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Measuring systemic risk for Zambia’s banking institutions: a proactive approach.
Full text linkThesis of PhD in Business and Management.This study develops a proactive approach to measuring systemic risk in Zambia’s banking institutions, addressing the inadequacies of existing methodologies that rely on stock market data and focus primarily on the industry as a whole rather than individual institutions. Using a combination of case study analysis and quantitative research, data from Zambian commercial banks between 2010 and 2022 was analysed to identify patterns of vulnerability and resilience during systemic shocks. The research proposes a novel Systemic Vulnerability Score (SVS), a forward-looking metric that quantifies a bank's susceptibility to systemic risk using publicly available data. Key findings reveal that systemic shocks, such as the 2015 copper price drop and the COVID-19 pandemic, impacted all banks but with varying intensity. Factors like liquidity management, asset growth, and equity stability were significant in determining resilience. The SVS effectively distinguished systemically vulnerable banks from resilient ones, demonstrating its
utility for both strategic planning and regulatory oversight. This study’s significance lies in bridging the gap between theory and practice in systemic risk management for emerging markets. By offering a robust, institution-focused model, it empowers financial institutions to identify vulnerabilities and implement strategic risk mitigation measures proactively. For policymakers and regulators, the findings provide a critical tool for fostering stability and resilience in Zambia’s banking sector
Innovative strategies for enhancing online learning in higher learning institutions in Zambia: a focus on an ideal online learning enhancement framework.
Full text linkhe study explored the innovative strategies for enhancing online learning in higher learning institutions in Zambia. The objectives of the study were; to explore innovative strategies which could enhance online learning in higher learning institutions, and to propose an ideal online learning policy framework that can enhance online learning in higher learning institutions. The study was guided by the Constructivist Learning Theory and the Social Cognitive Theory. The researcher employed a pragmatic paradigm and a descriptive research design. The sample was made up of 180 educators who were purposely selected from four universities. Additionally, four (4) Directors of Distance Education in charge of Online Learning in the four universities, one (1) ICT engineer from the Internet Service Provider in the selected universities were also purposely selected. Three (3) research instruments were used to collect data; a questionnaire which was used to collect quantitative data from educators and two interview guides which were used to collect qualitative data. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically, while descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data. The findings of the study brought to therefore some of the strategies that could be used to enhance online learning in Zambia such as facilitation of learners'
acquisition of ICT gadgets at an affordable price, pushing more investment in online learning software such as zoom, and introduction of tax incentives on all ICT equipment bought by higher learning institutions in order to make them more affordable. The study also showed that some higher learning institutions conducted online learning without a clear policy guideline. Majority of the learning institutions relied on distance learning policy developed many years ago for guidance. In view of the findings, the study recommended the development of an
online learning enhancement policy framework which highlights the strategies to be applied by the Government
of Zambia through the Ministry of Education, Internet Service Providers and Higher Learning Institutions for
effective online teaching and learning to take place in Higher Learning Institutions of Zambi
Trends in extreme temperature and precipitation events over Zambia for the period 1981-2021.
