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Mapping the maize growth period using multi-temporal sentinel 1 and 2 imagery: a case study in Kasisi area of Chongwe district.
Full text linkThesis of Masters of Science in Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation.Effective agricultural monitoring is essential for ensuring food security and efficient resource management. This study aimed to use Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) from Sentinel 1 and Optical imagery from Sentinel 2 multi spectral instrument (MSI) for mapping and monitoring Maize fields in the Kasisi area of Chongwe District, Zambia, from November, 2019 to April 2020. This was done by capturing the temporal variations in maize growth and mapping its coverage from November 2019 to April 2020. The analysis focused on tracking maize phenological stages— sowing, emergence, vegetative growth, and maturity—through biweekly observations of SAR backscatter and NDVI. Dual-polarized SAR data (VV and VH) were analyzed to detect structural and moisture changes in maize, while NDVI and NDWI indices from Sentinel-2 provided complementary vegetation and water condition metrics. These indices also enhanced a Random Forest classifier used for land cover classification. Field-validated training data supported the classification, which achieved an overall accuracy of 96.97% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.95. Sowing was identified between 1st–15th November 2019, with emergence occurring by mid December. Maturity was reached by mid-January 2020, followed by a post-maturity decline in backscatter from March to April, marking the harvesting phase. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of SAR and optical data fusion for identifying maize growth stages and mapping crop extent, particularly in cloud-prone tropical regions. This approach offers a scalable, weather independent solution for precision agriculture and vital input for yield forecasting in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Keywords: SAR, Crop Monitoring, Random Forest, Sentinel 1, Sentinel 2, NDVI, NDW
Electronic records management in selected government ministries and parastatals in Zambia.
Full text linkThesis of Master in Library and Information ScienceThis study aimed at investigating electronic records management in government ministries and parastatals in Zambia. The study’s specific objectives were to: establish the extent to which government ministries and parastatals in Zambia keep e-records, establish if there is a legal framework, policies and standards governing e-records management, assess the level of knowledge and training of staff in e-records management, determine the ICT infrastructure available for keeping e-records, and establish the possible challenges for e-records management. Employing the Technology-Organisation-Environment (TOE) framework as a guiding theoretical lens, this quantitative study adopted a survey research design to collect data from 50 purposively selected government ministries and parastatals in Zambia. Hand-delivered questionnaires were used to gather data from records officers, registry clerks, or officers responsible for records management within these institutions. The data collected was subsequently analysed quantitatively using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 23. The findings of the study established that 76% of government ministries and parastatals in Zambia keep e-records which include emails, policy documents, minutes of meetings, court proceedings, memos, reports, official speeches, contracts, press statements, tax invoices, workshops/conferences, and business plans. However, a significant portion of these e-records were found to be stored on personal computers as evidenced by 50% of government ministries and parastatals in Zambia. The findings further show that the adoption and use of electronic records management systems in government ministries and parastatals in Zambia is not widespread. Only 9.5% of government ministries and parastatals in Zambia have deployed Electronic Document and Records Management Systems (EDRMS) commercial software such as the Total Records and Information Management (TRIM) and HP Records Manager. The findings also revealed that Zambia has relevant legislative frameworks to support e-records management which include the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act of 2021, and
the Electronic Government Act of 2021. However, the majority 86% of government ministries and parastatals in Zambia were ignorant about the existence of these laws. Further, it has also
been established that Zambia has a Public Service Records Management Policy and the Registry Service Manual to guide the management of records within the entire public service. However,the majority 76.2% of government ministries and parastatals in Zambia were not familiar with these records management tools. Additionally, it has also been revealed that considerably hig
Enhancing modelling of land-use and land-cover change and its impact on surface water quality in the Bangweulu sub-catchment, Zambia.
