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Examining civil society organisations and Zambia's governance system: challenges, successes and opportunities.
Get PDFArticleAlthough civil society organisations (CSOs) are crucial in promoting efficient and effective good governance and maintaining democratic ideals, their role in political, social and economic development of any country seem to be problematic. This study sought to examine civil society organisation’s positionality in Zambia's Governance System, with a specific focus on Southern African Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) and Foundation for Democratic Process (FODEP)’s political participation. The study consisted of 32 participants. A qualitative approach was utilised and a case study design was followed. In depth interviews and questionnaires were used to collect data from CSO staff, government officials and the general public. Thematic analysis was used to interpret the collected data. The study established that CSOs focus on different areas and play an important role in the Zambian governance system. The study also found that civil society organisations sometimes work with the government in the promotion of good governance by offering checks and balances and prompting transparency. The study also identified different strategies CSOs use in the promotion of good governance, these include advocacy as well as sensitization. The study also found that there are a number of challenges faced by CSOs in Zambia in pursuing their duties, among them are: poor funding and lack of financial resources which was an impediment to the effective service provision of CSOs and the bad perception by the government which describes the current state of CSOs as inadequate and weak. The main conclusion of this study is that due to many CSOs’ over-dependence on foreign donor funding they have become weak over the years. This weakness simply means that CSOs organisations do not perform their duties; as a result, good governance may be difficult to achieve
Examining the integration of green concepts and practices into the curricula of tourism and hospitality training institutions of Zambia.
Get PDFDoctor of Philosophy in Environmental Education and ManagementThe study examined green concepts and practices and how these could be integrated into tourism and hospitality curricula of training institutions in order to promote environmental sustainability in the Zambia tourism and hospitality industry. The objectives of the study were to ascertain the extent to which green concepts and practices were integrated in the curricula of tourism and hospitality training institutions of Zambia; assess understanding of green concepts and practices in tourism and hospitality training institutions; suggest aspects of green concepts and practice to be included in the framework and develop a curriculum framework that could be used in the integration process. The theoretical framework for the study was informed by the Curriculum and Stakeholder theories. A mixed methods approach was used to collect and analyse data by using both qualitative and quantitative technique, concurrent design. A questionnaire with a Likert scale was administered to 200 selected participants in all 10 tourism and hospitality training institutions of Lusaka. The study also used unstructured interviews to collect data from 20 managers and heads of section in these institutions. Document study involved analysing different curricula from Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA) institutions, public and private training institutions for content on the same subject. The study found that green concepts and practices were either latently included or were completely missing from the curricula. The present modular structure designed by curricula designers and other private institutions were not specific on green integration hence not effective. Sustainability education remained an afterthought or an add-on in many classes due to lack of knowledge on the part of the instructors and lack of appreciation for sustainability content on the part of managers. The study concluded that integration of green concepts and practices (e.g., water harvest, zero waste, low carbon emissions, renewable energy, green transport and building initiatives) in the tourism and hospitality training institutions was possible despite the findings showing that training institutions were not effectively integrating the content. Key players at national and local levels, private and public academia and the industry needed to create opportunities and synergies to tackle this issue.
Keywords: Sustainability education, curriculum, green practices, integration, tourism and hospitality industry, sustainability education model, Zambia
Challenges and opportunities of teaching geography in junior secondary school social studies: a study of selected schools in Serenje district-Zambia.
