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 51
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    An Investigation of the Role of Women’s Financial Inclusion Initiatives in Promoting Gender Equality in Kasenengwa District
    (2026) BANDA, Martha
    Gender inequality in access to financial resources remains a major development challenge, particularly for women in rural communities. This study investigated the role of women’s financial inclusion initiatives in promoting gender equality in Kasenengwa District of Zambia. Specifically, the study sought to (i) examine the nature of women’s financial inclusion initiatives available in the district, (ii) assess the challenges affecting the effectiveness of these initiatives in promoting gender equality, and (iii) propose strategies for strengthening women’s financial inclusion initiatives to enhance gender equality outcomes. The study adopted a qualitative case study research design in order to gain an in-depth understanding of women’s experiences and perceptions regarding financial inclusion initiatives. The study population consisted of 500 women participating in financial inclusion programmes in Kasenengwa District, from which a sample of 50 respondents was selected using purposive sampling to ensure that participants had relevant experience with financial inclusion initiatives. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, and the findings were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that initiatives such as Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), microfinance programmes, cooperative savings schemes, and community lending groups have significantly improved women’s access to credit, savings, and income-generating opportunities. These initiatives have contributed to increased financial confidence and greater participation of women in household economic decisions. However, the study also found that cultural norms, unequal power relations within households, and limited financial literacy continue to restrict the full realization of gender equality. The study concludes that while women’s financial inclusion initiatives contribute to women’s economic empowerment, their effectiveness in promoting gender equality depends on complementary interventions such as financial literacy training, gender-sensitive policies, and community efforts to transform restrictive social norms. Keywords: Financial inclusion, gender equality, women empowerment, rural development, savings groups.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Correlation between Social Cash Transfer Participation aAnd Basic Needs Fulfilment among the Elderly in Ng'Ombe, Lusaka
    (2026) NGULUBE, Joshua
    The Social Cash Transfer (SCT) programme in Zambia has served as the foundation of the national social protection framework throughout the last twenty years but the linkage between the participation of the elderly beneficiaries in the programme and the existence of basic needs being fulfilled is still not well comprehended. This is of importance especially in urban informal settlements where cost of living has increased sharply whilst transfer values have remained relatively the same. This paper has discussed the association between SCT involvement and basic need satisfaction among the elderly beneficiaries in Ng'ombe, Lusaka based on three objectives to evaluate the relationship between programme awareness and basic need satisfaction, to determine the relationship between payment characteristics and basic need satisfaction and to determine the relationship between fund utilisation patterns and basic need satisfaction. A quantitative correlational design was adopted. A stratified random sampling was employed to represent the elderly SCT beneficiaries in terms of age, gender and disability status whereby a sample of 311 elderly were selected out of about 1,247 registered beneficiaries. The structured questionnaire interviews with Likert-scale items were used to collect data and analysed with Pearson correlation coefficients in IBM SPSS. The findings were mixed. Availability of credible, trustworthy sources of SCT information was positively related to less economic and caring load (r =.357, p <.01), and a moderate level of programme understanding (r =.130, p <.05). General awareness levels and knowledge of complaints mechanisms, conversely, did not have any significant correlation with any basic needs indicator. The transfer amounts showed some small but statistically significant relationship with the reduction of food insecurity (r =.140, p <.05), but did not show any significant relationships with healthcare access, housing, or dignity. The duration of the programme gave what seems to be a divergent result: longer participation was more positively associated with burden reduction (r =.135, p <.05) but negatively associated with food insecurity reduction (r = -.114, p <.05), suggesting a weakening of the material impact of the programme over time despite the continued presence of its psychosocial benefits. Combined, these results indicate that the SCT programme in Ng'ombe, Lusaka has significant potential to relieve the psychosocial burden among the elderly beneficiaries, but lacks the ability to alleviate material needs due to the lack of transfer values that have not kept pace with urban living expenses. Outcomes seem to be determined by the quality of beneficiary engagement, rather than merely the enrolment status. The paper suggests inflation-linked increases in transfer levels and community-based information interventions through local trusted intermediaries. The next step in research will be to investigate the frequency and predictability of payment as predictors of the effectiveness of the programme and to study the interaction of SCTs with complementary social services in each demographic subgroup.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Disability- Inclusive Social Protection in Zambia
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) KAIRA, Kelly Mahara
    Social protection policies have evolved to encompass a broader spectrum of the population, with a growing emphasis on inclusivity and accessibility for PWDs. Despite the presence of social protection policies in Zambia, there remains a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding their effectiveness in addressing the needs of PWDs. Key issues persist in terms of awareness, accessibility, implementation, and impact of these policies. As such the research objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of disability-inclusive social protection policies in Zambia. Specifically, the study sought to assess the awareness levels and accessibility of existing social protection programs among PWDs; examine the extent to which social protection policies address the unique needs and challenges faced by PWDs, and evaluate the impact of social protection policies on the economic empowerment and well-being of PWDs. The study employed the descriptive mixed-method research method as it aimed to describe and understand a phenomenon by combining qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods. Data collection was done by the use of structured questionnaires and Focus Group Discussions. The study sample