Natural Sciences

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Adoption of improved agricultural technology among subsistance/small scale farmers: A case stdy of Kanchomba in Choma district
(2015-06-15) Hameja, Dennis
The adoption of modern methods of agrleu1ture in Zambia among small scale farmers involves a process of trial avid error. It is a complex Issue characterized by a process of moving forward and backwards until one makes a final decision. Small-scale farmers readily accept the new idea when it is socially and economically beneficial to them and does not involve a lot: of risks. The discussion of results have revealed that there has been a tremendous increase in the sphere of adoption of improved methods of agriculture since the colonial period, involvi.ng the use of chemical. fertilisers, hybrid seeds., improved implements such as ploughs, hurrows, cultivators etc., The increase in adoption have been facilitated partly as a. result of European settler farmer's influence, and also due to 'the provision of subsidies by government, which enabled farmers to purchase the .inputs at affordable prices.. Adopt ion has a 1 so been encouraged through extension , credit, and marketing policies since independence. The Resaroh findings also show that. farmers use traditional methods of cultivation involving the use of hoes, axe, kraal manure and no n~ hybrid. seeds.. due to inadequate funds to PUT"chose the best inputs,, Further, it shows that farmers in Kanchomba , also face a number of Problems such as late rains and delivery of inputs, lack of capital to purchase the inputs and repair the implements: and persistent droughts. This project, therefore attempts to investigate the spatial extent of diffusion of modern agriculture methods and their effects on production among the small-scale farmers of Kanchomba in Chomba Didtrict.
The adoption of Sorghum as a drought resistant crop by peasant farmers in Mukonchi area, Kabwe
(2015-09-07) Kasulu, Linda
This study attempts to find out the adoption of sorghum as a drought resistant crop by peasant farmers in Mukonchi, Kabwe rural, Central Province, Zambia. The study seeks to assess the extent to which peasant farmers have adopted sorghum due to the frequent droughts being experienced in the area. The research also hopes to assess the extent to which the agricultural extension services have contributed to the adoption of sorghum. This is as a result of the frequent droughts being experienced and yet farmers continue to grow maize instead of drought resistant crops. The methods used to collect data were by use of a Questionnaire and review of secondary sources. The collection of primary data was through direct interviews of the questionnaire to a sample of farmers who were randomly selected. The secondary information was obtained from; researchers in Kabwe, Mutwe-wa-nsof u and Mukonchi research stations. Information on rainfall and temperature pattern of the area was provided, by Lusaka meteorological station while the initial information on the subject was collected from the University of Zambia main library and mount makulu. Tables, charts and graphs are used to present the data collected. Analysis of data was done manually and it relies on percentages and the chi—square. The research findings indicate that there is a good number of farmers who have adopted the growing of drought resistant crops and that most of them grow millet as opposed to sorghum. The findings also show that agricultural extension services have contributed to the adoption of sorghum as a drought resistant crop in Mukochi area.
Agro Informatics System (AIS)
(2015-01-29) Velemu, Charles
Agriculture can be defined as the science or practice of farming, including the growing of crops and the rearing of animals. Agriculture is one of the most important sectors in Zambia's economy and could benefit tremendously with the application of information communication technology. Due to tremendous advances during the last decade, information technology is today affecting all the spheres of human life. We can exploit these advances to design a cost-effective system to provide expert advice to farmers and the general public. This project focuses on how information communication technology can be used to better improve agriculture in Zambia. This will be done by implementing an online electronic Agro trading system, a livestock and vegetable farming information repository, a google maps implementation showing crop distribution in different farming areas of Zambia and an electronic records management system for local cooperatives and associations.