Full text linkThesis of Master of Science in Statistics.Human activities such as burning fossil fuels, cutting down forests and livestock farming have caused an increase in the earth’s surface temperature by 1.0 °C since the preindustrial levels. Warmer temperatures over time are altering global weather patterns. These alterations have been resulting in
more frequent and intense extreme weather events that were previously unheard of in many regions, including Zambia. Extreme weather events such as hot spells, dry spells, flash floods, etc. pose many risks to water availability and food security. Agriculture in Zambia heavily relies on rainfall. The
shifting patterns of temperature and precipitation in Zambia have led to reduced crop yields, failed harvests, and challenges in animal farming. Consequently, food security is now at risk. The frequent occurrences of extremely hot days, floods, and droughts have severe implications on the livelihoods of many individuals and pose serious harm to the infrastructure such as roads, dams, and schools in the country. The districts are affected differently by the extreme weather events. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the annual trends in extreme temperature and precipitation events based on daily historical and current meteorological observations at a finer resolution for assessing climate change vulnerability at the local (district) scale and consequently designing local adaptation strategies. This study conducted a comprehensive evaluation of annual/seasonal trends in some selected extreme weather events by utilizing the ERA5 data set of resolution 0.5 x 0.5 degrees for the period 1981-2021. The research investigated the annual trend in the frequency of days with maximum temperature exceeding 35°C ( very hot day) as well as the maximum daily temperature across regions in Zambia. The study partitioned the regional domain of Zambia into three climate zones based on mean total seasonal rainfall. Findings reveal significant increases in both the frequency of days with maximum temperature exceeding 35°C and annual maximum daily temperature most especially in climatic zone 1 indicating urgent implications for agriculture and ecosystems. In terms of precipitation, the study examined seasonal total rainfall and the seasonal frequency of days when daily rainfall exceeds 20mm and 30mm thresholds. Results indicated a general decrease in seasonal total rainfall during the October, November and December (OND) season, and increasing trends regardless of some fluctuating patterns observed in the January, February and March (JFM) season. The analysis identified districts that are hotspots of the considered extreme weather events emphasizing the need for region-specific adaption strategies to address the negative impacts of weather events. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of Zambia’s climate dynamics and underscore the necessity for informed decision-making to enhance resilience against changing climatic conditions.
Keywords: Trends, Temperature, Precipitation, Extreme Events, ETCCDI Climate Indices
Seroprevalence, knowledge, attitudes and practices of people to COVID-19 in Chililabombwe and Lusaka districts of Zambia.
Full text linkThesis of Master of Science in One Health Analytical Epidemiology.The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on global health, economies, and societies. Understanding the seroprevalence, as well as the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of individuals toward COVID-19, is essential for effective public health interventions. This study
aimed to assess the seroprevalence of COVID-19 antibodies and the KAP of residents in Chililabombwe and Lusaka districts, Zambia. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a representative sample of 179 participants from two Zambian districts. COVID-19-specific antibodies were detected using serological tests to determine seroprevalence, while a structured questionnaire evaluated participants' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding COVID-19. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyze associations between categorical variables, and binary logistic regression was employed to identify potential risk factors for SARSCoV-2 seropositivity. The overall seroprevalence of COVID-19 antibodies was 9.5% (95% CI: 6.0-14.7), reflecting notable exposure within the districts. Seroprevalence was higher in Chililabombwe (11.0%; 95% CI: 6.1-19.1) compared to Lusaka (8.0%; 95% CI: 3.9-15.5). The study found variations in seroprevalence based on age, gender, and education level, with higher
rates among individuals aged 40-49 (13.6%; 95% CI: 4.7-33.3), females (12.6%; 95% CI: 7.4- 20.8), and those with no education (22.2%; 95% CI: 6.3-54.7). However, these differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Both seropositive and seronegative participants exhibited moderate knowledge and attitudes, alongside high levels of preventive practices, indicating a shared understanding of health risks. Lower knowledge, attitudes, and practices were strongly associated with higher seropositivity. Confidence in preventing future pandemics was expressed by both groups, with only marginal differences between them. This study highlights important insights into the seroprevalence and KAP regarding COVID-19 in selected Zambian districts. The findings emphasize the need for targeted public health initiatives to close knowledge gaps like comparisons of KAP and seroprevalence between regions and information sources and their influence on attitudes towards COVID-19, dissemination of accurate information, and promotion effective preventive behaviours. These efforts could help limit the spread of COVID-19 and strengthen community resilience in response to the pandemic
Neonatal pain management practices by health care professionals at Nyangabgwe and Princess Marina hospitals, Francistown and Gaborone, Botswana.
