SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL SCIENCES

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    Investigating the Effectiveness of Coordination Mechanisms among Stakeholders in Agricultural Extension in Katete District of Eastern Province, Zambia
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) CHIKOMBA, Patrick
    Stakeholders in Agricultural Extension Service (AES) acknowledge the importance of coordinating their activities to achieve the outcome of the interventions to improve food security and livelihood. Although stakeholders have recognized the importance of coordinating extension service little research has addressed the existing coordination mechanisms and their effectiveness in the agricultural extension service. The purpose of the study sought to understand and establish the effectiveness of the coordination mechanisms of stakeholders involved in agriculture extension service in Katete district. The study employed descriptive survey research design. Target population was a total of 219 respondents which comprised of 3 senior agriculture extension staff, 16 senior representatives of the private sector, 50 extension officers and 150 Agricultural Farmer Community Volunteers. Purposive sampling was employed to select respondents with knowledge and experience working in the extension service. The study was guided by the following objectives: to establish the existing coordination mechanisms among stakeholders in the delivery of AES in Katete district, to establish the effectiveness of the stakeholder coordination mechanisms in place are in the delivery of AES to the farmers within Katete district and to identify the key challenges experienced by stakeholders in the coordination of extension delivery in Katete district. With regard to existing coordination mechanisms, the study established that there was the presence of mechanisms in the extension service for coordination of stakeholders. Data from interview underwent thematic content analysis to extract key themes, issues, and narratives and excel was used to generate the figures. However, it evidently established that the mechanism revolved around joint meetings and workshops. About 46.7% and 32.1% of the respondents felt the mechanisms were ineffective and effective respectively. Based on the in-depth interviews with key informants, the study deduced that funding, inadequate technical capacity, lack of clear operational framework for guidance and absence of the coordination structure among others were challenges noted. Limited use of ICT posed a challenge for information sharing. The study recommends that the coordination mechanisms be designed to integrate activities at all levels, use of ICT and M&E to ensure information sharing and development and strengthen a clear operational framework to ensure active participation of all stakeholders and facilitate the harmonization and alignment of intervention to avoid duplication of activities and conflicting extension service messages to the farmers.
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    The Management of School Libraries: A ComparativeStudy of Selected Private and Government Secondary Schools in Lusaka District
    (University of Lusaka, 2023) Mwale, Oscar
    A library is central to learning and plays a key role in encouraging innovation, curiosity, and problem solving as it provides support for teaching and learning throughout the school. This calls for effective management of the school libraries in order for them to be able to provide necessary services to the school community. The study presents the problem in that provision of school library services is poor and uncoordinated, most of the libraries in government schools are in warn out buildings, their collections are irrelevant and outdated, lacking electronic facilities and services. These limitations exist amidst the school management which proves that there is poor management of school libraries. The study sought to evaluate the management of school libraries in selected private and government secondary schools comparing the two in order to establish the best methods to manage school libraries. The study employed a qualitative approach, and the sample was purposively selected from 6 secondary schools. 3 private schools; Lake Road School, international School of Lusaka and Rhodes Park School, and 3 government schools; Munali Boys School, Matero Girls School and Kabulonga Girls School located in different areas within Lusaka. In the study, critical purposive sampling was used and a sample of 168 research respondents comprising pupils, teachers, school librarians, and headteachers were selected from the mentioned schools. Primary data were collected using interview guides, focus group discussion and observation while secondary data was collected from various publications such as books, articles, journals and reports. Primary data was analyzed using thematic analysis, data was first transcribed from audio to text, then categories into major these. The findings of the study reveal that school libraries especially government school libraries have challenges in their management. These range from, poor funding, lack of current and relevant books, expensive books on the market, no library computers, lack of trained librarian and poor library security. The study also found that the school head-teachers do not take a leading role in the management of the school libraries instead they leave them in the hands of the teacher librarians who are not given the much need support from the school management. The study also revealed that for school libraries to be effective and provide quality library services they need to be managed by trained personnel in librarianship. The study concludes that a library is not just providing books and study space, it goes beyond to teach research skills, academic writing, corresponding assessments given to the materials available and computer skills. The study recommends that; Ministry of General Education employ trained librarians to manage the school libraries, increase funding for library operations, schools to seek alternative sources of funding the libraries and to acquire more relevant books that are current and in line with the schools‟ curriculums. Keywords: School Libraries, Public Schools, Private Schools, School Managers, Management
