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Capital structures, and savings and credit cooperative organizations - developing a growth model for Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Doctor of Philosophy in Business and Management.Globally, countries are paying attention to the potential of Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) as one form of enterprise with a meaningful impact on the economic empowerment of their citizens. Despite SACCOs recording growth in various countries, the growth of SACCOs in Zambia driven by Capital Structure (CS) remains largely under-researched. The main objective of this study was to develop a SACCO Growth Model underpinned by CS. The study area was Lusaka Province. Data were collected from the target population of 59 active SACCOs that had audited financial statements for the period 2017 - 2021. The study was a mixed method, and adopted a multi-paradigmatic position. Epistemologically, the research was objectivist and positivist in paradigm. Ontologically, the study adopted a realist and parmenidean approach. Structured interviews and questionnaire surveys were used to collect data. Qualitative textual data was analysed manually using hierarchical coding frames. Statistical Package
for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 26 was used to analyse Quantitative panel data. The results under objective one established growth patterns of increases in capital reserves by 54.5 percent, assets increased by 25.0 percent, membership increased by 149.5 percent; number of employees increased by 31.3 percent; member savings increased by 63.7 percent; retained earnings increased by 33 percent; equity financing increased by 5.0
percent; employee competency increased by 61.9 percent, and 50.0 percent of SACCOs reported increase in dividends. Under objective two, key determinants of SACCOs’ CS at 97.6 percent was through savings, while 78.6 percent attribute profitability as a key determinant. The impact of CS on SACCO growth under Objective 3 revealed that for every 1 percent increase in savings, share capital, and retained earnings, the growth index
increases by 0.17/100, 0.09/100, and 0.00/100, respectively, statistically significant (p value <0.05). A computerized SACCO growth model was developed under objective 4, which revealed that CS was a strong contributor to SACCO growth. The model was validated for usefulness and functionality with select 9 SACCOs. Seamlessly combining results from both methods in building a model was a challenge. The study recommended
inclusion of CSs in SACCOs’ bye-laws, revision of the Cooperative Act of 1998 to prescribe how capital structure should be raised, and a further study on optimal CS mix for SACCOs growth
A framework for addressing security vulnerabilities experienced by registered mobile money clients in Lusaka, Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Business Administration General.The rapid expansion of mobile money services has transformed financial transactions across developing economies, providing convenient access to banking for unbanked populations. However, this growth has also introduced significant security vulnerabilities, raising concerns over data privacy, fraud, and system vulnerabilities. This study investigates prevalent security vulnerabilities associated with mobile money transactions, analysing common threats, and potential mitigation strategies. Using a survey research methodology, the research conducted a review of security incidents of mobile money users, complemented by a quantitative analysis of user behaviour response to security vulnerabilities. A sample of 380 registered mobile money users from Lusaka, Zambia, who were conveniently chosen using the Slovins formula, participated in the study. (Raphael. G, 2016) Mobile Money Transaction Variables Relationship Framework served as the foundation for the study. The Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) was used to analyse the data. Pearson correlation tests with a p-value of < 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. The results showed that there is a significant compromise in the security of mobile money transactions due to the following vulnerabilities: Smishing, Stolen/Lost Mobile Phone, and Agent Driven Fraud, with t values of .011, .005, and .000, respectively. A significant positive relationship between mobile money security vulnerabilities and transactions was indicated by an aggregate coefficient correlation of .430. As a contributing element to safe mobile money
practices, the study also found considerable gaps in user awareness, underscoring the need for service providers to improve user education and strengthen security measures. This dissertation aims to contribute to mobile money security by proposing a framework that integrates solutions to
improve user safety in mobile money transactions. The research concludes that addressing these security issues is essential for ensuring trust and long-term sustainability in the mobile money ecosystems, contributing to policy recommendations for regulators and practical guidance for service providers
