The University of Zambia Journals
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Assembling a National Colonial Archive: Considering the Influence and Historical Legacy of the Kaunda Era on Zambia’s Archives
Full text linkDrawing mainly from original archival research, this paper aims to explore the contribution and impact of the Kaunda administration in establishing an independent national archive and archiving system in Zambia, between 1964 to 1969. The attainment of independence in Zambia, under Kenneth Kaunda’s leadership and the United National Independence Party (UNIP), served as a transformative catalyst, paving the way for the establishment of an autonomous national archive and an archiving system preserved within Zambia rather than abroad in Zimbabwe. From the mid-1940s, Zambia’s public archives material was kept and preserved in Zimbabwe (formerly Southern Rhodesia) due to the absence of a mature archiving and records management system in Zambia (then Northern Rhodesia). Negotiations between Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland led to the establishment of a shared archival service, resulting in Northern Rhodesia’s archives being centralised at the Central African Archives in Salisbury (Harare) until the 1960s, coinciding with the advent of Kaunda's administration. This article argues that, the Kaunda administration was instrumental in reclaiming Zambia’s colonial archives from the custody of Southern Rhodesia Archives in Salisbury, Southern Rhodesia. This move played a crucial role in the establishment of an independent national archive, which now serves as an essential resource for Zambia’s national history. By scrutinising the repatriation of archives material from Zimbabwe to Zambia and the establishment of the archiving system as well as the development of archival legislation from colonial era standards to contemporary frameworks influenced by the political context of independence and burgeoning nationalism, this paper endeavours to explain the critical role of Kaunda’s administration initiatives in preserving Zambia’s national history
Comparative Study of Growth and Survival of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Three Spotted Tilapia (Oreochromis andersonii) Overwintered in Concrete Ponds in Zambia.
Full text linkThis study aims to provide information on the growth of tilapia in winter nurseries. This will help alleviate the adverse effects of the cold season on aquaculture in Zambia. In this study, Oreochromis niloticus (T1) and Oreochromis andersonii (T2), with initial mean weights of 2.12 ± 1.03 and 2.20 ± 1.03g respectively were used. The fingerlings were stocked in six concrete ponds (7 × 5 m) at 6 fish/m2 (180 fish/pond), in three replications, which resulted in a total of 1080experimental fish. After 12 weeks of culture, the average weight gain (AWG) was 24.37 ±3.67 g for O. niloticus and 20.49 for ± 1.50for O. andersonii. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in the final weights (FW), average weight gain (AWG), specific growth rate (SGR), and survival rates of the two species. However, the food conversion ratio (FCR) for O. niloticus of 1.07 ± 0.11was significantly better (P < 0.05) than for O.andersonii of 1.62 ± 0.10. The findings showed that O. andersonii can exhibit similar attributes as O. niloticus in terms of growth and survival in semi-intensive culture and by the end of the cold season, both species were overwintered to weights suitable for grow-out culture. Overwintering of late spawn tilapia may help provide ready-to-stock fingerlings at the onset of the fish growing season in Zambi
A Comparative Study of Pharmaceutical and Bio-Equivalence Characteristics of Different Brands of Extended-Release Diclofenac Sodium Marketed in Zambia Using the Mongoloid Dog Model
No full textDiclofenac sodium is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compound (NSAID) that is used to treat inflammation and manage pain caused by various conditions. In Zambia, numerous generic brands of diclofenac are available on the market, providing prescribers and patients with a wide range of options. This Study compared pharmaceutical and bioequivalence characteristics of three (3) different brands of extended-release diclofenac sodium 100mg tablets marketed in Zambia. An analytical technique was employed to examine physicochemical parameters. The dissolution analysis was conducted using the paddle technique. A randomised, single-dose, two-way crossover design was performed on six Mongoloid female dogs that were fasted. After receiving 100 mg diclofenac sodium tablets orally, the levels of diclofenac in the plasma were determined using UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters, including the time taken for maximum drug concentration (T-max), maximum drug concentration in plasma after dosing (C-max), area under the curve from 0 to 10 (AUC 0-10), and area under the curve infinity (AUC ∞), were determined through a non-compartmental procedure. The physicochemical characteristics were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), while Bioequivalence was assessed using the linear-log trapezoidal rule method.
