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The viability of re-inventing Kalingalinga township into an environmentally-friendly space.
Get PDFMaster of Science in Environmental and Natural Resource Management.Cities worldwide are increasingly becoming vulnerable to hazards such as floods due to climate change. This study therefore sought to investigate the viability of re-inventing Kalingalinga into an environmentally-friendly township in relation to the identified climate variables of Sustainable Waste Management, green spaces and road transportation / infrastructure. The study adopted a mixed method sequential embedded design approach and conducted a cross sectional survey among eight key informants, 100 household owners and 50 commercial premise owners. Data collected through semi structured interviews was
analyzed using thematic analysis while quantitative data from the Checklist were analyzed using a one sample T-Test. The study found that there are some low level sustainable waste management practices within the township, such as; 1) The existence of a recycling system though not formally structured as and this was evident through the presence of informal waste pickers.2) The households and commercial premises were engaged in some recycling and re-use practices, through the use of containers for storage purposes and the re-use of bottles for various forms of containment. However it was established that there were also
some barriers to waste reduction by both the households and commercial premise owners, expressed as lack of knowledge on waste reduction practices. The viability of establishing green spaces was also apparent and this was expressed through the recognized benefits of green spaces as well as the willingness of the households and business premises to create green spaces, through apportioning some space for tree planting and maintaining some vegetation within their respective premises thus culminating into a large expanse of space covered by greening within the Township. The study also established that Kalingalinga
Township ranked very low as an environmentally friendly space with regards to the investigated variables, however the viability of re-inventing it to be climate friendly is apparent through the inclusion and enforcement of climate friendly features in various development plans and programs by the planning authorities. The study was limited to a township within the city which provides an opportunity for further research at citywide level and also to investigate other components of climate factors such as energy and building infrastructure as this study only investigated three variables pertaining to waste management, green spaces and road transportation and infrastructure
An assessment of grade 5 learners’ reading fluency in english at a selected primary school in Serenje district.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Education In Literacy, Language and Applied Linguistics.Studies have been conducted to assess literacy abilities of learners in Zambia. However, these studies have been surveys which have reported data on a large scale. As a point of departure, this study sought to assess the reading fluency of learners of a particular primary school in Serenje District since it was not known how fluent learners of a selected primary school were in reading and what contextual factors contributed to the reading fluency of the learners. The study aimed at assessing grade 5 learners’ reading fluency in English. Specifically, the objectives were: first, to assess grade 5 learners’ reading fluency in English at a selected primary school in Serenje District. Second, to establish grades 5 teachers’ perspectives on learners reading fluency in English. Third, to explore factors affecting grade 5 learners’ acquisition of reading fluency in English. The study employed a concurrent mixed methods design in which both qualitative and quantitative approaches were integrated. In total, the study had 50 Grade 5 pupils (21 females and 29 males), 2 Grade 5 class teachers and 2 senior teachers for upper primary section at a selected school in Serenje District. The selected primary school was randomly sampled from the top five ranked schools in Ibolelo Zone of Serenje district. In this study, the researcher involved Grade 5 class teachers and senior teachers in upper primary in one-to-one interviews using semi-structured interview guides. Grade 5 pupils’ reading fluency was assessed using a standardised reading fluency Words Correct Per Minute (WCPM) assessment using a cold read or an unpractised passage. The teachers and pupils were purposively sampled. The main findings of the study with respect to objective number 1, revealed that about 62 percent of grade 5 learners at the selected primary school were reading at frustration level
