School of Technology and Social Sciences Research Collection

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://research.unilus.ac.zm/handle/123456789/434

Browse

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 10 of 66
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    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
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    The Influence of Media on Public Perception of Climate Change in Chongwe
    (2026) NGOMA, Jacqueline
    explore challenges faced by journalists in reporting climate issues. A mixed-methods approach was adopted. Quantitative data were collected through surveys administered to farmers and youth, while qualitative data were obtained through interviews with journalists and media practitioners. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests in SPSS to determine relationships between media use and awareness levels. Qualitative data were analysed thematically to identify recurring patterns in climate reporting and media framing. The findings revealed clear demographic differences in media consumption. The majority of farmers (70%) relied on radio as their primary source of climate change information, whereas most youth (71.4%) depended on social media. A statistically significant relationship was found between frequency of media use and climate change awareness. Radio emerged as the most trusted and behaviourally influential platform, particularly in rural areas. In contrast, social media was effective in raising awareness among youth but recorded lower trust levels due to concerns about misinformation. The study also identified constraints in climate reporting, including limited journalist training, editorial pressure, and inadequate access to local data, resulting in coverage that often emphasises disasters rather than practical adaptation strategies. The findings imply that climate communication strategies should be audience-specific, combining trusted traditional media with credible digital platforms. The study recommends strengthening community radio, enhancing journalists’ climate reporting capacity, and promoting locally relevant, solution-oriented content. Future research should investigate long-term behavioural impacts of media exposure and evaluate integrated communication models across different rural contexts in Zambia. Keywords: Climate change communication; Media influence; Climate-smart agriculture; Radio; Social media; Zambia.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Investigating the Effects of Refugee Rights on the Socio- Economic Status of Rwandanese Youths: A Case Study of Makeni Transit Center, Lusaka.
    (2026) ZULU, Faith
    This study examined the impact of refugee rights on the socio-economic status and livelihood prospects of Rwandan youths at Makeni Transit Center in Lusaka, Zambia. Although Zambia is a signatory to key international legal instruments and enacted the Refugee Act No. 1 of 2017, the implementation of refugee rights remains inconsistent. As a result, refugee youths continue to experience poverty, unemployment, social marginalization, and limited access to education and formal livelihoods. The study sought to: (1) assess the extent to which refugee rights are upheld among Rwandan youths at Makeni Transit Center; (2) examine the socio-economic challenges affecting their livelihood opportunities; and (3) propose strategies to enhance their socio- economic well-being through improved rights implementation. Guided by Human Capital Theory and Social Capital Theory, the study employed a qualitative descriptive research design focusing on Rwandan youths aged 18–35. A purposive sample of 100 participants was selected. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions and analysed thematically to capture participants’ lived experiences. The findings revealed that the legal recognition of refugee rights does not consistently translate into effective practice. Only a small proportion of youths reported regular access to education, employment, legal documentation, and freedom of movement. High unemployment (46%), financial insecurity, limited access to affordable education, documentation challenges, and social exclusion were identified as major socio-economic barriers. Despite these constraints, participants demonstrated resilience and proposed practical solutions, including expanded formal employment opportunities, microfinance support, improved access to education, streamlined documentation processes, and strengthened community integration initiatives. The study concludes that when effectively implemented, refugee rights function as critical enablers of socio-economic empowerment rather than mere legal entitlements. Keywords: Refugee rights, socio-economic status, livelihood opportunities, Rwandan youths, Makeni Transit Center, Zambia, social capital, human capital.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    The Effects of Public Service Reforms on Service Delivery in Zambia: A Case Study of Kabwe Municiple Council
    (2026) NGOSA, Esther
    Public service reforms have been widely implemented in developing countries to improve governance efficiency and service delivery. In Zambia, decentralization has been promoted as a key reform aimed at strengthening local government performance. However, despite these reforms, many local authorities continue to experience service delivery challenges. This raises concerns about the effectiveness of decentralization in improving service delivery outcomes at the local level. This study therefore examined the effects of public service reforms, particularly decentralization, on service delivery at Kabwe Municipal Council. The study adopted a case study design using a mixed-methods approach. Primary data collected from council employees, civic leaders, and residents through interviews and structured questionnaires, while secondary data from policy documents and academic literature. Findings revealed that decentralization reforms have contributed to moderate improvements in service delivery, particularly in community participation and administrative efficiency, also while reforms have the potential to enhance service delivery, enhance citizen participation, accountability, and responsiveness in local governance their success is dependent on sufficient resources, skilled personnel, and effective institutional support. Therefore, this contributes to the understanding of decentralization's role in improving service delivery in local governments, providing insights for policymakers and practitioners, giving understanding on how decentralization reforms influence service delivery at the municipal level. The study recommendations for further research are on comparative analysis of multiple local authorities and the evaluation of long-term impacts of decentralization on service delivery for the strengthening of local governance and reform implementation in Zambia. In conclusion, decentralization contributed to some improvements in service delivery at Kabwe Municipal Council, but persistent challenges continue to constrain their full impact. The study recommends increasing financial and human resources, strengthening technical capacity, minimizing political interference, improving procurement processes.