The role of the army in advancing national development : an in-depth analysis of the Zambia Army’s contributions to infrastructure, healthcare, education, and civilian projects.
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Date
2024
Authors
Nyambe, Happy Akashimiketwa
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
The study explores the multifaceted role of the Zambia Army in national development, with a focus on its contributions to infrastructure development, healthcare services, education, and other civilian-related projects. Traditionally seen as a security institution, the Zambia Army has expanded its scope to include socio-economic development activities, addressing critical gaps in underserved communities. This study utilized a qualitative research approach underpinned by the interpretivism paradigm. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including Zambia Army personnel, government officials, and project beneficiaries, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings reveal that the Zambia Army significantly contributes to infrastructure development, particularly in rural and remote areas, by constructing roads, bridges, and housing units that enhance connectivity and economic integration. In
healthcare, the Army plays a critical role in providing medical services through military hospitals, mobile clinics, and emergency epidemic responses, such as during the cholera and COVID-19 outbreaks. Furthermore, the Army’s involvement in education includes managing schools and vocational training programs that improve literacy and address skills gaps in Zambia’s workforce. These initiatives align with Zambia’s Eighth National Development Plan (2022–2026), which emphasizes inclusive and sustainable development. The study states examples such as, the Zambia Army having established military-led vocational training programs and secondary schools in underserved areas, thus, improving education. Further, Military-run technical institutions teach engineering, mechanics, and agriculture to civilians. Additionally, it was revealed that, Defence education strategies prepare military personnel for civilian careers and improve the national workforce. The study further shows through secondary sources that military-run schools enhance academic performance and character development by offering disciplined and structured learning settings. The findings show evidence that in marginalised populations, military schools have increased literacy and access to quality education. However, challenges such as resource constraints, limited inter-agency coordination, and the absence of comprehensive monitoring frameworks impede the Army’s ability to maximize its developmental impact. The study highlights the need for stronger collaboration between the Army and civilian institutions, enhanced policy integration, and increased resource allocation to sustain and scale its contributions. Drawing insights from international best practices, the study concludes that the Zambia Army possesses significant untapped potential to drive sustainable
development, particularly in addressing infrastructure deficits, healthcare disparities, and educational challenges. This research contributes to the growing discourse on military involvement in national development, offering practical recommendations for optimizing the Zambia Army’s developmental role. Future research could further explore the long-term socio economic impacts of military-led development initiatives.
Description
Thesis of Masters of Defence and Security Studies.