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Examining the relationship between civic education and voter turnout among the youths during elections : a study of Kabwe central constituency in Central province.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Education in Civic Education.The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between Civic Education and voter turnout among the youths in Kabwe Central Constituency of Central province. This study employed a qualitative research methodology. Total number of participants was 73. The participants were selected using purposive sampling techniques. The researcher collected data using interview guides and Focus Group Discussion guide. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings of the study showed that voter education is one of the prominent component in civic education school curriculum. The findings of this study further showed that Civic Education and voter turnout are directly related in that Civic Education leads to higher voter turnout during elections. Furthermore, the study findings showed that unemployment, social media, corruption among other factors heavily contributes on the voter turnout among the youths. Based on the findings, it was recommended that different stakeholders should join hands in supporting the government and civil society organizations in providing Civic Education. It was further recommended that all political parties should participate in providing voter education to the people and Schools of Education should strengthen the civic dimensions of pre-service and inservice education for teachers and administrators. Those who are already working in schools should also be offered the opportunity to acquire continuing education credits related to civic education so that they can become more skilled at inculcating the civic knowledge, skills, and attitudes students need to become responsible and engaged citizens
Exploring and investigating corruption in the UPND government in Lusaka district.
Get PDFThesis of Masters degree in Social Work and Community Development.This study aimed to exploring corruption in the UPND New Dawn Government in Lusaka District, Zambia. The study used a sample of 100 respondents who were selected using purposive sampling technique. The research design combined both qualitative and quantitative methods,
involving content analysis for qualitative data and simple statistical quantification to present quantitative data. Nevertheless, the bulk part of this research method was anchored on qualitative methods. Quantitative technique was used to justify the extent of UPND’S corruption since other
methods have proven inconsistent towards fighting political corruption. The study's findings uncovered an increase in the presence of corruption by the UPND New Dawn Government, despite being a government that had promised to fight corruption in a transparency and accountable manner. This study explored, investigated and identified various factors that facilitate corruption such as: political patronage, poverty, inequality, weak institutions,
ineffective anti-corruption measures, and a culture of impunity among public officials. Key informants also emphasized the lack of transparency and weak oversight institutions as factors contributing to corruption. These findings resonated with Treisman's (2000) research, which identified the role of social and economic heterogeneity, specifically ethnic fractionalization, facilitating the increase in corruption. The study highlighted the complex dynamics at play in the context of political patronage, poverty, and the ineffectiveness of anti-corruption measures. While public perception indicated a significant level of corruption in the UPND government, key informants suggested that stringent anti-corruption measures had resulted in lower levels of corruption. These measures included a clear legal framework to combat corruption, whistleblower protection, enhanced oversight, and independent anti-corruption agencies. Challenges in the fight against corruption included a lack of funding and resources, political interference, whistleblower vulnerability, and limited education and awareness. These challenges were in line with the findings of Maiga (2023), highlighting the negative impact of corruption on human capital development. The socio-economic and cultural effects of corruption were also examined. Economic drain, poverty, income inequality, and inefficient resource allocation were identified as socio-economic consequences. Culturally, corruption led to the normalization of unethical behavior, erosion of trust, and an impact on social cohesion. These findings underline the far-reaching effects of corruption on society and underscore the importance of addressing this issue comprehensively. Macre’s Game theory was applied for determining different strategies in perpetuating corruption by the UPND government in Lusaka. It was used for offering valuable tools for solving strategy problem of how corruption can be reduced. The game theory was used to determine the level of accomplices for corruption crime, were there is not enough evidence for a felony conviction. The argument was that perpetrators of political corruption take the actions simply as a game and not a felony, hence its increase by the actors in the UPND government. Methodologically, the study used a mixed research technique, even though the larger part of it
was explorative approach thus involving interviews, focused group discussions, storytelling and observations. In conclusion, the study revealed that while there are measures in place to combat corruption in the UPND New Dawn Government, challenges persist. Addressing these challenges and
promoting a culture of transparency and accountability is essential. Corruption not only undermines economic development but also erodes cultural values and social cohesion. It is recommended that efforts to combat corruption include strengthening oversight institutions, promoting ethical leadership, and simplifying legal processes. Public awareness campaigns and measures to reduce poverty and inequality should be prioritized