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Exploring the effects of Digital Nomadism on Virtual Work Practices: A Case of UNICEF and World Bicycle Relief in Lusaka, Zambia
    (2026) MUTEBA, Starfford
    This study examined the effects of digital nomadism on virtual work practices, focusing on UNICEF and World Bicycle Relief in Lusaka, Zambia. The research specifically sought to assess the effect of digital nomadism on virtual communication, examine its influence on employee performance monitoring in virtual work environments, and analyse how digital infrastructure supports or constrains digital nomadism. The study adopted a mixed-methods research approach, employing questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and observation checklists to collect data from a target population of 141 staff members, with a sample size of 71 respondents. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, revealing that 79% of respondents reported improvements in virtual communication, while 74% indicated that digital tools effectively supported performance monitoring. Qualitative data were analysed thematically to capture in-depth experiences and perceptions of respondents. Findings revealed that digital nomadism positively influenced virtual communication by enhancing coordination, information sharing, and collaboration among staff. Digital tools and platforms enabled effective performance monitoring and promoted accountability through results-based work practices. However, challenges such as unreliable internet connectivity, frequent power outages, and limitations in digital infrastructure occasionally disrupted virtual work activities. The study implies that organizations can achieve more efficient virtual collaboration and employee performance when digital infrastructure is reliable, ICT support is strengthened, and remote work policies are clearly defined. The study concludes that digital nomadism is a viable and beneficial work arrangement for organizations such as UNICEF and World Bicycle Relief in Zambia. It recommends increased investment in digital infrastructure, enhanced ICT support services, and the development of clear remote work policies. For future research, it is recommended to examine the long-term effects of digital nomadism on employee well-being, organizational culture, and productivity across diverse sectors and geographic contexts. Keywords: Digital Nomadism, Virtual Work Practices, Remote Work, Digital Infrastructure, Performance Monitoring, Zambia.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    An Investigation into Poor Quality Access to Education amongst Community Schools: A Case of Matero Township
    (2026) MWICHE, Chongo
    Access to quality education remains a serious issue in Zambia's urban low-income neighborhoods, particularly in community schools that serve vulnerable people. This study investigated the poor-quality access to education amongst community schools in Matero Township, Lusaka. Generally, the research aimed to understand the levels of quality access to education amongst community schools. Specifically, it assessed three objectives; the impacts of inadequate teaching and learning materials, the outcomes of the shortage of qualified teachers, and the effects of insufficient school infrastructure on quality access to education. As a result of the nature the research the exploratory research design was used, and data was collected using a questionnaire and focus group discussion (FGD) was distributed to a sample size of 40 respondents, including teachers, members of staff, parents or guardians, and learners, using a purposive sampling approach. The findings suggests that a lack of appropriate teaching and learning materials, such as textbooks, desks, and instructional aides, has a detrimental impact on lesson delivery, learner participation, and academic success. Furthermore, a lack of qualified and trained teachers leads to ineffective teaching methodologies, minimal learner assistance, and poor learning outcomes. In addition, inadequate school facilities such as the overcrowded class room condition and unclean sanitation facility as well as unsafe learning environment among other characteristics seriously limit effective teaching and learning respectively. In conclusion, the study investigated poor quality access to education amongst community schools. According to the study's findings, Matero Township community schools face numerous obstacles that prevent learners from receiving a high-quality education. The results clearly demonstrate that the main factors adversely influencing the teaching-learning process are inadequate teaching and learning resources, a teacher shortage, and subpar school infrastructure. Absence of learning materials significantly hinders academic performance, and constant sharing of textbooks because of shortages limits learners' concentration and participation. The report also calls for higher government and stakeholders' support to provision of teaching/learning materials, teachers training/recruiting and school infrastructural development for promoting quality access to education in community schools. Key words: education, quality access, community schools, learners, infrastructure, learning and teaching materials.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Community Participation and perceived effectiveness of a Partnership-Based Road Infrastructure Project: Evidence from the Tokyo Way (Ring Road), Lusaka.
