Welcome to the Kapasa Makasa University Institutional Repository

Discover, preserve, and access the scholarly works of our KMU community. This repository provides a central platform for storing research outputs, academic resources, and institutional knowledge, ensuring long-term visibility and open access for students, staff, and researchers.

Join the KMU community where innovation and research thrive. Kapasa Makasa University

Photo by @inspiredimages

Communities in DSpace

Select a community to browse its collections.

Now showing 1 - 4 of 4

Department of Agriculture and Aquatic Science
Department of Agriculture and Aquatic Sciences addresses complex environmental issues through scientific discovery, creativity and perseverance; teach future leaders to manage the delicate balance between people and the environment on which they depend.
Department of Information and Communication Technology
The department of ICT is responsible for providing teaching, research and innovations that can directly be applied to solve national and societal problems.
Department of Library and Information Science
The Kapasa Makasa University (KMU) Library is a centre of excellence that supports teaching, learning, and research by providing students, lecturers, researchers, and the community with access to print and electronic information resources and a wide range of library services.
Other Educational Resources
Teaching and learning materials, such as lecture notes, course modules,Study guides,Tutorial materials, Laboratory manuals, Practical manuals, Assignments and exercises, Presentation slides, Research methodology guides, Academic writing guides, Orientation materials,Academic calendars, Programme specifications, Curriculum documents and other educational resources.

