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KYAFUKUMA SECONDARY SCHOOL
GEOGRAPHY
FIELD PROJECT REPORT
TOPIC:
FUEL AND ENERGY
NAME : ANNIE MWANAKUBE
EXAMINATION NUMBER. : 200603800211
SCHOOL : KYAFUKUMA SECONDARY SCHOOL
CENTRE CODE : 6238
© ECZ 2025
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Firstly, I would like to extend my gratitude and thanks to my supervisor at School for his
guidance and support throughout the process of this field report.
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Secondly, I am indebted to thank my other family and parents for their support and financial
assistance for me to carry out this project successfully. Their efforts, love and prayers have
significantly contributed to this work.
May God bless them all!
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DEDICATION
This work is dedicated to my father, mother, sister and my little brother for their tireless
support and daily prayers which made me to accomplish this work successfully.
(ii)
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknolwledgement................................................................................................................... i
Dedication............ ................................................................................................................... ii
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Background of study........................................................................................................... 6
1.1 Location of the study area..................................................................................................
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1.2 Aim .................................................................................................................................... 8
1.3 Objectives............................................................................................................................
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CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Methodology.......................................................................................................................9
2.1 Sampling techniques...........................................................................................................9
2.2 Data collection....................................................................................................................9
2.3 Instrumentation...................................................................................................................9
2.4 Data Analysis......................................................................................................................9
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Data presentation...........................................................................................................10-
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CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Data Analysis ...............................................................................................................12-14
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0
Conclusion..........................................................................................................................15
5.1
Recommendations..............................................................................................................15
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CHAPTER SIX
6.0 Evaluation .........................................................................................................................16
6.1. Limitation of the
study.......................................................................................................16
6.2. References/
Appendices.................................................................................................17-19
TITLE OF THE REPORT
ASSESSING THE CHALLENGES OF CONTINUED LOAD SHEDDING ON SMALL AND MEDIUM
ENTREPRENEURS- A CASE STUDY OF KASAMA DISTRICT
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CHAPTER ONE 1.0 Background to the study
Electricity is one of the key factors that are critical for accelerating the growth of the
economy of the country. Without electricity, a number of sectors are affected. From 2014,
Zambia has been facing serious load shedding which has an effect on the lives of people. In
Zambia the major economic activities in are Mining, Agriculture, Tourism and Energy
however they are also small and medium scale enterprises that depend on Hydroelectric
power for their business.
Due to high demand for electricity in Zambia and the effects on climate change leading
shortages in water for hydroelectric power production, there has been load shedding has
been and is still posing a number of challenges to citizens of Zambia. Since 2015, Zambia has
been experiencing the worst electricity crisis. According to Zulu (2015) the major source of
energy in Zambia is wood fuel (i.e. firewood and charcoal), with the largest consumer group
being households in both rural and urban areas.
Because of the power deficit, ZESCO increased the extent of load shedding to at least eight
(8) hours a day for the majority of its household, commercial and industrial consumers.
According to Phiri (2017) load shedding has negative effect on business growth and
entrepreneurship. In most cases, load shedding affect business operations and financial
viability; Small enterprises are the most likely to be adversely affected. Given the importance
of electricity in Zambia especially small-scale entrepreneurs, it is important that the impact
of load shedding is studied and understood. Therefore, the study investigated the impact of
load shedding on small scale and medium entrepreneurs
1.2 LOCATION OF THE STUDY AREA
The study was done in Kasama is a town in the Northern Province of Zambia, It serves as the
provincial capital and the headquarters of Kasama District. It is situated on the central
southern African plateau, approximately 856 kilometres, by road, north-east of Lusaka, the
capital and largest city in Zambia. Kasama is located on the Great North Road from Mpika
through Kasama to Mbala and on to Mpulungu, at the tip of Lake Tanganyika. The city
population grew considerably in the 1970s and 1980s after construction of the TAZARA
Railway through the city, and the tarring of the Great North Road, Zambia. Its population,
according to Encyclopaedia Britannica, was 74,243 in 2000 and had increased to 113,779 in
2010. Kasama is in the heartland of the Bemba ethnic group, whose Paramount Chief
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Chitimukulu maintains his headquarters 9 kilometres from Malole, which is 51 kilometres
east of the city centre.