Get PDFThesisThe aim of this study was to investigate the challenges and opportunities presented by teaching and learning of Geography as part of Social Studies at Junior Secondary School level in Serenje district of the Central Province in Zambia. The objectives of the study were to ascertain the challenges faced by learners when learning Geography in Social Studies in selected secondary schools in the district; to investigate the challenges faced by teachers in the delivery of the Geography component in Social Studies in the selected secondary schools; and to explore the opportunities that would facilitate improved teaching and learning of Social Studies in secondary schools in Zambia. A descriptive research design utilising the qualitative approach was used in conducting the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, lesson observation, and document analysis. The sample of participants comprised four heads of the Social Sciences department, sixteen teachers of Social Studies and sixteen learners. All the participants were purposively sampled with a view that they were knowledgeable and well informed about the subject under investigation. The data were analysed using thematic analysis and presented as verbatim quotes. The study revealed that teachers lacked training in teaching Social Studies (hence lacked both content knowledge and pedagogical know-how); teachers mostly used teacher exposition, with low-levels of active learner involvement; there was a paucity of teaching and learning materials for the Geography component; some learners at junior secondary school level were of low calibre because of the automatic qualification policy; and there was no robust monitoring of teachers either by school authorities or district inspectors. Lack of subject content knowledge by teachers deprived learners of the necessary information required for them to excel in the subject. Topics that posed a challenge for teachers were sometimes deliberately ignored or skipped. Lack of pedagogical know-how meant that teachers mostly used the transmission method to teach Geography, a subject which otherwise requires active participation of the learners. Lack of learning materials, particularly textbooks, meant that learners received instruction without learning aids, which made learning difficult. The syllabus for Social Studies was distributed to all the schools but without textbooks and other materials to support teaching and learning. Also, lack of monitoring resulted in laxity on the part of teachers who resorted to note-giving instead of actually teaching. Based on these findings, the following recommendations were made: the government should, as a matter of urgency, deploy teachers who are trained to teach Social Studies; government should supply schools with necessary requisites for teaching and learning Social Studies while schools, on their part, should find ways of obtaining relevant Geography teaching and learning materials; schools could revert to the old system (of separated Geography, History and Civics) until such a time as necessary arrangements are put in place for teaching and learning Social Studies; teacher competency should be improved through vigorous in-service training (or capacity building) and CPD). Further studies can be conducted on the short comings concerning the junior secondary social studies
An investigation of perceptions on the suitability of rammed earth in the construction of affordable housing units in Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Engineering in Construction Management.Housing is one of the basic necessities of mankind known to affect human health and well being. Since 1964, Zambia has been struggling with the provision of housing in urban areas. Zambia’s urban population rose by 52% from 5,173,450 to 7, 844,628, between 2010 to 2022. The current housing deficit is estimated at over 2,000,000 housing units compared to 860,000 units estimated in 1996. This study aimed at exploring the use of stabilised rammed earth in the construction of affordable housing units in Zambia. A mixed method approach of both qualitative and quantitative analysis was adopted, with data collected using a questionnaire as well as laboratory tests. In establishing public perception on the use of rammed earth, a total of 104 respondents were sampled. Furthermore, in assessing the properties and suitability of rammed earth for housing construction, soil samples were collected from four different locations within study area. The study revealed lack of legislation on rammed earth construction, and that the public perceptions on the use of rammed earth is mixed. Whilst there was some considerable level of agreement on its advantages mainly in terms of lower cost of construction, thermal, fire as well as moisture resistance, the respondents on the other hand were of the view that the structural strength for houses constructed with rammed earth is poor compared to ones constructed with concrete blocks. More so, that only 41.7% had knowledge on construction techniques associated with rammed earth. Furthermore, on the properties of rammed earth, the laboratory tests revealed that the cubes stabilised with 3%, 6% and 10% cement displayed increased compression strength of more than 2MPa compared to unstabilised cubes. The research therefore recommends the need for a legal framework which supports the use of stabilised rammed earth in housing construction in Zambia. This technology, if adopted, could bridge the gap in housing deficit and lead to affordable housing provision
The management of examination malpractice using blockchain technology.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science in Computer ScienceThe issue of post-examination malpractice is a significant concern in the educational sector, and it is good to see that efforts are being made to address this problem. Your proposed solution to use blockchain technology to prevent grade manipulation is an innovative approach that could have a positive impact on the integrity of the examination process. The respondents using questionnaires used the purposive sampling technique. Based on the conducted statistical analysis of the data collected from the respondents, who include, among others, IT administrators, software developers, data entry officers and selected chief markers to determine the effectiveness of the proposed model. The inferential part of the analysis, which dealt with hypothesis values for the P-value and the sample t-test, is also a common statistical method used to test the significance of the results. The result obtained through effort expectancy, t(91)=.031, p=.976 with a 95% level of significance, suggests that the null hypothesis was rejected, and an alternative accepted means that effort expectancy influenced the adoption of blockchain technology. The use of the SHA-256 hashing technique is a standard method of ensuring the integrity and authenticity of digital documents, and it can be used to create a unique digital signature for each document that is added to the blockchain. Overall, the proposed solution shows the potential of technology-based solutions to address issues related to the integrity of the examination process. Further research and testing are needed to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed solution in practice
