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Assessment of bacterial contamination of groundwater : a case of Chunga dumpsite of Lusaka, Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science in Applied Microbiology.The community near dumpsites/landfills depend on groundwater from shallow wells and boreholes for drinking. However, leachates from dumpsites/landfills could be a source of microbial and toxic chemical contamination to the nearby soil and groundwater. Contamination of groundwater will in turn affect the nearby community by causing diseases. Solid wastes come from various sources including; domestic residences, offices, institutions, commercial buildings, restaurants, agriculture, construction, and hospitals. This study assessed whether the bacterial contaminations from the Chunga Dumpsite solid wastes, were able to infiltrate the soil and contaminate the nearby groundwater. Nine (9) soil samples were collected from the Chunga dumpsite, and nine (9) water samples from boreholes near the Chunga Dumpsite. Physical, chemical and microbiological parameters of the collected samples were analyzed. It was found that most of the parameters conformed to WHO and ZABS standards except for nitrate levels of most of the water samples which exceeded the WHO and ZABS standards. Enumeration of bacteria in the water samples was done, to determine the quality of borehole water. Bacteria were isolated from the soil and water samples using culture methods for identification, then the isolated bacteria were confirmed using PCR methods (16S rRNA gene sequencing). The following bacteria were isolated from borehole water; Citrobacter freundi, Kluyvera georgiana, Acinetobacter indicus, Escherishia coli, Proteus hauseri, Pseudomonas sp, Aeromonas caviae, Klebsiella pneumonia and Atlantibacter hermannii, while the following bacteria were isolated from the soil; Bacillus sp, Klebsiella pneumoniae,
Bacillus cereus, Morganella morganii, Acinetobacter variabilis, Pectobacterium carotovorum and Bacillus thuringiensis. On the other hand, Klebsiella pneumonia and Acinetobacter sp. were isolated from both the borehole water and dumpsite soil samples. Consequenty, the Drug Susceptibility Test was done on the isolated bacteria to determine which antibiotic the bacteria were susceptible to. The findings indicated that the isolated bacteria were all susceptible to Gentamicin, Chloramphenicol and Ciprofloxacin and resistant to Penicillin and Cefoxitin Therefore, from the findings, it was concluded that the borehole water near the Chunga dumpsite is not safe to drink and that there is need for authorities to improve the waste disposal and management system ., as well as constant monitoring of the groundwater quality, which will help authority to institute appropriate action to control the groundwater contamination, and eventually prevent unnecessary disease outbreaks in the surrounding communities
An assessment of mobile money service quality on customer satisfaction : a case of Woodlands secondary school.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Business Administration.Mobile money services have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering convenient and secure ways for individuals to conduct financial transactions using their mobile phones. The quality of mobile money services plays a crucial role in determining customer satisfaction and ultimately the success of such services. This assessment focused on mobile money service quality on customer satisfaction, with a specific case study conducted at Woodlands Secondary School. The first objective was to assess the level of mobile money service quality perceived by teachers and the study discovered that 24 (34%) indicated that they are very satisfied, 29 (41%) said satisfied, 2 (3%) were neutral, 9 (13%) said dissatisfied and 6 (9%) said very dissatisfied. The second objective was to examine the effect of mobile money service quality on customer satisfaction and the study revealed that 7 (10%) said poor, 23 (33%) said fair, 30 (43%) said good and 10 (14%) said excellent The third objective was to identify the factors influencing customer satisfaction with mobile money services and the study discovered that 41 (59%) said limited outlets available and 29 (41%) said sufficient outlets. Last objective was to recommend strategies for improving mobile money service quality to enhance customer satisfaction and the study revealed that 27 (39%) said to enhance security measures, 18 (26%) said to provide financial literacy programs, 15 (21%) said mobile money should be userfriendly interface and 10 (14%) said mobile money should reliable customer support. Based on the study results obtained, the study recommended Mobile money services providers should providing comprehensive training to customers on how to effectively use the mobile money service can significantly improve their satisfaction levels. It was also recommended that mobile money services providers should ensure that the mobile money service is easily accessible to all users within the school premises can enhance customer satisfaction. This may involve setting up multiple service points or kiosks around the school
An evaluation of the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Lusaka : a case study of Ng’ombe township.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management.The study's main objective was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on small and medium scale businesses (SMEs) in Ng’ombe Township, Lusaka. The study's specific objectives were to identify the impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on the performance of SMEs business, to ascertain the impact of COVID-19 on the financial performance of SMEs business, to determine the level of relief provided by the government to the SMEs to mitigate the impact of the pandemic. The study collected both qualitative and quantitative data. Using the purposive sampling technique, 98 SMEs were sampled from Ng’ombe Township (out of the 4,500 list of registered SMEs in Lusaka for 2018). Utilizing questionnaires and interviewing protocols, data was gathered. 98 questionnaires in all were distributed, 95 completed questionnaires were gathered from participants in the data collection. This represented a 96.9% response rate. Descriptive statistics were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), while
qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. According to study results, 46.3% of participants said that a decrease in the number of customers or orders was the biggest impact of lockdown measures on the performance of their business. Furthermore, the field survey data revealed that 42.1% of participants indicated that there was a 40% reduction in revenues as the biggest impact of covid-19 on financial performance of SMEs businesses. In terms of what relief government provided to assist SMEs in order to mitigate the impact of the pandemic, the survey data revealed that 90.5% of participants indicated they had not received any assistance. The following recommendations were arrived at: Policy makers should
prioritize measures aimed at improving access to financial support for SMEs in Ng'ombe, implement targeted training, capacity building programs, and strengthen institutional support
Exploring effect of community-based financial organizations on financial inclusion in selected low-income communities of Mchinji district, Malawi.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Business Administration.The purpose of the study was to explore the effects of community based financial organizations on financial inclusion in selected low-income communities of Mchinji district, Malawi. The sample size was 400 respondents, derived at statistically using Yamane (1967) formula with 95%
Confidence Levels and 5% Margin of Error. The study adopted mixed embedded research design while data were collected using structured questionnaire on Kobo Tool. Quantitative data were analyzed using correlation and regression analysis with the help of SPSS (Version 20). Thematic
model was employed in qualitative data analysis. The study findings revealed a strong positive correlation (0.697) between implementing community-based solutions and establishing trust and credibility within the community. A further moderate positive correlation (0.444) existed between
implementing community-based solutions and feedback mechanisms. However, the study showed a weak negative correlation (-0.015) between implementing community-based solutions and financial literacy programs. On the other hand, financial literacy programs demonstrated a moderate positive correlation with establishing trust and credibility (0.594) and a strong positive correlation with feedback mechanisms (0.956). Establishing trust and credibility exhibited a moderate positive correlation with feedback mechanisms (0.256). These correlations highlight the interrelatedness of various aspects of CBFO operations and engagement with the community, providing valuable insights into their dynamics and implications for financial inclusion initiatives. The findings furthermore showed that CBFOs offer a diverse range of financial services tailored to meet the specific needs of their members, including village savings and loans, business services and farming services. It was further brought to light that CBFOs offer enhanced access to financial services through awareness and providing financial education to mitigate challenges such as financial literacy and improve access to financial services. However, the mixed perception revealed in the study findings regarding the effects of CBFOs on financial inclusion is an indication
for the need of continued efforts to strengthen relations with community members and stakeholders. The study recommended that policy makers should prioritize the development of supportive policies framework with clear lines on community engagement, trust building and feedback mechanism within the CBFOs. These should include among others financial literacy programs, reducing transaction cost and promoting gender sensitive approaches to financial services provision
Seroprevalence of rift valley in humans and the associated risk factors in some selected districts of Central and Western Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science in One Health Analytical Epidemiology.Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an important viral zoonotic disease that not only affects ruminants but can cause serious morbidity and mortality in humans. In humans, symptoms range from mild flu-like to severe form such as retinal damage, meningo-encephalitis to haemorrhagic fever. From previous studies a prevalence of 9.43% of RVF antibodies was recorded in Lusaka abattoir workers close contact with cattle, while in Mazabuka district 18.63% tested were sero-positive of RVFV antibodies. However, Zambia has not recorded an outbreak of RVF for over 30 years, and as such little is known about the current sero-prevalence and risk factors associated with RVFV in human populations in the country. The aim of this study was to determine the extent of human exposure to RVFV and its associated risks in the selected districts of Zambia. In this study, 202 blood samples were collected via the cephalic vein from healthy individuals who were at high risk of exposure to RVFV in central and western parts of Zambia. The sera tested using competitive multi-species ELISA and IgM capture ELISA. This study revealed an overall seropositivity of 9.90%. The seropositivity was shared
between two occupations, i.e. 16.67% was among abattoir workers while 14.41% was among livestock farmers. All seropositive results were IgG positive and none were IgM positive. Risk that were associated with RVF seropositivity (p=<0.250) at bivariate analysis were further analysed using a forward stepwise logistic regression analysis. However, only the movements of livestock in search of pasture and water was significantly associated to RVF seropositivity. This suggests that there was silent circulation of the virus indicative of an inter-epidemic period in Zambia. Since movement of livestock in search of pasture is a major risk factor for exposure to the RVFV as was found in this study, this would put other disease free areas at risk of having the virus spreading there. Therefore, controlled animal movements can be of great help in controlling the spread of this virus. This study
recommends that public education will lead to increased understanding of RVF in Zambia thereby, achieving effective control of the disease
Exploring the nature and effects of teacher/pupil conflicts in selected secondary schools in Mazabuka district.