A study of the effect of COVID-19 on the performance of Zambia’s hospitality industry.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Business Administration - General.This study examined the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the performance of Zambia's hospitality industry, focusing on the years 2015 to 2022. Initially, the research aimed to understand the industry’s trajectory through its pre-pandemic growth and diversification, followed by its response to the pandemic’s challenges. Utilizing a mixed-method approach, the investigation combined quantitative data from Zambia’s Tourism Statistical Digests with qualitative insights from interviews conducted with officials in the Ministry of Tourism and Arts. This approach enabled a comprehensive analysis of trends in tourist arrivals, occupancy rates, revenues, and employment within the hospitality sector. The findings revealed that the period from 2015 to 2019 was marked by significant growth in the industry. For instance, international tourist arrivals rose from 931,782 in 2015 to 1,009,173 in 2017, accompanied by an increase in tourism revenue. However, the emergence of COVID-19 in 2020 led to a dramatic downturn, highlighted by a 56.2% decline in international tourist arrivals compared to the previous year. In response to the pandemic, the Zambian government issued several
Statutory Instruments, such as the Tourism and Hospitality (Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations, 2020 and the Tourism and Hospitality (Registration of Hotel Managers) (Temporary Disapplication of Registration Fee) Regulations, 2020. These were aimed at providing financial relief and maintaining regulatory compliance within the industry. By 2022, the industry began showing recovery signs, including a 10.5% increase in tourist arrivals from
2020 to 2021. The resilience of Zambia's hospitality industry in the face of the pandemic was evident. The study concludes with strategic recommendations for future growth, highlighting the importance of Public-Private Partnership models to enhance infrastructure and service
quality. It also emphasizes the need for Market Diversification and Niche Tourism Development, focusing on promoting less explored destinations like Lake Bangweulu and traditional ceremonies such as the Kuomboka ceremony, to broaden the industry's appeal and resilience
Preparation of school administrators and its implications on their administrative performance in selected upgraded secondary schools of Lufwanyama district.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Education in Educational Management.This study analysed the preparation of school administrators and its implications on their administrative performance in selected upgraded schools of Lufwanyama District of the Copperbelt Province. There are indications that a large number of secondary school administrators in Zambia experience numerous managerial challenges (Muzyamba & Changala, 2019). Kabeta (2019:18) established that ‘head teachers in Zambia are appointed based on their seniority in the Ministry and in most cases do not receive relevant training, as a result they lead and manage their schools based on trial and error’. The study was guided by the Critical
Educational Administration Theory and the Human Relations Approach. Critical theorists elaborate the values and practices within schools which maintain the ideological perspectives of schools. The study revealed that most of the Headteachers in the newly upgraded schools did not receive the requisite training to enable them carry out their duties. It was seen that lack of head teacher preparation causes all manner of challenges in schools. These challenges include financial, staff personnel, community relations and curriculum challenges. This study has confirmed that the preparation of Headteachers is a vital undertaking that must not be neglected The study revealed that most new head teachers faced challenges in performing all the main tasks of school management. The challenges were related to inadequate management preparation. Majority of new administrators lacked community relations skills so as to efficiently handle parents, school community at large and relevant authorities. In general, new administrators in Lufwanyama District faced challenges in their administrative performance as a
result of inadequate preparation To ensure proper preparation of Headteachers, the study recommended among other recommendations, that Headteachers training should be done at three levels namely pre-''service, in- service and on-the-job in such a way that the three modes complement each other. Various
universities in Zambia should consider introducing courses at graduate level and undergraduate in School Management and not as electives. In-service training should be made mandatory, regular, and longer in duration
Mathematics teachers’ classroom practices in the context of 21st century skills: a case of one secondary school in Lusaka district, Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Masters’ degree of Education in Mathematics Education.Despite global aspirations towards a 21st Century Skills learning agenda, Zambia's efforts to effectively integrate these skills into classroom settings have shown limited advancement. This discrepancy highlights the challenge of translating theoretical aspirations into tangible educational practices. It is in this light that the researcher investigated the mathematics teachers’ classroom practices in the context of 21st Century Skills at secondary school level. Mathematics teachers’ practices were focused on because mathematics as a subject plays a key role in shaping how individuals deal with the various spheres of life, be it private, social or cooperate. The objectives of this study included: determination of what mathematics teachers know about 21st Century Skills; determination of how mathematics teachers’ classroom practices align with facilitation of learners’ acquisition of 21st Century Skills; understanding ways in which classroom-based assessments as administered by mathematics teachers are aligned with 21st Century Skills; and establishment of the views of teachers on the challenges they face in line with the 21st Century Skills. In this qualitative study, an ethnographic research design was utilized. The study sample consisted of two secondary school mathematics teachers who were purposively selected. The first teacher had 29 learners whereas the second one had 24 learners. Semi-structured interviews, lesson observations, performance assessment and document analysis were used to generate information. Content analysis was employed to analyze the collected data. It was found out that the sampled teachers were aware of 21st Century Skills however they deemed technology as the main 21st century skill. The teachers