Assessement of agro-forestry as an alternative to conventional farming in Kasisi
(2015-06-15) Luwi, Weston
Agroferestry has been suggested as a solution to problems of rural development especially among the small scale farmers. The International Center for Research in Agroforestry(ICRAF) at Chalimbana Research Station introduced on-farm agroforestry trials in Kasisi to evaluate whether results obtained on-station would be reflected from on-farm trials. The objective of this study was to assess the contribution of agroforestry to the improvement of maize yields on farmers fields during the 1993/94 growing season. The mode of data collection included scheduled and unscheduled interviews which were used to collect information from farmers in Kasisi and agroforestry researchers at Chalimbana Research Station. Planted fallows with Sesbania sesban are being promoted as an improved agroforestry system that would help improve crop production among resource poor farmers in Kasisi. Results from this study showed maize yields to be far below the expected average in both conventional and agroforstry plots. These low yields were attributed to late planting of maize, low quantities of fertilizers applied than recommended, shorter fallow period for agroforestry plants, and low rainfall during the season. However, monetary losses in agroforestry plots were lower than those of conventional plots. Yields in agroforestry plots were slightly higher than those from conventional farming plots but the difference was not statistically significant. Therefore, it would not be prudent at this time tc conclude that agroforestry would help to produce better yields than conventional cultivation methods. It is thus suggested that researchers should improve monitoring on how farmers follow recommendations. The drought had significant impact on the crop yields and hence the study should be repeated in order to observe how the crop would perform in seasons with ncir.al rainfall and also longer planted fallow lengths.
An assessement of people's perception and awareness of air pollution in Kafue town, Zambia
(2015-06-15) Bwali, John
Air pollution is one of the problems affecting ma and his environment. Although the presence of air pollution has been recognized as being serious in certain areas, preventive and control measures still have not been widely put in place or strongly enforced. Variations in the quality of the air cannot be easily noticed by human senses. The study has however revealed that people are aware of air pollution in Kafue. The apparently greater awareness in Kafue is most likely influenced by the media. The study also revealed that NCZ factory is the major polluting source in Kafue and that negative effects of pollution have been recognized. The major finding of the study are that there is growing awareness among residents of Kafue on the deterioration in the state of their environment.
Assessing the impact of public-private partnerships in the water supply schemes in Lusaka: The case of George complex
(2015-06-15) Mwanza, Vincent
Due to the fact that the concept of Public, Private Partnership (PPP) and Community Based Partnership in particular is relatively new in Zambia, the study aimed at assessing the impact of the water supply Public Private Partnership on George Complex residents. Central to the study was to find out whether as Walker (1993) put it that the community based PPP can increase cost recovery, promote sustainability and respond more to the needs of the users in peri-urban areas (like George Complex). Both primary and secondary sources were used. Primary data was got from the residents in the study area, Resident Development Officers, Officials from Lusaka City Council (LCC), Lusaka Water and Sewerage Company (LWSC), CARE International and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Method of data collection for the residents and LWSC a scheduled structured interviews (Questionnaires), was used while the rest of the organisations, a non-scheduled interviews was used. Secondary sources included the University of Zambia Main Library,.Geography Department Library, The University of Zambia Institute for Social and Economic Research and the Research Unit at LCC. These sources helped in literature search as well as coming up with a literature review. Data analysis was done both by quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitatively, percentages and tables were used, while qualitative involved presenting data into categories of importance with regard to the impact of the partnership on the residents. Results of the study revealed that with the introduction of the partnership in George Complex, cost recovery has been enhanced as consumers pay for the service before they use it. To ensure sustainability of the scheme, the concept of community participation was introduced, from which positive results have been recorded, it is also evident that the partnership has responded well to most of the needs of the residents. Before the partnership, shortage of water, vandalism of water facilities and water borne diseases, especially during the rain season, was the order of the day. Since the partnership was established in 1995, residents have continued to enjoy a constant flow of clean, safe and adequate water supply. Hence reduction in the distance traveled to sources of water, especially women and children. And more significantly, is the reduction in water borne diseases as well as vandalism of water facilities. The way forward for PPP in water sector in the study area is to pay particular attention to the needs of the most vulnerable in George Complex. These include the elderly or aged as well as households headed by children so as to improve their livelihood.