Get PDFThesis of Master’s of Science in Peace, Leadership and Conflict Resolution.Teacher-pupil conflict remains a subject of critical interest in education and in defining the relationship between pupils and teachers and the impact it has on the learning and academic achievements of pupils in schools. This study focused on the nature of teacher and pupil conflict and the effect it has on school wellbeing. The objectives of the study were to examine the nature of pupil-teacher conflict, investigate the effects of teacher-pupil conflicts in the selected secondary schools of Mazabuka district and establish strategies of addressing teacher-pupil conflicts in the selected secondary schools of Mazabuka district. The study used a quantitative survey by administering 80 questionnaires to 60 senior secondary school pupils and 20 teaching staff from two selected secondary schools of Mazabuka district. Findings from the study indicate that the lack of teaching and learning materials in school, failure of school administration to respond to pupils and teachers’ requests, preferential treatment of pupils by teachers and failure of teachers to control pupils with bad behaviour, characterized the nature of teacher-pupil conflict in the two schools. In terms of the effects of teacher-pupil conflict, the findings indicate that from the positive effect, teacher-pupil conflict promoted aliveness of people in school, creative thinking, ability of pupils and teachers to redefine purpose, improved decision making and released build-up emotions. On the negative effects, the study found that teacher-pupil conflict had an effect on the ability of teachers to fully commit themselves to teaching, weakened teacher and pupil relationship, increased hostility and violent behaviour among pupils and reduced interest to attend lessons among pupils. The study also found that participants preferred Problem solving among pupils, Teacher-pupil collaboration, Involvement of parents, conflict awareness programs and working with other Stakeholders were solutions to addressing teacher-pupil conflict as ways to address teacher-pupil conflict in schools. The study recommends the need for headteachers to exhibit professional leadership in managing conflict in schools, the Ministry of Education to provide workshops and seminars sensitizing teachers and pupils on ways to address teacher-pupil conflict and the Ministry of Education should collaborate with stakeholders in addressing teacher-pupil conflict in schools
Interest rate model for short-term consumer credit in Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Doctor of Philosophy in Business and Management in Finance.In a bid to change the principal design of short term consumer credit pricing to address the adverse effects of high interest rates while promoting the positive attributes that continued to drive demand, this concurrent mixed methods study weaves together a multidisciplinary theoretical Interest Rate Model which addresses the asymmetry of information problem as the major cost driver. The study focuses on establishing the suitability, acceptability and feasibility of the aforementioned theoretical model considering that previous studies have not satisfactorily addressed the high cost nature of short term consumer credit such as payday loans. Previous studies have either only highlighted the matter or proposed rigid regulatory measures which lenders and borrowers conspire to avoid, suggesting inappropriate suitability, acceptability and feasibility considerations with regards to key stakeholders. The study using the Detailed Action Research Model and a population of more than eight thousand (8000) consumers, employers and merchants as key stakeholders conducted hypothesis testing based on the suppositions developed from the personal reputation conceptual framework and short term consumer credit literature. A sample size of 367 was gotten based on a 50% response distribution. Content analysis based on meaning units from in-depth interviews were used for the qualitative part. Analysis was conducted using Google Forms Analytics, Advanced Microsoft Excel Statistics Analysis Package (AMESAP) and N vivo. The hypothesis tests amongst individual consumers was about 87.5% on the suitability centric hypothesis and 100% on both acceptability and feasibility centric hypothesis. The semantic and thematic analysis from in-depth interviews with more than 40 merchants and employers as key stakeholders indicated an average 80% suitability and acceptability, and up to 90% for feasibility. The results suggest that the theoretical model would be suitable, acceptable and feasible. Therefore, the study advances a way to address the adverse effects on society of high cost short term consumer credit such as perpetual household financial distress, poor productivity from a financially stressed workforce for employers and liquidity constraints for merchant
The low participation of girls in football in selected primary and secondary schools of Kaunda square zone in Lusaka district, Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Education in Physical Education and Sport.This research aimed to assess girls' involvement in football within selected primary and secondary schools situated in the Kaunda Square zone of Lusaka District, Zambia. Employing a qualitative approach with a descriptive research design, fifty participants were engaged, including school administrators, guidance counselors, heads of Physical Education and Sports departments, sports teachers, and pupils. Focus group discussions and interview schedules were utilized as primary research instruments. The findings revealed remarkably low participation levels of girls in football within primary and secondary schools in the Kaunda Square zone, attributed to factors such as inadequate funding, limited infrastructure, restricted access to sports facilities, negative attitudes towards girls' football, biological challenges, and entrenched gender roles. Based on these findings, the study recommended enhancements in sports infrastructure, fostering greater female participation in football, ensuring improved
access to sports facilities, and launching community-wide campaigns on gender and leadership to challenge prevailing cultural norms and stereotypes related to sports and gender. It also suggested exploring successful international models for promoting girls' football participation and adapting them to the Zambian context. Aligned with Liberal Feminism theory, the study underscores the structural and ingrained iscriminatory practices perpetuating gender disparities in sports participation. It emphasized the need for targeted interventions that challenge and reshape cultural attitudes, addressing both practical constraints and ingrained perceptions. The study highlighted the critical role of parental influence, absence of female role models, and limited facility access in shaping girls' football participation, advocating for a holistic approach involving schools, parents, communities, and sports organizations. The study contributed to a comprehensive understanding of barriers faced by girls in football, offering actionable steps for improvement and implications for policy changes and educational practices to promote gender equality in sports and narrow the gap in understanding the challenges faced by girls in football.