Assessment of eurocode provisions for eccentrically loaded concrete-encased columns with out-of-code parameters.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering.This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the viability of applying the current eccentric compressive design provisions outlined in Eurocode 4 (EC4) for concrete-encased steel composite columns with out-of-code parameters. Specifically, the research undertakes an in-depth analysis of the impact of material and geometric properties on the compressive design provisions prescribed by EC4, particularly under eccentric loading conditions, and checking the viability of applying these provisions specifically for high strength concretes and steels. In addition, this study aims to identify any potential shortcomings in the current design guidelines and to suggest modifications that can enhance their accuracy when applying these provisions beyond code specifications. Despite no reported failures or complaints associated with the current provisions, it is important to note that there has been limited work to assess these provisions in relation to experimental or detailed non-linear finite element analyses and the current provisions are limited to C60/75 concrete and S460 steel despite recent advancements in high strength concrete and steel. This lack of assessment means that the extent to which the current provisions provide the required levels of safety when extended beyond code specifications remains uncertain. To address these objectives, the research delves into a comprehensive literature review encompassing both experimental and numerical investigations that delve into the compression behavior of eccentrically loaded concrete encased columns, including both in-code and out-of-code parameters. By critically examining the methodologies employed in these experiments, the research aims to ensure that the collected data is both reliable and consistent. The evaluation process involves the compilation of experimental and numerical data gathered from the literature. This data is then rigorously assessed against the actual behavior exhibited by concrete-encased steel composite columns. The findings reveal that while the current compressive design provisions within EC4 effectively predict the behavior of concrete-encased steel composite columns with in-code parameters, they exhibit notable inaccuracies when it comes to eccentric loading and out-of-code parameter. In fact, a substantial 46% of the columns examined in the database are found to be under-designed based on these provisions. Consequently, the study proposes refined compressive design provisions that take into account the concept of modification factors.The suggested modifications incorporate adjustments to model factors to account forcolumns outside the scope of the code. It is important to recognize that this adjustment may lead to designs that are more conservative even for the columns with out-of-code parameters. However, the resultant design approach offers a 95% probability of producing designs that are suitably conservative. This not only enhances the ductility and energy absorption capacity of the columns but also improves their overall structural performance. Ultimately, the findings from this study offer valuable insights into the intricate behavior of concrete-encased steel composite columns with out-of-code parameters. Moreover, the study provides constructive recommendations aimed at refining the accuracy of the existing design guidelines for extension to use of high strength concretes and steel in these composite columns
Evaluation on effectiveness of scaled up control intervetion towards malaria prevalence among children in Chienge district of Luapula province.
No full textIn Chiengi District, more than 10 years after Scaled up malaria control interventions has not seen any drastic reduction in the number of morbidity and mortality of malaria cases. The study aimed at evaluating on effectiveness of scaled up control intervention towards malaria prevalence among children in Chienge District. The independent variables included Diagnostic Methods of Malaria, Malaria Treatment and Preventive measures being implemented in the Control of Malaria. Records indicated that the prevalence of the burden of malaria among the under 5 children in Chienge District was at 30%. Therefore, a cross sectional study or survey using the quantitative approach has helped to cover the prevalence of malaria in Chienge District. The targeted populations of the research study are all the people who were caregivers to children who are susceptible to malaria in Chiengi
District. The data that was collected used both the primary and secondary data sources. For primary data, a questionnaire was used which contained both closed and open ended questions and secondary data was collected from statistical records from health facilities. The primary data was processed and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software version 20. The findings showed that mostly Rapid Diagnosis Test (RDT) is mostly used for testing malaria among the people. The caregivers delay in seeking medical treatment for children in the area which adverse effects treatment. Coartem is mostly used in treatment of malaria of which due to poor practices of not finishing the drugs has resulted into drug resistance among the people. The district has maintained free distribution of ITNs among the vulnerable group. The study noted, people uses the ITNs as fishing nets and children are left without sleeping under the net. The study showed that the proximity of residence to stagnant water and poor use of ITNs are the most dominant risk factors for malaria infection. The study showed that distribution of ITNs coverage is important factor to achieve significant reduction in malaria morbidity and mortality which demands sensitization to increase the levels of awareness of the people regarding the diseases through health education on scaled up control measures using different media, and community based organizations
: what role for neglected and underutilised crops in Petauke, Zambia?