An assessment of Human impacts on Dambo environments: The case of Shikoswe, Kafue
(2015-06-15) Tembo, Moses
Dambos are being used for various human purposes today. This can be attributed to factors such as rapid population increase, high urbanisation rate and pressure on agriculture land being experienced in many parts of the world presently. The impacts of the various human activities have resulted into threats to the existence of these environments. In Zambia dambos - especially those found in urban areas - are being turned into settlement areas or agricultural lands. This has resulted in impacts such as clearance of vegetation and soil degradation. This study was undertaken in Shikoswe dambo of Kafue as a case study to assess the human impacts on the dambo vegetation and soils. This was achieved through field interviews and surveys in the dambo area to establish the human activities taking place in the dambo and assess the nature and impacts of the identified human activities in the dambo, respectively. The obtained data in the field was analysed using descriptive statistics such as averages, frequencies and percentages. The study was done in view of improving the way dambo environments are utilized by understanding the nature and effects of the human impacts in them. The study revealed that the major human activities in the dambo as being construction and cultivation. Other activities identified in the dambo included mining and dumping activities. The major impact on vegetation is clearance of the indigenous vegetation. Whereas, the impacts on soil includes erosion, compaction and alteration of the chemical composition, leading to the degradation of the soil.
Assisted and Augmented Reading( AAR)
(2015-01-29) Mwima, Tobiah
The Mouse and keyboard is the major means of passing information from user to computer. Direct manipulation of objects via the mouse was a breakthrough in the design of a more natural and intuitive user interfaces for computers. However, in real life we have a rich set of communication methods at our disposal; when interacting with others, we, for example interpret their gestures, expressions and eye movements. This information can be used also when moving human -computer interaction toward the more natural and effective method. In particular, the eye gesture can be a more valuable source of information for a computer system to be aware of, if it has to provide assistance when appropriate.The focus of this research is on examining how the information acquired from a user's eye movements in human-to-computer interaction can be used to assist electronic book readers. For this purpose a simple prototype called assisted and augmented reading will be developed. Enhancing the reading experience and awarding electronic book readers some reward points, which will be dependent on the tracked reading progress; this will be an encouraging and motivating technique to help increase literacy levels. However, finding the point of focus on the screen by eye tracking using the ordinary webcam is the main hypothesis behind the development of this prototype. The implementation of this prototype will be founded on a C+-i-library called Open Computer Vision and IDE for C++.
Blood Bank Management Information System
(2015-04-20) Juma, Nazana
The importance of Wood in the existence of mankind cannot be over emphasized. It supplies all nutrients and oxygen in the body; it has been medically proven that no human being can survive without blood. It is for this reason that blood banks were introduced; to help in the collecting, separating, and storing blood. A blood bank is a place for stocking blood donations from donors. To provide web based communication there are numbers of online web based blood bank management systems that exists for communicating between department of blood centres and hospitals, to satisfy blood necessity, to buy, sale and stock the blood, to give information about this blood. Manual systems as compared to Computer Based Information Systems are time consuming, laborious, and costly .Automation systems and information technology can greatly help medical facilities to improve their working efficiency and optimize the whole workflow. The main objective of this project was to develop a blood management information system to assist in the management of blood donor records and ease/or control the distribution of blood in various parts of the country basing ON THE HOSPITAL demands. Without quick and timely access to donor records, creating market strategies for blood donation, lobbying and sensitization of blood donors becomes very difficult. The blood management information system offers functionalities to quick access to donor records collected from various parts of the country. It enables monitoring of the results and performance of the blood donation activity such that relevant and measurable objectives of the organization can be checked. It provides to management timely, confidential and secure medical reports that facilitates planning and decision making and hence improved medical service delivery. The reports generated by the system give answers to most of the challenges management faces as far as blood donor records are concerned. The System was designed as a client/server and web-based system and implemented using open source solutions that include MySQL as the database and back-end storage engine, and PHP, HTML and JavaScript as the programming languages.
A case study of drinking water- availability at Katete mission, Katete district, Zambia: A water balance approach
(2015-06-15) Ngoma, Leonard
Causes and effects of rural to rural migration: A case study of Chinena Village in Chibombo District
(2015-06-15) Chilala, Mayanda
Challenges of livestock raising among Small-Scale Farmers in Southern Province: The case of Mbabala Area
(2016-04-04) Muyuba, Euster
This research is a detailed study that looks at all forms of livestock kept in Mbabala area by small-scale farmers. It examines the importance and problems faced by the livestock keepers in relation to their standards of living socially and economically. The research report shows that livestock play important roles among the Tongas of Mbabala. These include selling to raise capital for various purposes such as buying farming inputs, buying food and other household requirements and sending children to school. Other purposes are providing draught power, paying fines and slaughtering for consumption at family levels and during ceremonies. However, small-scale livestock keepers face a lot of problems concerning their livestock such as diseases, drought, lack of food, theft, land tenure and poor management. These problems have resulted in the reduction of livestock which in turn has led to a decline in the living standards of the small scale livestock keepers in Mbabala area. Hence the farmers and the government are faced with the challenge of redeeming the livestock enterprise. So far little has been done by both the farmer and the government. Therefore, it is recommended that among other things, steps should be taken to solve the problems faced by livestock keepers. For example farmers should Form groupings where they can put their resources together, constructing water reservoirs and giving loans to the farmers.