The non-aqueous titration showed that the purity of diclofenac ranged from 95.41% to 102.8% w/w. All brands were well absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, and the parameters were within the acceptable range set by the FDA for Bioequivalence. The 100 mg diclofenac sodium extended-release tablets from three brands had good physical and chemical properties and met the criteria for drug release. However, there were noticeable differences in the AUC0-10hrs between brand A and brands B and C, suggesting that while the brands are chemically similar, they are not equal in terms of biological equivalence
A case of 4-year-old Female sheep-Goat Hybrid Born Under Natural Conditions in Namibia
Full text linkThis article reports a 4 year old female sheep x goat interspecific hybrid born under natural conditions in Namibia. Repetitive DNA sequencing using microsatellite markers was used to confirm the hybrid. Morphological characteristics of the sheep-goat hybrid had higher parameters in terms of heart girth, height at withers and trunk length compared to other animals in the flock. The weight of hybrid was 74 kg while the weight of its dam, a goat doe, was 42 kg and the possible sire, a sheep ram, weighed 51 kg. The hybrid had long and thick tail, a head resembling a sheep whereas its skin, horns, and teats were like those of a goat and its legs were relatively long. The hybrid conceived on two occasions with a buck, but aborted at about 4 months into the pregnancy. The hybrid in terms of body weight and dimensions was bigger than common goats and sheep found in the rural livestock traditional farming area of the region possibly indicating hybrid vigour. The hybrid’s large size brings hope about need of more research and breeding and the possibility towards cloning of such animals using nuclear transfer technology for increased meat production in future. The authors believe this is the first documented report of a sheep-goat hybrid from Namibia, and third in Africa, that lived normally for a long time to full adulthood and even conceived, even though the conceptus was aborted
Editorial: Increasing Human Mpox Cases: A Signal for Potential Re-emergence of Smallpox?
Full text linkSince 2022, Mpox has surged to a global scale, with nearly 100,000 cases reported by June 2024. This resurgence predominantly affects individuals under 45, born during or after the cessation of smallpox vaccination. Epidemiological evidence confirms that smallpox vaccines offer over 80% protection against Mpox. The rise in Mpox cases appears to be driven by a cocktail of factors which include the emergence of new MPXV strains, a dwindling population of previously smallpox vaccinated individuals, and an increasing number of individuals unvaccinated against smallpox. Although those vaccinated over 40 years ago retain significant immunity, studies suggest a concerning annual decline of 1.29%. Given these dynamics - rising Mpox cases linked to declining head immunity against smallpox and a growing naïve population - the scenario raises a critical question: Are we on the brink of a smallpox re-emergence? However the question is answered, it is imperative to address these issues urgently by conducting large-scale investigations to understand the residual immunity against smallpox and refine vaccination strategies. The recent resurgence of measles highlights how swiftly diseases once under control can reappear when vaccination coverage declines
Optimization of the production process and nutritional composition of Zambian Munkoyo and Chibwantu Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Full text linkThis study investigated the optimization of production procedures and nutritional content of Munkoyo and Chibwantu, traditional Zambian non-alcoholic beverages. Key production parameters, such as, pH, Total Titratable Acidity, viscosity, and Total Soluble Solids were evaluated for optimization, while analyses for proximate composition, calcium, iron, and zinc were conducted to assess nutrient content. Results revealed no significant differences in fermentation outcomes between extracts from 100 g and 150 g of dried Munkoyo root (p > 0.05), with pH levels ranging from 3.53 to 3.77 and TTA below 1%. Nutritional analyses indicated that Munkoyo contains 2.7 to 4.1 mg/100 g of calcium, 0.04 to 0.05 mg/100 g of iron, and 0.19 to 0.38 mg/100 g of zinc, while Chibwantu provides 2.4 to 4.7 mg/100 g of calcium, 0.03 to 0.05 mg/100 g of iron, and 0.25 to 0.46 mg/100 g of zinc. The low mineral content suggests supplementation with nutrient-rich ingredients. This research lays a foundation for quality standards and supports the sustainability of Munkoyo root, aiding the growth of Zambia's traditional beverage market
Biosecurity Knowledge, Attitude and Practices in Cage Aquaculture: A Study of Fish Health and Disease Risk Management on Lake Kariba, Siavonga, Zambia
Full text linkCage aquaculture in Lake Kariba, Zambia, is critical to the region’s fish production but faces significant challenges in disease outbreaks. This study assessed the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) of aquaculture producers in Siavonga concerning fish health and disease risk management. Data were collected through structured interviews with 14 producers, representing small, medium, and large-scale farms. The study aimed to identify gaps in biosecurity awareness and practices, particularly in relation to disease prevention and control.