Full text linkThesis of Doctor of Philosophy in Integrated Water Resources ManagementWetlands are among the most productive natural ecosystems in the world, providing essential ecosystem services such as water that benefits human health, supporting aquatic ecosystems, and facilitating economic activities. However, a 64% to 71% of wetlands have been lost globally since 1900, primarily due to changes in land use and land cover (LULC). The Bangweulu Wetland System (BWS) in Zambia faces similar challenges, combined with a lack of comprehensive literature regarding LULC changes and their impacts on surface water quality. Traditional methods of LULC classification can be complex and diverse, but non-parametric approaches, such as Machine Learning (ML), have demonstrated greater accuracy. Different ML models possess distinct strengths and weaknesses, and combining multiple models has the potential to enhance the accuracy of LULC classification. Monitoring various water quality parameters in open water bodies presents significant challenges, resulting in gaps in available data. While the Water Quality Index (WQI) integrates various water quality parameters, its spatial application has not yet been thoroughly evaluated. Although, advancements in Remote Sensing and GIS technology provide wider spatial data coverage, there is a lack of comprehensive
literature regarding the impact of LULC on WQI. Additionally, most existing assessment methods have limitations, as they overlook the spatial distribution and proximity of LULC pollution sources to the water body areas of interest. Therefore, the specific objectives of this study were; (i) to ensemble a superiorly hybrid machine learning model for enhanced accuracy of modelling LULC changes, (ii) to rapidly evaluate the water quality variability, and to investigate the influence of LULC on water quality. To classify LULC, six ML models were employed: Support Vector Machine (SVM), Naive Bayes (NB), Decision Tree (DT), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Random Forest (RF), and K-Nearest Neighbour (KNN). The study
analysed Landsat 8 images from 2020 and Landsat 5 images from 1990, 2000, and 2010 using QGIS. To establish an integrated remote sensing approach for monitoring of water quality, the study utilised Sentinel 2 data alongside on-site and laboratory water quality measurements. This integration facilitated the transformation of water quality parameter maps into WQI maps, which were then combined to present an overall assessment of water quality in the BWS lakes. Additionally, a parametric Weighted Inverse Distance Function (WIDF) was applied to determine
the contamination effective contribution area (Aec) for each LULC. This analysis utilised the classified Landsat 2020 image, field water quality data and a 30m Digital Elevation Model (DEM). A multiple regression analysis was employed to explore the relationship between Aec and specific water quality parameters, as well as the WQI. Results revealed that four models— SVM, NB, DT, and KNN—outperformed the other models. Consequently, a hybrid model, referred to as the Quad model, was developed by integrating the outputs of these four models. This Quad model showcased superior performance compared to individual models, achieving Kappa Index scores of 0.87, 0.72, 0.84, and 0.87 for the years 1990, 2000, 2010, and 2020,
respectively. The analysis of LULC changes from 1990 to 2020 indicated a yearly decline of 1.17% in forest coverage, -1.01% in grassland, and -0.12% in water bodies. In contrast, built-up areas and cropland increased at rates of 1.70% and 2.70%, respectively. Water quality assessments showed that the mean WQI from on-site and laboratory data was 34.948, while remotely sensed data yielded a mean WQI of 40.633. Both on-site/lab and remote sensing methods indicated that the concentration of water quality parameters in the Bangweulu Wetland lakes is lower (better) than the local and international recommended limits, with a calculated WQI falling within the 'Good' category. This suggests that the water is generally fresh, clean, and suitable for various uses, including ecological preservation, agriculture, aquaculture, recreation, industrial applications, and human consumption. The study also highlighted significant correlations between LULC and water quality parameters. Turbidity, TDS, iron (Fe²⁺), and EC exhibited strong correlations with specific LULC types, particularly built-up and forested areas. Conversely, parameters such as potassium, sodium, chloride, and calcium showed weak correlations with LULC. The WQI itself demonstrated a reasonable correlation with LULC (R²
= 0.649). The findings underscore the consistent growth of cropland and built-up areas from 1990 to 2020, alongside a reduction in forest cover and grassland. Although the water body experienced a gradual decrease over this period, the decline was minimal. Long-term monitoring will be essential for evaluating the success of interventions, guiding conservation efforts, and determining whether the reduction in water bodies is a sustained trend or a short-term phenomenon. This information is crucial for developing sustainable LULC policies, identifying hotspots of potential water quality degradation, and targeting areas for restoration efforts, with significant implications for future management practices
The costs and benefits of carbon market projects on local communities: perceptions from the Luangwa community forest project in Mpanshya Chiefdom Rufunsa district, Zambia.