Challenges of Water Quality Water Provision to peri-urban areas by Lusaka Water and Sewarage Company:a case of Ng'ombe compound,lusaka
(2012-07-25) Namafe, Namafe
Water is a finite and vulnerable resource which plays a vital role in economic development. It needs to be managed through demand management (pricing) other than supply management. This study was carried out at Sable farms in Lusaka District of Lusaka Province, Zambia. The main objective of this study was to suggest a methodology to evaluate the economic value of water. Knowledge of value for the resource can help in the process of proper pricing, the widely and most effective demand management tool. Both primary and secondary data used in this study were collected using structured and semi structured questionnaires. Although many methods are available for valuing of resources, residual method has been rated the best for valuing environmental goods like water. The study therefore used this method to value water used for irrigation of wheat at sable farms. Sable farms use about 5130m^ of water per hectare of wheat during the entire growing period of wheat. Each cubic meter of water used to irrigate wheat generates an income of about ZMK 1,000 for the farmer. The financial and economic values of water used for irrigation of wheat at sable farms were found to be ZMKIOOO (US$0.21) and ZMKl 120 (US $0.23) per cubic meter respectively. These values indicate that the current price of water in Zambia which ranges from ZMK2/m'^ to ZMKlO/m^ is far below its economic value (ZMKl 120/m''). Residual imputation method proved to be a useful way of valuing water. The government should therefore encourage further research in this area through UNZA's IWRM Centre. The government should also come up with policies which will encourage water audits for all commercial farms in Zambia and consider the possibility of pricing water used for agriculture.
Domestic Water Supply in Kasempa
(2015-06-15) Masonde, Kiwala Jones
Kasempa is one of the places in Zambia experiencing the problem of inadequate supply of domestic water. Water supplied to Kasempa Township is abstracted fix)m the Lufupa River. However, the river has not always been a reliable source of domestic water supply. The level of water in the river decreases to a very low level during the dry season or even dry up during drought periods resulting in critical water shortages in Kasempa Township. This study assessed the adequacy of the water supplied to the residents of Kasempa Township. It looked at the water levels in the Lufupa River, the water distribution system and how the people are coping up with the problem of inadequate water supply.Most of the information was collected through the use of structured and non-structured interviews. A stratified sampling technique with availability sampling was used in selecting the sampling units. Part of the water distribution system was found to be inefficient and thus water was not proportionally distributed to all the residential areas creating a situation whereby some of the residential areas face critical water shortages whereas others do not. Despite the common water shortages, the water that is supplied to most of the households in Kasempa Township is not adequate enough to meet all the resident's domestic water needs. And due to this persistent problem of inadequate water supply, the residents have found ways of coping up with the problem. Some of the coping strategies include collecting and storing water in containers, using tap water for cooking and bathing only and water fit»m supplementary sources for other domestic activities. Others have even constructed pit-latrines in their back yards. The study concludes that the amount of water supplied to Kasempa Township is not adequate for domestic use. It identifies two major factors contributing to the inadequate supply of water and these are the ineffective water distribution system and the critically low water levels in the Lufupa River during the dry season.