SKETCH MAP OF KASAMA DISTRICT
Source: google maps 2024
1.3 AIM OF THE STUDY
To investigation into the effects of load shedding on small and medium enterprises
Objectives
To investigate the stages of production of hydroelectric power at Kariba dam.
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To find out advantages and disadvantages of alternative sources of energy in
Zambia. To establish the advantages and disadvantages of hydroelectric power in
Zambia.
To find out the effects of load shedding on the small and medium enterprises in
Zambia
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CHAPTER TWO
2.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
The research employed both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The research
instruments that were used in the collection of data were questionnaire and interview
schedules alongside with observation.
2.1. SAMPLING TECHNIQUES
A random sampling technique was used to choose the people to be interviewed in this
project report. The study site was observed and Interviews guides and questionnaires were
used to collect data from the 10 random selected workers at Zesco offices.
2.2 DATA COLLECTION
Secondary sources from books and primary data sources were used in the collection of data.
The researcher also visited the areas under study to collect data using questionnaires and
interview guides as well as through observations on the areas under study.
2.3 INSTRUMENTATION
The study utilized a number of instruments which include the smart phones, interview
question guide, observation sheets, pens and note books. The pen, pencils and notes books
were used in jotting downs data and sketching of the townships. Smart phones were used in
taking photos, showing campus directions and used for time checking. Observation sheets
and questionnaires were used to indicate comments on sub-themes.
2.4 DATA ANALYSIS
Much of the collected data was qualitative and quantitative and thus it was first summarized
and sorted then analysed using pie charts, tables and bar graphs.
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CHAPTER THREE DATA COLLECTION 3.0 DATA PRESENTATION
The respondents included 40% females and 60% males which made the results not to be
biased in terms of gender that was included in the respondents.
Respondents
Males Females
40%
60%
Source: Field work 2024
3.1 Production of hydro electric power at Kariba dam.
The respondents at Zesco offices revealed that supplies 1,626 megawatts (2,181,000 hp) of
electricity to parts of both Zambia (the Copper belt) and Zimbabwe and generates 6,400
gigawatt-hours (23,000 TJ) per annum. Each country has its own power station on the north
and south bank of the dam respectively. The south station belonging to Zimbabwe has been
in operation since 1960 and had six generators of 111 megawatts (149,000 hp) capacity each
for a total of 666 megawatts (893,000 hp)
COMPANY ENERGY Production Capacity to supply
NAME PRODUCED
Capacity
ZESCO Hydro electric Supplies six generators of 111 megawatts
power 1,626 (149,000 hp) capacity each for a total of
megawatts 666 megawatts (893,000 hp)
(2,181,000 hp)