in English. Additionally, the average Words Per Minute (WPM) was at 44, the average Words Correct Per Minute (WCPM) was at 38, the average prosody score was 7 out of 16 points, average written comprehension score of 1 out of 5 marks. Regarding objective number 2, the findings of the study noted that respondents explained that learners reading fluency was average to below average and they found prosody and comprehension to be the most problematic areas. With respect to objective number 3, the study highlighted the following factors that positively affected grade 5 learners’ acquisition of reading fluency in English: Practice, materials, differentiation, teacher, oral English, teacher-pupil rapport and methodology factors. Additionally, the study noted the following factors that negatively affected grade 5 learners’ acquisition of reading fluency in English: Time, background, material/resource, environmental, teacher, pupil, transition, parental and policy. The key conclusions of the study were that the dismal performance of grade 5 learners in reading fluency in English could be explained by an interplay of positive and negative factors. This was compounded by pedagogical-content knowledge deficit among teachers and negative attitude on the part of some teachers, learners and parents. The study recommends that the Ministry of Education should consider explicitly infusing reading fluency content in the Teacher Education curriculum for pre-service teachers as well as introduce a daily 1 hour of reading in English for learners from Grade 1 -7. Key words: Reading fluency, Words Correct Per Minute, prosody, frustration level
Teachers’ familiarity with the official language of instruction in selected urban government primary schools in Solwezi district of Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Education in Literacy, Language and Applied Linguistics.The study assessed class teachers’ familiarity with the official language of instruction in selected urban government primary schools of Solwezi District of Zambia. The objectives of the study were to determine class teachers’ familiarity with the official language of instruction; establish the effects of teachers’ familiarity with the official language of instruction on literacy achievement among urban Grade 3 learners; and ascertain the language instructional strategies teachers who are non speakers of the language of instruction used to teach in class. The study was guided
by The Mother Tongue Instruction Theory, and employed a mixed methods design which sought both quantitative and descriptive data. Data were collected through interview, lesson observation and fluency test. The study established that teachers who were non-speakers were unfamiliar with the language of classroom instruction, kiikaonde. The teachers’ oral fluency, reading fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, linguistic performance and articulation was generally poor. The study further established that the teachers’ unfamiliarity with the official language of instruction impended teaching, learning and learners’ understanding in those classrooms. The learners misunderstood the concepts, it was time consuming, teachers could not deliver lessons very well because of language barrier and learners did not get the best from the teachers resulting in under performance among teachers and learners. The study also established that the unfamiliar teachers with the language of instruction used variety coping language strategies in the classrooms such as translation, code-switch, group work, individual work and question and answer. The study recommends teachers should be capacity built in familiar language through training in colleges and CPD in schools. The teachers who are unfamiliar with the
official familiar language of classroom instruction should not be allocated to teach lower primary classes before they learn the familiar language of instruction by MOE authorities; the use of variety coping strategies should be encouraged
Analysis of techniques teachers are using to teach grammar in grade seven (7) in selected primary schools in Kazungula district of Southern province, Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Education – Literacy, Language and Applied Linguistics.Kazungula District is one of the rural districts in Southern Province. It is one of the poor performing districts in terms of grade 7 national results in English Language. The purpose of this study was to analyse the techniques teachers are using to teach English grammar in grade seven (7) in selected primary schools in Kazungula District in order to improve learner performance in these schools. The objectives of the study were: to determine the teachers‟ understanding of the concept of grammar, analyze the techniques teachers are using to teach English grammar and to establish the challenges teachers are facing in teaching English grammar.The study was qualitative in nature. The interviews, focus group discussions, and lesson observations were used to collect data which was later analyzed thematically. Data were collected from the five primary schools where grade 7 teachers provided information through lesson observations and through the focus group discussions. It used descriptive design and there were 16 participants.The following were the main findings: Teachers used explicit teaching as well as group work. The notable challenges to teaching grammar were: lack of teaching materials, absenteeism, lack of adequate grammar knowledge by teachers, the language policy in which language of instruction was the local language from grade1 to grade 4. The language policy was perceived to retard the acquisition of spoken language during their lower grades as teachers used the local language in the teaching of other subjects. In view of the
finding the following recommendations were made: The Ministry of Education to strengthen Continuing Professional Development in schools and in zone levels .The Ministry of Education to provide text books for use in schools.