Full text linkThesis of Master of Science in Environmental and Natural Resource Management.Carbon trading has emerged as a leading solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, combat climate change, and deliver significant environmental, economic and social benefits for communities in developing countries. However, there are concerns about how it is being implemented and whether it is delivering meaningful benefits to host communities in developing countries. This study examined the costs and benefits of carbon trading projects in Rufunsa district on the local communities using the Luangwa community forest project (LCFP) as a case. The study sought to (i) determine the roles of different local actors in the Luangwa Community Forests Carbon Project on local communities and (ii) examine local communities’ experiences of the costs of the Luangwa community forests carbon project in Rufunsa district (iii) examine local communities’ experiences of the benefits of the Luangwa community forests project in Rufunsa district. The study used a mixed-methods research approach and case study research design, embracing an integrative thinking mindset that allows for adaptive research practices that facilitate deeper understanding from multiple perspectives. A total of 219 randomly-selected respondents’ size and 8 purposively-sampled key informants participated in the study. Using questionnaires, interviews, observations, focus group discussions, and desktop reviews, information was collected and analysed using thematic analysis, and descriptive and inferential statistics for qualitative and quantitative data, respectively. The study revealed that actors’ roles in the Luangwa community forests carbon project are clearly defined except for government actors. In regard to successes, the project has delivered various benefits which includes; employment, infrastructure like boreholes and schools, and contributed to forest conservation and capacity-building to the host community. The costs of the project however, negate these benefits. These costs include but are not limited to erosion of social cohesion, social inequality, loss of forest resource control, limited use of non-forest timber products for fear of honorably forest officers, and exploitation by project developers through the unfair benefit-sharing mechanism. To address this inequality inherent in market mechanisms, the government should establish and enforce laws/regulations that will ensure a transparent and fair benefit-sharing mechanism.
Keywords: non-timber products, exploitation, benefit sharing mechanis
An assessment of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMES)’s risk management preparedness: a case of MSMES in Lusaka’s central business district.
Full text linkThesis of Master of Business Administration-Finance.This study sought to investigate the risk management preparedness of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Lusaka’s Central Business District (LCBD), focusing on the strategies used and their effectiveness. Employing a cross-sectional, quantitative approach, data was collected from 385 MSMEs using structured questionnaires and a convenient sampling method. Cochran’s formula was used to determine the sample size. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were applied to evaluate the relationship between risk management strategies and preparedness levels. Findings reveal that only 24 percent of MSMEs are adequately prepared for risks, indicating high vulnerability to operational and financial shocks, particularly from environmental, economic, or market disruptions. Among the four risk management strategies examined, risk avoidance was the most commonly used, followed by risk spreading. However, risk retention and risk transferring were less frequently adopted, raising concerns about overall preparedness. Regression results showed that all four strategies significantly influenced preparedness. Risk transferring had the strongest positive impact (β = 0.206, p = 0.000), indicating that MSMEs using insurance and risk-sharing mechanisms were 20.6 percent more likely to be prepared for disruptions. Risk avoidance (β = 0.152, p = 0.000) and risk spreading (β = 0.128, p = 0.005) also had significant positive associations, suggesting that minimizing exposure and diversifying operations contribute to resilience. Conversely, risk retention was negatively associated with preparedness (β = -0.091, p = 0.031), indicating that relying solely on internal resources reduces readiness for crises. The model demonstrated strong explanatory power, with an R-squared of 0.744 and an adjusted R-squared of 0.735, meaning 74.4 percent of the variation in preparedness could be explained by the four strategies. The model was statistically significant (F = 18.59, p = 0.000). These results have practical implications. MSME owners are encouraged to adopt diversified risk management approaches. Policymakers should develop programs promoting the adoption of various strategies and increase awareness of financial tools. Financial institutions are urged to design accessible insurance products tailored to MSME needs. Development partners should offer technical assistance, training, and capacity building to enhance MSME resilience. The study concludes that improving MSME preparedness in Lusaka’s CBD requires a holistic strategy combining risk avoidance, spreading, and transferring, while reducing reliance on risk retention. This integrated approach will enhance the ability of MSMEs to withstand external shocks and ensure their long-term sustainability.