3.1.2. Alternative sources of energy in some areas.
Table 3.1.3 Responses from the 10 selected people of the major sources of energy in
Zambia
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SOURCES OF ENERGY TALLY TOTAL PERCENTAGE %
Nuclear Power I 1 10%
Hydroelectric power (HEP) IIII I 6 60%
Wave Energy - 0 0%
Biofuels I 1 10%
Wind energy - 0 0%
Geothermal Power - 0 0%
Solar Energy II 2 20%
Pie Chart 3.1.4 Showing the major sources of energy
SOURCES OF ENERGY
Nuclear
Solar
Geo-
ther
mal
Wind
Biofuels
Wave
H.E.P
Source: (Field work, 2024)
Table below shows the responses from people on the use of alternative power
ADVANTAGES AND DISAVANTAGES OF ALTERNATIVE POWER
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Advantages of renewable energy
1. Renewable energy won’t run out (Readily available)
2. Maintenance requirements are lower
Bottom of Form
3. Renewables save money
4. Renewable energy has numerous health and environmental benefits
5. Renewables lower reliance on foreign energy sources and HEP
Disadvantages of renewable energy
1. Higher upfront cost
2. Intermittency
3. Storage capabilities
4. Geographic limitations
3.2 Chart showing people responses on the advantages and disadvantages of renewable
energy
Readily available
Saves money
Lower maintenance
ADVANTAGES
Numerous health benefits Helps lower reliance
DISADVANTAGES
of HEP
Geographic limitations
Intermittency
Higher upfront
costs Storage capabilities
EFFECTS OF LOAD SHEDDING ON SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
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1) Customer decrease in sales
2) Increase waste of perishable goods
3) Increase in cost,
4) Loss of income
5) Waste of time
6) Product damage
7) Health problems
8) Destructions of business programmes
9) Destruction of electric devices
Effects of load shedding
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4.5
3.5
2.5 peoples views
1.5
0.5
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Decrease in Wastes in Increase in Loss of Product Destruction
sales perishable costs income damage of electric
goods devices
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0. DATA INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS
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4.1Production of hydroelectric power at Kariba dam
The Kariba Dam supplies 1,626 megawatts (2,181,000 hp) of electricity to parts of both
Zambia (the Copper belt) and Zimbabwe and generates 6,400 gigawatt-hours (23,000 TJ) per
annum. Each country has its own power station on the north and south bank of the dam
respectively. The south station belonging to Zimbabwe has been in operation since 1960 and
had six generators of 111 megawatts (149,000 hp) capacity each for a total of 666 megawatts
(893,000 hp). However this has been insufficient hence an increase in load shedding
EFFECTS OF LOAD SHEDDING ON SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
The findings review that load shedding has effect on small and medium scale entrepreneurs.
It shows that load shedding affects most business operations and financial viability. The
information from this study revealed that the majority of people agree that load shedding is
a bad thing to people. There is need for the government of Zambia to find lasting solution
for load shedding.
Effects on Bar Owners and Night clubs
For instance, most of the people selling beer in bars have minimum of 50 customers a day if
there is no load shedding. In 2019 load shedding was cutting for a minimum of twelve hours
a day. If there is load shedding for example, power cuts at 18 00 hours, many customers
cannot be buying beer in darkness and most of the customers drink beer after 18 00 hours.
Bar owners are spending extra money buying generators to keep the business moving. Most
people interviewed who sells beer reviewed that if there is load shedding the number of
customers reduced. The reduction in customers has a negative effect on the business and
the income reduces.
Effects on Cafes and restaurants
The information gathered from people working in cafes and restaurants revealed that load
shedding disturbs their business. Some cafes have lost printing and photocopying machines
because of load shedding. Some machines were burnt because of load shedding and in most
cases if there is load shedding, they end up not having customers. The load shedding is bad
for business of printing and photocopying because of the number of hours power was taking
to be restored. Some people who were interviewed complained bitterly about load shedding
and said that load shedding has made their lives difficult because they can’t support their
families adequately financially.
Effects on small Shops, Barbershop, Saloons and Welders
Barbershops and salons have been affected negatively by load shedding. Not only
barbershops and salons, but council workers are also a victim of load shedding. Some people
working in barbershops and salons pay rentals to the Council. Because of load shedding
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most of them fail to pay rentals to Council workers sometimes go months without being paid
their monthly salary. School fees for the children whose parents work in barbershops and
solons as well as welders was difficult to pay because their parents cannot raise enough
money to feed children at home and pay school fees for their children.
Some markets have one prepaid meter for electricity to supply to all the shops in the market.
If power cut at 18 00 hours, people who benefits are those working in bars selling beer
because with them they can work until midnight. As a result, some people buy electricity
units without benefiting from them. A number of people interviewed complained about load
shedding as they cannot afford to buy generators. Reliable electricity supply is considered to
be vital for the operations of business for small-scale entrepreneurs.
