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Utilization of plant functional traits in mitigating over-exploitation of high ethnobotanical value plants of Chongwe district, Zambia.
Get PDFMaster of Science in Tropical Ecology and BiodiversityTraditionally valued wild indigenous plants play a critical role in various ethnic groups. Ethnobotanical value of plants differ according to the regions and ethnic groups. Despite the rich ethnobotanical value of tropical plants, there is still limited knowledge and no documentation on specific plant species use in Chongwe district. Besides, little effort has been made to cultivate them ex-situ or in-situ in Zambia leading to their decline. This may be due to limited knowledge in indigenous plant regeneration bringing about a challenge in optimizing their germination that can help in their restoration. Studies have shown that ethnobotanically valued plants are susceptible to over-harvesting leading to a reduction in plant abundance. This research, therefore, sought to highlight the plant species of high ethnobotanical value and study the effect of fruit weight, seed shape and seed depulping on seed germination and seedling emergence to propose optimal methods in improving seed germination performance. Ethnobotanical data was collected using convenience and snowball sampling methods. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to fifty informants. Interviews were conducted in Nyanja, Bemba and English depending on the preference of the informants. Local names and the uses of the plant were recorded. It was found that most of the plant species in Chongwe were used for medicine purpose (33.6%) and Fabaceae emerged as the most used plant family. Out of the twenty most ranked native species in terms of cultural value, eight fruiting species of highest ethnobotanical value were exposed to experimentation to determine whether variables (fruit weight and seed shape) and treatments (depulped not washed and depulped washed) affected germination performance from August 2020 to January 2021. A stratified randomized design layout was used to place seed pots in the plant shed in the Department of Biological Sciences for an even
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distribution of environmental parameters among treatments and to eliminate bias. Primary ethnobotanical data obtained from questionnaires was analysed using Excel while the experimental analysis on germination performance was done using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). This study showed that seedling emergence were significantly affected by seed shape (P < 0.05) as seedling emergence reduced from spherical to spindle seeds Germination rate was significantly affected by fruit weight (P < 0.01) with a negative correlation coefficient of (-1.000) as germination rate increased with the reduction in fruit weight. Depulping and washing of seeds had a significant effect on germination percentage (P < 0.05) with 61.5% depulped washed seeds germinating. Germination percentage increased significantly for the depulped washed seeds compared to the pulped (13.5%) and depulped not washed seeds (25%). Therefore, selecting seeds from smaller fruits and spindle shaped seeds of the studied species and as well as depulping and washing the seeds can give a high germination percentage. This can contribute to sustainable management of ethnobotanically valued species.
Keywords: Ethnobotanical values; Plant functional traits; Seedling Emergence; Germination Rate; Germination Percentage
Impact of corona virus (COVID-19) pandemic on engineering laboratory lessons : a case study of selected higher education institutions in Zambia.
Get PDFThesisCOVID-19 pandemic prevented physical converging of lecturers and students. Lessons that do not include laboratory sessions went on virtually, but there is need to know through this research what alternative was implemented for engineering laboratory lessons at Higher Education Institutions (HEI). Did students and lecturers just forego their engineering laboratory sessions during the pandemics lockdown and hope to have them after the pandemic eased off? The research aimed at investigating the possible use of virtual tools and platforms in the delivery of engineering laboratory lessons as an alternative to the physical laboratory lessons. Thereafter, investigate the effectiveness of delivering engineering laboratory lessons by virtual tools and platforms, investigate if the delivery of engineering laboratory lessons by virtual tools and platforms compromises on the quality of education and to investigate the best method engineering laboratory lessons can be undertaken when physical engagement between lecturers and student is limited. The mixed method approach was used that allowed collecting reliable data, the data was analysed and presented in numbers. Open-ended communication was also used to achieve clarity. It was vital to first assess what prevailed regarding the delivery of engineering laboratory lessons during the pandemic and hence, the following findings: 23.41% of students viewed virtual tools and platforms as an alternative to the traditional face to face engineering laboratory lessons as effective and 76.59% viewed them as not being effective. If virtual engineering laboratory lessons compromise on the quality of education 70.68% of students said they compromise while 29.32% responded that they do not compromise on the quality of education. Interview findings from lecturers indicated that a majority of laboratory lessons did not take place during the pandemic due to university infrastructure not able to accommodate the demand for virtual learning, cost of internet, slow internet speed and lack of financial capacity by universities to provide the needed virtual tools and platforms. For courses that can allow virtual laboratory sessions, the study recommends implementation of virtual tools and platforms as alternative to physical laboratory lessons. This can be successfully achieved provided that the virtual tools are procured with assistance from relevant stakeholders, the tools meet the required specifications and when constraints such as infrastructure, cost of internet and slow internet speed are addressed. For courses that cannot do without physical interaction with laboratory apparatus, the blended approach is recommended with laboratory lessons being held physically
The shifting role of the destination marketing organisation (DMO) in Zambia: a stakeholder perspective.
