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Epidemological investigations of rift valley fever in livestock in three ecological zones of Malawi.
Get PDFThesisDue to uncertainty on the status of Rift Valley fever (RVF) in Malawi, limited knowledge about its epidemiology, and debates on whether it is a real or perceived threat for the livestock and human population in the country, a study was formulated to investigate the epidemiology of RVF. The study was carried out between January, 2020 and July, 2020 in 8 districts of Malawi, namely Chitipa (CP), Karonga (KA), Salima (SA), Mangochi (MH), Chiradzulu (CZ), Thyolo (TO), Chikwawa (CK) and Nsanje (NE). These districts were purposively selected from three ecological zones (EZ). Across-section survey using semi-structured questionnaire (n=400), was conducted to capture knowledge, attitude and management practices (KAP) information towards RVF. Average KAP score was calculated from total scores for knowledge, attitude and practices and assessed. In addition, 1,523 whole blood samples of cattle, goat and sheep were collected and 361 livestock farmers participated in questionnaire administration to capture information on potential risk factors. Indirect competition ELISA (cELISA) and IgM Antibody Capture Enzyme-Linked Immunoassay (MAC-ELISA) were used to detect presence of Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) antibodies in serum. Questionnaire survey and the sero-positivity data, were analyzed for quantitative results using descriptive statistics. Bivariate analysis for association was conducted using Pearson chi-square and univariate linear regression, followed by multivariate analysis using stepwise binary logistic regression to determine the predictors of knowledge and risk factors for RVFV sero-positivity. Further, molecular techniques were used to isolate and identify RVFV genome from serum that tested positive to IgM ELISA test. Participants had overall poor knowledge (score= 17.94%), negative attitude (score= 9.40%), and poor management practices (score= 41.23%) towards RVF. Only 8.25% participants had sufficient knowledge on RVF. The crude seroprevalence was 17.14%, (95% CI= 15.33-19.11) at individual
livestock level. The seroprevalence across the ecological zones (EZ) were 20.34%, 11.78% and 14.55% for EZ1, EZ2 and EZ3, respectively, while seroprevalence for species were 21.35%, 7.72% and 25.68% for cattle, goat and sheep, respectively. The overall herd seroprevalence was 33.24%, (95% CI= 28.18-38.11). Sheep herd registered seroprevalence of 100% (95% CI= 73.23– 1.00) higher than cattle and goat (p=0.019), consisted of 64.29% for IgG seroprevalence and
35.71% for IgM seroprevalence herds. Further, the herd seroprevalence for EZ2 was comparatively higher at 36.36%, (95% CI= 28.6-44.55) than EZ1 34.12%, (95% CI= 24.40-45.88) and EZ3 29.32%, (95% CI= 21.92–37.95), at (p=0.047). Risk factors for RVFV seropositivity at individual livestock was sex of livestock and risk factors at herd level were areas receiving rainfall amount of <1,000mm and mixed species herds. The study demonstrated the presence of RVFV through detection of RVFV genome from three samples of livestock. Results of this study provided epidemiological information of RVF in livestock in Malawi and the available gaps in control and prevention of the disease. Therefore, the study recommends community sensitization on RVF and investigation of RVFV seroprevalence in humans working in the risky areas for better clarification of impact of predisposing factors and risky management practices observed in the study area. Further, recommends study on molecular epidemiology of RVFV in livestock, humans and mosquitoes to effectively describe the RVFV in circulation
Assessing shopping mall led urban restructuring in Lusaka: location factors and key actors.
