Education Administration and Policy Studies

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    Enhancing online learning in higher education institutions in Zambia: an evaluation of the measures put in place by the Government of Zambia, internet service providers and higher learning institutions.
    (International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2025) Chiwoya, Alvin; Daka, Harrison; Mulenga–Hagane, Mukuka Lydia
    The study investigated the innovative strategies for enhancing online learning in higher education institutions in Zambia. The objectives of the study were; to establish measures the Government of Zambia has put in place to ensure fast, accessible and affordable internet service in all higher learning institutions, to investigate what Internet Service Providers were doing to enhance internet connectivity in higher learning institutions for the benefit of all learners and educators; and to evaluate the support which higher learning institutions offered to educators and learners involved in online learning in Zambia. The study was guided by the Constructivist Learning Theory and Social Cognitive Theory. The researcher employed a pragmatism paradigm and a descriptive research design. The sample was made up of 180 educators who were purposely selected from four universities. Additionally, 4 Directors of Distance Education in charge of Online Learning in the four universities, 1 ICT Director from the Ministry of Technology and Science and 1 ICT engineer from the Internet Service Provider in the selected universities were also purposely selected. Four research instruments were used to collect data; a questionnaire which was used to collect quantitative data from educators and three interview guides which were used to collect qualitative data. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to validate the constructs and to create new items where need arose. Qualitative data was analysed thematically, while descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative data. The findings of the study showed significant steps taken by the Government of Zambia to enhance online learning such as introduction of 5G technology, connection of Zambia to satellite internet via Star Link, and mandating and funding of ZAMREN to provide cheaper and quality internet connectivity. Furthermore, the study showed efforts made by Internet Service providers to enhance online learning in higher education institutions in Zambia through provision of learning management systems such as zoom and Big Blue Button for free. Additionally, the study revealed that educators were generally satisfied with the computer expertise they acquired from the trainings conducted by the respective universities, but were not satisfied with the resources and the ICT support provided. Generally, educators had a negative perception of the online learning pedagogy. In view of the findings, the study recommends development of a regulation framework of online learning by the Government of Zambia through Ministry of Education and introduction of mandatory ICT training courses for both learners and educators in the training curriculum by Higher Learning Institutions.
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    How the criteria used by political parties in selecting candidates for elections affect representation and performance of women in Zambia.
    (2024) Mumba, Evelyn and Mwale-Mkandawire, Margaret
    Women’s representation and performance in politics and decision-making positions is very poor despite several legislation and policies being adopted to achieve equality between men and women. One of the major findings of this study was that women’s representation has remained below 20% in all the past elections at councilor, mayor or council chairperson and parliamentary level. Political parties are the primary and most direct vehicle through which women can attain elected office and political leadership, therefore, the structures, policies, practices and values of political parties have a profound impact on the level of women’s participation in politics. In order to bring about meaningful representation and performance of women in politics there is serious need for combined effort from the government, civil society, political parties, political leaders (Women and Men) and members of the public. Gender equality and women's empowerment are fundamental aspects of sustainable development. In the case of Zambia, representation and performance of women in various domains play a crucial role in shaping the country's social, economic and political landscape
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    Social protection systems for women victims of gender-based violence in Zambia: awareness, accessibility and effectiveness.
    (American Research Journal of Humanities Social Science, 2023) Mtonga, Dingase E; Banda, Rahabe and Mwale-Mkandawire, M.
    This study aimed at exploring awareness, accessibility and effectiveness of Social Protection Systems (SPS) for Women Victims of Gender-Based Violence in Zambia, as a way of mitigating GBV. The study was qualitatively done under phenomenological design. Purposive sampling was used to sample 4 women victims, 3 officials from government institutions, 2 officials from NGOs dealing with GBV cases who were individually interviewed. Simple random sampling was employed to sample 12 non GBV women victims who completed a questionnaire containing open ended questions. Data was analysed and presented thematically. Findings reviewed that most women are not aware of the existing SPS. Accessibility is a challenge due to distance where such facilities could be accessed, non-existence of SPS in most communities, and lack of knowledge on how SPS can be accessed. Effectiveness is hindered due to insufficient funding, patriarchal system, weak enforcement of laws, lack of trained personnel, and ineffective collaboration between the government and NGOs dealing with GBV cases. The study recommends to the government to ensure SPS are accessible to all women victims of GBV in Zambia.
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    Innovative strategies for enhancing online learning in higher learning institutions in Zambia: a focus on an ideal online learning enhancement framework.
    (International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovations, 2025) Chiwoya, Alvin; Daka, Harrison; Mulenga-Hagane, Mukuka Lydia
    he study explored the innovative strategies for enhancing online learning in higher learning institutions in Zambia. The objectives of the study were; to explore innovative strategies which could enhance online learning in higher learning institutions, and to propose an ideal online learning policy framework that can enhance online learning in higher learning institutions. The study was guided by the Constructivist Learning Theory and the Social Cognitive Theory. The researcher employed a pragmatic paradigm and a descriptive research design. The sample was made up of 180 educators who were purposely selected from four universities. Additionally, four (4) Directors of Distance Education in charge of Online Learning in the four universities, one (1) ICT engineer from the Internet Service Provider in the selected universities were also purposely selected. Three (3) research instruments were used to collect data; a questionnaire which was used to collect quantitative data from educators and two interview guides which were used to collect qualitative data. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically, while descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data. The findings of the study brought to therefore some of the strategies that could be used to enhance online learning in Zambia such as facilitation of learners' acquisition of ICT gadgets at an affordable price, pushing more investment in online learning software such as zoom, and introduction of tax incentives on all ICT equipment bought by higher learning institutions in order to make them more affordable. The study also showed that some higher learning institutions conducted online learning without a clear policy guideline. Majority of the learning institutions relied on distance learning policy developed many years ago for guidance. In view of the findings, the study recommended the development of an online learning enhancement policy framework which highlights the strategies to be applied by the Government of Zambia through the Ministry of Education, Internet Service Providers and Higher Learning Institutions for effective online teaching and learning to take place in Higher Learning Institutions of Zambia
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    The effect of entrepreneurial orientation on performance of agriculture cooperatives: a study of solar milling plant cooperatives in Southern province of Zambia.
    (Management Journal for Advanced Research, 2025) Munyoro, Godfrey M. and Daka, Harrison
    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 was 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 of Zambia, 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, pro-activeness, 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% (R-Square: 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.