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Relationship between land tenure and land use in unplanned settlements in Lusaka, Zambia.
(Habitat International, 2024) Haruka, Ono; Muya, Mundia
How do land tenure and land use relate to informal settlements? Many studies have examined the effects of land regularisation on communities. Land regularisation is considered a highly effective solution for improving the residential environment in informal settlements and has been implemented in numerous developing countries. However, few studies have explored how land regularisation impacts land use in informal settlements. In this study, we investigated how residents secure land tenure and use their land in unplanned settlements in Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia, focusing on people's practices in detail. We focussed on two unplanned settlements in Lusaka: Chaisa Ward, an improvement area where land regularisation has occurred, and Chazanga Ward, a customary area where land is not being regularised. As the investigation method, we conducted interviews with community management organisations and 31 dwelling owners and an observational survey about land use in selected target sites in Chaisa and Chazanga in 2009, 2011, and 2014. The study findings showed that in informal settlements, where land tenure is secured by authorities within the community, communal regulation supported by community-based social bonds is an important element of land use management. However, official recognition of land rights through land regularisation could undermine communal relationships and communal land use regulations, resulting in a disorganised and congested living environment. Therefore, we point out that official intervention in land tenure should be institutionalised in a manner that fully understands and takes advantage of the relationships between land tenure and land use, as well as between land and people, which are well-balanced within the local context. This study demonstrated that communal regulation plays a key role in managing land use in informal settlements but its positive impact could be easily undermined by land regularisation. Thus, an important learning from this study is that land in informal settlements should be regularised in a way that fully understands and takes advantage of communal regulation of land use to ensure a desirable living environment
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Preventing contract termination pitfalls in construction projects: insights from the Ghanaian construction industry.
(Journal of civil, construction and environmental engineering, 2024) Muya, Mundia; Coleman, Charles E.; Chipulu, Chipulu
Purpose: Premature termination of construction contracts is a recurring problem that causes financial losses, delays, and strained stakeholder relationships. However, there is limited research on the specific causes of contract termination, particularly in Ghana, and practical solutions to prevent it are often overlooked. This study aims to investigate the pitfalls of contract termination in the construction industry and to propose effective prevention strategies based on empirical data. Design/Methodology/Approach: A quantitative research approach was adopted, employing a combination of purposive and random sampling techniques to gather data from 315 participants representing diverse roles within the construction sector. A structured questionnaire based on contract termination pitfalls was used, and data analysis involved descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques. Findings: The study identified several critical factors influencing contract termination, including prompt payment by clients, adherence to contractual terms, competent supervision, and effective dispute resolution mechanisms. Through factor analysis and SEM, two main constructs emerged: Proactive Contract Management Strategies (PCMS) and Contract Termination Risk Mitigation Measures (CTRMM), each comprising specific indicators crucial for preventing terminations. Originality/value: This research contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence of contract termination pitfalls and effective prevention strategies within the construction industry. The study‟s multidimensional analysis approach, integrating quantitative techniques with Structural Equation Modelling (SEM), enhances the understanding of complex contractual dynamics and risk management in construction projects. Implications: The findings have practical implications for construction stakeholders, project managers, and policymakers. Implementing proactive contract management strategies such as clear payment protocols, rigorous quality control, and effective communication channels can significantly reduce contract termination risks. The study underscores the importance of integrating legal frameworks, innovative techniques, and managerial approaches in contract portfolios to enhance contract performance and project success in the construction sector. Keywords Construction Contract Termination, Termination Pitfalls, Prevention Strategies, Risk Management, SEM
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Investigating project issue factors as causes of construction contract terminations: the case of Ghana.
(International Journal of Engineering & Technology, 2025) Coleman, Charles E.; Mwanaumo, Erastus M.; Muya, Mundia; Rahman, Rahimir A.
This study aims to investigate and analyse the project issue factors (PIF) contributing to construction contract terminations within Ghana's construction industry. By identifying and understanding these key factors, the study seeks to provide valuable insights for stakeholders to improve project success rates, minimise disruptions, and foster sustainable growth in the sector. The research adopted a quantitative re-search approach, utilising techniques such as exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM) to analyse data collected from 315 construction industry professionals in Ghana. A combination of purposive and random sampling techniques was em-ployed to ensure a diverse and representative sample, considering participants' qualifications, experience, specialisations, and employment sectors. The study's findings revealed significant project issue factors (PIF) that contribute to construction contract terminations in Ghana. Top-ranking factors include contractor refusal to work with engineer instructions, construction time delays, failure to remedy defective works, and unsuitable materials on structures. The study underscores the importance of addressing these factors through enhanced communication, robust project management practices, quality control measures, and continuous professional development. The study’s methodology and comprehensive analysis add value to the literature as it contributes to the existing body of knowledge by focusing specifically on the Ghana’s construction industryand providing empirical insights into the factors driving construction contract terminations. The recommendations have practical implications for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and professionals, guiding them in implementing strategies to mitigate project issue factors (PIF) and improve overall project outcomes, thereby fostering a conducive environment for sustainable growth in Ghana’s construction industry.Keywords:Construction Contract Terminations; Ghana’s Construction Industry; Project Issues; SEM; AMOS.