Get PDFThesisTourism is rising as an important economic sector. In order to enhance and sustain the
competitiveness, growth and profitability of the destinations and travel brands, tourism
places and governments establish and fund Destination Marketing Organisations (DMOs),
among others. However, open questions on the definition of the purpose, leadership and
legitimacy of the DMO in contemporary academic discourses, policy and practice have
persisted. In Zambia, this discourse persists despite the several policy and legislation
reforms from 2007. The aim of this study was to develop a technical account explaining
the shifting expected role of the Destination Marketing Organisation (DMO) among the
various tourism industry stakeholders and to use the account to develop a framework for
a DMO business model. The study was approached from a pluralist theoretical frame of
reference of complexity theory and social critical realism theory as competing theories,
with ‘mechanisms of emergence’ as the common explanatory frame of reference. A
qualitative single case study design was followed and conducted in three sites crosssectionally in the southern tourism circuit of Zambia. The study sample was thirty (30)
informants chosen through non-random theoretical sampling method from among licensed
private sector operators based on their in-depth knowledge of the tourism industry from
business organisations with not less than ten years in Zambia and also from among the
government and its main agencies in the tourism sector. Data was collected through faceto-face semi structured in-depth interviews, archival unobstructed data and review of
documents, and was analysed using grounded theory approach. It was found that the DMO
phenomena under investigation was from both the evolutionary and non-linear novelty
dynamism of the DMO and the destination. The study established that the shifting
expected role of the DMO and the unchanging policy was from the underlying coevolution and nested-system causally behaviour of the destination and that the challenge
in policy propositions was primarily from the interactions, feedback and emergent order
within the system components and also with influences exogenous to it. Macro-level
influences (not causes) and path-dependence forces were found to be government and
public policy directions; regional structures, collaborations and shared products with
adjacent destinations within the region; international markets and travel trade directions;
culture and history of the destination; international membership organisations; and
unknown-unknows. At Micro-level, the destination actors were found to co-evolve and
regenerate differently, and that they had rivalries, their own collaborations and redefined
destination boundaries as black boxes away from official policy propositions. This was
mainly based on tourism spatial areas, shared tourism circuits, shared products with
adjacent destinations and a multiplicity of international and local operators. These microlevel activities created blind spots for policy formulation. The study developed a relatively
reliable and adequate technical account useful for practice and policy proposition of the
DMO role and business model of this contemporary subject in Zambia. Using the doctrine
of emergence as an explanatory reference, this study added a useful dimension of both the
complexity theory and social critical realism theory to the contemporary discourses on the
DMO role and how it will survive going forward, which still remains an open question in
academic discussions.
Key words: DMO shifting role; Destination Marketing Organisation; DMO business
model framework; DMO leadership role
An assessment of factors causing employees’ absenteeism from work among health workers in rural parts of Zambia: a case study of Chadiza district.