practices in respect of teaching and assessment did not incorporate strategies aligned to the learner acquisition of the 21st Century Skills, an occurrence which denied learners to effectively acquire the 21st Century Skills focused on in this study. Consequently, it is recommended that school mathematics departments implement comprehensive professional development programs for mathematics teachers that encompasses 21st Century Skills beyond technology. Furthermore, professional development programs should integrate innovative teaching strategies and align classroom assessments with 21st Century Skills
An assessment of the effects of business information on the performance of small and medium enterprises : a case study of Lusaka central business district.
No full textThesis of Master of Business Administration.This study sought to investigate the effect of business information on the performance of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) in Lusaka Central Business District. The objectives of the study were to analyse the sources of business information that are most relevant and valuable for SMEs in the Lusaka Central Business District, to identify the challenges faced by SMEs in accessing business information and the third was to investigate the effect of business information on the performance of SMEs in Lusaka Central Business District. The study sampled 81 business owners from total target population of 102 SMEs that are registered with Zambia Development Agency and have been in operation for two years and above. This research used a cross sectional study and utilized a mixed-methods approach, utilizing the embedded research design which was largely qualitative. This design was used because it entails the researcher in gaining an in-depth understanding of the phenomena under the study by allowing for a deeper exploration of research questions. Research questionnaire with closed ended and an interview guide with open -ended questions were used to collect primary data. Secondary sources such as archival materials, journals, reports, books, and research articles were used to collect secondary data. The findings revealed that a significant proportion of respondents strongly agreed that business information positively influenced business performance. Additionally, the study highlighted various effects of business information, including the identification of new business opportunities, improvement in operational efficiency, targeted marketing efforts, better management of financial resources and market trends, and enhancement of customer service.
These findings underscored the importance of access to relevant and timely business information for SMEs in the Lusaka Central Business District. Business information serves as a critical resource for decision-making processes, enabling SMEs to identify growth opportunities, optimize operations, and adapt to changing market dynamics. The positive correlation between business information and business performance suggested that investments in information gathering and analysis can yield tangible benefits for SMEs in terms of competitiveness and sustainability. The researcher recommended longitudinal study to examine the long-term impact of business information on SME performance. Tracking changes in business performance indicators over an extended period would provide deeper insights into the sustainability of the effects observed in the short term
Effects of free education policy on the provision of primary and secondary education in Zambia.
Get PDFArticleThe study sought to establish the effects of the Free Education Policy on learner enrollment, school infrastructure, financing and the quality of teaching and learning in community primary and secondary public schools in Zambia. The study participants included the District Education Board Secretaries, head teachers, class teachers, learners and parents from 10 provinces, selected using probability and non-probability sampling techniques. Quantitative data was
collected from teachers through a structured questionnaire. In addition, qualitative data was collected from the District Education Board Secretaries, learners and parents through in-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussion guides. Quantitative data was processed, cleaned and analyzed using the SPSS 23.0 to produce descriptive statistics. Qualitative data was transcribed, sorted and analyzed along with survey data to establish emergent trends. The study found that the implementation of the Free Education Policy had increased school enrollments and government funding. The increase in the number of learners in schools has put pressure on the already overstretched educational resources like teachers, desks, textbooks, toilets and laboratory facilities, indirectly affecting the quality of education. The study suggests that Zambia's Free Education Policy implementation can be strengthened by prioritizing desks, textbooks, sanitary
facilities, teacher deployment, modern classroom construction, especially in rural areas, and enacting sustainable financing legislation. The study, within the lens of the Capability Approach, has practical implications on how the implementation of the Free Education Policy can be strengthened
in Zambia
An integrated framework for hydrology-hydrodynamic modelling of the Barotse floodplains, upper Zambezi river basin.
