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The CIDRZ Research Repository serves as an open-access archive for peer-reviewed publications, conference papers, and other scholarly outputs from CIDRZ researchers. Our goal is to promote the dissemination of knowledge and support evidence-based public health initiatives.
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Item Financial risk management and investment decision-making: A Comparative study of commercial banks and non-bank financial institutions in Zambia(2026-5-23) Kana Julius; Chilolo BwalyaThis study examined how financial risk management influences investment decision-making and institutional performance among commercial banks and non-bank financial institutions (NBFIs) in Zambia. The study was motivated by limited comparative evidence on whether the maturity of enterprise risk management (ERM) frameworks differs between banks and NBFIs and whether those differences affect investment discipline and performance outcomes. The study was anchored in Enterprise Risk Management theory, which emphasises a firm-wide approach aligned with strategy and governance. An explanatory sequential mixed-methods research design was adopted. The target population comprised 15 commercial banks and 250 non-bank financial institutions registered in Zambia, while the sample comprised risk management, investment, finance, compliance and portfolio-related professionals working in selected commercial banks and NBFIs, including pension, insurance, microfinance and asset-management institutions. A stratified sampling approach was used to secure comparable representation across commercial banks and NBFI subsectors, while purposive selection targeted respondents with direct knowledge of risk governance, risk reporting, investment analysis and portfolio monitoring. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires from 422 valid respondents, consisting of 210 bank respondents and 212 NBFI respondents, and qualitative evidence was obtained from practitioner interviews and open-ended questionnaire responses. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, independent-samples t-tests, analysis of variance, correlation and regression analysis, while qualitative evidence was analysed thematically. The findings showed that commercial banks had higher ERM maturity, broader risk-tool adoption, stronger risk-appetite alignment and stronger performance outcomes than NBFIs. ERM maturity significantly predicted investment decision quality, and both ERM maturity and investment decision quality significantly predicted performance outcomes. Regulation supported performance where institutions translated supervisory expectations into internal governance discipline. The study concludes that financial risk management should be treated as a strategic capability that strengthens investment discipline, resilience and sustainable performance rather than as a narrow compliance activity. The study recommends that NBFIs strengthen proportionate ERM frameworks, risk dashboards, stress testing, risk-appetite alignment and post-investment portfolio monitoring, while regulators should support capability-based supervision across banking and non-bank financial sectors.Item Advancing SDG#4 Through Early Literacy Support and Mentorship: An Analysis of Teachers’ Perspectives in Zambia(2026-5-29) Chuunga Mathias-Shimanga; Mkhize Themba-Ralph; Ndwandwe Ntokozo-DennisThe United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. Included in this is early-grade literacy in a child's life and how it impacts adulthood. This underscores the need to teach literacy effectively, which catalyses other milestones in one’s life. However, early grade literacy has been facing several challenges, including learners' inability to read and write due to low teacher competence. Low teacher competence can be boosted by teacher support and mentorship. This study aimed to examine how teachers of early-grade learners experience support and mentoring in advancing SDG#4. A qualitative study was employed using the case study design. Data were collected through semi-structured one-on-one and focus group interviews. Analysis was done through themes emerging from the data. The study's findings show that teachers for early grade learners were supported and mentored differently. Despite the positive picture, the teacher support and mentorship faced many challenges; among the major ones is the workload on the mentors. Therefore, the study suggests several recommendations.Item Workforce Capacity and Operational Processes on Delivery of Healthcare Services in Zambia: A Case of Chikuni Mission Hospital in Monze District(2026-5-21) Kanyamuna Vincent; Muyunda CeciliaThis study aimed to assess the Public Service Delivery Performance (PSDP) systems at Chikuni Mission Hospital in Monze District, Southern Province, Zambia. Utilizing a qualitative case study design, the research employed a purposive sampling method to select 20 participants, including healthcare professionals, support staff, and administrators, who provided insights into the hospital’s service delivery dynamics. Data was collected through interviews