Get PDFArticleStaff absenteeism is a global management problem that affects most organisations. Staff
absenteeism in health facilities is alarming, and yet factors affecting absenteeism are not fully understood and documented to guide managers for appropriate action. In 2012, the Ministry of Health (MoH, 2012) reported that 80 percent of Zambians now depend on complementary and alternative healthcare. One of the contributing factors to people seeking healthcare from private institutions has been attributed to absenteeism among health workers in public health facilities. Based on information from HR officers in health facilities, absenteeism rate was
calculated at 12.5%. (Ministry of Health Chadiza, 2023). Therefore, the objectives of the study were; to identify the factors causing employees’ absenteeism; to ascertain the repercussions of employees’ absenteeism, and to identify measures that can help prevent health workers’ absenteeism from work. To achieve the objectives, the study conducted a survey of 106 health workers in selected health facilities of Chadiza District, and 4 key informants. The study used mixed method research. The study used descriptive and causal research designs. Data was
analysed by obtaining descriptive statistics such as means, frequencies and percentages, and the study used logistic regression analysis to statistically determine factors causing employee absenteeism. The results from the logistic regression found alcohol/drug abuse to be statistically significant, illness/health problem, family responsibilities, bad working culture, irregular supervision, and inadequate motivation to be statistically significant in causing employees’ absenteeism from work. Repercussions of employee absenteeism from work were
found to be increased deaths, prolonged illnesses, loss of public confidence, increased cost on government, and unhealthy nation. The study therefore recommended that management should assist employees address personal problems like alcohol abuse, illness and family responsibilities; design employee motivation strategies, and design employee supervision program that is efficient and effective. Key words: Absenteeism, Employees, Causes, Repercussions, Measure
Nurses’ adherence to multi-dose vial policy in Lufwanyama district, Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science degree in clinical nursingIntroduction: The policy on multi dose vials allows certain vaccines that contain preservatives to be kept for up to 28 days after opening, as long as storage and proper handling conditions are met (WHO, 2015). This policy has reduced vaccine wastage and contamination in the countries and areas where there is good adherence to it. However, in 2018-2020 statistics in Lufwanyama district of the Copperbelt province in Zambia has shown the rise in vaccine wastage rate. Hence, this study aimed at determining the level of adherence to Multi Dose Vial Policy (MDVP) and its associated factors among nurses in Lufwanyama district. Material and Method: The research utilised quantitative method and a cross-sectional Analytical study design that was conducted in Lufwanyama district, Zambia. A sample of 109 nurses were selected using fishbowl simple random sampling with the response rate of 86% (94) respondents. Data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire, while the association between variables was tested by using the Chi-square which were further analysed using binary Logistic regression to show the degree of association. Results: The study revealed that there was low adherence (35%) to MDVP in Lufwanyama District, Using binary logistic regression there was a statistically significant association between adherence and Knowledge on MDVP (p = 0.000). The analysis showed that nurses who had high knowledge were 0.065 times more likely to adhere to MDVP compared to those who had low knowledge (AOR: 0.065, CI: .015 - .276). The other independent variables were not statistically significant despite being associated to adherence among cervical cancer patients.
Conclusion and Recommendations: The study established that the level of adherence to MDVP among nurses in Lufwanyama district was low and those with high knowledge had high chances of adhering to MDVP than those with low knowledge. This implies that in order to strengthen adherence to MDVP, there is need for nurse managers to be conducting supportive supervision to ensure nurses adhere to MDVP guidelines
Education in austerity: exploring parental participation in supporting community schools in two villages of eastern Zambia.
Get PDFArticleThe purpose of this study was to explore parental participation in supporting village community
schools in two villages of Eastern Zambia. The involvement of parents in their children’s education
has long been considered by educational researchers as a significant factor in positively impacting
children’s success. A qualitative case study design was used based on naturalistic phenomenological
philosophy that views reality as multi-layered, interactive and a social experience. The interpretive
method was preferable because it takes into account the significance of context in relation to meaning.
The target population were head teachers, parents, members of the Parent Community School
Committee (PCSC), teachers, civic and village headmen. The study found that the role of parents and
PCSC members in sampled schools mainly focused on infrastructural development of schools and
mobilization of communities for material contributions and labour to the schools. Construction
meetings were compulsory for all members of the community and failure to participate in community
construction attracted a fine of a chicken or confiscation of household goods such as buckets or pots.
The study recommended inter alia that the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders should support
community schools by providing adequate learning and teaching requisites in schools.
KEYWORDS:
Parental participation,
parent community
school committee,
volunteer teachers,
community school
Social determinants of caesarean section among child bearing women in Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science in Public Health.This study determined social determinants of Caesarean Section among child bearing women in Zambia. The study used a quantitative research paradigm and followed a stratified two- stage sample design. A cross-sectional study design was used. The study was guided by the following research questions. a) What socio-demographic factors are associated with Caesarean Section among child bearing women In Zambia? b) Which socio-economic factors are associated with Caesarean Section among child bearing women in Zambia? Study findings revealed that level of education, wealth index, place of delivery, type of place
of residence and birth order were major determinants of Caesarean Section. The socio- demographic factor associated with Caesarean Section among child bearing women in Zambia was birth order. The findings revealed that the percentage of women undergoing Caesarean Section decreases from the 1st to the 5th birth order. In addition, level of education, wealth index, place of delivery and type of place of residence were identified as socio-economic factors associated with Caesarean Section among child bearing women in Zambia. The study recommends that: i) In line with government policy on maternal interventions, the practice of Trial of Labour (TOLAC) for women with a history of Caesarean Section should be considered. ii) Increasing women’s access to non-medical interventions during labour such as continuous support during labour and External Cephalic Version (ECV) is vital. iii) Further, there is need for the Ministry of Health to strengthen adherence of healthcare professionals to clinical practice guidelines combined with audit and feedback
Perceived challenges of ICT as an examinable curriculum subject in rural secondary schools: voices of teachers and learners in southern Zambia.