Keywords: MSMEs; Risk Management Strategies; Risk Preparedness, Lusaka’s Central Business Distric
The implications of rural agriculture on water resource management, a case of the Lunsemfwa river catchment.
Full text linkThesis of Master of Science in Integrated Water Resource Management in the Department of GeologyUsing a triangulation mixed methods design, this study looked at rural agricultural and implications on water resource management. The objectives that guided the study were: To determine key actors in water resource management in the Lunsemfwa River Catchment.To explore agricultural practices in the Upper Lunsemfwa River Catchment area and implications for sustainable water resource management. To establish water related conflicts by different users in the Lunsemfwa River Catchment. The total sample size was 150 and the participants were selected using purposive and systematic random sampling techniques. Key findings indicate that traditional leadership played a central role in water resource management, representing 25 percent of respondents, followed by the Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA), Forestry, and Mkushi District Council, each at 11 percent. The majority of respondents (75 percent) relied on streams as their primary water source for farming, with rivers being the secondary source at 23 percent. In terms of agricultural practices, 68 percent of farmers identified conventional farming as their primary method. Notably, boundary disputes emerged as the primary cause of water-related conflict, accounting for 33 percent of the cases. This underscores the need for effective conflict resolution mechanisms. In conclusion, traditional leaders emerged as pivotal figures in water resource management, with a significant role in conflict resolution among farmers in the Upper Lunsemfwa River Catchment. The study suggests a critical role for traditional leaders in water governance and emphasizes the necessity for government water governing bodies to engage them actively. This research contributes valuable insights to policymakers, water management authorities, and community leaders, fostering a more comprehensive and collaborative approach to water resource management in the Mkushi District
The nature and functions of christian academies in Zambia as a christian nation: a case study of Lusaka city, 2000-2020.
Full text linkThesis of Doctor of Philosophy in Religious Studies.This study aimed at utilising the functionalist theory to explain the nature and functions of Christian academies in Zambia as a Christian nation, focusing on Lusaka city. The specific objectives of the study were to establish the type of Christian academies in Lusaka, Zambia, from 2000 to 2020; to explore the organisational structure of Christian academies in Lusaka; to examine the ethos, values and educational practices of the Christian academies; and to propose a framework for the organisation and management of Christian academies in Lusaka, Zambia (today and beyond). A case study design was used for the study, and a sample size of forty-one (41) respondents from 6 schools across Lusaka city and two officers, one from the DEBs office and another one from the affiliate organisation, was used with the participants being selected purposively. The study revealed that academies were different from one to another in terms of their nature and organisational structure. It was found that each school’s nature, functions and organisational structure depended on the proprietor's capacity and the school management's goals. It was further revealed that Christian academies fall under the category of private schools in the Zambian school system. However, unlike other private schools, these academies focus on promoting both academic and Christian values. Christian values were generally promoted through the Christian ethos and devotional activities found in these academies, and they were considered to be in line with the status of Zambia as a Christian nation. The study further revealed that academies offered additional curricula to enhance the academic performance of their learners. The study concluded that academies were schools under the category of private schools in the Zambian school system; they aim to achieve educational and religious aims to produce holistic and meaningful citizens. The study recommends that while the Christian academies might differ in certain activities that they considered important to portray each institution’s uniqueness and marketing purposes, the institutions should adopt a common framework as proposed for the effective management and
provision of education. It was also recommended that the proprietors and managers of the Christian academies should work out a way of retaining the teachers, both new graduates and retired officers, to ensure that academic continuity, including quality education, is maintained and guaranteed in the academies in the long run.