Key words: Grammar teaching, Techniques, concept of grammar, themes
Exploring teachers' and learners’ experiences in the use of chinyanja as medium of instruction in selected primary schools in Chipata district, Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Education in Literacy and Applied Linguistics.The purpose of this study was to explore the teachers’ and learners’ experiences in the use of Chinyanja as a medium of instruction in selected schools in Chipata district. Chinyanja is used as the primary language of teaching in pre-kindergarten through grades one to four in Zambia's Eastern Province. The study was guided by the following objectives; determine teachers' preparedness (readiness) to teach using Chinyanja as a medium of instruction in Grade four (4), describe teachers’ and learners’ experiences in the use of Chinyanja as a medium of instruction, and finally to establish the challenges that teachers’ and learners’ experience in the use of Chinyanja as a medium of instruction in selected primary schools in Chipata district. The study used a descriptive study design. Interview guides, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and lesson observations were used as data collection tools. The participants comprised 20 learners, 12 teachers, and 1 Senior Education Standard Officer (SESO) in charge of Languages giving a total sample size of n=33. Data was analyzed using Thematic Analysis in which themes were generated. The main findings of the study unveiled varying degrees of preparedness by primary teachers to teach using Chinyanja but agreed that using Chinyanja as a medium of instruction for learners was appropriate even though some of them felt it would be better for literacy and not other subjects. Due to their origins outside Eastern Province, some teachers who were not fluent in Chinynja stated that they were unwilling to use the language as a teaching tool. However, it was established that teachers had a high level of proficiency and competency in using Chinyanja as a medium of instruction. Finally, the study showed that a variety of factors, including inadequate teaching materials, inappropriate teaching and learning resources, lesson
planning in English and teaching in Chinyanja, unfavorable attitudes on the part of some teachers, a lack of proficiency in Chinyanja on the part of some teachers, and a lack of teacher involvement in the development of the language in education policy, had an impact on the use of Chinyanja as a medium of instruction. Therefore, it was recommended that the Ministry of Education should thoroughly train all primary school teachers, University/Colleges of Education lecturers, and Education Standards Officers on the significance of using Chinyanja as the medium of instruction in Eastern Province as it enhances children's learning. Continuing Professional Development (CPDs) was also seen to be an effective method to train teachers on the new deployments in the teaching fraternity
Understanding the diffusion of weather index insurance among smallholder farmers in Zambia: case of four (4) selected districts.
Get PDFThesis of Doctor of Philosophy in Business and Management.Understanding the reasons why smallholder farmers do not use financial instruments to protect themselves against losses brought on by climate change concerns is currently a subject of rising relevance. Getting to the bottom of the underlying issues contributing to this status is important for future designs of financial innovations like a weather index insurance (WII) that can help farmers hedge their losses. Therefore, this study considered testing the 5 technology characteristics that Rodgers identified for uptake to take place. These include trialability, complexity, compatibility, relative advantage, and observability, covering a period from 2016 to 2020. The study used a concurrent mixed methods approach to ensure both quantitative and qualitative aspects of the study were considered, given the complexity of the inquiry. The study used purposive sampling to select 4 districts in Zambia: Choma, Petauke, Chongwe, and Mumbwa using the standard sample size table provided by Sekeran (2003), which provided for a sample size of 1024 at a concentration of 0.05 with an accuracy level of 95% confidence. The farmers were interviewed using structured questionnaires. To determine factors associated with WII the adjusted binary logistic regression model was used at 95% confidence level and thematic analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. Further, an IBM statistical analysis in social science (SPSS) was used to analyze quantitative data. From the study 50.82% of the farmer’s said WII is not consistent with its modalities, compatibility, and information with the p-value of 0.001, which was significant, and further, 40.8% of the farmers indicated the importance of bundling the services to have relative
advantages of the product with a p-value of 0.001. 47.87% of farmers indicated they were not satisfied with the payout system, with a p-value of 0.001, which was significant as an important enabler in the uptake of WII. Easiness of utilization indicated a p-value of 0.001, which was significant. Farmer cooperatives indicated a p-value of 0.001, which had significant influence as an appropriate distribution model through which the farmers got information, premiums, payouts, and aggregation. In conclusion, from the first technology characteristic called trialability, it is important to highlight the fact that smallholder farmers have been experiencing various challenges in the diffusion of WII since its inception. Since such challenges are various, they are responsible for the broad or multifaceted nature of the problem of diffusion of WII. This included among other issues related to awareness and promotions, trust, affordability, and access. Further, the theory can extend its views by considering the functionality of the market. The government, policy makers, business community, agricultural industry, and smallholder farmers will all benefit from the study. The recommended model will be key in facilitating the uptake and scale up of WII among the Smallholder farmers