Get PDFDegree of Master of Science in Spatial PlanningThe aim of the research was to examine the factors that determine the location of shopping malls and the resulting urban restructuring that has taken place in Lusaka. It was guided by three objectives; to evaluate the factors that determine the location of shopping malls; to identify the key actors in the location of shopping malls; and to assess the urban restructuring that has taken place. Interview guide was used to collect data from 28 shopping mall owners and 3 officials from LCC, ZEMA and MLG purposively selected based on their job description, experience and knowledge on the research topic. The resulting data was categorized, tabulated and analysed using content analysis. In terms of factors that determine the Location of shopping malls in Lusaka, the study identified five factors; plot size, access to major roads, market area, demographics and distance between shopping malls. The study established that these factors are well known by the developers and not the institutions that are mandated to regulate the process. In relation to actors, the study identified the following; the developers, ZEMA, LCC and MLG as the main stakeholders in the location of shopping malls. The findings further revealed that most shopping malls are driven by the developers who lack planning professional expertise. The developers have high interest and high power to drive the process of location of shopping malls. Their interest is making sure that they get approval of the potential site they have identified with or without following the planning regulations. With regard to the urban restructuring, the study finds that twenty-eight sites that were formerly used as small shops (such as hardware, mechanical workshop and grocery), Greenfields (playground, burial site, vegetation cover) and police post/council offices have been replaced by shopping malls. These shopping malls have changed the aesthetic beauty of the sites. The study further established that most of the urban restructuring has been done on sites that were initially earmarked for small shops. In conclusion, the study has revealed that the location of shopping malls in Lusaka is been driven by developers to suit their interests. The Ministry of Local Government and Lusaka city council is only managed these decisions administratively. In addition, location of shopping malls are products of inadequate legislation, weak enforcement and lack of shopping mall policy. Therefore, the study recommends that the enforcements of the existing laws should be strengthened by ZEMA, LCC and MLG. In addition, a shopping mall policy that will fully regulate the location of shopping mall should be developed by MLG. This would help decision makers to address the social, economic and environmental concerns associated with shopping malls
Assessing the effect of corporate governance principles on the management of the united church of Zambia: a case of Lusaka presbytery.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Business Administration.Corporate governance principles can have a significant impact on the management of the church. These principles are designed to ensure that an organization is managed in a responsible and ethical manner. This includes setting up processes for transparency, accountability, and effective decision-making. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of corporate governance principles on the management of the United Church of Zambia, with specific focus on Lusaka Presbytery. This study employed a descriptive quantitative research design, with a population of 100 people in various management committees. A Yamane formula was used to randomly select a sample of 81 respondents for data collection. The researcher designed a questionnaire for this purpose, and descriptive analysis was conducted using SPSS. The results of the linear regression showed that there is a significant relationship between corporate governance principles and the management of the United Church of Zambia. The R square value of 0.602 indicates that 60.2% of the variance in the management of the United Church of Zambia can be explained by corporate governance principles. The coefficient for the implementation of corporate governance principles was 0.751, indicating that for every unit increase in the implementation of these principles, the management of the church is expected to increase by 0.751 units, holding all other variables constant. Further, the results showed that the adoption of such principles helped the church comply with legal requirements, mitigate risks, and attract talented leaders. However, there was less agreement on whether it improved the church's management or helped achieve its mission and vision. There was also no consensus on which principle had the greatest impact, and financial performance did not seem to be affected. The effectiveness of the board in implementing corporate governance principles was not considered by most respondents. The study found that while the church had mechanisms in place for handling conflicts of interest and a code of ethics, transparency and accountability were lacking in decision-making processes. There was also no independent auditor reviewing financial statements, no regular training sessions, and a lack of disclosure of performance. The study recommends the church to do among other; develop a corporate governance policy, conduct regular training and education, encourage stakeholder engagement, allocate sufficient resources, develop effective enforcement mechanisms and cultivate a culture of transparency and accountability.
Keywords: Corporate governance principles, management, Churc
Perspectives of school managers and teachers on the implementation of the eight-hour policy in selected schools of Ndola, Zambia.
Get PDFArticleThe standard working hours for civil service workers as stipulated by the International Labor
Organization (ILO) in most countries is 8 hours. The eight hour work day policy has been enacted in
the Labour Laws of Zambia as a guide for employers and employees. Recently, teachers were also
mandated to follow this policy as they are part of the public service. However, this policy has been
criticized by some teacher unions and the teachers themselves. The Zambia National Union of Teachers
(ZNUT) called on the government to implement the eight hour policy for teachers to promote effective
teaching. On the other hand, the National Union of Public and Private Educators (NUPPEZ) executive
president said that the eight hour policy in its current form was retrogressive to teachers. He further
urged the Ministry of General Education to seriously engage the teacher unions to help look into the
effective handling of the policy by both administrators and teachers alike. Therefore, this clearly shows
that the eight hour policy has been received with mixed feelings by the teaching fraternity.
