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Exploring the effect of entrepreneurial orientation on business performance of agriculture cooperatives: a case of solar milling plant cooperatives in Southern province of Zambia.
(The University of Zambia, 2025) Munyoro, Godfrey M.
The Solar Powered Milling Plants Project, a cornerstone of Zambia’s Presidential Milling Initiative, was introduced to boost the economy and improve rural livelihoods by providing sustainable milling solutions. Despite substantial support from the government, stakeholders, and donor agencies, the performance of agricultural cooperatives especially in Zambia’s Southern Province has remained suboptimal. With agriculture contributing only 2.74% to the country’s GDP and cooperatives accounting for 12% of agricultural GDP, there is a clear gap between potential and realized impact, raising concerns about the effectiveness of these cooperatives in meeting economic and social objectives. This study examined the influence of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on the business performance of solar milling cooperatives in Southern Province, aiming to uncover strategies to enhance their success. The research employed an embedded mixed-methods design, primarily focusing on quantitative data while incorporating qualitative insights. Data were gathered from 364 cooperative members using survey tools and semi-structured interviews. Convenience and purposive sampling techniques ensured targeted participant engagement, with 308 respondents forming the final analysis group. Among these respondents, 70.5% were female and 25.3% were male, reflecting the significant role of women in cooperative operations. The study revealed that EO dimensions, including innovation, proactiveness, and risk-taking, had a measurable and positive effect on cooperative business performance. A strong positive correlation (p < 0.01) was identified between EO and performance, suggesting that entrepreneurial practices could drive significant improvements in cooperative outcomes. Further, the study examined the interplay between internal and external business environments and cooperative performance. The findings demonstrated a robust positive relationship between these environments and performance, with a correlation coefficient of 0.947. Combined, internal and external factors explained 89.7% (RSquare: 0.897) of the variance in business performance, underscoring their critical role. Internally, cooperatives faced challenges related to operational costs, leadership capabilities, and technical skills, while externally, government policies, market accessibility, and raw material availability emerged as key influencers. The thematic analysis also highlighted that cooperatives capable of organizing their grain supplies and engaging in commercial milling achieved better financial results than those relying on toll milling. This finding emphasized the need for skill development programs, particularly in entrepreneurship and equipment repair, to enhance operational efficiency. The study concluded that EO, alongside both internal and external environmental factors, plays a pivotal role in determining the success of solar milling cooperatives. Key recommendations included fostering innovation, promoting entrepreneurial training, and addressing external barriers such as market access and policy restrictions. By strategically leveraging EO dimensions and improving their internal and external operational frameworks, cooperatives can enhance their financial performance and sustainability. This research contributes valuable insights into improving the efficiency and resilience of agricultural cooperatives, aligning with Zambia’s broader goals of rural development, economic diversification, and food security. Key words: Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO), Agricultural Cooperatives, Business Performance, Internal Environment, External Environment.
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Effectiveness of employee performance appraisal process in international non-profit organizations in the agricultural sector: Lusaka, Zambia.