    (2026) MUSHILI, Chiwanza
    Community engagement and participation are widely recognised as important factors influencing the perceived effectiveness of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) infrastructure projects. However, inadequate community involvement can undermine public trust and affect how such projects are perceived by beneficiaries. This study examined the relationship between community participation and perceived project effectiveness in the Tokyo Way (Ring Road) PPP project in Kamwala South, Lusaka. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted, involving a sample of 155 respondents comprising community members and government officials. Stratified random sampling was used to ensure representation of key subgroups. Data were collected using structured, closed ended questionnaires that assessed community engagement practices, barriers to participation, and perceptions of project effectiveness. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, and means) and inferential statistics (Chi-square tests) with the aid of SPSS version 26. The findings revealed generally low levels of community engagement, with 76.8% of respondents rating engagement practices as inadequate. Limited community meetings (71%), minimal public consultations (75.5%), and the absence of effective feedback mechanisms (80.6%) were reported as key shortcomings. In addition, 80.6% of respondents identified barriers to participation, including poor communication and exclusion from decision-making processes. The study further established a statistically significant positive relationship between community participation and perceived project effectiveness. Respondents who reported higher levels of involvement were more likely to perceive the project as effective, while low participation was associated with perceptions of ineffectiveness. The study concludes that inadequate community participation negatively influences perceptions of project effectiveness in PPP road infrastructure projects. It recommends strengthening structured community engagement mechanisms, addressing participation barriers, and enhancing feedback and consultation processes to improve perceived project effectiveness in similar PPP initiatives.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Investigating the effects of Unfufilled Political Promises on Voting Behaviour: A Case of Chawama Constituency
    (2026) MUTEMWA, Mwangelwa
    This study investigated the effects of unfulfilled political promises on voting behavior in Chawama Constituency, Lusaka, focusing on how unmet commitments influence voter trust, participation, and political decision-making. The research was motivated by increasing public concern that recurring cycles of broken promises undermine democratic legitimacy and weaken confidence in leaders. Guided by Rational Choice Theory and Political Trust Theory, the study examined the extent to which political leaders in Chawama have failed to deliver on their commitments, how these failures shaped voter behavior, and what strategies could strengthen accountability. A qualitative research design was adopted, targeting 1,000 registered voters from the 2021 Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) register, from which 100 respondents were purposively selected to ensure diversity in age, gender, education, and socio-economic background. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and open-ended questionnaires, and thematic analysis was applied to identify key patterns, supported by simple descriptive statistics for demographic characteristics. Findings showed that unfulfilled promises eroded political trust and contributed to apathy, though many respondents chose protest voting or shifted allegiance to opposition parties instead of disengaging completely. Economic-related pledges, particularly on job creation, cost of living, and service delivery, were found to be the most influential in shaping electoral choices, with unmet commitments in these areas generating the highest levels of frustration. Youth were especially critical of unkept promises, often expressing their dissatisfaction through disengagement or opposition support. The study concludes that repeated cycles of broken commitments not only damage trust in individual leaders but also threaten the legitimacy of Zambia’s democratic process by discouraging civic participation. It recommends that political parties develop realistic and implementable manifestos, improve communication with communities, and adopt transparent mechanisms for reporting progress on pledges. Civil society and electoral bodies are also urged to monitor and publicize promise delivery to enhance accountability. By situating Chawama voters’ experiences within wider debates on political trust and electoral accountability, this study underscores the urgent need for credible, issue-based campaigns and calls for further research into the role of social media in shaping perceptions of political promises.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Evaluation of successes and challenges in service delivery through decentralization. A Comparative study of Katete and Chipata Local Authorities