A sample of 40 participants drawn from three public primary schools and three public secondary schools
was purposively selected and interviewed. The sample comprised teachers and head teachers. The study
was mainly qualitative in nature and used a descriptive design. Thematic analysis was used to analyse
data. The study revealed that of the six schools that were sampled, only two schools strongly supported
the introduction of the eight-hour policy. Two schools were against the policy while the other two
schools expressed mixed feelings. Generally, a large number of teachers felt that the policy was inimical
to the interests of teachers. The study recommended inter alia that the Ministry of Education should
improve infrastructure in schools such as staffrooms where teachers can prepare their work and relax in
a conducive environment for eight hours.
Keywords:
Eight-Hour Policy,
Teacher Unions, School
Administrators,
Teachers, Educatio
Intergration of water supply and municipal land use planning in Lusaka city, Zambia.
Get PDFDegree of master of science in spatial planning.This study aimed at assessing the integration of water supply and municipal land use planning in Lusaka City. The study was guided by three objectives, which were to determine how water supply managers and municipal land use planners integrate water supply and land use plans in Lusaka City, to identify the barriers faced in the integration of water supply and land use plans in Lusaka City and to assess the level of integration between water supply plans and municipal land use plans in Lusaka City. A total of 22 key informants were interviewed using interview guides. Informants were purposively selected, then using a snowball selection approach, additional individuals to participate based on the recommendations of their colleagues was requested. The key informants comprised professionals responsible and involved in water supply and municipal land use planning in Lusaka City. These were selected from Lusaka City Council (LCC), Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company (LWSC), Ministry of Local Government (MLG), Ministry of Water Development Sanitation and Environmental Protection (MWDSEP), and Water Resource Authority Management (WARMA). Collected data was coded and analyzed using thematic and content analysis.
The results of the study indicated that, urban planners and water supply managers in Lusaka City are set by legislation to integrate water supply and land use plans through cross sector involvement, consultation, collaboration and taking into account the requirements specified under the legislations governing both sectors when developing plans. However, there has been lack of cross sector involvement and consultation, poor collaboration, less consideration of cross sector requirements and water-land use interaction in the development of plans, especially municipal land use plans. Water supply and municipal land use plans have been prepared in a silored manner. Main barriers leading to this were institutional and personnel behavioral in nature. Institutional barriers were grounded mainly on differing, fractured and fragmented legal and institutional governance structures of water supply and municipal land use planning in the city, whereas personnel behavioural barriers were grounded on differing professional perspectives, interest and education backgrounds; limited knowledge and lack of care and attention to integration and water-land use interactions. The study further revealed and concluded that, integration of water supply and municipal land use plans in Lusaka city was not happening. The need for integration was only emerging then.
In view of the aforementioned, the situation on the ground was posed to have far-reaching and increasingly undesirable consequences/developments if not addressed. Thus, remedying required innovative ways of allocating responsibility, accountability, and innovative structures for the coordination and management of sectors. It also required shifts in professional cultures, which might be realised through education and training
Key Words: Water Supply, Land Use, Planning, Integration, Collaboration, Lusak
Effects of sedimentation on water-linked sectors in the Lusitu river catchment in southern Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science in Geography.The problem of sedimentation and drying-up of rivers is very pronounced globally, continentally, and nationally. In Southern Zambia and, Lusitu River Catchment in particular, sedimentation and eventual drying up of the river during most parts of the year punctuated diverse environmental and