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Evaluation of smallholder dairy farmers’ knowledge, aattitudes, practices (KAP) and factors contributing to hygienic production of raw milk in Malawi’s Blantyre agriculture development division.
(The University of Zambia, 2025) Chilambula, Enock
Dairy products provide nutrition to households, but they could also serve as source of milk-borne diseases when produced under poor hygienic conditions. This cross-sectional study was conducted from August to September 2023 to evaluate smallholder dairy farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, practices (KAP), and factors affecting the hygienic milk production in Malawi’s Blantyre Agriculture Development Division (BLADD). A questionnaire was administered to 410 participants in selected districts of Blantyre, Chiradzulu, Mulanje and Thyolo in Malawi to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices. This study collected 90 raw milk which was analysed at Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences to investigate for compliance to Malawi or European Union Standards. Subsequently, a total of 90 small scale farms were visited to observe hygienic milk production. The version 26 Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was used to analyse data Chi square analysis for associated factors of hygienic milk production. A binary logistic regression to determine hygienic milk production predictors and p value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Majority of 60% participants were females. Most of 86.6% and 66% the respondents had formal education and pre-training respectively. The overall KAP knowledge was only 54%, most smallholder dairy farmers reported positive attitudes at 88% and excellent practices at 63%. Most smallholder dairy farmer in Blantyre Agriculture Development Division (BLADD) had passed aggregate 80% while moderate were successful on composite score of 67%. Few farmers (27%; n=410) had low aggregate score of knowledge, attitude and practice were six (OR=5.910, 95% CI: 1.997-17.489) times less likely to produce hygienic milk. Inadequate pre-training and a low aggregate score were identified as key factors behind the failure of smallholder farmers in BLADD to meet Malawian and European Union (EU) standards, raising concerns about potential milk-borne diseases. Out of 90 raw milk samples analysed for presence of E. coli, 12% and 56% were within acceptable limits of Malawi and European Union standards, respectively. This could be attributed to unsanitary animal quarters, as half of smallholder dairy farmers in Malawi’s Blantyre Agriculture Development Division do not remove waste daily and some workers milk cows without supervision. In conclusion, smallholder dairy farmers had positive attitudes and good milk hygiene practices however, their knowledge was inadequate. Surprisingly, farmers’ milk was contaminated, it was difficult to meet legal limits of Malawi and European Union standards for E. coli. To address this, the study proposed that initial structured training and ongoing annual refresher sessions for dairy farmers coupled with commitment to daily animal barn cleaning to prevent milk borne diseases.
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“Projecting the effects of non-pharmaceutical interventions and vaccination on COVID-19 control in Lusaka using a mathematical model”.
(The University of Zambia, 2024) Nsofwa, Mwamba
The COVID-19 epidemic in Zambia has had significant social and economic impact on the health sector and wellbeing of the population. Hence it is vital to investigate the effect of various Interventions that were implemented to control the spread of the pandemic. Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) were introduced to help contain the spread of COVID- 19 pandemic in the absence of pharmaceutical interventions. Since then, COVID-19 vaccines have been developed and are readily available globally. Projecting the combined impact of vaccine uptake and NPIs in the control of the COVID 19 pandemic is crucial to support evidence-based policy making. The Vensim Personal Learning Edition (PLE) simulation software was used to create a modified Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) mathematical model to show the simultaneous effects of vaccination combined with NPIs such as social distance, hand hygiene and cough etiquette which we termed as behaviour change, and also vaccination with face masking only against COVID-19 in Lusaka. Behaviour change and face masking were simulated at different percentages compliance together with varying vaccine uptake levels of low, moderate and high. Twelve different scenarios for groups of people who practice behaviour change or combined (NPIs) with vaccination and twelve scenarios for face masking with vaccination were modelled. Results from the simulation showed a reduction in the number of both cumulative cases and deaths from the interventions put in place as compared to scenarios without intervention. Furthermore, the basic reproduction number (R0) which was initially set at 2.64 in the model and was reduced to 2.37 in the scenario set at 10% behaviour change with low vaccination rate and 2.34 in the scenario set at 10% behaviour change with high vaccination rate as well as 0.61 in the scenario set at 80% behaviour change with low vaccination rate and 0.55 in the scenario set at 80% behaviour change with high vaccination rate. In the masking with vaccination scenarios, reproduction number was reduced to 2.45 in the scenario set at 10% masking with low vaccination rate and 2.29 in the scenario set at 10% masking with high vaccination rate as well as 1.25 in the scenario set at 80% masking with low vaccination rate and 1.24 in the scenario set at 80% masking with high vaccination rate. These findings highlight the importance of continued adherence to NPIs even when the population is being vaccinated, particularly under scenarios of lower vaccination rates which are influenced by vaccine efficacy, distribution and community hesitancy.