The effectiveness of public-private partnership (management contract) in providing water: Nkana West, kitwe
(2015-06-15) Ng'andu, Titus
Following the privatization of ZCCM, there has been a change in the provision of water, that is, from ZCCM to AHC- MMS which in turn has engaged Saur International under management contact. Residents of Nkana West have been complaining about this arrangement that it is not efficient and that they are being billed for water which they do not use. The study aimed at assessing the efficiency of management contract in the provision of water in Nkana West. Questionnaires and non scheduled interviews were used by the researcher in order to realize the objectives of the study. The sample size of 50 respondents was used. Cluster sampling was used with the combination of interval sampling in order to overcome the limitations of the former in not considering all the elements. The study revealed that management contract was opted for by government in order to harness finances, knowledge of technologies, managerial efficiency and experience of the private operator so as to ensure sustainability in the provision of water to the former mine township. Among others, management contract offers the following advantages: management contract reduces the commercial risk to the private operator since it is not as complicated as other options like concessions; with the government remaining with the role of monitoring and evaluating the progress made by the private operator, residents can not be exploited by the former in terms of bills and tarrifs. During the tenure of ZCCM water supply was 24 hours service as indicated by the response from respondents. Following the transition in the provision of the service , AHC through Saur has tried to maintain the standards by ensuring that the area is supplied with water 24 hours. Most people indicated that they had water 24 hours, that is ,78% while 22% of the respondents did not. Residents of Nkana West were not billed during the time of ZCCM .The advent of AHC brought about the billing system . Most of the people in the area are happy with the billing system, though there are problems like bills not being delivered in time and water not being metered. Apart from the problems experienced in the billing system, residents of Nkana West complained of leakages, brown water especially during the rain season, and not being notified in advance about shutdowns when maintenance work of the water network was going on. A number of measures have been put in place in order to mitigate some of the problems experienced by the residents like holding meetings with civic leaders and meeting the community. The partnership, that is, between AHC and Saur experiences some problems like that of not following their roles as outlined in the contract. A number of measures have been put in place in order to resolve them, for example, constant reference to the signed contract, and showing practical demonstration from each side to justify its course of action.
The effects of the expansion of the tourism industry on the economic and social aspects of Livingstone City
(2015-06-15) Mundende, Kasonde
The expansion of the tourism industry in general has its own advantages and disadvantages. This study aimed at establishing the implications and the effects of the expansion of the tourism industry' on the economic and social aspects of Livingstone City, and then suggest possible solutions. To carry out this study three specific techniques were used. These techniques were: The Questionnaires, Un-Schedulcd interviews and Observation methods. These methods were conducted on Livingstone residents from their various housing units and places of work. The questionnaires were administered to the six (6) sampled residential areas, the offices of the Zambia National Tourist Board (Z.N.T.B) and that of the Town Clerk The other targeted areas were the tourist establishments (Service Industries). The method used to select the sample (N=193) was Simple Probability sampling in the form of lottery technique. For the residential areas an interval form was used In certain areas with a small number of housing units an interval of twenty(20) was used, whereas in those residential areas with a big number of housing units, an interval of thirty(30) houses was used These two intervals facilitated the coverage of the designated residential area. The study from the advantages point of view established that the expansion of the tourism industry on the economic and social aspects of Livingstone City promoted among other benefits employment opportunities, entertainment, interaction with foreigners and improved standard of living. From the disadvantages point of view, the study established that the same expansion of the tourism industry also promoted vices such as crime, violence, immorality, spread of sexually transmitted diseases to name but a few. To control or eradicate some of the adverse effects, certain measures have been put in place Measures such as provision of security forces to patrol along the streets; near lodges; and hotels. Other measures are explained in details in the conclusions and recommendations of this document.
The effects of the structural adjustment programme on the social-economic status of households in urban areas: The case of Chilenje in Lusaka
(2015-06-15) Mvula, Chizya
When the movement for Multi-party Democracy (MMD) government came into power in 1991, it inherited problems of deterioration in all sectors of the economic including education and health. Zambia, like other developing countries in it's quest to resuscitate its poor economy embraced structural adjustment in its totality in 1991. This involved the liberalization of markets and control of prices by government, removal of subsidies, and the introduction of user fees in education and health sectors. This however, has had a number of effects on the population of Zambia.Most of the local industries have collapsed as a result of, removal of government protection of trade of these industries and this had results in massive job losses. The population of the urban unemployed face a number of economic hardships most people can hardly afford essential commodities including foodstuffs. Furthermore, people are unable to meet the cost of education and medical services provided by government.In terms of education and health, the study revealed that there was reduced access to these services due to financial difficulties in most cases. People were also unable to meet their daily needs since their incomes were low. In most cases, the incomes were far outweighed by the cost of food alone. The people were also affected by their employment status. Most people had lost employment due to retrenchment or liquidation of companies,therefore having an impact on their income.