Food safety knowledge, attitude and practices of small-scale broiler chicken farmers in Lusaka province-a cross-sectional study.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science in One Health Food Safety.The poultry industry in Zambia is a critical sector for the national economy. Over the last two decades, the country has experienced rapid growth in poultry production with a large share being contributed by small-scale urban producers. Among the major concerns that are related to this development are health issues threatening the consumers of the broiler meat, issues such as Campylobacter spp, Salmonella spp and E. coli spp related food poisoning as a result of poor hygiene during the processing of broiler meat. This study’s objectives were to assess small-scale broiler farmers’ level of food safety knowledge, determine their attitude towards food safety and establish the practices concerning good hygiene during the processing and handling of the broiler carcasses. The study was a cross-sectional study comprising of 146 small-scale broiler farmers in Lusaka
Province. Data concerning their food safety knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) as well as their demographic characteristics such as age, gender, level of education and length of doing business in broiler production were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Respondents who scored ≥60% of the maximum possible score were categorized as having good knowledge, a positive attitude and good practices. The respondents generally had good food safety knowledge (66.4%), positive attitudes toward food safety (97.9%), and good practices (78.8%) with mean scores of 23 out of 36 (±9), 11 out of 12 (±1.2),16 out of 22 (±3) respectively. Further, the Pearson chi square test of association revealed that the knowledge levels were significantly associated with age, education, gender and length of doing business (p<0.05). Food safety practices were significantly associated with
gender and length of doing business(p<0.05).Following a binary logistics regression, predictors of good knowledge were: respondents between 36-45 years old (OR=7.34,95%CI:1.40- 38.42),respondents above 40 years old(OR=8.44,95% CI:1.39-51.20),Secondary school education (OR=0.10,95%CI:0.03-0.33), Tertiary education (OR=0.16,95% CI: 0.06-0.417),5- 10 years in broiler chicken production business (OR=0.32,95% CI:0.10-0.96) and being female(OR=0.26,95% CI:0.10-0.65).The predictors of good practices were: Secondary school education (OR=0.21,95% CI:0.07-0.66) Study findings suggest the need for food safety education on safe poultry meat handling and hygiene among small-scale broiler farmers. This will ensure that the poultry meat produced from these farms is safe for consumption
Development towards a cloud-based failover architecture to support Zambia Revenue Authority’s domestic tax systems.
Get PDFThesis of Masters in Computer Science.The Zambia Revenue Authority is Zambia’s tax collection agency. It runs multiple web-based applications to support its revenue collection mandate. Unfortunately, as is currently structured, most of these applications are entirely supported by localized physical resources and heavily rely on manual intervention from system administrators to maintain system uptime. The research provides a comprehensive overview of transitioning Zambia Revenue Authority’s domestic tax systems to a cloud-based failover architecture. It addresses existing challenges such as manual disaster recovery, human intervention-dependent system failures recovery, and inadequate logging, which lead to prolonged downtimes, data loss, and diminished taxpayer confidence. The study aims to introduce a hybrid cloud web application architecture, emphasizing the elimination of application downtime and ensuring the security of taxpayer data. Cloud-based warm standby failover architectures offer high uptime and data integrity, with servers hosted online to maintain uninterrupted business operations. The research objectives include creating a warm backup server on Amazon Web Services (AWS) private cloud servers, implementing data encryption policies, and evaluating their impact on tax application uptime and recovery metrics. The significance of this research lies in enhancing system resilience, scalability, cost-efficiency, security, and accessibility, providing benefits such as continuity, cost savings, security enhancements, and technological advancements. The methodology involved development of a failover testing prototype, study of existing case studies, quantitative and qualitative analysis through surveys and interviews with experts, historical analysis to identify system inefficiencies, determine efficient failover architecture, and gather relevant literature for a secure hybrid cloud approach. The prototype test environment was successfully set up, with tests conducted requiring scaling to mirror the ZRA production environment. Additionally, tasks including data encryption and security checks on application databases were implemented. The prototype results indicated a substantial reduction over recovery time of system after failure and reduced need for manual intervention. These results coupled with the theoretical and analytical aspects of the methodology helped support the hypothesis that the advantages of a cloud-based failover system outweigh potential challenges like data security, sovereignty concerns, cost management, integration complexity, legal compliance, and cybersecurity threats.
Key Words/Phrases: 1. Cloud-based failover architecture 2. Taxation systems 3. Data security and privacy 4. Hybrid cloud architecture 5. Resilience and continuit
Development of an early warning system for predicting rock bursts and rock induced displacements in seismically active mining blocks at Mufulira underground mine (deeps section).