and review of existing literature. Data was analysed thematically. Zambia’s [12] aims to achieve equitable access to quality healthcare for all by 2030. However, [19] highlights persistent challenges in the healthcare sector, including inconsistent supply of essential medical supplies, shortages of health personnel, and ineffective management of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). Rural areas, such as Chikuni, face even greater barriers to healthcare access due to low health-seeking behaviors, limited healthcare workforce, long distances to health facilities, inadequate medical supplies, and a shortage of specialists to handle complex cases. The study focused on Chikuni Mission Hospital and aimed to assess the workforce capacity in delivering healthcare services and evaluate the effectiveness of operational processes in improving public service delivery at the hospital. The study revealed inadequate medical equipment, and inconsistent supply chains, which compromise the quality of healthcare delivery. Workforce issues, such as staffing shortages and gaps in specialized skills, further strained the hospital’s capacity to manage patient care effectively. Despite the hospital’s commitment to improving service delivery through systems like electronic health records (smart care) and centralized pharmacy management, inadequate staff training hindered the full utilization of these systems. The study concluded that Chikuni Mission Hospital requires urgent interventions to address these challenges. Further, the study revealed critical staffing shortages and a lack of specialized skills, which place additional strain on existing healthcare workers. Overburdened staff often experience burnouts and reduced efficiency, leading to compromised patient care. The study concludes that without modern and well-maintained, healthcare providers struggle to deliver timely and effective treatment, potentially leading to delays in diagnosis, increased patient referrals, and higher mortality rates. The inconsistent supply chain further exacerbates these issues, as a lack of essential medical supplies can disrupt treatment plans, leaving patients without necessary medications or equipment. Recommendations include recruiting additional healthcare professionals, and enhancing training programs. Implementing these changes is essential for improving service delivery and ensuring the hospital can meet the healthcare needs of its community effectively.Item Ineffective by design? Systemic failures of performance management in a sub-Saharan African military establishment: The case of Zambia(2026-5-19) Daka Peter LeonardPerformance Management Systems [PMS] emerged as a core instrument of New Public Management reform in Sub-Saharan Africa from the 1990s, yet their effectiveness in military establishments remains empirically underexamined. This qualitative case study evaluates the effectiveness of the PMS implemented in military establishments, with particular stress on the Military Training Establishment of Zambia. This is a major institution of the defence sector of Zambia in Kabwe. This evaluation was conducted twenty-two years after its introduction of PMS in 1998. The target population comprised the officer corps at MILTEZ. Purposive sampling was employed to select 23 key informants, comprising 14 wing commanders and 9 senior staff officers, across all six military training establishments of Zambia departments, on the basis of their direct involvement in goal-setting, performance appraisal, or reward administration. The data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted between October 2018 and February 2019. The study applies reflexive thematic analysis to generate rich, contextualised insights into PMS effectiveness. The theoretical framework draws on four mainstream public administration theories: New Public Management Theory, Institutional Isomorphism, Principal-Agent Theory, and Accountability Theory. Four interrelated themes emerged: a goal-setting deficit characterised by unilateral formulation and resource inadequacy; a trait-performance Disconnect, in which the appraisal instrument evaluates personal characteristics rather than goal achievement; a Reward Administration Failure driven by opacity and perceived nepotism; and a Systemic Institutional Mismatch generated by the uncritical adoption of civilian performance management systems frameworks in a hierarchical military context. The study concludes that Performance Management Systems’ ineffectiveness at the Military Training Establishment of Zambia is systemic, rooted in mimetic isomorphism, and proposes a military-adapted PMS reform framework responsive to the institutional realities of Sub-Saharan African military organisations.Item Confronting the Rising Cancer Burden in Zambia: A Call for System Strengthening(2026-5-5) Manda Chipo; Bwembya Josphat; Shempela Doreen; Chilengi RomaAbstract Cancer represents a major public health challenge in Zambia, significantly contributing to morbidity and mortality while exerting increasing pressure on the healthcare system. Recent estimates suggest that Zambia recorded approximately 13,000 new