socioeconomic problems, which this study investigated to contribute to the ongoing epistemic debates around the problem. Lusitu River supports a large population of over 20,000 Gwembe Tonga People who were relocated into Lusitu Catchment in 1958, following the construction of Kariba Dam. The overall aim of the study was to assess how sedimentation affected water-linked sectors in the Lusitu River Catchment to formulate strategies for mitigation of negative effects. The objectives of the study were to: (i) investigate main drivers of sedimentation in the Lusitu River; (ii) determine the magnitude of sedimentation in the downstream section of the Lusitu River; (iii) to assess how sedimentation of Lusitu River affected water-linked sectors and (iv) to design an integrated restorative framework for the Lusitu River Catchment. The study was informed by analytic eclecticism paradigm and used mixed methodology, particularly concurrent design so that where applicable, both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. Data on objective one was collected using observation and semistructured interviews and was analysed using descriptive statistics namely, mean, standard deviation, coefficient of variation and thematic analysis. Data on objective two was collected using sediment coring method and was analysed using Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) in ArcGIS10.4. Data on objective three was collected using semi-structured interviews and was analysed using thematic analysis. Data on objective four was gathered using Focus Group Discussions and was analysed using thematic analysis. The results showed that agricultural activities particularly, dry season crop field preparation prior to the onset of rainfall and intensive soil tillage farming practices were the major drivers of sediment. Sand mining was the least contributor. Geomorphic factors driving sedimentation of Lusitu River were gully erosion, loose soils (Leptosols), unstable riverbanks and weak sedimentary rock formations. There was large-scale siltation in the downstream section which measured 2,863,913.78m3 with mean sediment depth of 3.13m. Due to heavy sedimentation, the downstream of the Lusitu River was found to have lost 68.34% of its channel storage capacity. The intensity of riverbank gardening varied in relation to Lusitu River flow regime. The drying up of the Lusitu River led to water shortage for crop irrigation and livestock watering, but improved supply of drinking water. Small-scale crop farmers and livestock farmers experienced serious water shortage, with the former being the most hit. Time taken to draw water for domestic use increased in relation to the drying up of the river. The study found that local people adapted to water shortage by digging wells on the dry riverbed which were complimented by small sandy reservoirs dug by the local authority on the same for livestock watering. The study proposed river restoration framework, which constitutes nature-based solutions, engineering, conservation agriculture strategies, indigenous knowledge, and
sediment business development model, among others. The study concluded that both soil erosion processes such as gully erosion, and upstream anthropogenic activities such as crop cultivation were the main drivers of sedimentation in the Lusitu River Catchment. Water shortage due to severe river sedimentation reduced income from crop farmers. It also reduced the number of livestock farmers reared thereby, perpetuating rural poverty. The study designed an integrated catchment restoration framework for Lusitu River Catchment to restore the river to perennial status, halt and reverse land degradation. The study recommends piloting of the framework for subsequent full-scale implementation
Electronic-government procurement challenges in procurement : a case study of Kitwe city council in Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Masters Degree in Business Administration.This study investigated the challenges affecting the implementation of electronic government procurement (e-GP) at Kitwe City Council in Zambia. Questionnaires were administered to 100 procurement professionals in the council. The results revealed that 45% of respondents faced challenges in e-GP adoption, including inadequate ICT infrastructure, skills gaps, change resistance and legal misalignment. Regression analysis found that these challenges significantly reduced transparency and accountability in procurement processes. However, the impact on efficiency was mixed, with a polarization of views. Proposed strategies to address implementation challenges favoured legal and regulatory reforms and change management initiatives, followed by ICT and training interventions. Document analysis corroborated findings on planning, training, technical, legal and budgetary constraints impeding e-GP rollout. The study concludes that multidimensional challenges hinder e-GP success at Kitwe City Council, necessitating coordinated legal, policy, change management and capacity-building efforts to realise the benefits of greater efficiency, transparency and accountability in public procurement
Effect of new borehole pricing regime in the wake of groundwater regulations in Zambia.