Get PDFThesis for a Master of Engineering in Rock MechanicsMufulira Mine has been in operation since 1933. The Mine is situated on the Copperbelt region of Zambia. It is predominantly rich in copper mineralization. Due to increase in mine depth which currently stands at 1,557 m, the mine has been experiencing geomechanical challenges such as rock failures due to excessive stress changes around some mining blocks. This has necessitated changes in mining sequences to suit the present geomechanical conditions such as development of de-stressing cross-cuts between 62 and 64 blocks. Additionally, blocks have
been subjected to shotcrete support method to prevent possible rockbursts/rock falls which can endanger safety of men working in these areas. This study applied laboratory geotechnical investigations for intact rock mass to determine unconfined compressive strength (UCS), secant and tangent Young’s Modulus (E Sec and E Tan), and secant and tangent Poisson's Ratio (ν Sec and ν Tan), Brazilian and Triaxial Compressive Strength tests as well as geological field mapping methods to understand the Geomechanics mechanisms controlling rock burst prone mining blocks at Mufulira mine. Laboratory findings indicated high values of Brazilian (Tensile strength) ranging from 7 MPa to 12.1 MPa, Uniaxial Compressive Strength (UCS) ranging from 126 MPa to 226 MPa and Triaxial Compressive Strength ranging from 124 MPa to 466 MPa were obtained. Damage mapping conducted in the footwall drives, cross-cuts and mining drives excavations indicate that there is a changing stress as one moves away from the retreating stope face to the east. An early warning monitoring system at Mufulira mine has been developed through
modification of the existing micro-seismic monitoring system to allow the quantification of exposure to seismicity and provide a logistical tool to guide the effort into the prevention and
control of, and alerts to, potential rock mass instabilities that could result in rock bursts. Two geophones have been interconnected in series and connected to the network system via the
optical fibre junction box within the seismically active mining blocks to enhance accuracy in picking up rockbursts and rockfalls. Geomechanics properties of rocks determined in the laboratory experiments, geotechnical and geological mapping results were used to suitably place the geophones in suitable proximities within the seismically affected mining blocks. This modified micro-seismic monitoring system is susceptible to change if mining locations change due to changes in geotechnical and geological parameters such as rock types, jointing and fracturing
Geochemical assessment of an old uchi tailing dump in Kitwe, Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science Degree in Integrated Water Resources ManagementThis study investigates the characteristics of soil from an old Uchi Tailing Dump in Kitwe, Zambia, through field sampling and analysis. Soil samples were systematically collected using a grid
sampling techniques to inform future environmentally responsible restoration strategies. Particle size distribution was assessed through sieve analysis while X-ray diffraction (XRD) provided
insights into the soil's crystalline structure. Results from these techniques, along with elemental quantification using flame atomic absorption spectrometry, revealed a hierarchy of element
concentrations in the Uchi Tailing Dump samples: Fe>Cu>Ca>Mn>Co>Zn, with pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5. Notably, copper (0.56%) and cobalt (0.15%) levels were particularly high. Cuprite was
identified as a significant source of copper while iron oxide contributed to elevated iron levels. XRD analysis highlighted quartz, kaolinite and dolomite as the predominant phases, with montmorillonite aiding in pH stability. The study also attributed high calcium content to calcite. Spatial distribution analysis revealed distinct patterns, with elevated copper in the northwest and
increased cobalt in the northeast. Both topsoil and subsurface samples exhibited contamination, likely due to anthropogenic influences. The soil was predominantly fine sand (86% sand, 13% clay and 1.4% silt) with a gap-graded particle size distribution. The simulation results from PHREEQC revealed distinct saturation levels for various mineral phases within the tailings, with cupric ferrite (CuFe2O4) at 10.72, cuprite (Cu2O) at 3.08, zincate (ZnSO4: H2O) at -9.54, gypsum (CaSO4: 2H2O) at -4.85 and hematite (Fe2O3) at 13.10. The Geo-Accumulation Index (Igeo) confirmed contamination, particularly in copper (Igeo=5), cobalt (Igeo=2.5), iron (Igeo=0.5) and zinc (Igeo<0). Dust emissions, acid mine drainage, soil degradation and a reduction in biodiversity in
the Uchi Stream are significant hazards associated with the Uchi Tailing Dump. In summary, the study underscores the significant pollution and environmental risks associated with the Uchi
Tailing Dump, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring and remediation efforts to protect the ecosystem and community health in the area. In conclusion, this study highlights significant
pollution and environmental risks at the Uchi Tailing Dump, emphasizing the necessity for continued monitoring and remediation efforts to safeguard the ecosystem and community health
in the area
Detection of extended spectrum beta lactamase producing enterobacterales from diseased chickens and estimation of antimicrobial usage from antibiotics importation and sales data in Lusaka district, Zambia.