Get PDFThesis of Doctor of Philosophy in Integrated Water Resources Management.In recent years the demand for improved assessments tools to help in understanding the wetland hydrological and hydrodynamic processes for the Barotse floodplains is ever increasing especially with the advent of climate change/variability. Despite several studies in the Upper Zambezi Basin, there was an absence of an integrated online (internal) framework for coupling hydrology and hydrodynamic model to be used to improve modelling of the Barotse floodplains. The objectives of this study were: (i) To investigate the mechanisms of groundwater-surface water interaction in the Barotse floodplains, (ii) To develop a rainfall runoff hydrologic model for Upper Zambezi River basin focusing on modelling Barotse floodplain, (iii) To develop an integrated hydrologic-hydrodynamic online (internal) coupling modelling framework for Barotse floodplains and (iv) To test and evaluate the performance of an online one-way Barotse Coupled Hydrological-Hydrodynamic Model developed based on the framework in objective iii. The study used field data sets, models, remote sensing data, and secondary data to address the objectives at hand. Based on the study objectives, the study has shown that the interaction between groundwater and surface water does occur in the Barotse Floodplain as evidenced by hydro-chemical and isotopic results. Such kind of groundwatersurface water interaction in floodplain, among other factors play a role in the hydrological and hydrodynamic modelling of the Barotse floodplains system. This postulation is partly supported by the results of simulated flows generated by wflow hydrological model, for the upstream gauge stations the results were closely matched the observed flow as indicated by the evaluation statistics; Chavuma, nse =0.738; kge = 0.738; pbias = 2.561 and rsr = 0.511; Watopa, nse=0.684; kge = 0.816; pbias = 10.577 and rsr = 0.557; Lukulu, nse=0.736; kge = 0.795; pbias = 10.437 and rse = 0.509. However, despite that wflow model was able to simulate the upstream hydrology very well, wflow model statistical objective function results of the downstream Barotse Floodplain gauge station (at Senanga) were not as good as the upstream results as indicated by evaluation statistics: nse = 0.132; kge = 0.509; pbias = 37.740 and rse = 0.923. The observed inaccuracy in goodness of fit between observed and simulated at Senanga Gauge Station maybe attributed to model forcing data as well as to the fact the representation of both floodplain channels hydrodynamics and hydrological processes are necessary to correctly capture floodplain dynamics for groundwater dependent systems. This aspect also suggested that standalone hydrological models are not very suitable in modelling the flows of the of groundwater-surface water dependant tropical floodplains. To this effect, one-way online (internal) hydrologic-hydrodynamic coupling framework for Barotse Floodplain has been developed in this study. The coupled model output relatively performed better than a standalone hydrological results. The significant improvements in coupled model results were observed at the downstream gauge station at Senanga with noticeable improvement in nse which improved from 0.132 to 0.535, kge improved from 0.509 to 0.699 and pbias from 37.724 to 21.495 indicating reduced model over estimation. The water levels results output from the online Barotse hydrologic-hydrodynamic model coupling also relatively matched the observed water levels as demonstrated by the statistical goodness of fit objective functions results: Mongu, kge 0.792, rse 0.762, nse 0.55; Senanga; kge 0.6707, rsr 0.827, nse 0.503 and Lukulu, kge 0.630, RSR 0.644, nse 0.301. In addition to water levels comparisons, the simulated results
of coupled mode inundation area were compared with MODIS MOD09A1 imagery. The statistical objective functions were nse 0.637, kge 0.731, rsr 0.502 and pbias 25.234. In general terms, the statistical results of the simulated and observed data sets (flow, water level and inundated area) of the on-line hydrological-hydrodynamic coupled model falls within what is deemed to be a good performing model indicating that the integrated framework for online coupling of hydrology-hydrodynamic models for the Barotse floodplain was a successful in coupling the two models used in this study
Development of an integrated system to enhance spatial data processing & management for planning authorities.
