.
    (2026) TANDE, Agatha
    This study investigated the adoption of alternative energy sources and their contribution to reducing energy poverty among households in Garden Compound, a peri-urban area of Lusaka. The study was guided by three objectives: to examine how the adoption of alternative energy sources affects household energy expenditure, to identify factors influencing the adoption rate of alternative energy sources, and to assess how alternative energy adoption contributes to improved energy access. The research was informed by the Energy Poverty Theory and the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework, which provided a basis for understanding household vulnerability and coping capacity in relation to energy access. A structured questionnaire was used to gather primary data from a selected group of Garden Compound homes as part of a quantitative research methodology. The results showed that the adoption of alternative energy sources remained relatively low, mostly because of high initial prices, low family incomes, competing household expenditures, dependability issues, unfavourable attitudes about new technologies, and poor knowledge. As a result, the majority of homes continued to use conventional energy sources, which, although reasonably priced in small amounts, eventually resulted in a significant financial burden. The research also found that families using alternative energy sources were able to adapt to power outages and changes in energy prices because they had better access to essential energy services and a wider variety of home energy alternatives. Low-income families continued to be disproportionately impacted by energy poverty, even with an uneven distribution of these advantages. The research came to the conclusion that although alternative energy sources offer a great potential to increase energy availability and lower long-term energy costs, specific interventions are needed to remove structural, financial, and informational obstacles. Policymakers and development stakeholders looking to advance sustainable energy access in peri-urban areas may benefit greatly from the results. Key words: Alternative energy sources, Energy Poverty, Household Energy Expenditure, Energy Access, Peri-Urban Communities, Adoption of Renewable Energy.
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    An Investigation of the Socio-economic Implications of Inadequate Case Management of Non-Communicable Diseases in Lusaka’s Matero Constituency
    (2026) MULENGA, Mwelwa
    This study investigated the socio-economic implications of inadequate case management of Non Communicable Diseases in Matero Constituency, Lusaka, Zambia. Non-Communicable Diseases such as hypertension and diabetes are increasingly contributing to illness, loss of income, and household economic strain in densely populated urban communities. In Matero, weaknesses in case management including delayed diagnosis, missed clinic appointments, inconsistent medication supply, and limited health worker support continue to undermine effective disease control. Despite the growing burden of these conditions, limited empirical evidence exists on how inadequate case management affects the socio-economic wellbeing of patients and their households in low-income urban settings. This gap necessitated the undertaking of the present study. The study employed a mixed methods sequential explanatory design. A sample of 40 respondents was selected using purposive sampling techniques. Quantitative data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to Non-Communicable Disease patients, while qualitative data were obtained through semi structured interviews with healthcare providers and community health workers. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically to provide explanatory depth to the findings. The findings revealed that delayed diagnosis and missed clinic appointments were common and were associated with worsening health outcomes, increased out of pocket healthcare costs, and reduced productivity among patients. Medication shortages and limited health worker support further constrained effective self-management of Non-Communicable Diseases. These challenges imposed significant socio-economic strain on households, particularly among low-income earners. The study concludes that inadequate case management of Non-Communicable Diseases in Matero has serious socio-economic consequences and recommends strengthening follow up systems, improving availability of essential medicines, and enhancing health worker capacity to support long term NCD care. Keywords: Non Communicable Diseases, Case Management, Socio economic Implications, Matero, Lusaka, Zambia
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    An Investigation of Economic Effects of Informal Trading on Household Livelihoods among vendors and hawkers in Lusaka Central Business District
    (2026) NYIRENDA, Alice
    The research examined the economic effects of informal trading on house-hold livelihoods among vendors and hawkers in Lusaka central business district. The specific objectives were to; 1) examine types of informal trading activities undertaken by vendors and hawkers; 2) assess the effects of informal trading on vendors’ and hawkers’ ability to sustainably meet household needs in Lusaka’s CBD; and 3) explore economic challenges hindering the vendors and hawker’s livelihood improvement. The study employed a descriptive research design with a qualitative approach, and a purposive sample of vendors and hawkers in Lusaka being the study site. A sample of 40 participants was used comprising of 28 informal traders, 6 market leaders, and 6 institutional actors (Lusaka City Council, Ministry of Local Government, and NGOs). Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, observations and Focus Group Discussion (FGD), and analyzed using thematic analysis and NVivo software. Findings indicate that informal trading has a significant impact on households’ livelihoods of vendors and hawkers in Lusaka’s CBD. With key activities which include selling second hand clothes, food stuff, household items and mobile phone accessories, generating daily income between K200 and K1500. These funds were reported to only support essential needs such as food, rent and school fees. Major barriers identified include limited access to formal credit facilities due to high collateral requirements and lack of credit history. Further the respondents stated that they faced challenges such as evictions, confiscation of goods, and lacked secure vending spaces. FGDs revealed that periodic evictions and confiscations by the Local Authorities disrupted business continuity and increased vulnerability. Additionally, the lack of social protections such as pensions and insurances limits the potential for long term poverty reduction. The study concludes that while informal trading is a vital survival strategy, its potential is limited by structural challenges. Recommendations include the formal recognition of traders, microfinance inclusion, and capacity building, suggested further research include comparative urban analysis and livelihood mobility. The implications of these findings suggest that Lusaka City Council should shift from a policy of displacement and confiscation towards a regulated integration mode, providing designated, serviced vending zones that provide security of tenure and facilitate stable economic growth for households.