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    Investigating Entrepreneurship And The Human Development Paradigm- A Capability Approach. A Case Study Of Saturday Market Entrepreneurs In Chipata District
    (University of Lusaka, 2024) KANENE, Mutinta
    This study investigated the role of entrepreneurship on human development and capabilities, focusing specifically on entrepreneurs at the Chipata Saturday market in Zambia. Utilizing the Capability Approach (CA) as the theoretical lens, the research examined how entrepreneurial activities enhanced individual capabilities and contributed to the broader welfare of society. The study adopted a qualitative methodology, using detailed interviews and a validation focus group feedback workshop to gather comprehensive insights from entrepreneurs. It revealed that entrepreneurship played a significant role in improving living standards, notably in areas such as housing, education, and health. The findings indicated that successful entrepreneurship allowed individuals to pursue lifestyles of their choosing and significantly expanded their agency. However, the study also uncovered several challenges that limited human development, including restricted access to market outlets, institutional and regulatory constraints, and the influence of traditional and cultural norms. The research concluded by offering nuanced recommendations for tailored government support, improved infrastructure, legal reforms for gender equality, and collaborative efforts between the public, private, and civil society sectors to provide training and support networks for entrepreneurs, fostering an environment that promotes their success and societal welfare.
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    An Investigation Of The Role Of Cooperatives In Job Creation For Youths In Chipata District, Eastern Province.
    (University of Lusaka, 2023) SAKALA, Sithembile
    This study aimed to explore and analyze the extent to which cooperatives contribute to the creation of employment opportunities for youth in Chipata District. It employed qualitative research methods using interviews and focus group discussions and used a phenomenological research design to understand events by describing participants knowledge and experiences. The findings revealed that cooperatives of Chipata District were crucial in providing jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities for youths. The political and economic situation proved conducive enough for the cooperatives to develop and flourish in the study area. However, these cooperatives were not doing enough to create jobs for the youths in the wake of massive unemployment in the district. This underperforming was due to lack of established structures, operational plans, management problems, low participation of members due to inadequacy of cooperatives to address their needs and problems by their organization, inadequate capital, lack of technology and, infrastructure. Therefore, the study recommends the promotion of self-help (village banking) groups to enhance capital, promote partnerships among cooperatives, provide financial support for cooperative development that can be accessed by young people, government to provide a well-tailored curriculum on formation and management of cooperatives, promotion of synergy between Government, NGOs, and cooperatives as this enhances development and sustainability.
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    An Assessment Of Radio Programmes In Promoting Good Governance: A Case Of Radio Ichengelo Listeners In Kitwe
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) MANJIMELA, Kapulu
    This research report explores the impact of radio programs on good governance, focusing on Radio Ichengelo's listeners in Kitwe. Emphasizing the role of good governance in sustainable development, the study highlights radio as a potent medium for disseminating information and fostering civic participation. The primary objective is to assess how Radio Ichengelo's governance programs influence understanding, perceptions, and engagement with good governance principles among Kitwe's listeners, contributing to the discourse on the media's role in promoting good governance. Research questions focus on evaluating how Radio Ichengelo's programs leverage citizen engagement, participation in governance processes, transparency, and accountability through accurate information dissemination. Using a cross-sectional approach and qualitative methods like interviews and focus group discussions, the research gathers insights from a diverse sample of Radio Ichengelo's audience in Kitwe. Qualitative analysis extracts nuanced perspectives, emphasizing citizen engagement, empowerment, transparency, and impact on behaviour. Findings highlight the positive impact of Radio Ichengelo's governance programs, educating citizens, raising awareness, and empowering them to hold the government accountable. Key themes include the alignment between program content and audience expectations on good governance, providing a comprehensive view of the impact. Translating findings into actionable insights, recommendations target media practitioners, policymakers, and development organizations. Suggestions include content diversification, interactive formats, and tailored strategies to meet Kitwe's unique needs. Proposed strategies involve regular interactive sessions, mechanisms for citizen input in community dialogues, targeted civic education programs, collaboration with local institutions, and featuring an active panel of discussants for credibility. Inconclusion, this research contributes to understanding radio programs' role in promoting good governance. Radio Ichengelo's positive impact on citizen engagement, awareness, and empowerment underscores radio's potential as a tool for fostering civic participation.