Full text linkThesis of Master of Science in Neonatal Nursing.Neonatal pain management remains a global challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as Botswana, due to inadequate resources, training, and evidence-based practice. Despite all neonates experiencing pain, with preterm babies being especially vulnerable, pain assessment and management are often overlooked, potentially leading to adverse short- and long-term outcomes. The main objective of this study was to assess neonatal pain management practices among healthcare professionals in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units of Nyangabgwe Referral Hospital (NRH) and Princess Marina Hospital (PMH) in Gaborone and Francistown towns of Botswana. This study used a descriptive cross-sectional design. The study included 110 healthcare professionals, all of whom were enrolled into the study by census method. The data were collected using an online questionnaire with validated items of the Likert scale. The collected data was exported into Excel 2013 for cleaning. The data was further imported into Stata version 18 for analysis using descriptive and inferential statistics. Chi-square, Fisher’s exact and binary logistic regression tests were used to statistically analyse the data. A confidence interval of 95% with a significance level of 5% was set. The results showed that 87 (79%) of
the participants demonstrated good neonatal knowledge of pain management practices. The final analysis using binary logistic regression identified key predictors of good practice. Participants categorized as knowledgeable had 6 times odds of practicing good neonatal pain management practices compared to those not knowledgeable (AOR = 6.34; 95% CI: 0.10-22.7, p < .001). Participants with formal training in neonatal pain management had about 4 times odds of having good neonatal pain management practices compared to those who did not receive training (AOR= 3.974, 95%, CI: 0.37-1.82, p = .046) . Those who reported the presence of protocols in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) also had more than 1 times odds of having good neonatal pain management practices (AOR= 1.132; 95% CI: 0.12-1.02, p = .012). Non-Christian participants had 23% odds of having good neonatal pain management practices, while Christians had 76.9% odds of having good neonatal pain management practices (AOR= 0.231, 95%,
CI:0.98-1.25, p = .002). Non-pharmacological interventions also mattered with respondents using non-pharmacological interventions to manage pain in neonates having better practices than those not using them (AOR= 6.863, 95%, CI: 0.001-63.2, p = .27). These results suggest that knowledge, training and adherence to protocols are crucial for improving neonatal pain management. The study highlights critical gaps in neonatal pain management practices in Botswana. The study recommends revising curricula, enhancing interdisciplinary training, and advocating for updated policies and protocols to improve assessment, documentation, and overall neonatal pain management practices.
Keywords: Infant, newborn, Botswana, pain management, hospitals, Health care professionals
Genetics diversity of theileria parva and muguga cocktail vaccine efficacy in cattle in Kabasha village in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Full text linkThesis of Masters of Science Tropical Infectious Diseases and Zoonosis.East Coast Fever (ECF), caused by the protozoan Theileria parva, is a major constraint to cattle health and productivity in Eastern, Central, and Southern Africa. In Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the disease is endemic, control efforts are challenged by limited knowledge on the genetic diversity of circulating T. parva strains and their relationship to vaccine stocks. The Muguga Cocktail (MC), the most widely used live vaccine, may offer only partial protection in this region due to potential genetic divergence between local field strains and vaccine strains. This study was therefore conducted to characterize the genetic diversity and antigenic similarity of T. parva strains in Eastern DRC, to inform immunization strategies and guide effective deployment of the Infection and Treatment Method (ITM). The main objective was to determine the population structure and diversity of T. parva in vaccinated, unvaccinated, and sentinel cattle. Blood samples from Kabasha village were analysed using PCR targeting the Tp1 and Tp2 antigen coding genes. Sequences were aligned and compared with those of the Muguga Cocktail using phylogenetic trees, haplotype networks, and similarity scoring. Microsatellite and minisatellite genotyping covering six loci provided data on population structure assessed using allele diversity, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Fst statistics. The Tp1 gene was found to be relatively conserved. Out of 43 sequences analysed, 33 had 100% amino acid homology with the Muguga Cocktail epitope. Phylogenetic and haplotype analyses grouped most sequences closely with MC strains, indicating potential coverage by the current vaccine. In contrast, the Tp2 gene was highly polymorphic, with 235 of 258 epitopes being unique. These sequences formed distinct clusters, most of which were divergent from the vaccine strains. Microsatellite analysis revealed 91 unique alleles and 38 shared alleles among the three cattle groups. PCA showed partial clustering of field samples with MC stocks,
while some samples formed distinct sub-populations. Fst values ranging from 0.096 to 0.119 indicated moderate genetic differentiation. These findings reveal the presence of multiple T. parva populations in Eastern DRC, some closely related to the Muguga Cocktail and others genetically distinct. The conserved nature of Tp1 epitopes suggests partial vaccine coverage, while the high diversity in Tp2 epitopes and microsatellite loci suggests the existence of local strains not fully protected by the current vaccine
Predictors of e-commerce adoption : a case study of One Life Assurance Zambia.