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    Evaluating the effects of Public- Private Partnerships on Infrastructure Development: A Case Study of Katuba Tollgate
    (2026) PHIRI, Mirriam
    This study evaluated the effects of Public–Private Partnerships (PPPs) on infrastructure development in Zambia, using the Katuba Tollgate as a case study to understand how the PPP model influences efficiency, service delivery, and project sustainability. Guided by the objectives of assessing efficiency, identifying implementation challenges, and proposing strategies for improved PPP performance, the study adopted a qualitative research design. Data were collected from 60 participants through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions involving government officials, private concessionaire representatives, council authorities, transport operators, and community members, and were analysed using thematic analysis to identify patterns, meanings, and emerging themes. Findings revealed that the Katuba Tollgate PPP improved road maintenance, operational organisation, and revenue collection, yet efficiency remained inconsistent during peak hours due to limited staffing, lane management gaps, and occasional technical delays. Additional challenges included weak institutional capacity for monitoring, bureaucratic processes, and inadequate communication with road users. The study’s implications suggest that PPPs can enhance infrastructure delivery when supported by strong governance, transparent oversight, and effective coordination between stakeholders. It concludes that PPPs hold significant potential for improving Zambia’s road network but require strengthened institutional frameworks and more inclusive engagement to achieve full effectiveness. The study recommends capacity building for monitoring agencies, adoption of advanced tolling technologies, improved community sensitisation, performance-based contracting, and further research comparing multiple PPP toll projects and assessing long-term socio-economic impacts. Keywords: Public–Private Partnerships; Infrastructure Development; Efficiency; Implementation Challenges; Performance Strategies.
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    An Assessment of how water affects livelihoods: A Case Study of Chainda Compund, Lusaka, Zambia
    (2026) LUNGU, Dalitso
    This study assessed the adequacy of water supply and its impact on community livelihoods in Chainda Compound, Lusaka, Zambia. The research was prompted by the persistent water shortages and the increasing reliance on informal water sources in peri-urban settlements despite various infrastructure interventions. The primary objectives were to examine the reliability and accessibility of the existing water supply, evaluate the adequacy of available water sources in meeting household and livelihood needs, and assess how current water conditions influenced daily economic activities. Using a descriptive cross-sectional research design, the study employed a mixed-methods approach to gather data from 50 respondents, including household heads and key informants from the Lusaka Water Supply and Sanitation Company (LWSC). Findings revealed that water supply was critically inadequate and unreliable, with 50% of the respondents receiving water for less than two hours per day. This intermittency forced residents to prioritize basic survival over hygiene and economic tasks. Furthermore, the study established a significant "water-poverty" nexus, where 44% of residents experienced reduced business hours due to time spent fetching water, while 36% incurred high financial costs from purchasing water from private vendors at inflated prices. Qualitative data highlighted the disproportionate burden on women, who faced significant "time poverty" that hindered their participation in income-generating activities. The study concluded that the existing water infrastructure failed to meet the basic requirements of the Human Right to Water and Sanitation, thereby trapping residents in a cycle of economic vulnerability. Recommendations included the implementation of transparent rationing schedules by LWSC, the introduction of pro-poor water tariffs, and the investment in decentralized, solar-powered water systems to enhance community resilience. Ultimately, the study underscored that improving water reliability is a prerequisite for sustainable livelihood development in Lusaka’s informal settlements. Keywords: Water Adequacy, Community Livelihoods, Informal Settlements, Time Poverty, Lusaka, Zambia.