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    An Assessment Of Potential Negative Implications Of Transitioning To Solar Pv Energy On Solar Panels Waste Management At End Of Shelf Life In Lusaka
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) MUTALE, Valentine Palangwa
    The transition to solar photovoltaic (PV) energy is gaining traction as a sustainable solution to address energy challenges and reduce carbon emissions. However, as the adoption of solar PV energy expands, it is crucial to understand the implications of this transition on waste management practices for solar panels at the end of their shelf life. This research aimed to assess the potential impending negative implications of transitioning to solar PV energy on solar panels waste management at the end of their shelf life in Lusaka. The study adopted a sequential explanatory mixed methods approach and design, combining quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. Questionnaires and interviews were used to acquire data from experts in the field. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted to analyze the data and disclose the experts' input. The results indicate a moderate level of solar PV adoption (59%) influenced by various factors, including the political environment (78% agreement, mean=3.97, std=0.98), economic situation (90% agreement, mean=4.42, std=0.79), technological advancement (78% agreement, mean=4.03, std=0.96), and climate change (82% agreement, mean=4.24, std=0.92). The study found that there is a significant lack of awareness among the general public regarding the proper handling and disposal of end-of-life (EoL) solar PV panels, with 87% of respondents lacking this knowledge. Additionally, there is a shortage of waste management infrastructure and recycling facilities that are equipped to handle the disposal of solar panel waste, as reported by 59% of respondents. The investigation revealed a lack of legislation or recommendations for the management of PV waste which has led to uncontrolled transportation and monitoring of solar PV waste within Lusaka and the other provinces. These findings led to the development of a proposed Strategic Framework for the management of solar PV waste in Lusaka, Zambia.
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    Examining the Impact of the Decentralisation Policy on Democratic Processes in Zambia: The Case of Ndola District
    (University of Lusaka, 2024) CHANSA, Annie
    This study examined how Zambia's decentralisation policy impacts democratic processes in Ndola District, addressing the inadequate understanding of how effectively local governance structures promote genuine democratic participation and improve service delivery at the district level. The research aimed to assess the effectiveness of decentralized service delivery systems, evaluate decentralisation's influence on social cohesion, analyse relationships between citizen empowerment and democratic participation, and determine how citizens' awareness moderates decentralisation outcomes. Following a pragmatic philosophy, the study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative surveys of 327 residents with qualitative interviews of key informants from Ndola City Council. The findings revealed significant relationships between decentralisation components and democratic governance, with service delivery emerging as the strongest predictor (β=.395, p<.001), followed by citizen empowerment (β=.378, p<.001) and social cohesion (β=.342, p<.001). Correlation analysis demonstrated strong associations between service delivery and democratic governance (r=.684, p<.01), while citizen awareness significantly moderated these relationships (ΔR²=.064, p<.001). Qualitative findings indicated that ward-level service centres improved response times from 72 to 24 hours, though resource constraints affected implementation quality. Ward development committees enhanced community collaboration, though participation varied across wards. Key informants reported transformed decision-making processes through participatory budgeting initiatives, despite technical capacity limitations. The study recommends strengthening ward-level service delivery capacity through increased resource allocation and technical training, enhancing community engagement frameworks with structured participation guidelines, establishing comprehensive empowerment programs focusing on participatory planning, and developing systematic awareness programs using multiple communication channels and local languages. These findings contribute to understanding how decentralisation influences democratic governance and inform policy refinements to enhance local democratic processes.