ALTENATIVE SOURCES OF ENERGY
Solar energy as an alternative renewable source of energy in Solwezi.
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In Solwezi there are a lot of solar panels on people’s homes that produce solar energy for
home use such as lighting, phone battery charging, radio and television.
4.2 Uptake of alternative sources of energy in some areas within Solwezi District
a) Gen sets Power:
Challenges of load shedding people are now using gen set
9. Fossil Fuels (Charcoal)
Charcoal and fire wood has been the major source of energy for cooking in domestic homes.
CHAPTER FIVE
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5.0 CONCLUSION AND EVALUATION 5.1. CONCLUSION
This study has revealed the stages of HEP production at Kariba dam and the different
alternative sources of energy that are used in the world to generate power. While there are
other sources being discovered all the time, none of them has reached the stage where they
can be used to provide the power to help modern life go. However, the country has failed to
produce enough hydroelectric power to meet the current demands hence load shedding in
some parts of the country has continued.
To avoid making loses, people have resorted to be using generators when there is load
shedding. Small-scale entrepreneurs play an important role in the development of the
country as they pay tax to the government. An increase in load shedding reduces revenue
small-scale entrepreneurs generate every month. Results showed that load shedding has
negative effect on small scale entrepreneurs in Zambia. Based on the number of people who
were interviewed, load shedding has negatively impacted small scale entrepreneurs and a
number of families have been suffering financially. Therefore, the study found that load
shedding affects the economy in Zambia negatively and people should find other sources of
power rather than depending of ZESCO. It is important for both the government and public
to take corrective actions because all are ultimate beneficiaries.
5.2 RECOMMENDATIONS
• The government should, provide and promote a supportive environment friendly
source of energy to cushion the demands for HEP.
• The government should scrutinize the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear
energy which is proving to be a more liable source of energy.
• More private solar plants like Bangweulu solar plant should be encouraged to
establish their plants in Zambia to help supply of electricity in Zambia
CHAPTER SIX
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6.0 EVALUATION
This study has drawn some clear conclusions about the effects of load shedding A number of
evaluative points can be made. However due to limit given time and personnel restrictions it
was difficult to study this topic accurately. It is worth concluding that although this was a
fairly broad piece of fieldwork, there was so much more which could be investigated.
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Future Work
Further research is required to determine the interrelationships solar energy and hydro
electric energy to see the one which is most effective. This will help in development of
coherent and standard coping strategies specific to given areas to develop awareness raising
strategies for information dissemination on the phenomenon.
6.1. LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
The report was undertaken in Kasama district, hence its findings are limited and
cannot be generalized across other districts in Zambia. To overcome this, there is
need to carry out similar studies across other HEP generating plants in Zambia.
Some respondents who were selected were illiterate to the extent that they could
neither read nor write on the questionnaires, thus the researcher had to read and
write on their behalf.
Time was also inadequate and this encounter did not allow the researcher to build a
strong rapport with the research community. There in need for more time allocation.
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REFERENCES
Banyolo, A. & Muchinda, M.(1995) Solar energy in Zambia. Zambia: ZEPH.
ECZ, (2005). State of the Environment. Zambia: ECZ.
MAFF (2000). Renewable sources of energy in Africa. Zambia: Statistics Bulletin.
Ryan, (1980). UNFCCC NAPA Study, Collection of Data. Zambia: Nipa College.
RESECRCH QUESTIONNARES
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Appendix I
No. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
1 Gender of the respondent
Male Female
2. What is the production capacity of HEP at Kariba Dam? Lowest
Minimum
Highest
3. How much of the energy produced is fed into the national grid (ZESCO)
Others specify………………………………………………….
4. Out of the alternative sources you have mentioned which ones do you have
reservations about
Solar
Fossil Fuels
Nuclear
Wind
5. What are the effects of load shedding on small and medium scale enterprises
____________________________
6. What could be the solutions to load shedding?
Source:_____________________________________
reason:-
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME
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