    (2026) PHIRI, Matilda Isaac
    This study evaluated the successes and challenges of service delivery under Zambia’s decentralization policy through a comparative analysis of Katete and Chipata Local Authorities. The research was guided by four objectives: assessing the extent and quality of service delivery, examining institutional and fiscal factors shaping performance, identifying major challenges affecting decentralized service provision, and proposing strategic interventions to strengthen local governance effectiveness. A mixed-methods design was employed, drawing on quantitative data from questionnaires and qualitative insights from open-ended responses. The findings reveal marked disparities between the Two (02) Districts. Chipata demonstrated stronger institutional capacity, clearer administrative structures, better staffing levels, more reliable infrastructure development and higher community participation. Katete, in contrast, faced deeper fiscal constraints, staffing shortages, limited community engagement and weaker monitoring mechanisms. Recurrent challenges across both districts included delayed fiscal transfers, political interference, bureaucratic inefficiencies, inadequate human resource capacity and insufficient transparency. Despite these constraints, respondents emphasized that enhanced fiscal autonomy, continuous staff development, participatory governance and improved administrative coordination are essential for strengthening decentralized service delivery. The results affirm decentralization theory, which posits that local authorities deliver effectively when equipped with adequate resources, autonomy and accountability systems. The study concludes that meaningful improvements in Zambia’s decentralization programme require strategic reforms that align fiscal empowerment, administrative efficiency and citizen engagement. Recommendations focus on reinforcing institutional capacity, deepening accountability mechanisms and expanding local participation. The study proposed further research to explore district-level political dynamics, digital governance innovations and long-term impacts of fiscal decentralization on rural service delivery
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    An Investigation of the effects of the Women’s Empowerment Programs on Men: A Case Study of New Kaseba, Kafue District
    (2026) MALAMBO, Elina
    Women’s empowerment programmes have become a central strategy for promoting gender equality, poverty reduction, and inclusive development in Zambia. While considerable attention has been given to the positive outcomes of these programmes for women, limited empirical research has examined their effects on men, particularly within peri-urban communities. This study investigated the effects of women’s empowerment programmes on men in New Kaseba Township, Kafue District. Specifically, the study sought to identify women’s economic empowerment programmes operating in the area, examine their effects on men’s socio-economic wellbeing and household roles, and identify strategies used to mitigate any negative effects associated with these programmes. The study adopted a mixed-methods research design, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected from adult men, women participants in empowerment programmes, and key community stakeholders using questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), while qualitative data were analysed naratively. The findings revealed that several women’s economic empowerment programmes were operating in New Kaseba Township, including savings groups, livelihood support initiatives, and small-scale entrepreneurship programmes. While these programmes contributed to improved household income and welfare, they also influenced men’s socio-economic roles and perceptions. Some men reported reduced economic responsibility, shifts in household authority, and feelings of marginalisation, while others acknowledged positive outcomes such as reduced financial pressure and improved household cooperation. The study further found that limited male involvement in programme design and implementation contributed to misunderstandings and tension. Strategies such as community sensitisation, inclusive dialogue, and male engagement were identified as important in mitigating negative effects. The study concludes that women’s empowerment programmes can generate both positive and unintended effects on men and gender relations. It recommends the adoption of inclusive and gender-responsive approaches that engage both women and men to promote equitable and socially sustainable development outcomes.