No full textThesis of Master’s in Business AdministrationWater is life, essential for human existence, and its importance for individual health as well as the well-being of a nation and access to good quality water cannot be overemphasized. It is therefore believed that a borehole is a hydraulic structure which when properly designed and constructed,
permits the economic withdrawal of water from an aquifer that can give fresh water to human beings, and other uses such agriculture, aquaculture, hydropower, industries and recreation. However, the fact that many boreholes fail, or perform poorly within a short time from construction is partly due, to a lack of professionalism in the drilling sector and the agencies and individuals that engage with it. Hence, the research objectives of the paper are generally focusing on how the regulation has impacted the pricing of a borehole in Zambia and provide the benefits that goes with regulating the borehole drilling and how the consumers stand to benefit from the groundwater regulation. The study used a descriptive research design targeting a total of 65 respondents. The participants in the study, included WARMA (n=5), Drilling Companies and Clients/Customers (n=60). The non-probability sampling and purposive sampling to be specific was used for the targeted respondents as the study focused on Lusaka Province, Livingstone, Mongu, and Ndola, which are the locations of and bases of operations for most drilling companies. It employed both quantitative and qualitative approaches as it entailed the having gained an in-depth understanding of the phenomena under the study and help to understand the reality and how people interpret their different borehole drilling experiences. The study discovered that drilling companies were registered companies, and that the majority of
them were licensed with WARMA in class B which is mostly for the international companies and that after the introduction of drilling licenses by WARMA, the cost of drilling a borehole went higher than before such that both clients and drilling business companies were affected negatively
hence the uproar. It is evident that participants had strong opinion that drilling companies and their consumers suffer the impact when ground water and boreholes are regulated since they forced to pay more, and it takes a long time for drilling companies to obtain a license, without which it is impossible to drill a borehole. On the other hand, it was revealed that borehole regulations ensures that all people have equal access to water resources that are available in adequate quantities and of high enough quality for a variety of purposes, such as commercial, the generation of hydropower, leisure, agriculture, mining, and navigation. In conclusion, the development of management and monitoring of borehole standards strategies for borehole drilling is necessary since groundwater pollution is site specific and that to provide a good water supply service, every water borehole drilled, and every pump installed must be undertaken in a professional manner. Groundwater regulations have brought sanity in the industry thereby promoting sustainability of the ground water resources by inhibiting ramparted drilling of borehole which may lead to depletion of the resource. Further, the regulations provide for water quality standards that enforces assessments and treatment of polluted water which promotes the positive strides made by the government to increase the provision of safe and clean water. In addition to the enforcement of ground water regulations, it is imperative for the regulator to carry out sensitization programmes in communities and make sure that people understand why the regulation of drilling of boreholes was introduced in Zambia and its benefits to both the drilling business companies and the public at large
A framework for public digital archives administration in Zambia : current practices, procedures and prospects.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Library and Information Science.The aim of this study was to establish the framework for digital archives administration in Zambia, focusing on the current practices, procedures and prospects. A case study design using concurrent mixed research methods was adopted for this study. Purposive, and simple random sampling techniques were used to select 13 archivists and 30 users respectively. Data were collected using closed and open ended questions and scheduled interviews. Quantitative data was analyzed using statistical centrality, position and variability with aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 26 for descriptive statistics for easy interpretation and analysis of data, while content analysis was used to analyze qualitative data. The study established that the National Archives of Zambia was yet to develop standard procedures , manuals and policies for the adminstration of digital archives. Although, the National Archives of Zambia draws its manadate from the National Archives Act of 1995 CAP 175. Archivists indicated lack of digital skills required in processing digital skills. The study recommended that there was need to develop institutional policies and procedures to guide the process of digital archives administration, and revise the National Archives Act of 1995. In addition, there was need to train archivists in handling of digital archives. The study further recommended a model for adoption by the National Archives of Zambia
Exploring the economic effects of student loan recovery on ex-beneficiaries : a case study of former university of Zambia students.
Get PDFThesis of Master’s degree in Business Administration.The study aimed to explore the economic effects of student loan recovery on ex-beneficiaries of the former University of Zambia. The primary focus was on the repayment interest rate, the student loan repayment period, and the effects of student loan repayment on savings and disposable income.
The research was inspired by the transition from a bursary system to a student loan scheme in Zambia. This significant shift necessitated substantial adjustments for numerous individuals, particularly those who had previously benefited from the bursary system. The obligation to repay these loans can exert a considerable financial strain on graduates, potentially influencing their financial satisfaction and overall quality of life. A comprehensive review of literature was conducted, encompassing global, regional, and local contexts. This provided a broad perspective on the issue and helped to situate the research within the larger discourse on student loans and higher education financing. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach within an interpretivism paradigm. A carefully selected sample comprised of former student loan beneficiaries who are currently
repaying the student loan, a representative from the Ministry of Education, and a representative from the Higher Education Loans and Scholarships Board (HELSB). Data collection methods included the distribution of questionnaires, conducting interviews, and document analysis. These diverse methods allowed for a rich and nuanced understanding of the issue. The findings revealed that while the student loan scheme has expanded access to higher education for many Zambians, the obligation to repay these loans can impose a significant financial burden on graduates. This burden can potentially impact their financial contentment and overall quality of life. The impact is multifaceted and depends on various factors, including
employment status and income level. The study concludes with recommendations for policy and practice, aimed at alleviating the financial burden on graduates and improving the effectiveness of the student loan scheme in Zambia. These recommendations are based on the findings of the study