Full text linkThesis of Master’s Degree of Science in Accounting and Finance.The research problem to be addressed in this study is that despite the strategic plan for One Life Assurance Zambia indicating the need for adopting E commerce in year one of the strategic plan, E commerce is far from been adopted. As such, the purpose of the study was to explore factors that are linked with E Commerce adoption for One Life Assurance Zambia. This was a cross-sectional study design involving employees of one life assurance Zambia. An online survey questionnaire was administered, and data was analysed using SPSS version 22. Linear regression was the main analytic technique. The findings show that there is very little to account for E Commerce adoption at One Life Assurance Zambia. Overall level of E commerce adoption for One Life Assurance Zambia can be graded as imperfect and its customers can only download a mobile app and access the firm physically or by e mail. The firm has no platform for E Commerce. Nearly all employees intend to adopt E Commerce when the system and tools are rolled out as n = 45 (93.7%) desire so compared to only n = 3 (6.3%) who do not. Regression analysis shows a relationship between the three predictors
(Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy and Social Influence) and E Commerce Adoption. There was a strong positive relationship (R= 0.873) and the model explains 76.2% of the variation in the dependent variable and this is a very good model. The three predictors influence E Commerce Adoption (BI-ECA) noting that the model’s sig value was p < 0.001. Based on the main findings, an interpretation is ideal. The conclusion is that performance expectancy, effort expectancy and social influence have positive influences on employee intention to use E Commerce when available in future. With this understanding, practitioners can better design appropriate E-Commerce policies and interventions for E-Commerce Adoption, thereby avoiding the development of policies, strategies, and business practices based on the assumption of universal imperatives which have high risks of misguiding and frustrating local efforts to make sense of and appropriate E Commerce activities and platforms
A food systems approach to design a risk-based food control border framework for Zambia: a case study of Nakonde and Chirundu one-stop border posts (OSBP)
Full text linkThesis of Master of Science in Food Safety and Risk Analysis.This study investigates the effectiveness of food safety control systems at Zambia’s border posts, focusing on institutional capacities, infrastructure readiness, and inter-agency coordination.
Against the backdrop of increasing regional trade under frameworks such as the AfCFTA, and persistent challenges in preventing foodborne hazards, this research provides a thematic analysis of systemic gaps compromising food safety governance at border points. Using a qualitative case study design, data were collected through key informant interviews with officials from regulatory agencies, supported by policy document reviews. Findings reveal four interlinked themes: (1) Human Resource Constraints, including severe staffing shortages and dual responsibilities, limiting oversight and responsiveness; (2) Infrastructure and Technology Gaps, such as the absence of dedicated sample transport, laboratory space, cargo scanners, and reliable internet connectivity; (3) Coordination and Information Exchange Deficits, particularly poor communication between border and inland teams and limited feedback mechanisms; and (4) Policy and Operational Inefficiencies, marked by fragmented mandates, lack of risk profiling, and minimal automation in back-office operations. The research highlights how these structural and functional weaknesses compromise Zambia’s compliance with international food safety norms and impede timely interventions at points of entry. The study concludes with a call for enhanced investment in border inspection infrastructure, institutional mandate alignment, targeted staffing reforms, and the adoption of integrated risk based frameworks. It recommends a coordinated national approach aligned with Codex principles and WTO SPS requirements to ensure effective food control and trade facilitation. The findings contribute to evidence-based policymaking for strengthening Zambia’s food safety systems within regional and global trade ecosystems
Investigating teacher experiences in integrating indigenous songs for play-based learning in early childhood education centres : a case study of Ndola district, Zambia.