Exploring teachers and learners’ experiences with inclusive methodologies for learners with disabilities: a study at two selected primary schools in Isoka district, Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Masters of Education in Special Education.The study sought to explore inclusive methodologies for learners with different learning disabilities at two selected primary schools in Isoka district of Muchinga province of Zambia. The study adopted an exploratory phenomenological research design and it employed qualitative approach to collect data. A sample size comprised of 8 teachers and their learners in their irrespective classrooms were used. The participants were all selected through homogeneous sampling. The following instruments were used in data collection: interview guide, observation checklist and document analysis. Data collected was analysed using thematic analysis. This involved coding of data to generate the emerging themes. The major findings of the study revealed that some teachers used ordinary teaching methods such as teacher exposition, whole class discussion, question and answer methods in their classroom. It was also discovered that some teachers used playing with the basket methods and songs. In addition, fast learners were dominating slow learners. The findings further revealed that there was inadequate time to attend to diverse needs of learners and lack of teaching and learning materials to use in inclusive classrooms. There was also shortage of desks forcing learners to sit on the floor during learning hours. Little or no parental involvement in the education of learners was observed and very few teachers were trained in special education. In light of these
findings, the study recommended that inclusive schools be provided with adequate teaching and learning materials; teachers should be trained on how to use inclusive methods during their teaching training so as to cater for various needs of learners with disabilities
Developing a marketing strategy model to enhance performance of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Doctor of Philosophy in Business and ManagementThe purpose of this study was to develop a marketing strategy model that could enhance performance in particular the sales growth of MSMEs in Zambia. The study was conducted out of the need to understand the role played by the marketing strategies on performance of MSMEs in Zambia taking into account that most MSMEs fail to survive and grow few years after their establishment. The objective was to present the results of a rigorous assessment of marketing strategies applied by the MSMEs and their influence on performance. From the research results, a marketing strategy model was to be developed. The study was guided by the bounded rationality theory and anchored in the positivist paradigm embracing the logic of induction and deduction. Two measures (a) marketing strategies and (b) sales growth were the main variables. The target population was 335 MSMEs from both Lusaka and Copperbelt province. Since each province had an association of registered members, the register for each province was used as a sampling frame. Data was collected using a descriptive research survey. The instrument used in this study was a structured questionnaire that was designed by the researcher. Yamane Taro’s sampling formula was used to determine the required sample. 177 respondents were enlisted in this study. Data was analysed using the SPSS statistical program, version 28 (SPSS Inc.). Ordinal logistic regression was performed to determine the influence of marketing strategies on sales growth. The key and major findings of study revealed that out of 14 marketing strategies that were assessed, only 5 were dominant in terms of use and these are; Whatsap ranked number 1, Facebook ranked number 2, Radio ranked number 3, Newspaper ranked number 4 and Face to Face (word of mouth, door to door) ranked number 5. Out of the 5 marketing strategies that were in use, 4 had significant high influence on sales growth and these are; Radio (Wald χ2(1) = 25.606, p = 0.001), WhatsApp (Wald χ2(1) =12.480, p = 0.001), Facebook (Wald χ2(1) =5.702, p = 0.017) and Newspaper (Wald χ2(1) =9.510, p = 0.001). The use of these four marketing strategies appear to be essential for increasing sales growth of the MSMEs. The study concludes that marketing strategies provide additional competitive edge to MSMEs by consistently enhancing sales growth. Therefore, MSMEs should pursue the consistent adoption of marketing strategies as a way of improving their performance in particular the sales growth. Further, the study revealed that the choice of marketing strategies that MSMEs applied was influenced by the MSME owner- managers’ cognitive capability, environment and availability of resources. The study recommends that the MSME Associations should disseminate information to members to appreciate and adopt marketing strategies to ehance their performance. The associations should also engage Government institutions such as the Ministry of Small Medium Enterprise and Development, Zambia Development Agency and Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission to regularly conduct training to their members on marketing strategies