Get PDFMaster of Science Degree in Geography.Neglected and underutilized crops (NUCs) are useful species of crops which are largely
overlooked by farmers, consumers, breeders, extentionists, researchers and policy makers.
They represent a cluster of biodiversity with potential to solve food security problems among
smallholder farmers in the developing world especially in the spectre of climate variability.
This study examined the potential of NUCs in enhancing food security of smallholder
farming households amidst climate variability in Petauke, Zambia. Objectives of the study
were to: (i) determine knowledge levels on NUCs among smallholder farming households in
Petauke district, (ii) investigate the extent to which cultivation of NUCs has improved food
security amidst climate change amongst smallholder farming households in Petauke, and (iii)
examine the role of government and other stakeholders in promoting the cultivation of NUCs
in enhancing food security amidst climate variability amongst smallholder farmers. Data was
collected through structured interviews with 165 smallholder farmers and nine key
informants. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results
show that respondents identified 24 crops as NUCs. Thus, 25 percent of respondents
identified cow peas (Vigna unguiculata), 26 percent identified Bambara nuts (Vigna
subterranean), 23 percent identified local maize varieties while below 13 percent each were
identified for pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) and cassava (Manihot
esculenta) amongst crops that were neglected and underutilised. Reasons advanced for their
neglect and underutilisation were loss of knowledge about production, use and storage (19
percent); non-availability of seeds (30 percent); preference for hybrid crop varieties (40
percent); shortage of land (4 percent); low yields (10 percent); and maize-centric government
policies. Two thirds (66 percent) of respondents acknowledged the importance of NUCs in
enhancing food security amidst increased climate variability. This was because, inter alia
NUCs were adapted to the climatic variability within the local environments in which they
are bred through local seed distribution systems. Being open pollinated varieties, farmers can
replant them season after season with little or no loss in yields. Henceforth, diversification
using NUCs is an important option to hedge against risk of individual crop failure amidst
climate variability. The study noted low participation from both public and private sectors in
enhancing NUCs production. The study concludes that improving household food security
requires enhancing production of NUCs without which household food security will remain
a challenge amidst climate variability among smallholder farming households in a developing
country context. The study recommends that the Ministry of Agriculture must expand its
input subsidy programme to include NUC seeds. Further, stakeholders in the agricultural
sector must involve smallholder farmers in selecting the type of crops to be given to
beneficiaries to reduce on problems of low adoption rates. There is need to research on
community seed banks which used to exist in the past and establish what led to their failure
Challenges of regulatory requirements on medicine registration in Zambia: perceptions of locally based pharmaceutical companies.
Get PDFThesis of the Master of Public Health.The Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) has been mandated by the by the Medicines and Allied Act of the laws of Zambia to ensure quality, safety and efficacy of medicines. Since about 90% of medicines are imported from abroad, registration process contribute to the
availability of quality, safe and efficacious medicinal products in the country. In this regard the registration process needs to be effective and should avoid unnecessary delays in order to increase the classes of medicines registered in the country. The aim of this study was to identify challenges of medicines registration requirements as perceived by locally based pharmaceutical companies. A descriptive cross sectional study design was used to survey the regulatory local technical representative for foreign based applicants . Forty-Seven local technical representative was involved in the study. A designed medicines status form was used to assess dossier applications received in the past two years; 2018 and 2019. A total of 940 dossiers of applications submitted at ZAMRA during this period were assessed. Among 47 Local technical representative, more than half
(74.46%) had low knowledge on medicines registration process with a significant association between training and knowledge of medicines evaluation. Medicines registration process in Zambia is faced with challenges mainly from Local technical representative to quality of dossiers submitted for registration representatives due to limited knowledge on medicines registration concept