Keywords: Christian academies, organisational structure, Christian school
Assessment of factors influencing nurses and the casualty department's preparedness for incidents of mass casualty at Nyangabwe referal hospital in Francistown, Botswana.
Full text linkThesis of Master of Science in Emergency and Trauma Nursing.The increasing incidence of mass casualties globally has resulted in higher fatalities, financial losses, and disruptions in health institutions' service delivery. Health facilities are often overwhelmed by a surge of critically injured or ill patients, compromising their ability to provide timely and effective medical care. Emergency preparedness strategies enhance institutional capacity to ensure high-qualitycare and improved patient outcomes. The study assessed emergency preparedness for mass casualty incidents among nurses and the casualty department at Nyangabwe Referral Hospital in Francistown. A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional study adapted the World Health Organization(WHO) hospital emergency response checklist and the tool used by Amaitari et al (2020) in a study inNigeria. Through a survey of nurses, the study examined protocols, medical equipment, staff training, andtrauma support services. These factors shaped the preparedness strategy for major crises, enabling the institution to respond effectively during mass casualty incidents. The results were presented in frequency tables and summarized in percentage form. Chi-square and binary logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess factors influencing emergency preparedness and those associated with good practices in emergency preparedness, respectively. The study results revealed that multiple factors influenced the emergency preparedness of nurses and the casualty department. Overall emergency preparedness awareness (n=184) distribution among respondents was categorized into low, moderate, and high awareness. The majority, 71 respondents, were categorized under moderate awareness while the low awareness category had 68 respondents. The high preparedness awareness category had 45 respondents who fell under high emergency preparedness awareness. Similarly, the overall attitude towards emergency preparedness showed that 55% exhibited a poor attitude, while 45% demonstrated a good attitude. Furthermore, nearly half of the participants (50.5%) exhibited poor knowledge, while 49.5% had good knowledge of the primary survey. The chi-square analysis revealed significant associations between emergency preparedness and job title (p = 0.015), gender (p=0.025), work experience (p = 0.029), knowledge level (p = 0.001), and knowledge of the primary survey(p=0.043). However, the binary logistic regression found no significant association between gender and emergency preparedness. Lastly, the results indicate that while NRH has the basic structure and processes required for handling mass casualty incidents, certain deficiencies hinder optimal response. These include a lack of a dedicated trauma team, structured activation protocols, and sufficient ICU and emergency surgical capacity, compromising its ability to manage patient influx during disasters. Additionally, limited access to advanced diagnostic tools and a shortage of specialists delay life-saving interventions.
Keywords: Hospital emergency preparedness, mass casualty incidents, and Nurses
Politics of corporate social responsibility in the education sector: a study of selected secondary schools supported by Kamoto mine in Central, Zambia.