size selected through stratified random sampling was 80. The results of the study were analyzed through Microsoft excel. The key findings of the study found that awareness of such programs remains a significant challenge, with information dissemination heavily reliant on government officials and community events, while media, NGOs, and personal networks play a lesser role. While Zambia's social protection policies demonstrate promise in advancing the economic empowerment and well-being of PWDs, critical gaps in awareness, access, tailored support, and responsiveness hinder their full effectiveness. The study concluded that while Zambia's social protection policies have potential, their effectiveness is significantly hindered by low awareness, limited accessibility, and insufficient alignment with the diverse needs of PWDs. The recommendation therefore was that the Government needs to intensify awareness campaigns, utilizing diverse dissemination channels, and redesigning benefit packages to reflect the specific needs of PWDs. Keywords: Disability inclusion, Awareness, Accessibility, Economic empowerment
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    The Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture in Zambia: A Case Study of KUZIPA, MONDO and PAYOJU Farms
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) MUMBA, Mambwe
    This study investigated the effects of climate change on agriculture in Zambia, using Kuzipa, Mondo, and Payoju Farms as units of analysis. The general objective was to assess how climate change affected agricultural productivity and sustainability, while the specific objectives included examining its effects on water availability, identifying farmers' adaptation strategies, and recommending measures to enhance resilience. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating quantitative data from structured surveys with qualitative insights from interviews and focus group discussions. Stratified random sampling was used to select 171 respondents, ensuring representation across different farming categories. Data analysis involved statistical techniques for quantitative findings and thematic analysis for qualitative insights. Key findings revealed that climate change had significantly reduced water availability, disrupted planting schedules, and lowered crop yields. Farmers responded with adaptation strategies such as adjusting planting schedules (88.2%), installing irrigation systems (67.6%), practicing water harvesting (60%), and adopting drought-resistant crop varieties (58.8%). However, the uptake of soil conservation methods remains low (14.1%), highlighting a critical gap in adaptive practices. The study recommended improving access to drought-resistant seeds, promoting soil conservation methods through training and investing in affordable water management systems to enhance resilience. These measures could mitigate the adverse effects of climate change and support sustainable agricultural practices in Zambia. This, in a long term, will have a positive ripple effect in the economy.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Challenges and Prospects of E-Government in Local Government: A Case Study of Southern Province
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) MASASI, Rhudo
    This study investigated the challenges and prospects of e-government implementation in local government in Zambia, with a focus on Southern province as a case study. The research examined three selected local authorities, namely: Livingstone City Council, Choma Municipal Council, and Pemba Town Council. E-government is a transformative approach that leverages Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance public service delivery, improve transparency, and foster citizen engagement. However, its adoption at the local government level faces multiple challenges including inadequate ICT infrastructure, financial constraints, limited human capital and ICT skills, resistance to change, cybersecurity risks, and regulatory challenges. The study employed a mixed method approach, combining qualitative and quantitative, leaning mostly on the qualitative side. Primary data was collected through structured questionnaires and structured interviews using questionnaires as interview guides. Secondary data was gathered from policy documents, reports, and relevant literature. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative data interpretation, while descriptive statistics were applied to analyze quantitative responses. From the literature, two theoretical frameworks; the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Electronic Government Adoption Model (EGAM), provided a framework for detailed analysis of the challenges whilst identifying potential opportunities for improvement. The empirical review highlighted evidence from other studies which showed issues or challenges like limited ICT budget in the local authorities, inadequate ICT infrastructure and or gadgets in both councils and the community, low digital literacy levels, insufficient public knowledge and awareness, as well as other behavioural issues. Past studies from global examples show casing best practises such as lessons learned from Estonia and Korea were examined to show insights that could be used to take action in e-government implementation to yield better results. The findings indicate that e-government adoption remains at an early stage, with limited implementation beyond bulk SMS billing notifications and the use of social media platforms. Key barriers include insufficient ICT investment, inadequate internet connectivity in rural areas, low public awareness, and digital illiteracy among citizens. Despite these challenges, the study highlighted potential benefits such as improved service delivery, increased transparency, cost efficiencies, and enhanced citizen participation. The research recommends targeted policy interventions, including increased investment in ICT infrastructure, digital literacy training programs for both government officials and citizens, enhanced stakeholder collaboration, and the establishment of clear regulatory frameworks to support e-government growth. Strengthening cybersecurity measures and streamlining digital governance policies are also vital for sustainable e-government implementation. The study contributes to the academic discourse on digital governance by providing a detailed analysis of e-government challenges and opportunities in the local government context. If offers practical recommendations for overcoming barriers and leveraging digital governance to achieve efficient and transparent local government operations. Keywords: E-government, Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Electronic Government Adoption Model (EGAM), Digital Governance Local Authority
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Examining the Impact of droughts on women farmers and identifying potential adaptation strategies adopted by women farmers in Zimba District
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) KACHEPA, Evas