(The University of Zambia, 2025) Tembo, Elledy
The purpose of this research was to investigate the effectiveness of the employee performance appraisal process in non-profit organisations in the agricultural sector in Lusaka, Zambia. Despite the existence of an extensive body of literature on performance management systems in Zambia, very limited information was found on performance management systems on non-profit organisations as most studies conducted relate to performance management systems in the public sector in Zambia. This study aimed to contribute to the knowledge and data gaps in this area. The researcher targeted donor funded non-profit organisations in the agriculture sector within Lusaka district and these were provided for by the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services under the Registrar of Non-Governmental Organisations Department. The objectives of the study were to investigate the effectiveness of employee performance evaluation, to determine the effectiveness of the recognition and reward system on employee performance and to examine the effectiveness of employee feedback on employee performance. The problem identified with the international NGOs in the agricultural sector in Lusaka was high staff turnover attributed to the ineffective employee performance appraisal process which affects the organisation’s critical success factors. The global acceptable employee turnover rate is 10% (Australian HR Institute, 2019). Data from one sampled NGO revealed that the lowest turnover rate in the period under review was 13% in 2022, while the highest was 41% in 2021. On average the staff turnover in the period under review stood at 23% which is substantively above the acceptable rate. This study showed that this problem fluctuates year by year depending on the organization’s performance. Consequently, some funders pullout their resources due to poor organizational performance at large stemming from ineffective employee performance appraisal system. The ripple effect however, is high staff turnover as retention becomes impossible. This study utilized a descriptive research design and mixed-method research was used. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews and self- administered questionnaires. Analysis was conducted using SPSS software for quantitative data and for qualitative, thematic analysis was used to identify patterns, themes, and relationships within the data. The main findings of this study were that the outcome from the performance evaluations have an impact on an employee productivity. Unconstructive feedback highly demotivates employees and result into high turnover rate. Findings show that over 80% of the employees did not find the process satisfying due to poor feedback mechanisms. The results also revealed that over 70% of respondents found the rewards and recognition systems not inspiring due to lack of transparency and objectivity with the system. Based on the study findings, it is highly recommended that the INGOs management should implement strategies that guide their decision making in order to be consistent. These include; aligning employee’s goals and objectives to the organisational strategy, policy adherence, improved feedback mechanism, structured skills development, offer performance-based rewards. Not only will this promote staff retention, it will also enhance the overall organisational performance as well as impacting employee motivation, development, and organizational outcomes, including job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Key Words: Employee performance Appraisal, Feedback, Reward System, Agricultural Sector
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An assessment of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMES)’s risk management preparedness: a case of MSMES in Lusaka’s central business district.
(The University of Zambia, 2025) Lubasi, Amukena Joseph
This study sought to investigate the risk management preparedness of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Lusaka’s Central Business District (LCBD), focusing on the strategies used and their effectiveness. Employing a cross-sectional, quantitative approach, data was collected from 385 MSMEs using structured questionnaires and a convenient sampling method. Cochran’s formula was used to determine the sample size. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were applied to evaluate the relationship between risk management strategies and preparedness levels. Findings reveal that only 24 percent of MSMEs are adequately prepared for risks, indicating high vulnerability to operational and financial shocks, particularly from environmental, economic, or market disruptions. Among the four risk management strategies examined, risk avoidance was the most commonly used, followed by risk spreading. However, risk retention and risk transferring were less frequently adopted, raising concerns about overall preparedness. Regression results showed that all four strategies significantly influenced preparedness. Risk transferring had the strongest positive impact (β = 0.206, p = 0.000), indicating that MSMEs using insurance and risk-sharing mechanisms were 20.6 percent more likely to be prepared for disruptions. Risk avoidance (β = 0.152, p = 0.000) and risk spreading (β = 0.128, p = 0.005) also had significant positive associations, suggesting that minimizing exposure and diversifying operations contribute to resilience. Conversely, risk retention was negatively associated with preparedness (β = -0.091, p = 0.031), indicating that relying solely on internal resources reduces readiness for crises. The model demonstrated strong explanatory power, with an R-squared of 0.744 and an adjusted R-squared of 0.735, meaning 74.4 percent of the variation in preparedness could be explained by the four strategies. The model was statistically significant (F = 18.59, p = 0.000). These results have practical implications. MSME owners are encouraged to adopt diversified risk management approaches. Policymakers should develop programs promoting the adoption of various strategies and increase awareness of financial tools. Financial institutions are urged to design accessible insurance products tailored to MSME needs. Development partners should offer technical assistance, training, and capacity building to enhance MSME resilience. The study concludes that improving MSME preparedness in Lusaka’s CBD requires a holistic strategy combining risk avoidance, spreading, and transferring, while reducing reliance on risk retention. This integrated approach will enhance the ability of MSMEs to withstand external shocks and ensure their long-term sustainability. Keywords: MSMEs; Risk Management Strategies; Risk Preparedness, Lusaka’s Central Business District
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An assessment of Lusaka youth resource skills training centre in mass media area in Lusaka, Zambia.
