GEOGRAPHY

FIELD PROJECT REPORT

TOPIC:

FUEL AND ENERGY

BY

______________________
EXAMINATION NUMBER:
____________________________
SCHOOL
________________________

© ECZ 2023

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 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.

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!

(i)

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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.................................................................................................. 7
1.2 Aim .................................................................................................................................... 8
1.3 Objectives............................................................................................................................ 8

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...........................................................................................................10-11

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 Data Analysis ...............................................................................................................12-14

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 Conclusion..........................................................................................................................15

5.1 Recommendations..............................................................................................................15

CHAPTER SIX

6.0 Evaluation .........................................................................................................................16

6.1.Limitation of the study.......................................................................................................16
6.2.References/Appendices.................................................................................................17-19

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 TITLE OF THE REPORT

AN INVESTIGATION INTO TO THE EFFECTS OF LOAD SHEDDING ON SMALL

AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES AND ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF ENERGY IN
LUSAKA 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 (1998) 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 (2000) 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

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1.2 LOCATION OF THE STUDY AREA

The project was undertaken in Kanyama Compound, an over populated settlement area which
is located in Lusaka. Lusaka is the capital city of Zambia and has the highest infrastructure
development and population in Zambia. With a population of 517,543 (Central Statistics, 2010
census), Lusaka is one of the most developed commercial and industrial areas in the nation.

SKETCH MAP OF THE STUDY AREA

Kanyama

Compound

Source: Google maps, 2023

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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.

 To find out advantages and disadvantages of alternative sources of energy in Lusaka.

 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 2023

 3.1 Production of hydro electric power at Kariba dam.

The respondents at Kariba Dam revealed that supplies 1,626 megawatts (2,181,000 hp) of
electricity to parts of both Zambia (the Copperbelt) 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 1,626 six generators of 111 megawatts
power megawatts (149,000 hp) capacity each for a total of
(2,181,000 hp) 666 megawatts (893,000 hp)

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  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

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

Geothermal
Wind

Biofuels

Wave

H.E.P

Source: (Field work, 2023)

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 Table below shows the responses from people on the use of alternative power

ADVANTAGES AND DISAVANTAGES OF ALTERNATIVE POWER

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 DISADVANTAGES Helps lower reliance

of HEP

Geographic limitations

Intermittency
Higher upfront
costs Storage capabilities

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 EFFECTS OF LOAD SHEDDING ON SMALL AND MEDIUM
ENTERPRISES
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

5

4.5

3.5

2.5
peoples views
2

1.5

0.5

0
Decrease in Wastes in Increase in Loss of Product Destruction
sales perishable costs income damage of electric
goods devices

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 CHAPTER FOUR

4.0.DATA INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS

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 Copperbelt) 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 loadshedding

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

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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 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.

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 CHAPTER FIVE

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 a 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.

s5.2 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

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 CHAPTER SIX

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.
.

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 at Kariba dam, hence its findings are limited and cannot be
generalized across other power generating plans 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.

Phiri D. (2000). Renewable sources of energy in Africa. Zambia: Statistics Bulletin.

Ryan, Zulu (1980). UNFCCC NAPA Study, Collection of Data. Zambia: Nipa College.

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 RESECRCH QUESTIONNARES

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 loadshedding?
Source:_____________________________________
reason:-
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME

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