    Droughts have posed a grave challenge to Zambian rural women farmers, particularly in Zimba District, where household livelihoods rely primarily on farming. The study examines the impact of frequent droughts on women farmers, identifying the changes in agricultural practice, socio-economic impacts, and the effectiveness of adaptation measures. The study employs a qualitative research design, where semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews were employed in gathering data from women farmers, agricultural extension officers, and community leaders. Thematic analysis was employed in identifying patterns and trends in the data. Results show that women farmers have responded to droughts by shifting to drought tolerant crops and modifying planting times. These coping mechanisms are, nevertheless, constrained by poor access to financial services, agricultural inputs, and extension services. Socio-economically, droughts reduced household incomes, food insecurity, and women's workload, as they search for water, food, and alternative livelihood options. Additionally, the disintegration of the traditional social support networks has forced women to rely more on informal cooperatives for resource sharing and building resilience. The study illustrates the need for targeted policy responses, including greater access to drought-tolerant seeds, microfinance options, and farmer field schools for women farmers. Cooperative consolidation, rural infrastructure development, and gender sensitive climate policy mainstreaming at the national level are critical for long-term resilience. The study contributes to ongoing discussions on gender, climate adaptation, and rural development with policy and programmatic implications for responding to the effects of climate change on vulnerable farming communities.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    An Interrogation of Former Ruling Parties' Declining Competitiveness after Power Loss in Munkulungwe Ward, Ndola: A Case of UNIP, MMD, PF
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) KALENGA, Augustine
    This study is aimed at interrogating the factors contributing to declining competitiveness of former ruling parties in their post power loss era, thereby contributing to strengthening good governance and democracy in Zambia as espoused by Chipenzi, (2019). The study seeks to achieve the following objectives: To identify the historical and contextual factors contributing to the initial rise of former ruling parties in Zambia, to analyse constituents' perception, preferences and primary reasons for shift of loyalty in Munkulungwe ward and finally to explore the leadership dynamics and internal wrangles and their impact on former ruling parties competitiveness . The study employed a mixed study approach for a comprehensive analysis as explained by George, (2023) and adopted a sequential explanatory design. Self-administered questionnaires; both structured and open ended were used to collect data. A special package for social sciences (SPSS) and thematic analysis using both deductive and inductive methods were used to analyse the data. The targeted study population was approximately 303 and a sample size of 61 subjects was arrived at using rule of thumb. Random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the subjects. The study revealed the existence of the problem in Munkulungwe ward of BwanaMkubwa constituency in Ndola district; that is declining competitiveness of former ruling parties after power loss. It further discovered that there are historical factors that contributed to the rise to fame of former political parties which have affected the political system in Zambia, (Chipenzi, 2019). Further the study found out that voters in Munkulungwe ward are influenced by many factors and that peoples’ vulnerability is attributed to failure of former ruling parties, causing shift of allegiance. In the study it has been brought out that the former ruling parties are affected by a number of leadership challenges such as factionalism, party dynamics (Kunda, (2017). The study therefore concludes that historical factors have largely affected the way the political system in Zambia operates and how the system is manipulated to disadvantage the opposition political parties largely due to constitutional powers of the executive. It further concludes peoples’ vulnerability causes shift of allegiance which diminishes former ruling parties’ competitiveness. The study equally concludes that as long as there is no change of leadership and party dynamics are primary reasons for loss of competitiveness of former ruling parties.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Assessing the Impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on Foreign Direct Investment Flows and Industrial Development in Zambia: A Case Study of the Manufacturing Industry in Lusaka City
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) MUNGALA, Clinton
    The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) represents a transformative initiative aimed at creating a single continental market for goods and services across 54 African Union Member States. For Zambia, particularly in the manufacturing sector of Lusaka, AfCFTA presents significant opportunities for foreign direct investment (FDI) and industrial growth. However, the extent to which AfCFTA is influencing Zambia's manufacturing industry, especially in terms of competitiveness and FDI inflows, remains underexplored. This study adopts a qualitative approach to assess the impact of AfCFTA on Zambia’s industrial development and FDI flows, with a focus on Lusaka’s manufacturing sector. Specifically, it aims to analyze trends in FDI before and after AfCFTA, assess the competitiveness of local industries in Lusaka under the agreement, and evaluate the alignment of Zambia’s policy frameworks with AfCFTA’s goals. The research design is based on semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, complemented by the review of secondary data from policy documents and trade reports. The qualitative approach provides a nuanced understanding of the experiences and perspectives of stakeholders, capturing the complexities of Zambia’s manufacturing landscape. Data were analyzed thematically to identify key patterns and insights related to FDI trends, industrial competitiveness, and policy alignment. The findings reveal that AfCFTA has positively influenced FDI inflows into Zambia’s manufacturing sector, reversing prior declining trends. Lusaka’s local industries, particularly in agro-processing and textiles, have demonstrated resilience and adaptability in the face of increased regional competition. However, infrastructure deficiencies, high energy costs, and non-tariff barriers continue to challenge Zambia's ability to fully capitalize on AfCFTA’s benefits. The study concludes that while AfCFTA offers immense potential for Zambia’s industrial development, further efforts are needed to address infrastructure bottlenecks and reduce trade barriers. Key recommendations include investing in energy and transport infrastructure, supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and enhancing policy coherence to fully harness the opportunities presented by AfCFTA. By adopting a qualitative approach, this study provides a detailed exploration of the critical dynamics shaping Zambia’s manufacturing sector under AfCFTA.