Keywords: Girl’s football, Girls participation, Challenges, Girls player
Application of GIS techniques in flood extent mapping and management on Matebele flood plain in Shangombo district, Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science Degree in Geoinformation Science and Earth Observations.Floods are among the world’s most devastating hazards, and their effects negatively affect ecological and socioeconomic systems. Ecologically, they affect the distribution of provisional and regulatory services. Socio-economically, loss of lives, property, and financial costs. Application of GIS and Remote Sensing techniques in flood mapping is increasingly becoming significant to establish extents and effects of floods. This study focused on establishing the spatial extents and trends in the flooding events on Matebele Plain in Shangombo District of Zambia from 2008 to 2018 using GIS techniques. Using stratified and simple random sampling, a descriptive research design was adopted to collect data through interviews with 173 respondents. Primary data was sourced using questionnaire on 160 respondents and interview guides on 13 key informants. Sentinel 1A provided Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) images in the C-band or C-SAR. Interview data were analysed thematically with simple statistics, while Satellite images were processed and analysed using ArcGIS 10.3 software and Sentinel Application Platform (SNAP). Results indicated that the maximum aerial coverage of floods was recorded in 2018, covering an area of 16,441 km2, representing 78% of the total area. A hypothetical analysis of the trends in time series using the Regression statistical analysis gave (p-0.001), with r2 of 70% indicating significant geospatial variations in the aerial coverage of floods from 2008 to 2018. A thematic analysis of the responses on the effects of floods on various land use activities gave a positive response rate of 97%. The general conclusion was that Matabele Plain experiences flooding with geospatial variations in extents. Further research to consider the impacts of floods on specific land uses is highly recommended
Analysis of instructional techniques teachers of english are using in grade seven to teach reading comprehension in selected primary schools in Monze district, Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Education in Literacy, Language and Applied LinguisticsThe study analyzed instructional techniques used by teachers in teaching reading comprehension in grade seven in selected primary schools of Monze district. The objectives of the study were: assess teachers knowledge of teaching techniques used in teaching reading comprehension, analyze instructional techniques teachers use to teach reading comprehension and to establish challenges teachers face when teaching reading comprehension. The study utilized descriptive research design within qualitative research approach. The target population of this study included all teachers of grade seven and all grade seven pupils in Monze district. 25 participants formed the sample size that was homogeneously purposively selected due to the nature of the study. Data was collected through interviews, focused group discussion and through non-participant lesson observations. Data was categorized into themes that formed the roadmap for data interpretation and discussion. To help researcher have trust in what was collected, data was verified through member checking, a technique that allowed researcher go back to participants to get the feedback ask if what researcher wrote was true. From the findings, on the first objective, it was established that teachers had knowledge on instructional techniques used in the teaching of reading comprehension. To some it implied methods, skills, ways, strategies, approaches and methods used in teaching reading comprehension. Despite the differences in explaining what instructional techniques are, most of them mentioned the correct techniques as examples. Some teachers though showed lack of knowledge as when asked they could not say anything.
With regard to instructional techniques teachers used to teach reading comprehension, many techniques were established and these included: previewing, reading aloud, silent reading, passage discussion, questioning, prediction, vocabulary analysis, storytelling and picture reading. These techniques were concurrently used with one lesson (observation made). Teachers strived to teach learners in reading comprehension but faced many challenges in their endeavors. Some of the prominent challenges included: lack of infrastructure (desks and space in classes), lack of reading materials in schools due to large class sizes, language barriers, difficult of vocabulary in books and laziness of learners. Despite these challenges teachers used other alternatives in helping learners such as catch-up activities, remedial work and giving daily home works to learners. In view of the findings, the study recommends the need to have Continuous Professional Development (CPDs) to always sensitise and update teachers in schools to enable them apply reading comprehension techniques effectively. There is need to improve school infrastructure and provision of adequate reading materials in schools to enhance improvements in reading comprehension among learners