cancer cases and over 9,000 cancer-related deaths in 2022, with cervical cancer being the predominant cancer among women and prostate cancer the most prevalent among men. The cancer burden is further exacerbated by the high prevalence of infection-related cancers linked to HIV, as well as issues such as late diagnosis, stigma, limited specialist services, and unequal access to screening, diagnostic, treatment, and palliative care services. Despite notable advancements, including the expansion of HPV vaccination, improvements in cancer registration, and gradual decentralization of cancer services, significant gaps persist. These include limited pathology and imaging capacity, inadequate oncology infrastructure, shortages in human resources, weak referral systems, and insufficient domestic financing for cancer care. This editorial contends that addressing Zambia’s rising cancer burden necessitates urgent system strengthening, anchored in early detection, sustainable financing, improved data utilization, integrated service delivery, community engagement, and multi-sectoral collaboration. A more robust and equitable cancer response is crucial for enhancing survival rates, reducing suffering, and advancing national health security.Item Investigation of Anthrax Outbreak in Wildlife of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and Adjacent Communities-Livingstone District, Zambia, October-November 2025(2026-5-5) Sichalwe Mathews; Banda Humphrey; Bwalya Gregory; Maata Liywalii; Bowa Benson; Hazyondo Mwendalubi; Musalo Brian; Chibale Conrad; Mulopa Paul; Banda Dabwitso; Sinyange NyambeINTRODUCTION: Anthrax is an acute zoonotic disease caused by Bacillus anthracis primarily affecting herbivores, but also carnivores and humans through contaminated meat or environments. On 30 October 2025, a dead hippopotamus from Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park was fed to 36 captive lions, causing morbidities and mortalities prompting an outbreak investigation. The objectives included confirming the outbreak, assessing timeliness of detection, notification, and response, mapping wildlife cases, and evaluating knowledge and practices among at-risk populations. METHODS: A descriptive case series investigation was conducted from 16-20 November 2025, and characterized the outbreak by time, place, and host (animal/person). Tissue, soil, and water samples were collected and cultured for B. anthracis isolation. Timeliness was assessed using the 7-1-7 metrics, health record reviews, and key informant interviews. Wildlife case distribution was mapped using Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS 3.44.7). A structured questionnaire was used to assess knowledge and practices, with ≥60% score on Bloom’s taxonomy scale regarded as adequate. Data was cleaned and analyzed in Microsoft Excel and STATA-17. RESULTS: The anthrax outbreak was confirmed from three animal tissue samples, with one epidemiologically linked human case identified. The outbreak detection occurred 7 days after emergence. Notification was done 6 days after detection while public health responses were initiated 10 days post- notification.16 wildlife cases were identified and a spot map generated. The case fatality rate (CFR) in captive lions was 43.9% (3/7). Among the 25 respondents (80% male; 60% <40 years; 40% livestock farmers, 60% wildlife facility workers), knowledge about anthrax was high with 76%, (19/25) having heard of the disease, 72% (18/25) and 64% (16/25) knew it affects wildlife and livestock respectively. 60% (15/25) were aware of human infection and vaccination as means of livestock protection. However, only 28% (7/25) practiced safe carcass disposal, and 48% (12/25) reported handling or consuming potentially contaminated meat. CONCLUSION: The outbreak was characterized by delayed notification and response. High-risk community practices were also observed. We recommend launching a multisectoral, coordinated and targeted sensitization and community engagement for safe carcass disposal to prevent meat-borne exposure.Item Financial literacy's role among formally employed adults in Solwezi district, Zambia: Income as the proximate determinant of personal loan approval(2026-5-5) Ngoma Grace; Mundende Kasonde; Kabwalwa ChilyataFormal personal credit is widely recognized as a pathway to household financial resilience in sub-Saharan Africa. In Zambia, overall financial inclusion reached 69.4% in 2020; however, formal credit uptake remained limited for many adults, particularly in provincial districts where income-verified lending dominates the consumer market. This study examines the relationship between financial literacy and personal loan application decisions, approval outcomes, and repayment experiences among adults in Solwezi District, a rapidly urbanizing mining town in Zambia’s North-Western Province. The research is grounded in human capital theory and the theory of planned behavior. