School of Technology and Social Sciences Research Collection

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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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    Factors hindering Government interventions from reducing Youth Unemployment: A Case of Youth Empowerment under the Constituency Development Fund in Kazimolwa Ward
    (2026) NAMWINGA, Mclean
    The study focused on the factors hindering the effectiveness of the CDF Youth Empowerment Programme in reducing youth unemployment in Kazimolwa Ward in Mbala District, Zambia. The study objectives were to assess the effectiveness of the Constituency Development Fund in implementing youth empowerment designed to reduce Unemployment, identify factors affecting the effective implementation of Youth Empowerment initiative under the Constituency Development and strategies to enhance the effectiveness of Constituency Development Fund to reduce youth unemployment in Kazimolwa Ward, Mbala district. Using a descriptive case study design, the study employed mixed methods, including questionnaires administered to 72 youth, in-depth interviews with 20 key informants, focus group discussions, and document review. Data were analysed thematically and through descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that the CDF’s implementation in Kazimolwa Ward is hampered by multiple factors: limited awareness among youth, bureaucratic application processes, perceptions of unfair and politicised beneficiary selection, gender biases, and inadequate post-disbursement support. Beneficiaries reported insufficient capital, lack of business skills training, poor market access, and absence of mentorship and monitoring. These challenges collectively undermine the programme’s potential to foster sustainable youth entrepreneurship and employment. The study concludes that the CDF, in its current form, functions as a fragmented financial disbursement mechanism rather than a holistic empowerment programme. To enhance its effectiveness, there is a need for integrated interventions that combine simplified procedures, transparent governance, capacity building, mentorship, and market linkages. The study recommends administrative reforms, capacity training for CDF committees, gender-sensitive approaches, and the establishment of a supportive ecosystem for youth enterprises. This research contributes to the discourse on decentralised development and youth empowerment in Zambia, offering evidence-based insights for policymakers, development practitioners, and local authorities to redesign and implement more effective youth-centred interventions. From the findings recommendations were, that the government to simplify the CDF application process by developing standardised, pictogram-assisted forms and local-language guides to make them accessible to youth with varying literacy levels. Further institutionalise absolute transparency by publicly displaying selection criteria, scoring mechanisms, and final beneficiary lists with justifications at prominent community centres.
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    An Analysis of Private Media's contribution to Civic Discourse: The Case of Millenium Radio in Lusaka
    (2026) MSCHILI, Masida
    This study investigated the contribution of private mass media to civic discourse within Zambia’s public sphere, utilizing Millennium Radio in Lusaka as a primary case study. Grounded in Habermas’s Public Sphere Theory and McCombs and Shaw’s Agenda-Setting Theory, the research evaluated how the station promotes civic engagement, identifies structural impediments to its effectiveness, and proposes strategic interventions to strengthen its democratic mandate. The primary aim of this inquiry was to evaluate the contribution of modern private mass media to the enhancement of civic discourse within the political and public sphere, with a specific focus on Millennium Radio in Lusaka. To achieve this, the research sought to analyse the specific mechanisms through which the station facilitates civic discourse and political engagement among its urban audience. Furthermore, the study aimed to identify the structural and political impediments that constrain the station's ability to host balanced and inclusive public dialogue. Finally, the research intended to propose strategic interventions for enhancing the democratic efficacy of private mass media within the broader Zambian governance framework. Adopting a qualitative design, the study engaged 100 participants—including media practitioners and active listeners—through semi-structured interviews and focus groups. The findings reveal that Millennium Radio serves as a vital conduit for political socialization and rational-critical debate. However, its democratic utility is often undermined by systemic pressures, including political interference, financial instability, regulatory constraints, and professional capacity gaps. The study concludes that while the station significantly enhances civic awareness, its ability to sustain an inclusive public sphere is threatened by external forces that trigger self-censorship and marginalize minority voices. Consequently, the democratic potential of private media remains dependent on robust institutional protections and editorial independence. The research recommends targeted policy reforms, sustainable funding models, and the integration of digital platforms to broaden inclusivity. Ultimately, the study highlights the need for further inquiry into how digital convergence and traditional broadcasting continue to shape Zambia’s democratic trajectory.
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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.
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    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.
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    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.