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    An Assessment of the Efficiency of the Government Backbone Unified System on Public Service Delivery: A Case Study of RTSA, Lusaka
    (2026) SOKO, Margaret
    The study examined the effects of the Government Backbone Unified System (BUS) on the public service delivery at the Road Transport and Safety Agency (RTSA) in Lusaka District. The specific objectives were to find out the extent to which the implementation of the Government Backbone Unified System (BUS) had improved operational efficiency at RTSA in Lusaka District, to identify the challenges faced by RTSA during the implementation of the Government Backbone Unified System (BUS) and the strategies used to address them and to determine the effects of the BUS system on customer satisfaction The study adopted a qualitative research approach, employing a descriptive and cross-sectional research design to capture participants’ experiences and perceptions at a single point in time. The study population comprised RTSA employees, RTSA customers, and key stakeholders involved in the planning, implementation, and oversight of the BUS system in Lusaka District. A total sample of 100 respondents was selected using purposive sampling, comprising 35 RTSA employees, 45 RTSA customers, and 20 key stakeholders. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews for employees and stakeholders, and structured questionnaires with open-ended components for customers. The use of multiple data collection tools enabled triangulation and enhanced the credibility of the findings. Data was analysed using thematic analysis, which involved coding, categorizing, and interpreting recurring patterns and themes related to service efficiency, system performance, user satisfaction, and implementation challenges. The findings revealed that the Government Backbone Unified System has significantly improved public service delivery at RTSA by enhancing operational efficiency, reducing service turnaround time, improving data accuracy, strengthening accountability, and facilitating inter-departmental coordination. The system streamlined previously fragmented and manual processes, resulting in faster and more transparent service provision. Stakeholders and employees reported improved workflow efficiency and better access to real-time information, while customers expressed increased satisfaction due to reduced waiting times and clearer service procedures. However, the study also identified key challenges affecting system effectiveness, including intermittent network connectivity, power outages, system downtime, limited staff training, and resistance to change during the initial stages of implementation. These challenges occasionally disrupted service delivery and undermined customer satisfaction. Based on the findings, the study recommends that RTSA invest in reliable ICT infrastructure, including backup power and stable network connectivity, to minimize system disruptions. Continuous capacity-building and refresher training programs should be implemented to enhance staff competence and reduce resistance to change. The study contributes to knowledge on digital governance and public sector reform by providing empirical evidence on the role of integrated government systems in enhancing public service delivery in developing country contexts. Key terms: Government Backbone Unified System, public service delivery, operational efficiency, digital governance, RTSA.
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    An Investigation of Floods effects on Community Resilience Strategies in Unplanned Settlements: A Case Study of Kanyama Compound, Lusaka
    (2026) CHOLA, Mulenga
    Flooding is a major environmental challenge in unplanned settlements, significantly affecting livelihoods, infrastructure, and community well-being. In Lusaka, Zambia, Kanyama Compound is highly prone to recurrent floods, which damage homes, disrupt economic activities, limit mobility, and increase health risks. Local communities have developed resilience strategies to cope with these challenges, but the effectiveness of these measures, particularly drainage systems, early warning dissemination, and household-level interventions such as raising floor levels, remains underexplored. This study investigated the effects of flooding on community resilience strategies in Kanyama Compound, focusing on these three key approaches. A descriptive research design was employed, using qualitative methods and quantitative data where necessary (mixed-method). Primary data were collected through structured interviews and surveys with 25 purposively selected respondents from a population of 525,902 residents. Participants were chosen based on direct experience with flooding and active involvement in community resilience initiatives. Secondary data were obtained from policy documents, academic journals, and reports on flood management and disaster risk reduction. The specific objectives were: to examine the effects of floods on drainage systems as a community resilience strategy; to assess the effectiveness of disseminating early flood warning systems; and to identify the role of raising floor levels in reducing flood impacts on households. Thematic analysis revealed that poorly maintained and insufficient drainage systems worsened flood impacts, while communities engaged in drainage maintenance experienced relatively reduced waterlogging and hazards. Early warning systems were crucial in enhancing preparedness, enabling timely protective measures, evacuation, and reduced property and livelihood losses. Raising floor levels provided partial protection for household assets but was limited by financial constraints and housing structures. Overall, community-driven strategies contributed to resilience but were constrained by weak infrastructure, limited resources, and minimal institutional support. The study concludes that sustainable flood resilience in unplanned settlements requires coordinated efforts from communities, local authorities, disaster management institutions, and other stakeholders. Recommendations include improving drainage infrastructure, expanding early warning dissemination, promoting household-level adaptation measures such as raised floors, and strengthening institutional support for disaster risk reduction. Future research should consider comparative studies across unplanned settlements, assess long-term resilience outcomes, and evaluate the effectiveness of policy interventions in mitigating flood impacts. Keywords: Effects of floods, unplanned settlements, Kanyama Compound, Lusaka District, community resilience strategies, drainage systems, early warning systems, raised floor levels