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used. Quantitative data were collected from 309 adults using structured questionnaires and analyzed through point-biserial correlations, chi-squared tests, and binary logistic regression across three nested models. The target population comprised all adults aged 18 years and above in urban and peri-urban Solwezi who were actual or potential users of personal loans from formal financial institutions. A multi-stage sampling design was employed. Qualitative data from 15 semi-structured interviews were analyzed thematically, with both strands integrated during interpretation. Financially literate adults were more likely to be approved at the bivariate level (rnb = .174, p = .002); however, income was the only statistically significant predictor of approval in multivariate models (OR = 2.107, 95% CI [1.55, 2.87], p < .001). Financial literacy was not a statistically significant independent predictor of approval (OR = 1.53, 95% CI [0.70, 3.33], p = .288). The wide confidence interval, ranging from 0.70 to 3.33, indicates that the non-significant result likely reflects limited statistical power rather than a true absence of effect. Financial literacy was not associated with the application decision (p = .841) nor with repayment difficulty among successful borrowers (p = .546). The overall model explained approximately 21% of the variance in loan approval (Nagelkerke R² = 0.207), suggesting that most determinants of formal lending decisions in this market extend beyond what standard survey predictors can capture. The 79% unexplained variance in approval implies that pre-application dropout among low-literacy adults may represent a critical, currently unmeasured barrier to credit access. Financial literacy appears to influence upstream borrowing behavior, particularly application preparation and lender selection, rather than directly affecting formal lender decisions in income-dominated consumer credit markets. These findings clarify the boundary conditions under which financial literacy influences formal loan approval, specifically highlighting the dominance of income in underwriting decisions within salaried consumer credit markets. This study provides the first district-level empirical evidence on the dynamics of personal loan acquisition in Zambia’s salaried consumer lending context. The study recommends targeted numerical literacy training, lender tracking of application abandonment, and district-level profiling to guide NFIS II (2024-2028) interventions.Item An examination of implementation of strategic planning among manufacturing SMEs: The case of Lusaka District, Zambia(2026-5-8) Nkukumbani Voster; Likando JoeThis study investigates the implementation of strategic planning among manufacturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Lusaka District, Zambia. The research aims to assess the awareness of strategic planning practices, examine how these SMEs implement strategic planning, and identify the challenges that hinder effective implementation. This study was guided by the resource-based view theory and the contingency theory. The study integrated the Resource-Based View (RBV) and contingency theory to provide a holistic explanation of strategic planning implementation among manufacturing SMEs. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was employed, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The target population comprised 195 manufacturing SMEs registered with the Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM). Using the Yamane formula, a sample of 131 SMEs was determined, and structured questionnaires were administered, yielding 73 usable responses, resulting in a response rate of 55.7 per cent. Qualitative data were gathered through open-ended survey items and analysed thematically, while quantitative data were processed using descriptive statistics via SPSS. The findings reveal a notable gap between the perceived importance of strategic planning and its actual implementation. Although 88 per cent of respondents rated their awareness of strategic planning as high or very high, 56 per cent reported operating without formalised planning processes. Among those that engage in planning, 62 per cent do not revisit their strategic plans regularly. The most commonly utilised strategic planning tool was SWOT analysis, employed by 88.3 per cent of respondents, while more advanced tools, such as scenario planning, were rarely used. Key challenges identified included short-term operational pressures, lack of skills or expertise, limited institutional support, and inadequate financial resources, all perceived as significant barriers to effective strategic planning. The study concludes that strategic planning practices among manufacturing SMEs in Lusaka are largely informal and underdeveloped. To enhance competitiveness and sustainability, the research recommends targeted capacity-building programmes, the development of simplified planning toolkits, the strengthening of institutional and policy frameworks, and improved collaboration between SMEs, government agencies, and support organisations. Future research should focus on expanding the study to other provinces and investigating the role of digital tools in strategic planning among Zambian SMEs.Item The role of digital marketing in promoting sustainable tourism during COVID-19 in