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    An Investigation of the Effectiveness of Civil Society Organisations in Promoting Good Governance in Zambia: A Case Study of Selected Civil Society Organisations
    (University of Lusaka, 2023) ZIMBA, H'lupekile
    This study aimed to assess the Effectiveness of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Promoting Good Governance in Zambia, with a primary focus on identifying governance issues addressed by CSOs and examining their activities in this regard. The central research problem addressed the perceived ineffectiveness of CSOs in promoting good governance in Zambia. The general objective was to explore the effectiveness of civil society organizations in promoting good governance in Zambia. Specific objectives included identifying governance issues addressed by CSOs in Zambia and examining the activities undertaken by CSOs to promote good governance in the country. A mixed-method approach was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative methods, incorporating desk research, semi-structured interviews, and questionnaires. The research findings underscored the effectiveness of CSOs in fostering open, accountable, and responsible governance structures in Zambia. Through an extensive literature review and empirical survey, the study highlighted the pivotal role of CSOs as indispensable tools for promoting informed decision-making, transparency, and government accountability. The survey results revealed unanimous agreement among respondents on the significant impact of CSOs in promoting good governance. The versatility and adaptability of CSOs were evident, with respondents reporting diverse specializations such as human rights, peace-building, poverty reduction, gender equality, and conflict resolution. This diversity showcased the multifaceted nature of CSOs' work and their critical roles in addressing various aspects of governance. In summary, this study provided valuable insights into the multifaceted nature of CSOs' work, their diverse areas of specialization, and the critical roles they play in promoting informed decision-making, transparency, and government accountability in Zambia. The findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on the effectiveness of CSOs in promoting good governance and emphasize their importance as agents of positive change in the Zambian context.
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    Investigating the Perception of Employees on the Enactment of the National Pension Scheme Authority (Amendment) Act No.1 Of 2023 In Zambia: A Case Study of Standard Chartered Bank Zambia Employees.
    (University of Lusaka, 2024) NALONDWA, Temwani
    Withdrawals from retirement accounts prior to retirement have become increasingly common over time. During the Covid-19 pandemic, several countries, including Chile, Peru, Australia, the United States, and Malaysia, permitted early withdrawals of pension funds. Nonetheless, the immediate and long-term consequences of such policies are understudied. Zambia recently enacted the National Pension Scheme Authority (Amendment) Act No. 1 of 2023, which allows for partial withdrawals from pension savings. This study sought to examine employees' perceptions of the National Pension Scheme Authority (Amendment) Act No. 1 of 2023, with a focus on awareness, decision-making processes, challenges, and overall perspectives on policy changes. A qualitative research design was used to gather in-depth information. Data were collected from 30 employees via interviews and questionnaires. Participants were chosen using stratified sampling to ensure a diverse representation. The data were analysed thematically, with findings presented as narrative quotes and summary tables. The National Pension Scheme Authority (Amendment) Act No.1 of 2023 was perceived differently by respondents, according to the study. While some employees viewed the policy as a chance to put more money to work, others raised fears about what it would do in the long run for retirement assets. These explanations correspond to reasons that varied across individuals rooted in financial distress, interest in the procedure per se and their own personal monetary goals. The policy highlighted NAPSA's need to increase its sensitization efforts as it provided financial flexibility. The measures in place include raising the awareness campaigns, and increasing an educational drive to make sure that employees are much better informed about what they stand to lose from taking their money early. Other ways might include decreasing pay-out turnaround times and highlighting portfolio diversification potential, boosting employee satisfaction with the policy engagement. This study touches on key concepts such as partial and premature withdrawal, policy evaluation, social security, and stakeholder perspectives.
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    The Socioeconomic effects of regulatory compliance costs on food processing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises: A Multi-Stakeholder Assessment
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) MUSONDA, Chishimba
    Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, known as MSMEs, are crucial to Zambia's economy, making up 97% of businesses, contributing 70% to the GDP, and employing 88% of the workforce. However, these businesses face challenges, especially from the costs of meeting regulations, which hinders their growth, market reach, and financial health. Focused on 50 food processing MSMEs in Lusaka, the research adopts a qualitative approach, employing Google Forms for data collection from the respondents and Google Meet Interviews for qualitative insights from key informants. The research highlights the significant impact of regulatory compliance expenses on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), resulting in workforce downsizing and restructuring. Consumers exhibit a predilection for patronizing MSMEs owing to their affordability and interpersonal rapport with proprietors, thereby underscoring a proclivity towards supporting local businesses. Moreover, consumers demonstrate a discernible willingness to incur higher costs for food products to ensure their safety. Notably, the study uncovers a lack of strategies among MSMEs to mitigate these costs. Recommendations include proactively budgeting for compliance costs to avoid financial strain, leverage consumer preferences for affordability, and the consolidation of certain taxes into annual payments. Collaboration with private sector organizations is advised to enhance regulatory efficiency and leverage industry expertise. The study underscores the need for broader research encompassing a diverse MSME sample to enhance generalizability. Future research should explore additional facets beyond financial health, production, marketing and sales, business performance, and growth. Keywords: Regulations; Financial Health, Socio-economic wellbeing, Consumers, Affordability