Full text linkThis study explored politics of corporate social responsibility in the education sector. While the provision of education is the primary responsibility of the Zambian government, it was of the considered view that, the mining companies needed to take part in the provision of secondary education as a way of enhancing their Corporate Social Responsibility. After independence, Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM) supported schools and hospitals on the Copperbelt from independence to the early 1990s through its Medical and Education Trust (MET) as its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). However, with the privatization of the mines, it has been observed that CSR in the education sector seems to have declined over the years. Therefore, this study sought to fill the knowledge gap by investigating the contributions made by Kamoto Mine to secondary education in selected schools of Sandwe District of Central Zambia. Kamoto and Sandwe are used as pseudonyms for the mine and the district. The study employed a descriptive design with a sample size of 50 participants. Interviews, focus group discussions and questionnaires were used in the collection of data. The findings showed that, the mining companies had made considerable strides in enhancing their Corporate Social Responsibility in secondary education in Sandwe District. They have spear-headed sports activities, giving presents to higher performing learners, donated teaching and learning materials
such as computers, books, pens, and flip-charts. In terms of infrastructure, the mining companies had
fenced secondary schools and built 1x3 and 1x6 class room blocks. They had also built computer
rooms, science laboratory and toilets. The mining company had no clear sponsorship policies.
Nevertheless, they had trained teachers in First-Aid and Information and Communication Technology
(ICT).
The study recommended that the mining firms should develop a CSR strategy to be integrated into the
business strategy. The mining entity should create a communications plan in their CSR execution with
various stakeholders particularly the local community. Partnerships between Ministry of Education
and business community is key to encourage dialogue between the mining company and education
sector in order to understand and promote CSR principles and practices. In this context, integrating
CSR into education, training and research should be prioritized. Government should put in place
legislation that would encourage business corporations to have Corporate Social Responsibility
policies especially in areas such as education so that business corporations give back to the
communities where they are operating from. Since the mining sector is the major contributor to the
development of the Zambia’s economy in general and the Zambia’s Treasury in particular, there is
need for more studies to be conducted in order to ascertain how much the mining industry is
contributing to education as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility
Utilisation of the female condom by women in Chainda catchment area of Lusaka district, Zambia
Full text linkThesis of Master of Science in Midwifery and Women’s Health.The female condom is a dual protection tool for both prevention of HIV/ AIDs transmission and unwanted or unplanned pregnancies. The female condom is one of several overlooked and underused reproductive health technologies having the potential to expand choice in family planning and prevention of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and sexually transmitted infections programmes. Nursing staff at Chainda health centre in Lusaka conduct health education on all family planning services at the clinic and in the community during outreach activities. However, data from Lusaka district health office (LDHO) show that female condom utilisation is very low in comparison to other family planning methods. The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with utilisation of the female condom among women in Chainda catchment area. A mixed method study design was used for this study. A semi structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data, while two focused group discussions (FGDs) were used to collect qualitative data. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 was used for quantitative data analysis, and content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. Chi square was used to test the association between the dependent and independent variables at 0.05 level of
significance. The study population comprised of 384 randomly selected women, aged 15 to 49 years, living in Chainda catchment area of Lusaka district, and accessing health services from the health facility. Chainda catchment area was selected using purposive sampling, due to its dense and diverse population, being an accessible health facility, due to prior research indicating specific health concerns, established community engagement, relevant socioeconomic conditions, logistical ease, and alignment with funding or collaborative interests. These factors made it an ideal location for studying women's health and service utilisation. The findings were that 31% of the respondents exhibited high knowledge of the female condoms
while 41% had moderate knowledge, and 28% had low knowledge. The findings also showed that 90% of the respondents agreed to female condoms being available all the time, while 10% said the commodity was not available at all times. A small proportion (14%) of respondents had
positive attitudes towards female condom utilisation, while 86% had negative attitudes. The association between knowledge and utilisation of female condoms was statistically significant with p <0.0001. The association between availability and utilisation of the female condom was also statistically significant (p=0.00). The association between attitudes and utilisation of the female condom was not statistically significant (p=0.447). Three themes (i) Knowledge about female condoms, (ii) Use of female condoms and (iii) Experiences of using female condoms emerged from the qualitative data. (iv)
Availability of female condom and (v) where can one get a female condom? Although female condoms are widely available, their utilisation remains low. Thus, the findings of the dissertation underscore the need for targeted education and awareness campaigns in the catchment area.
Key words: Female condom, Women, Utilisation, Catchment are