Effects of water levies and the benefits from a Community-based water management scheme in George Compound
(2015-06-15) Chelemu, Chana
This study was carried out in George compound, which is located in the western part of Lusaka. The fieldwork was carried out in August 2000. The aim of the study was to find out the effects of water and the benefits of the community- based water project. The specific objectives were to assess the approximate percentage of households using water provided by the water project; to find out the percentage of households purifying their drinking water amongst the households using shallow wells; to assess the extent of water-borne diseases affecting the community in George compound; and to find out the benefits from the water project.A total of forty households were randomly selected and one respondent from each household each household was interviewed using a questionnaire. Other relevant information was obtained through simple observation and existing literature.The research revealed that presently, 47.5% of the households are using communal taps whilst the remaining 52.5% are still using shallow wells. Of those households using wells, 62% purify their drinking water whilst 38% do not. Between August 1999 and August 2000, only 30% of the households had experienced water-borne diseases in George compound. The types of diseases that were experienced during this period were diarrhoea, cholera and dysentery.The benefits from the water project have been seen through the reduction of water-borne diseases which were previously high. The water project has also brought about convenience due to the location of taps closer to the households and other also amenities which are discussed in chapter five. Other benefits are that time and energy are being conserved since the water sources are nearer. Lastly but not the least, money is also being saved by those households that had to pay for water from vendors.To conclude, it can be said that water levies have both positive and negative effects on the George compound community. The positive effects are those associated with the paying of levies including accessibility to clean and safe water and all the benefits mentioned above. The negative effect of water levies is that those who do not pay the levy have to use shallow wells. This usually leads to a decreased opportunity in accessing safe and clean water, especially if the water is contaminated and not properly treated. This consequently leads to an increase in the incidences of water-borne diseases.
Employee Management System
(2015-01-29) Simaanya, Mweemba
Employees are the backbone of any company therefore their management plays a major role in deciding the success of an organization [1]. Employees Management Software makes it easy for the employer to keep track of all records. This software allows the administrator to edit employees, add new employees, transfer/promote/terminate employees. Each employee in the database is associated with a position can be added and edited when need arises. Employees can be transferred between positions easily without having to retype back their information in the database. You can check to see if there are duplicate positions/employees in the database. Most of all, the employer can assign tasks to employees and assess their progress in order to keep track of employee performance. A flexible and easy to use Employee Management software solution for small and medium sized companies provides modules for personnel information management thereby organization and companies are able to manage the crucial organization asset - people [2]. The combination of these modules into one application assures the perfect platform for re-engineering and aligning Human Resource processes along with the organizational goals. This system brings about an easy way of maintaining the details of employees working in any organization. It is simple to understand and can be used by anyone who is not even familiar with simple employees system. It is user friendly and just asks the user to follow step by step operations by giving easy to follow options. It is fast and can perform many operations for a company. The goal of this project is to design and develop an employee management system to fill existing gaps in the electronic management of employees.
An environmental profile of an urban squatter settlement, Chawama compound in Lusaka
(2015-06-15) Ndhlema, Deliwe
The growth of squatter settlements is a phenomenon common in urban centres in many African countries including Zambia. Chawama squatter settlement, which is on the out-skirts of Lusaka originated in the 1950's and has since independence grown in size and number. The growth of this settlement is taking place on such a large scale that it has since been recognised and legalised by the council. The study aimed at compiling an Environmental profile of Chawama that provided contemporary information that would be useful for municipal planning purposes. This was achieved by identifying, examining and assessing the socio-economic and the Environmental conditions of Chawama. The study established that Chawama compound as an unplanned settlement lacks essential services. Among the symptoms of this social deprivation are worsening public health, inadequate household income, minimum levels of sanitation, erratic and inadequate water supply. This has led to the general degradation of the environment and the outbreak of environmental related illnesses such as malaria, cholera, diarrhoea and respiratory tract infections. There is need to control the problems emanating from the squatter settlement and this will involve the participation of the community, the private sector and the major stake-holders in Government who are affected and have an effect on the development of the squatter settlement.

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