Get PDFArticleThe study interrogated teachers’ and pupils’ perceptions of Information Communication Technology (ICT) as an examinable curriculum subject in secondary schools of Mazabuka district in Southern Zambia. In 2013 Ministry of Education (MoE) reviewed the National School Curriculum introducing ICT as an examinable subject at the junior secondary school level. This development was, however, received with mixed feelings among different stakeholders across the nation. The study employed Davis’ (1989) Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a theoretical framework to establish the teachers’ and pupils’ perceptions of ICT as an examinable curriculum subject. A descriptive research design was used to collect qualitative data from a sample size of 36 participants which included school administrators, ICT teachers, and pupils. Purposive and quota sampling was applied to select the participants. Data were collected using unstructured questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions. The data were analysed thematically by categorization of major and sub-themes that emerged from the study. The study showed that both teachers and pupils had positive perceptions towards ICT as an examinable curriculum subject. The majority of the participants strongly felt that the current times demanded for ICT knowledge in order for learners to fit well in the world of technology. The study also identified challenges faced in the teaching and learning of ICT such as; a lack of trained teachers, inadequate computer hardware and software, and irregular power supply. Various measures were employed in mitigating the challenges such as community engagement, voluntary teaching, class splitting, use of alternative sources of power, and explorations of online resources. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education should revert to its earlier policy position
i
Kalisto Kalimaposo, Siana Moono, Harrison Daka, Sanny Mulubale, Chivunda Kaumba, Fumbani Mphande
PERCEIVED CHALLENGES OF ICT AS AN EXAMINABLE CURRICULUM SUBJECT IN RURAL
SECONDARY SCHOOLS: VOICES OF TEACHERS AND LEARNERS IN SOUTHERN ZAMBIA
European Journal of Education Studies - Volume 10 │ Issue 10 │ 2023 200
where all schools were to offer ICT as a compulsory examinable subject at the junior secondary school level. The government also should consider the reduction of taxes and tariffs on end-user consumer ICT products such as desktops computers, iPads, projectors, and others.
Keywords: Information Communication Technology (ICT), examinable curriculum subject, pupils, teachers, learning and teaching materials, software and hardware, secondary schoo
Antiviral potential of hadjod (Cissus quadrangularis) extract against newcastle disease virus.
Get PDFThesisNewcastle Disease (ND) is a highly contagious viral disease that has a devastating global impact
on the poultry industry. Ethanol (EtOH) crude extract from the stem of Cissus quadrangularis
(CQL) was prepared and tested against Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) replication using an in-
ovo assay in embryonic chickens. Cissus quadrangularis L, is a perennial plant of the Vitaceae
family, with high in active ingredients that have been proved to act against a variety of diseases
and disorders. The study aimed to evaluate the antiviral activity of crude extracts of C.
quadrangularis against NDV. Nine-day-old embryonated chicken eggs were divided into ten
groups (n=10) and received various treatments. Six groups were inoculated with Velogenic NDV
(vNDV) isolate AF2 and used for testing antiviral efficacy. Five groups of ten (10) were treated
with different concentrations of the working stock extracts solution. The phytochemicals such as
alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, phenols, steroids, and glycosides were revealed in stem
crude extract in the phytochemical tests. Cytotoxicity studies, on the other hand, showed that
embryonated eggs could tolerate the all-plant extract at concentrations of 100 mg/mL. Highest
chick embryo mortality (73.7%) was observed in the control group (virus only) and lower (11%)
in the high extract concentration (75 mg/mL). The tested extract exhibited in ovo antiviral activity
against NDV, showing viral titre reduction at a range of 1:64 in the haemagglutination test,
indicating 4-times viral load decline compared with untreated embryo (positive control; 1:512)
The current findings have clearly demonstrated that the crude EtOH extract from stem of CQL has
strong antiviral activity against NDV in ovo. The mortality was lower when the extract was applied
and antiviral significant statistical efficacy was observed. In order to further validate the efficacy
of the plant extract as anti-NDV, an in vivo study using live chickens and use of standard for
fractionations to isolate individual constitutes are recommended.
Keywords : Antiviral Activity, Newcastle disease, Crude extract, Cissus quadrangulari