Recent Submissions

Effects of systemic challenges on agricultural development systems: a systematic review of perspectives
(Cogent Food and Agriculture (Tylor and Francis), 2025-03-27) Enock Siankwilimba; Jacqueline Hiddlestone-Mumford; Md Enamul Hoque; Bernard Mudenda Hang’ombe; Chisoni Mumba; Oliver J. Hasimuna; Sahya Maulu; Joseph Mphande; Gunawan Prayitno
Achieving measurably reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 as a key sustainabledevelopment goal has often been overshadowed by systemic challenges in the agricultural agribusiness system. Although many studies have examined sustainable agriculture extension services, few have considered the effects of the war in Ukraine, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, climate change, debt burdens, and the ongoing impact of COVID-19. To address this gap, a systematic literature review of literature from 2019 to 2023 was undertaken to analyze the effects of climate change, COVID-19, debt burdens, and the conflict in Ukraine on sustainable agriculture development and extension services. The Russian conflicts have significantly disrupted the global agricultural landscape, impacting food supplies, production, and consumption due to distribution constraints. The loss of agricultural and health workers through COVID-19 has compounded the challenges. Studies also highlight rising inflation rates in many nations, driving communities further into debt, hunger, and poverty, with a noted 5.6% increase in worldwide debt due to COVID-19 alone, and an estimated 9.2% of the world going hungry in 2022. These disruptions have worsened existing agricultural challenges in developing countries such as a decline of 61% in pollinator numbers due to temperature rises caused by climate change, and a loss of 4.1 million hectares of tropical primary forest in 2022, releasing 2.7 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide. In response to these complex challenges, leadership that fosters collaboration among stakeholders through private and public dialogue is crucial. This study examines sustainable agricultural development and resilient extension services amid global systemic challenges.
Perceptions of Fishers and Fisheries Officers of a Fishing Ban in Mpulungu, Lake Tanganyika, Zambia
(Wiley, 2025-05-09) Address Tonga; Chewe Bwalya; Oliver J. Hasimuna; Kelvin N. Mukuka; Joseph Mphande
Fishing bans are widely used as fisheries management tools, yet their effect on vulnerable fishing communities is poorly understood. We explored perceptions of fishers and Fisheries Officers regarding a first-ever fishing ban on Lake Tanganyika, Zambia. Opinions were collected from 184 fishers and 16 Fisheries Officers using structured and semi-structured questionnaires. Fishers' livelihoods and social well-being were significantly disrupted, with 92.5% reporting income loss, 77.5% facing unemployment, and 68.8% suffering economic hardship. Hunger (37.5%), divorce (37.5%), and theft (25.0%) were also reported. In response, many fishers adopted coping strategies such as farming (45%), trading (40%), and brick-molding (30%). Fisheries Officers identified key implementation challenges, notably illegal fishing (87.5%), resistance from fishers (81.3%), and untimely funding (68.8%), but they also noted opportunities such as promoting sustainable fishing (93.8%) and enhancing platforms for extension services (62.5%). Alternative fishing areas did not significantly influence support for the ban, whereas having alternative income sources reduced the likelihood of support for the ban. Support for the ban was significantly associated with perceived positive opportunities and education level. We conclude that fishing bans can enhance sustainability, but their success depends on providing alternative livelihoods for fishers and timely institutional support. Further research is needed on the effects of fishing bans on other stakeholders, like traders, transporters, and processors.
Evaluation of Soybean Straw, Bean Straw, Maize Stalk, And Banana Leaf As Substrates For The Growth And Yield Of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus Ostreatus)
(African Scholarly Science Communication Trust, 2026-04-09) Emmanuel Nkweto; Chate P.; Joseph Mphande; Bwalya Mutale
Agricultural waste management poses a significant environmental challenge, where crop residues are often underutilized or improperly discarded. Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) is particularly valued due to its adaptability to a wide range of lignocellulosic substrates, high productivity potential, and nutritional benefits. They are widely recognized for their potential to combat malnutrition and enhance food security. In developing regions, the use of locally available and cost-effective agricultural residues is essential for promoting sustainable mushroom production and improving food security. This study evaluated the suitability of four locally available agricultural residues and these were: T0 = Soybean straw; T1 = Bean straw; T2 = Maize stalks, and T3= Banana leaves. The residues were used to assess the growth performance and yield of Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) in Chinsali district of Muchinga province of Zambia. A completely randomized design with three replications per treatment was employed. Growth parameters assessed included mycelial colonization period, pinhead initiation, yield, and biological efficiency (BE). Drum method was used to pasteurize the substates and inoculated with grain spawn under controlled environmental conditions. Results indicated significant variations in growth and yield performance across the substrates. Data were analyzed using twoway ANOVA at p < 0.05. Soybean straw produced the highest yield (2.92 kg) and biological efficiency (64.9%), followed by banana leaves (2.39 kg; 53.1%), bean straw (1.72 kg; 38.2%), and maize stalks (1.53 kg; 34.0%). Maize stalks exhibited the fastest mycelial colonization (14 days), whereas banana leaves required the longest colonization period (28 days). Substrate type significantly influenced mushroom weight over time, while cap diameter and stipe height showed no significant differences among treatments. The study concludes that while all tested residues are viable, banana leaves serve as an excellent, cost-effective substitute for soybean straw, offering comparable or superior yield performance. It provides practical guidance for smallholder farmers and extension services in Zambia by promoting low-cost substrate options that enhance mushroom production, income generation, and sustainable agricultural waste utilization and management.
The status, challenges, and potential opportunities of fish seed production in Zambia
(Springer and European Aquaculture Society (EAS), 2025-05) Oliver J. Hasimuna; Joseph Mphande; Sahya Maulu; Moses Chibesa; Enock Siankwilimba; Inyambo Mumbula; Henry Bwalya; Joyce Mbewe; Benjamin Lundu; Kundananji Nawanzi; Sillah Siavwapa; Mwaanda Sikanyenyene; Kingdom Simfukwe; Edwin Kikamba; Valdemiro Muhala; Arthertone Jere; Timothy T. Kaula; Hala Khalil Hide
Fish seed production is a fundamental pillar of aquaculture development. It ensures the sustainability and growth of the sector, particularly in regions where wild fish stocks are declining and demand for fish protein is rising. This study investigated the status of fish seed production in Zambia, focusing on key challenges and opportunities across ten provinces. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data from fish seed producers. The study revealed that most facilities were privately owned (78.4%), and a significant portion of operators had up to 5 years of experience (60.8%). Most hatcheries produce tilapia fish seed, particularly Oreochromis species. Key challenges included inadequate quality broodstock, low investment, lack of qualified personnel, poor quality feed, stress mmanagement issues, high input costs, and limited technical knowledge. These challenges were prevalent across provinces, with 100% of the respondents in Eastern, Luapula, and Western provinces suggesting inadequate quality broodstock and low investment as major obstacles. Conversely, several opportunities were identified to improve the fish seed production sector. Strong political will and government support were highlighted by 100% of respondents in several provinces. High demand for fish seed, favorable climatic conditions, available technology, and access to land for expansion were universally noted as positive factors. Additionally, key infrastructure and support from non-government organizations (NGOs) were identified as important enablers. Addressing these challenges through targeted interventions and capitalizing on available opportunities will be essential for advancing aquaculture in Zambia.
Framing challenges and polarized issues in invasion science: toward an interdisciplinary agenda
(Oxford, 2024-01-15) Simone Guareschi; Kate L. Mathers; Josie South; Laetitia M. Navarro; Trevor Renals; Alice Hiley; Marco Antonsich; Rossano Bolpagni; Alejandro Bortolus; Piero Genovesi; Arthertone Jere; Takudzwa C. Madzivanzira; Fortunate M. Phaka; Ana Novoa; Julian D. Olden; Mattia Saccó; Ross T. Shackleton; Montserrat Vilà; Paul J. Wood
In a hyperconnected world, framing and managing biological invasions poses complex and contentious challenges, affecting socioeconomic and environmental sectors. This complexity distinguishes the field and fuels polarized debates. In the present article, we synthesize four contentious issues in invasion science that are rarely addressed together: vocabulary usage, the potential benefits of nonnative species,perceptions shifting because of global change, and rewilding practices and biological invasions.Researchers have predominantly focused on single issues; few have addressed multiple Ncomponents of the debate within or across disciplinary boundaries. Ignoring the interconnected nature of these issues risks overlooking crucial cross-links. We advocate for interdisciplinary approaches that better integrate social and natural sciences. Although they are challenging, interdisciplinary collaborations offer hope to overcome polarization issues in invasion science. These may bridge disagreements, facilitate knowledge exchange, and reshape invasion science narratives. Finally, we present a contemporary agenda to advance future research, management, and constructive dialogue