Full text linkThesisIntegrating indigenous songs into play-based learning combines hands-on experiential learning with the rich cultural heritage of traditional music, creating a culturally relevant and impactful
synergy. This study investigates teacher experiences on the integration of indigenous songs for play-based learning in early childhood education (ECE) settings in Ndola District, Zambia.
Recognised for their role in preserving cultural identity, indigenous songs also foster children’s cognitive, moral, and social development. Through non-participant observations, semi-structured
interviews with educators and administrators, and focus group discussions with parents, this research examines how indigenous songs are utilised in teaching practices. Findings reveal that
teachers incorporate indigenous songs across various subjects, including literacy, numeracy, and expressive arts. These songs serve as effective tools for teaching phonics, counting, and vocabulary while instilling cultural values such as respect and honesty. Specific examples include the song “Ashintilile” for phonics and “Imbwili imo, paishila naimbi Imbwili” for counting, alongside culturally significant songs like “Ciminine” and “Wimona mamba panuma,” which emphasises respect for elders. Despite these advantages, challenges remain, including limited resources, lack of access to songbooks, and inadequate teacher training. Educators frequently rely on improvised materials and community support. To enhance the use of indigenous songs in ECE, it is crucial to address these challenges through improved resource allocation, targeted training, and curriculum development. Key recommendations include the creation of resource books, professional
development programs, and partnerships with community elders
Triage knowledge and associated factors among emergency department nurses at Princess Marina hospital, Gaborone, Botswana.
Full text linkThesis of Master of Science in Emergency and Trauma Nursing.Background: Overcrowding in emergency department (EDs) remains a global significant concern, often compromising the quality, safety, and timeliness patient care. To address this, the triage system has been implemented to prioritize patients based on the severity of their conditions and to ensure efficient utilization of limited resources. However, the effectiveness of triage system relies on the knowledge and competency of ED nurses. Adequate triage knowledge is critical for ensuring a accurate, prompt, and comprehensive patient assessments, which are vital for the delivery of safe and effective emergency care.
Aim; This study aimed to assess nurse's triage knowledge and associated factors among nurses in the ED at Princess Marina Hospital (PMH), Gaborone, Botswana.
Methods: The study employed a quantitative cross-sectional analytical design. A sampling method was utilized to include all 33 ED nurses working at PMH. Data was collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential analyses were computed using Statistical Package for Social Statistics (SPSS) version 27. Fisher’s Exact and binary logistic regression tests with corresponding confidence intervals (CI) and p-values were used to test associations between independent and dependent variables. Ethical clearance was obtained from relevant authorities, and informed consent was obtained from respondents.
Results: The results showed that 79% of respondents had adequate level of triage knowledge. Respondents’ age ( p=0.719), gender (p=0.393), marital status (p=0.763), level of nursing qualification (p=0.320), nursing experience (p=0.203), and training in emergency care (p=0.225) were not significantly associated with nurses’ triage knowledge.
Nursing Implication: The results underscore the significance of continuous triage education and training for ED nurses. Incorporating regular, structured training programs into hospital policies can assist maintain and enhance triage competence, ultimately improving patient outcomes in emergency departments.
Conclusion: The results of this study highlight the need for further research into the factors that influence triage information among emergency departments, particularly in the context of low-resource settings. Emergency department nurses should prioritize triage training to improve their knowledge in triage.
Keywords: Triage knowledge, Emergency department, Nurses, Work experience, Training, Botswana