Lusaka, Zambia(2026-5-18) Katete Andrew; Mulenga Annastasia ChilesheThe COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered the global tourism industry. This crisis has highlighted how dependent tourism businesses were on face-to-face interactions, physical travel arrangements, and conventional marketing methods. Because of these dependencies, the industry became highly vulnerable to sudden disruptions. In Zambia, the situation was extremely hard in Lusaka, which is the country's main center of administration, trade, urban tourism, and business travel. Measures such as restriction of movement, bans on gatherings, and social distancing severely reduced the visibility of the destination and the weakening of the relationship with potential tourists. Consequently, many tourism businesses ended up operating at reduced capacity, while some even closed down. This research, based on dynamic capabilities theory with the help of PESTEL analysis, examined how tourism companies digitally discover opportunities and change their marketing practices after COVID-19. It also looked at which digital marketing means are being used to motivate destinations and promote business resilience and continuity. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was used, aiming at 230 stakeholders including tourism operators, digital marketers, policymakers, and domestic tourists. 119 materials were validly returned based on purposive and convenience sampling. Quantitative data was statistically analyzed by descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations, correlation, and regression analysis in SPSS, whereas qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. The results pointed out that during the pandemic, digital marketing turned out to be a critical survival and adaptation tool. Over 70% of the people surveyed reported using online platforms to keep up their visibility and customer interaction. Facebook was at the top of the list with 78%, then WhatsApp with 72%, and Instagram with 61%. Approximately 72% said that they communicated and engaged with the market better, and 68% stated that digital marketing helped to make their business more resilient during the crisis. But only 35% took advantage of advanced tools like analytics, influencer marketing, and virtual tours, which suggests limited digital proficiency. The share of those incorporating sustainability messages into their digital content was below 40%. The main problems were the expensive data, as indicated by 76% of the respondents; lack of digital skills, by 64%; and unstable internet connectivity, by 58%, among others. The article's final decision is that although digital marketing has played a major role in improving visibility, engagement, and short-term resilience, it is still not a sufficient gear for long-term, sustainable tourism development because of structural, financial, and skills-related barriers. It is also imperative to ensure better digital capacity, upgrade internet infrastructural facilities, and put in place sustainability strategies to meet the needs of a better tourism sector in Zambia and resilience-building outcomes.Item Investigation of a Scabies Outbreak at Sandwe Primary School, Lusangazi District, Zambia, 2022(2026-5-5) Mulambya Jairos; Nzila Oscar; Sinyange Nyambe; Namakando Nosiku; Zulu James; Hamukale Amos; Mwakanadi George; Langa NeliaScabies is a neglected tropical disease caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis and remains a significant concern in overcrowded, resource-limited settings. On 30 March 2022, Sandwe Rural Health Centre reported an unusual cluster of suspected scabies cases among learners at Sandwe Primary School in Lusangazi District. An investigation was conducted to determine the magnitude of the outbreak, describe its epidemiological characteristics, and identify contributors to transmission and institute control measures. The investigation took place between 30 March and 5 April 2022 and used a descriptive approach. A case was defined as any learner presenting with an intensely pruritic rash at one or more typical anatomical sites, with or without visible burrows, or with a positive skin scraping during the outbreak period. Data collection methods included outpatient register reviews, clinical examinations, active case finding, skin scraping for laboratory confirmation, and environmental assessment of the school premises. Twenty-six cases were identified, representing an attack rate of 4.5 percent. The majority of cases were male adolescents, and boarders were disproportionately affected. Six of eleven skin scrapings tested positive for Sarcoptes scabiei ova. Environmental assessment revealed overcrowding, shared sleeping arrangements, shared bathing materials, insufficient ventilation, and inadequate hygiene practices. The outbreak was confirmed to be propagated, driven by overcrowding and poor hygiene conditions. Interventions included mass treatment, improved hygiene education, and surveillance strengthening. Sustainable prevention will require structural improvements to boarding facilities, reductions in crowding, and improved access to essential hygiene materials.