No full textThesis of Master of Science in Veterinary Public Health.Poultry products in Zambia form an integral part of the human diet in many households, as they are more affordable and easier to produce as compared to other sources of animal protein. However, the burden of poultry diseases has remained a major challenge, hindering the growing consumer demand for poultry products in Zambia. This has resulted in non-prudent antimicrobial use on farms, with the intent to prevent and treat poultry diseases for growth optimization and maximising profits. This study aimed to identify the different types of extended-spectrum -lactamase (ESBL) producing Gram negative bacteria (GNB) causing diseases in chickens in Lusaka and to asses possible association between antibiotic resistance
and antibiotic consumption. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Lusaka, which involved the collection of samples from diseased chickens at three different post-mortem facilities. Importation data was gathered from antimicrobial usage (AMU) data collection report from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (MOFL) whilst sales data was collected from the largest outlet of veterinary pharmaceutical products in Zambia. A total of 215 samples were collected and screened for GNB. Of these samples, 103 tested positive for various clinically relevant Enterobacterales, including Enterobacter (43/103, 41.7%), Escherichia coli (20/103, 19.4%), Salmonella (10/103, 9.7%), and Shigella (8/103, 7.8%). Other isolated bacteria included Yersinia, Morganella, Proteus, and Klebsiella, which accounted for 21.4%. Only E. coli, Enterobacter, Salmonella, and Shigella were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion due to their public health significance. The AST results revealed that E. coli, Enterobacter and shigella were highly resistant to tetracycline, ampicillin, amoxicillin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, while Salmonella showed complete susceptibility to all tested antibiotics. The observed resistance patterns correlated with antimicrobial usage estimated from the importation and sales data. The broth microdilution test was used to quantify for cefotaxime resistance. Results from this test showed that only fourteen (14/103, 13.5%) were resistant to cefotaxime. Eight of the fourteen isolates were Enterobacter whilst the remaining six were E. coli. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was then used to screen for the genes blaCTX-M, blaTEM, blaOXA and blaSHV. All Six (6/14, 42.9%) of the E. coli isolates carried the gene blaCTX-M whilst only four carried the gene blaTEM. On the other hand, all eight (8/14, 57.1%) of the Enterobacter isolates carried the gene blaTEM whilst only four of the isolates harboured the gene blaCTX-M. Sanger sequencing of the PCR products revealed that five (5/6,83.3%) of E. coli isolates carried the blaCTX-M-15 allele. These results suggest the presence of pathogenic ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in poultry, threatening public health
The effect of the working environment on employee’s work performance : a case study of airtel Zambia plc.
Get PDFTheses of Master’s in Business AdministrationThis research explores the relationship between the working environment and employee work performance at Airtel Zambia Plc in Lusaka. Following a correlational design, the study aims to provide insights into how the working environment influences employee performance. The target population consists of 319 employees at the company's head office in Lusaka, representing a diverse workforce in terms of roles and responsibilities. Through participant targeting parameters, 150 participants were selected to ensure valid and reliable results. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire uploaded on the Open Data Kit (ODK), facilitating efficient data collection and monitoring by the principal investigator. Secondary data sources, including books, journals, and official prints, supplemented primary data gathered through structured questionnaires and expert interviews. Data analysis was conducted using STATA and Excel, allowing for descriptive statistics and graphical presentations. The findings reveal a predominantly positive outlook on performance among respondents, with a significant proportion achieving excellence and a minority expressing average perceptions. These findings underscore the importance of addressing physical and psychosocial aspects of the working environment to optimize task performance and enhance overall employee well-being and productivity. The study contributes to understanding the significance of the working environment in fostering employee performance and organizational success. In conclusion, the findings of this study highlight the critical role of the working environment in shaping employee performance and overall organizational success. Addressing psychosocial & physical aspects is imperative to optimize task performance and enhance employee well-being. Moreover, effective organizational policies, communication, and leadership behavior are crucial in fostering a positive work environment conducive to high performance. Organizations must prioritize these factors to create an environment where employees can thrive and contribute effectively to achieving organizational goals
Investigating the role of selected organisations and government institutions in promoting the welfare of older persons in Lusaka-district, Zambia.