Get PDFThesis of Masters’ in Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation.In a world where there is constant data generation and processing, the need for an integrated system cannot be overemphasized. The systems that enable the storage of large amounts of spatial data and available to multiple users in real time. However, studies have shown that standalone desktop spatial systems are often rigid and inflexible to support multiple data processing or demands from multiple users, highlighting the inability of traditional systems to effectively manage the ever-growing volume and complexity of spatial data. Recognizing this challenge calls for a paradigm shift toward integrated spatial management systems. These systems are designed not only to store spatial data efficiently but also to provide a dynamic and flexible framework that can adapt to the evolving demands of data processing requirements. By seamlessly integrating various tools and platforms, integrated spatial management systems offer enhanced accessibility, visualization, and processing of spatial information. The Integrated Spatial Management System, born out of these considerations, stands as a testament in overcoming the limitations of traditional desktop spatial systems. Its core objective is to unlock the full potential of spatial data utilization, promoting accessibility, visualization, and efficient processing. The research employed a quantitative approach. This approach played a pivotal role in gathering field data, contributing to the design and development of the prototype. Recent research aimed to assess the state of integrated spatial data systems among targeted institutions, revealing that 71.4% of these entities did not have integrated spatial data systems, while 28.6% had partial integration. In response to this gap, the study focused on developing an integrated spatial system architecture that would allow for seamless querying of both spatial and non-spatial data. A significant milestone was the distribution of the database across various platforms, promoting adaptability and flexibility in data management. The integration process combined existing data management tools used by local authorities, like desktop GIS, with innovative interfaces such as WEB-GIS and Mobile GIS. This approach facilitated real-time web access and data collection, significantly enhancing the capabilities for data manipulation, analysis, and visualization. A key achievement during the project was the implementation of streamlined automated map production, which offered users efficient tools for generating maps for a range of applications. The integrated system did more than just advance technology; it transformed the approach to data management in planning authorities. The ability to exchange, share, and process data through multiple access points yielded substantial efficiency gains. This allowed users to conduct deeper spatial analyses, identify patterns, and derive valuable insights from the integrated datasets. The automated map production further optimized the system's capabilities, making map generation more efficient and versatile.
Keywords: Geographical Information Systems, Planning Authorities, Integrated Spatial Management Syste
Factors associated with low utilization of female condoms as a birth control method among women of reproductive age (15 – 49 years) in Nabbanda, Chirundu district, Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Masters in Public Health.The study intends to establish factors associated with low utilization of female condoms as a birth control method among women of reproductive age (15 – 49 years) in Nabbanda, Chirundu district, Zambia.” and what can be done to resolve this. A case study will be used which will involve
application of qualitative methods. A sample of 159 participants will be drawn from the population. The sample size for this study will consist of female respondents of child bearing age in the range of 15 – 49 years. All women aged 15-49 who attend clinic at Nabbanda are all invited to participate in the study and it’s the choice of the participant whether to participate or not therefore participation in this study is entirely voluntary. The study found that the knowledge levels of the Nabbanda residents on the female condom was average due to inadequate information on the female condom and its use as well as lack of proper female condom promotion. While the attitudes towards its use were not favorable mainly due to unavailability, preference of male condom use, power relations between men and women in a relationship, insertion of the female condom being a hassle and it looking weird. Additionally under service delivery there is inability to open up to health care workers. While due to myths and misconception there is a belief that using a condom reduces intimacy with their partner and belief that condoms make men weak. It is therefore recommended that government and all interested stakeholders should increase efforts at female condom education, promotion, availability and access. It is vital that these are done in order to increase the possibility of high utilization of these condoms and if people are very knowledgeable about female condoms this can lead to improvement in service delivery by making them free to ask for one and also enables them to clear any myth or misconception associated with these condoms hence more people being able to use them