Natural Sciences

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The effect of energy mix on energy deficit in 10 miles in Chibombo district.
(The University of Zambia, 2024) Phiri, Rodgers
The study aimed to evaluate how the energy mix impacts the energy deficit, focusing specifically on the accessibility within a 10 Mile radius in the Chibombo district of the Central province. This region, like many parts of Zambia, faced energy deficits due to its reliance on hydroelectricity, which is hampered by drought-induced water shortages (Silimina, 2023). While prior studies, such as Kaela's work in 2018, have projected Zambia's energy mix by 2050, they have not explored its effects on accessibility and availability, creating a research gap. Failure to investigate the energy mix's impact on energy deficit could perpetuate detrimental activities like charcoal production, a major driver of deforestation and forest degradation in Zambia, leading to high carbon emissions and depletion of wood resources. The objectives of the study included identifying the types of energy used at 10 Miles, determining the drivers behind these choices, and assessing how the energy mix influences the energy deficit in the area. The study employed a qualitative research approach, focusing on three focus groups comprising 10 households each and 20 key informants from diverse backgrounds such as business houses, village Chiefs, council officials, churches, and schools. Primary data collection utilized interviews and focus group discussions, while secondary data was gathered from libraries, media, and open educational resources. Data analysis involved content analysis for interview data and thematic analysis for focus group discussions. Findings revealed five primary energy sources at 10 Miles: solar power, hydropower, biomass, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and wind power. Despite this variety, access to reliable and affordable energy remains challenging, with traditional biomass dominating with over 50% accessibility rate. Electrification rates in Chibombo district were notably low, with only 6% compared to the national average of 5%. Additionally, clean cooking solutions were scarce, with merely 5% of households having access to LPG, biogas, and improved cook stoves. Factors that affected energy availability include resources, infrastructure, policies, climate, geography, and technology. Solutions include off-grid renewables, efficiency measures, capacity building, and public-private partnerships to overcome challenges. The study advises investing in off-grid renewables (solar, wind, hydropower) for remote areas, suggesting mini-grids for community service. Implementing energyefficient technologies and fostering partnerships with the private sector while providing financial support and training are recommended for sustainability.
Status of the Zambian tourism industry in a post COVID-19 era : a case of Livingstone district in Zambia.
(The University of Zambia, 2024) Bbalo, Jemma Katalina
In early 2020, the world faced an unprecedented moment when the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak of COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, as a global pandemic. This had a devastating impact on the tourism industry worldwide, including Zambia's Livingstone district. This study investigated the current state of the tourism industry in Livingstone during the post-COVID era. The study utilized a case study design employing a mixed-methods approach, with a predominant focus on qualitative methods. Secondary data was analysed using basic quantitative techniques, primarily percentages, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. The research revealed that tourism enterprises employed various crucial tactics to adapt to the challenges, including collaboration through partnerships, targeted promotions for the domestic market, digital marketing, service diversification, cost optimization, and prioritizing health and safety protocols. However, the implementation of these strategies varied depending on factors such as company size and resource availability. In conclusion, despite facing severe challenges, tourism products demonstrated commendable adaptability by employing different survival tactics. Nevertheless, there is still much work to be done to ensure the future resilience of the sector. Based on the findings, key recommendations were made to both tourism products and the government, including fostering collaborative networks, targeted capacity building, implementing government support mechanisms, crisis preparedness planning, workforce development, continuous consumer monitoring, promoting domestic tourism, adopting sustainable community-based tourism models, and enhancing multi-stakeholder coordination. Implementing these strategies could strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the tourism industry, encourage local engagement, and ensure preparedness for future challenges.
Assessment of communication strategies in the keep Zambia clean, green and health campaign the case of the city of Lusaka.
(The University of Zambia, 2024) Kabamba, Jennipher C.