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Assessing the Quality of Childcare Services for Child Development in a Low-Income Lusaka Area
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) KANGOMBE, Claire
    The early years of a child’s life largely contribute to setting a tone for their quality of life in the future. Their growth and development is largely influences by the experiences in their early years. With the most rapid development taking place between the ages 0 to 5 years, it becomes important to ensure that children receive the best quality of care for their optimum development. The Nurturing Care Framework has served as a template to ensure the care of a child is comprehensive and attends to the five components namely, good nutrition, access to good health, opportunities for early learning, safety and security and responsive caregiving – which create a nurturing environment for their growth and development. However, with the coming of modern societal structures, there is a growing need for parents and guardians to outsource childcare services for children who may not be at the age to participate in formal schooling. Available childcare services in Zambia range from in-home, family based and center-based childcare with access being determined by varying factors. With increased attention being given to ensuring access to childcare the quality of the services being provided is not being attended to. This study aims to assess the quality of childcare services in low-income urban areas of Zambia, particularly in Kalingalinga as well as its effects on child development and the workforce participation of parents particularly women. Using a qualitative approach, the study utilized quantitative and qualitative data to identify the key characteristics of provided and accessed childcare services, analyze their effects on the holistic development of children as well as assess their influence on workforce participation. Analysis of the responses demonstrated that families in Kalingalinga utilize all forms of childcare for their children 0-6years with the majority utilizing in-home care followed by center-based care. These services were found to be lacking with regards to trained and qualified caregivers, appropriate child to caregiver ratio as well as availability of materials and resources to contribute to the holistic development of children. However, despite the shortfalls and challenges, the childcare services do positively influence/affect child development and contribute to participation of women in the workforce though quality and progression are determined by other factors outside of childcare services. Key words: quality childcare, child development and Kalingalinga
  • No Thumbnail Available
    Item
    Assessing Urbanization Impacts and Developing Sustainable Planning Solutions for Lusaka, Zambia
    (University of Lusaka, 2025) KANYANTA, Mwaka E
    This research explores the urbanization challenges and sustainable urban planning strategies for Lusaka city, Zambia. The study employs a mixed methods approach to examine the impacts of unplanned urbanization, evaluate current urban planning policies, and propose sustainable strategies tailored to Lusaka's unique context. The research utilized both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, including surveys (n=297), semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions. Statistical analysis revealed significant relationships between infrastructure quality and urban development indicators (R² = 0.684, p < .001). Key findings indicate that housing shortage (88.1%), inadequate infrastructure (84.2%), and environmental degradation (76.3%) are the most pressing challenges facing Lusaka's urban development. The study found that current urban planning policies have limited effectiveness, with only 42.3% success rate in land use management and 38.7% in housing development implementation. Analysis of stakeholder perspectives revealed that limited financial resources (94.7%) and weak institutional capacity (89.5%) are primary barriers to effective policy implementation. Based on these findings, the research proposes an integrated framework for sustainable urban planning in Lusaka, emphasizing community participation, environmental conservation, and innovative financing mechanisms. The study contributes to the broader understanding of urban planning challenges in rapidly growing African cities while providing practical recommendations for policymakers and urban planners. Keywords: Urbanization, Sustainable Urban Planning, Infrastructure Development, Environmental Conservation, Community Participation, Lusaka, Zambia