Get PDFTheis of Master of Education Degree in Civic Education.The older persons population remains a vulnerable group that deserves special protection. Due to lack of care and support they continue to face different forms of abuse. If issues relating to abuse of older persons are not addressed adequately, the older persons will remain a neglected group.
However, the primary concern is whether the welfare of older persons is recognised, promoted, and respected. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of SCAZ, RWBZ, HRC and MCDSS in promoting the welfare of older persons in Lusaka District, Zambia. Therefore, this study investigated the contributions of the Senior Citizens Association of Zambia (SCAZ), Retirees Welfare Bureau of Zambia (RWBZ), Human Rights Commission (HRC) and Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS) in advocating for the welfare of older persons; establish how the Senior Citizens Association of Zambia (SCAZ), Retirees Welfare Bureau of Zambia (RWBZ), Human Rights Commission (HRC) and Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS) in providing legal protection for older persons and identify the livelihood skills promoted to the older persons by Senior Citizens Association of Zambia (SCAZ), Retirees Welfare Bureau of Zambia (RWBZ), Human Rights Commission (HRC)
and Ministry of Community Development and Social Service (MCDSS). The researcher used case study design. A total of 21 older persons were selected through key informant recruitment from the Matero after care centre in Lusaka District. Further, 15 key informants from SCAZ, RWBZ, HRC and MCDSSS were purposively selected for the research. Data was collected using the semi-structured interview guide from 21 older persons and key
informant interview schedules from 15 key informants 2 from Senior Citizens Association of Zambia, 5 Retirees Welfare Bureau of Zambia, 2 from Human Rights Commission of Zambia and 2 from Ministry of Community Development and Social Services. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that SCAZ, RWBZ, HRC and MCDSS reached out to older persons but did not offer legal protection services and had no plan of events. Findings also show the two organisations and two institutions provided livelihood skills to the older person. Further findings revealed that most of the older persons did not know their rights and how to claim them. The study concluded that for SCAZ, RWBZ, HRC and MCDSS to fully represent the older persons, they needed to have legal representation of older persons and use varying advocacy strategies
Status of the Zambian tourism industry in a post COVID-19 era : a case of Livingstone district in Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Masters of Science in Environmental and Natural Resource Management.In early 2020, the world faced an unprecedented moment when the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, as a global pandemic. This had a devastating impact on the tourism industry worldwide, including Zambia's Livingstone district. This study investigated the current state of the tourism industry in Livingstone during the post-COVID era. The study utilized a case study design employing a mixed-methods approach, with a predominant focus on qualitative methods. Secondary data was analysed using basic quantitative techniques, primarily percentages, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The research revealed that tourism enterprises employed various crucial tactics to adapt to the challenges, including collaboration through partnerships, targeted promotions for the domestic market, digital marketing, service diversification, cost optimization, and prioritizing health and safety protocols. However, the implementation of these strategies varied depending on factors such as company size and resource availability. In conclusion, despite facing severe challenges, tourism products demonstrated commendable adaptability by employing different survival tactics. Nevertheless, there is still much work to be done to ensure the future resilience of the sector. Based on the findings, key recommendations were made to both tourism products and the government, including fostering collaborative networks, targeted capacity building, implementing government support mechanisms, crisis preparedness planning, workforce development, continuous consumer monitoring, promoting domestic tourism, adopting sustainable community-based tourism models, and enhancing multi-stakeholder coordination. Implementing these strategies could strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the tourism industry, encourage local engagement, and ensure preparedness for future challenges