Development of a sustainable cattle farming business model for small scale cattle farmers: the case of Namwala district of Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Doctor of Philosophy in Business and Management.The transformation of the livestock sector from non-functional to functional has had numerous systemic hurdles due to the different interactions of systems at play. This research study's primary objective was to develop a dynamic and sustainable cattle farming business model for traditional
cattle farmers in the Namwala District of Zambia to ensure cattle business growth, profitability and sustainability. This research study used a mixed method approach, which employed both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. This research study used descriptive and causal research designs. Quantitative data was collected from 405 cattle farmers in Namwala District using a structured questionnaire. A further 12 focus group discussions and 405 individual interviews, using an interview guide, were used to collect qualitative data. Multiple linear and logistic regression analyses were used to establish causality among variables. Results revealed that the traditional cattle business is characterised by family operation, open communal grazing for cattle, and a lack of cattle market associations. The majority of the farmers do not achieve formal revenue from the by-products, and farmers have no insurance cover for their cattle. Supplementary feeding, access to extension services, regular dipping of animals, adequacy of water, regular vaccination, access to open communal land, secondary education, land adequacy, and traditional ceremony (Shimunenga and Shikaumpa), were statistically significant in affecting cattle herd size. This research study found that milk selling, selling cattle to processors, business attractiveness, selling calves and steers, price and the number of cattle sold are statistically significant in affecting the profitability of the cattle business. Further, this research study found that supplementary feeding, attractiveness of the cattle business, access to extension services, regular dipping of animals, adequacy of water, regular vaccination, profitability of business, savings and insurance, and access to open communal land, have significant impact on cattle business sustainability. Furthermore, this research study developed a dynamic cattle business model for sustainability and a framework for implementation. The research study recommends that the government and private sector business enterprises, through a private-public partnership (PPP), develop a meat and dairy market enterprise that will stimulate and support smallholder farmers to improve their investment within the livestock value chain. The initiative aims to increase livestock income for smallholder farmers, provide a reliable market for their livestock, and enhance their livelihoods and business enterprises. The government and private sector should embark on the intensive promotion and branding of traditional cattle farmers and their products to attract investment by many Zambians in the sector via different media platforms such as field days, auction sales, and market days, as in the case of Shimunenga and Shikaumpa ceremonies in Maala and Baambwe areas of the Namwala district. Furthermore, this study recommends that the government, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, and
stakeholder organisations support and empower cattle farmers with acquisition to cattle production knowledge, support and empower cattle farmers with acquisition to resources such as land, water, financial capital and financial services, develop policies that empower cattle farmers in terms of acquisition to resources, and develop and facilitate the market for livestock products. Future research is required for a needs assessment for financial and extension services and willingness to pay for these services among the traditional cattle farmers
The nature of entrepreneurial training in selected agricultural training institutions of the ministry of agriculture and livestock in Zambia.
Get PDFArticleThis study explored the nature of entrepreneurial education in the selected Agriculture Training Institutions
(ATIs) for the Ministry of Agriculture and Live stocks in Zambia. To do this, the study explored
Entrepreneurial Education challenges and opportunities in ATIs, widely acknowledged as a transformative
tool for job creation in the country. The argument is that if entrepreneurship education is properly enhanced
can provide self-reliance in the Zambia’s agriculture sector to attain sustainable socio-economic growth.
The aim of the study was to explore the nature of entrepreneurial education in ATIs curricula; identify
challenges, opportunities and ways to promote innovation and job creation through the provision of
entrepreneurial education in the selected ATIs in Zambia. The study employed a mixed data collection
process through purposive sampling procedures. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically while
Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, graphs and
tables. The findings show that the current ATI curricula and the National Agricultural Policy (NAP) did not
adequately address entrepreneurial education in the agriculture sector because they were loosely developed
and were production oriented. The study recommended inter alia that ATIs should create curricula that
prioritize creativity, and innovation, utilizing blended interactive and reflective teaching methods to support
entrepreneurial education.
Keywords: Entrepreneurial education, Agriculture Training Institutions (ATIs), Ministry of Corruption,
National agriculture policy