This study aimed to identify the factors influencing the outcomes of communication strategies in the Keep Zambia Clean, Green, and Healthy Campaign (KZCGH) initiated by the Lusaka City Council. Utilising a qualitative design, key informants from Lusaka City Council, totalling six respondents and eighteen marketers, were interviewed using an interview guide. The research objectives focused on understanding the dynamics of the campaign. The data was analysed using content and thematic analysis. The findings revealed that the campaign's success was attributed to public-private partnerships, community empowerment, and education programs. Private sector involvement, particularly in waste management, showcased the positive impact of collaboration. Continued engagement with the private sector was emphasized for sustained success, indicating a positive shift in cultural attitudes towards cleanliness and civic responsibility. The primary targets of the campaign were the general public and private sector players. Challenges faced by the Lusaka City Council underscored the importance of collaboration among the public, private sector, and government, aligning with the Cultural Studies Approach and the Health Belief Model. The examination of information communicated through various channels highlighted the dominance of public notices and radio advertisements, emphasising the enduring efficacy of traditional methods. The inclusion of social media channels reflected a strategic acknowledgment of the evolving communication landscape. The study identified limited financial contributions, reduced community engagement, and underutilised public-private partnerships as key challenges. Despite the campaign's success in promoting positive attitudes, disease prevention, and overall community well-being, challenges persist. Effectively addressing these challenges necessitates a sustained collaborative effort between the public, private sector, and government, emphasising continuous communication and community engagement. The study concludes with recommendations for addressing the identified challenges and suggests areas for further research based on the findings. Overall, the research underscores the importance of effective communication strategies that consider cultural nuances, engage diverse stakeholders, and address health-related perceptions for the success and sustainability of the KZCGH.
The role of the millennium challenge corporation compact project in improving equitable access to domestic water in Mtendere, Lusaka Zambia.
(The University of Zambia, 2024) Dimuna, Majory
Water is an essential component of life such that its sustainable supply is a global concern. Zambia is one of the developing countries working towards meeting the sustainable development goal number 6 by the year, 2030. The Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact project (MCC) is one of the projects designed towards this goal. The MCC focused on water supply and sanitation infrastructure investment and institutional strengthening in Lusaka, institutions like Lusaka city council and Lusaka water supply and Sanitation Company. This study was conducted to investigate the role of the Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact Project in improving equitable access to domestic water in Mtendere, Lusaka Zambia. Grounded on the principles of constructivism theory, the study applied a mixed method approach with both qualitative and quantitative analysis through the convergent parallel research design. Stratified sampling method was used to select 170 households from section; 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 of Mtendere East targeting household heads or available senior household members aged 18 years and above. Purposive sampling method was used to select four key informants; Area Councilor, 2 Officials from Lusaka water supply and sanitation company Mtendere branch, and 1 Official from Millennium Project Completion Agency. Semi-structured researcher administered questionnaires were used to collect data from respondents in Mtendere East while open – ended interview guides were used to collect data from key informants. Qualitative data collected was analyzed using thematic analysis. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics with the aid of STATA version 14 software and Microsoft Excel. The study found that before the MCC Compact project, the majority of the respondents used borehole water as their source of domestic water. Before the MCC Compact project, most households in Mtendere East hard no water and sanitation infrastructure. The study found that the current domestic tap - water supply in Mtendere East is considerably adequate with a few challenges of intermittent water supply and water shortage caused by inadequate water infrastructure and minor vandalism in some areas. The study also found that people in Mtendere East perceive the MCC Project to be a success, effective albeit with minor challenges such as higher water bills, water shortages and vandalism of water infrastructure. Residents of Mtendere East, except in section 10, have adequate domestic tap - water supply. The MCC Compact project provided and improved water and sanitation infrastructure though some residents still experience water shortage of which they use water sources such as boreholes and shallow wells. The study proposes that LWSC should conduct timely water and sanitation infrastructure maintenance in Mtendere.
An evaluation of the effectiveness of the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process in zambia : a case of the Chilanga cement plant.
(The University of Zambia, 2024) Mwelwa, Patricia
The study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in Zambia using the Chilanga plant as a case study. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the quality of the EIA process conducted at Chilanga plant against international EIA standards; assess the extent to which environmental mitigation measures identified in the EIA report for Chilanga plant have contributed to the reduction of environmental problems emanating from the plant; and to examine the extent to the affected public participated in the EIA process of the Chilanga Cement plant. The research embraced qualitative methods because it provided a deep understanding of the responses, moreover, this allowed for triangulation of results (Creswell, 2007). Within this framework an embedded research design was adopted in which the researcher collected and analysed both types of data at the same time. The qualitative data was embedded in the quantitative data in the interpretation of the overall results. The study used the Lee and Colley review package to analyse the effectiveness of EIA at Chilanga Cement plant throughout the entire cycle of the process focusing on the prediction and mitigation of impacts, public participation, monitoring and follow-up, and to assess the strengths and weaknesses of EIA in Zambia based on feedback from a variety of stakeholders involved in the process and to identify gaps and or factors which limit effectiveness. This was achieved through a critical review of existing literature and policy documents, from which the study drew concepts and ideas that informed the proposed study. The key finding of the study showed that EIA is a well-established environmental management tool in Zambia. Nonetheless, the findings also indicate that there were inadequacies in the implementation process within the environmental sector. The inadequacies were particularly in areas relating description of the development, identification, evaluation and mitigation of key impacts, consideration of alternatives, and consultation and participation of the public.

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