The results showed that knowledge of biosecurity and disease risks was predominantly low across all farm scales. Specifically, 90% of small-scale producers and 100% of medium-scale producers exhibited low knowledge, while 50% of large-scale producers showed low knowledge. Attitudes toward biosecurity were generally negative, with 90% of small-scale producers holding negative attitudes, compared to 50% of large-scale producers who demonstrated positive attitudes. The implementation of disease management practices was more consistent in medium- and large-scale operations, with 100% of large-scale farms following moderate to good practices, compared to 100% poor practices in small-scale farms.
Significant gaps in adherence to best biosecurity practices were observed, particularly in small-scale farms. For instance, 60% of small-scale farms did not follow quarantine procedures, and only 20% assessed disease risks pre-movement. In contrast, 100% of large-scale farms implemented quarantine measures and assessed disease risks before moving fish.
This study highlights the need for targeted interventions to improve biosecurity knowledge and practices, especially among small-scale producers, who constitute 71.4% of the respondents. Training, resource allocation, and policy enforcement are crucial to addressing these gaps and mitigating the risk of disease outbreaks that threaten the aquaculture sector’s sustainability in Lake Kariba
Grounds for Questioning Elections in Nigeria Emerging Jurisprudence and Legal Implications
No full textThis study thoroughly examines the legal dimensions surrounding the grounds underpinning election petitions in Nigeria. It elucidates the legal and procedural aspects that shape the landscape of electoral dispute resolution. Elections, a cornerstone of democratic governance, often generate disputes requiring judicial resolution. Nigeria has witnessed a history of contested elections, prompting a critical evaluation of the grounds for election petitions. The study employs descriptive research to comprehensively review relevant legal frameworks, statutes, and case law to identify critical areas where legal ambiguities, loopholes, or violations have given rise to challenges, focusing on the specific grounds that allow for filing election petitions. The analysis encompasses key issues of qualification, allegations of electoral malpractices, voter irregularities, and disputes over the interpretation and application of election laws. By analysing precedents and legal interpretations, the paper clarified the parameters that guide the initiation and adjudication of election petitions. In conclusion, this study offers a valuable analysis of the legal landscape and insights into the grounds for election petitions in Nigeria, providing an understanding of the legal and procedural frameworks underlying electoral dispute resolution. By identifying areas of improvement and potential reforms, the paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on enhancing the integrity and fairness of the electoral adjudicatory process in Nigeria
Sources of Official Poverty Data: Reflections on Sixty Years of the Production of Statistics on Poverty in Zambia, 1964-2024
Full text linkThis article explores the evolution of official statistics on poverty in Zambia during the first sixty years of independence. Using various government reports and oral sources, it analyses the sources of data on poverty and how they shaped the understanding of the phenomenon. It demonstrates that up to the late 1980s, the sources of poverty-related data were household budget surveys whose emphasis was on data required for computing national income indices. Therefore, data on poverty from these sources were incomprehensive. However, with the economic decline and the negative effects of Structural Adjustment, the collection of data on poverty increased significantly from the 1990s. More regular and comprehensive multidimensional surveys were undertaken, which emphasised the living conditions of the people rather than income indices. This resulted in more comprehensive data on living conditions and a better understanding of the poverty situation. The data informed the efforts made by government and other stakeholders to combat poverty in Zambia
The Kubata Maoko Register and Its Social Context Among The Shona With Some Parallels From The Valley Tonga.
No full textThis article discusses the oral performance or linguistic behaviour (verbal and nonverbal) expected during a funeral when one goes to console the bereaved (kubata maoko, in Shona and kujuzya balila in Tonga cultures, respectively). It is a sociolinguistic study of the speech acts within the domain of funeral oral performances that are considered as appropriate when one consoles the bereaved. It focuses on the linguistic devices and resources that the speaker chooses to communicate the feelings that are deemed suitable for this register. It investigates the structure of language in a specific social context – funeral context and this enables us to make more discoveries about how language functions in communication. Data was collected by participant observation of funeral performances (linguistic behaviour) at various funeral occasions both among urban Shona communities and especially rural Valley Tonga communities of Binga and Sinazongwe Districts in Zimbabwe and Zambia, respectively