(The University of Zambia, 2017) Moonga, Mellisa
The purpose of the study was to assess the Lusaka Youth Resource Skills Training Centre in the Mass Media area in Lusaka, Zambia. The study was guided by the following objectives: to determine the type of skills given to youths; assess the availability of the materials for youths skills training at the centre; to examine the qualification of the facilitators; and to determine the appropriateness of the instructional techniques used at the youth skills training centre. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population included all the skills training centres in Lusaka. The population of the study was 105 made of instructors, coordinator, students and graduates. A sample of 25 respondents was selected which comprised seven instructors, one coordinator, 10 current students and seven graduates from the Lusaka Youth Skills Training Centre. The seven instructors, and one coordinator were selected through purposive sampling. The students were selected purposively and 10 were picked using simple random sampling, while the seven graduates were selected using snowball sampling. Data from instructors, coordinator and graduates was obtained using interviews while Focus Group Discussions were used to collect data from students. Data was analysed thematically by categorizing similar themes as they emerged. The findings of the study revealed that training materials available at the Lusaka Youth Skills Training Centre were inadequate, making both teaching and learning a challenge. The findings also revealed that there was a shortage of instructors resulting in the few instructors having too many classes which compromised the learning experience. The findings also revealed that students who had not had the opportunity to be attached to any organisation felt demotivated to apply the learned skills because they were not confident in their competency to perform the skills. The findings of the study confirmed that youths acquired skills which were capable of changing their livelihood in line with the theory of change used in this study. The study recommended that the Government, through the Ministry of Youth and Sports should; ensure that adequate training materials are provided to youth skills training centres; provide a sufficient number of instructors in youth skills training centres; give financial stimulus to graduates and make attachments compulsory for all skills training centres to give learners the opportunity to be attached to various organizations
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An analysis of the effectiveness of the inventory management and control system in councils: a case study of Nchelenge town council.
(The University of Zambia, 2025) Ngoma, Alipo
This study examines the effectiveness of the inventory management and control system at Nchelenge Town Council, focusing on its operational efficacy, challenges, and potential improvements. The research is driven by the need to address significant issues such as data inaccuracies, stockouts, and demand forecasting difficulties, which have hindered the council's ability to efficiently manage its inventory and ensure consistent service delivery. The primary objective is to assess the current inventory management system, evaluate its effectiveness through key performance indicators (KPIs) such as accuracy rates, order fulfillment times, costeffectiveness, and stockout rates, and propose actionable recommendations to enhance its functionality. Employing a qualitative research design, the study utilizes semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) with 24 key personnel from various departments within the council. These data collection methods provide in-depth insights into the strategic and operational dimensions of the inventory management system. Thematic analysis is employed to identify recurring patterns and themes, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the system's strengths and weaknesses. The findings reveal that while the council has implemented a robust infrastructure with advanced technological tools such as inventory tracking software, barcode scanners, and RFID tags, significant challenges persist. Data inaccuracies and forecasting difficulties are identified as major impediments to the system's effectiveness, leading to operational inefficiencies and service disruptions. However, the study also highlights successful strategies such as Just-In-Time Ordering and Cycle Counting, which have proven effective in reducing excess stock and improving inventory accuracy. Based on the findings, the study recommends several measures to enhance the inventory management system at Nchelenge Town Council. These include the implementation of stringent data validation protocols, the adoption of advanced demand forecasting models, seamless system integration, continuous staff training and development, and the exploration of IoT and RFID technologies for real-time inventory tracking. These recommendations aim to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and responsiveness of the council's inventory management practices, ultimately leading to better service delivery and resource utilization. The implications of this study extend beyond Nchelenge Town Council, offering valuable insights for other local government councils facing similar challenges. By adopting the proposed strategies and leveraging technological advancements, councils can significantly enhance their inventory management systems, reduce operational costs, and improve their capacity to meet community needs effectively. Keywords: Inventory Management, Local Government, Data Accuracy, Demand Forecasting, Just-In-Time, IoT, RFID.