TABLE OF CONTENT

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ………………………………………….. i

 DEDICATION …………………………………………………….... ii

 BACKGROUND……………………………………………………..1.1

 LOCATION ………………………………………………………….1.2

 AIM …………………………………………………………………..2.0

 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES…………………………………………….3.0

 METHODOLOGY …………………………………………………...4.0

 DATA PRESENTATION ……………………………………………5.0

 INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS ……………………………..6.0

 PROBLEMS AND LIMITATIONS …………………………………7.0

 CONCLUSION AND EVALUATION ……………………………...8.0

 RECOMMENDATIONS …………………………………………….9.0

 REFERENCE …………………………………………………………10.0
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

My appreciation and sincere gratitude goes to the people who helped me during the period of
project. I would like to acknowledge and thank my teacher Mr. Msimuko for his encouragement,
guidance, and help during my research. His motivation and guidance has indeed led to the
success in my field project.
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.
 CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Background to the study

Muchinshi, a peri-urban community located in Chingola, Copperbelt Province, Zambia, has been
significantly affected by the ongoing issue of load shedding. Load shedding refers to the
deliberate interruption of electricity supply to different areas in response to demand exceeding
supply. In Zambia, particularly in rural areas like Muchinshi, the effects of load shedding have
far-reaching implications on daily life, economic activities, and social well-being.

1.1 Aim

The main aim of this project is to investigate the effects of load shedding in Muchinshi, Chingola
copperbelt province

1.2 Objectives

 The key effects of load shedding on households in Muchinshi.

 To assess the impact of load shedding on local businesses.

 To evaluate the overall economic impact of load shedding on the community.

 To provide recommendations for mitigating the negative effects of load shedding.

1.3 Location of the study area

Muchinshi is located in the Chingola district, about 37km from Chingola Town characterized by
a mix of residential areas, small businesses, and public institutions. The community is
predominantly reliant on electricity for its economic and domestic activities.
Site map of the study area
 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 50 random selected local people in muchinshi-chingola district.

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 In-depth discussions with local officials and community leaders. As well as through
observations on the areas under study by monitoring daily life and business operations during
load shedding periods.

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 analyzed using pie charts, tables and bar graphs.
 CHAPTER THREE

DATA PRESENTATION

Figure 1. Effects of load shedding on households in muchinshi

Figure 2. Alternative energy sources used during load shedding periods

CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 DATA INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS

4.1 Effects of Load Shedding on Households

The commonly cited effects of load shedding on households affected the economic and social
spheres of the households (Figure 1). When electricity supply is cut off, electrical appliances
such as television and radios cannot be operated. As most household members spend a lot of
time in front of the television or listening to the radio as they perform other activities around the
house, not being able to do this was noted as an effect of load shedding by the highest percentage
of the respondents. One male respondent observed that his fellow men have taken to drinking
heavily from home as there is nothing else for them to do but drink.

Women take longer to prepare food and also find it more challenging. There is a risk of carbon
monoxide poisoning when they cook using charcoal from inside their homes as they do at night.
The increased use of charcoal as an alternative energy source has accelerated deforestation in the
surrounding areas, contributing to environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity.
Without electricity, freezing highly perishable foods is a risk as the food goes bad during
prolonged and frequent periods of load shedding and has to be thrown away. Households have
mitigated this challenge by reducing the quantities of perishable foods purchased and stored in
freezers. Rather, they purchase as they need. The women complained that this is an added cost
for the households as it necessitates more trips to supermarkets. Some men complained that the
food money ends up being misallocated and thus not there when it is needed for food purchases
later in the month.

On occasions when load shedding is effected at night, the residential areas are cloaked in
darkness. Some residents (almost 20%) noted that thieves take advantage of the darkness to
break into homes and also attack residents that are found on the streets. Concomitantly, the
households that operated businesses reported decreased sales (17.2%) as their clients have
significantly reduced on their evening purchases of basic needs. Home based businesses that
depend on electricity to operate such as barber shops, hair salons; those that trade in perishable
foods such as chicken, beef, milk; or cold beverages have been adversely affected. Respondents
also noted increases in prices of such commodities.

The use of candles and alternative cooking methods posed safety risks, including fire hazards.
Additionally, the lack of refrigeration during outages led to food spoilage, affecting nutrition and
health.

4.2 Effects of load shedding on business

The metal fabrication business is heavily dependent on the use of high voltage electricity for its
operations and thus has been very negatively affected by the disruptions. “We look like crooks to
our customers because the work is not done on time. Work that should be completed in two
weeks now takes three months to be completed”, lamented the business owner. He further
observed that their profits had greatly reduced as they take too long to complete the works. As
they charged 30% of the cost of materials for every project completed, taking long to complete
projects means less income from the business.
Further, he also explained that they have been unable to purchase gensets because metal
fabrication operations require high voltage electricity and only a 150 KV capacity genset would
supply the needed voltage but costs ZMW 150 000 (USD14 335) which he cannot afford. He has
adapted by buying more machinery and making use of the extra machinery during periods when
they do have electricity. He attributed load shedding to “over dependence on hydroelectric
power” and made a call for diversification of energy sources by the national power utility
company.

Additionally, a man in her mid-thirties who owns a bar located within the main trading area of
Muchinshi residential area complained that it was very difficult to operate a bar without a stable
supply of electricity. He reported a reduction in profits due to several inter related factors; he is
facing extra costs to keep the beverages cold by having to purchase dry ice of which she needs
ten packs per day. He has invested in a genset which he uses at night to play music. The fuel for
the genset has to be purchased frequently and eats into his profits.

No music is played during the day. Most patrons like to listen to music as they take their drinks
or play games. Without music during the day, most patrons find the bar too boring and leave
after a short time, meaning they buy less beer. In the evening, the patrons leave earlier than
during pre-load shedding days as they are afraid of moving along streets in pitch darkness. The
streets are a magnet for thieves during night scheduled load shedding periods. Impact on
Businesses

Some businesses adapted by changing their operating hours or investing in energy-efficient

equipment, but these adaptations were often costly and not always feasible for all businesses.
The use of generators and charcoal has led to increased air pollution, contributing to poor air
quality in Muchinshi. Below is a picture of a Business with Generator
4.3 Effects of load shedding on schools

Lastly, Schools experienced interruptions in classes and other educational activities. Lack of
power affected lighting and computer-based learning, delays in examinations, and disrupted
access to educational resources, such as computers and online learning platforms, has negatively
impact pupil’s academic performance and learning outcomes.
 CHAPTER FIVE

5.0. PROBLEMS AND LIMITATIONS

5.1 PROBLEMS

During my research I had experienced a variety of problems and these problems are as follows;

 There was a lack of adequate funds.

 I had experienced an improper internet connection due to load shedding
 There was a very large distance between my home and the study area.

5.2 LIMITATIONS

During my research I Had also experienced a number of limitations and these are listed as
follows;

 I had a limited amount of time to carry out the research.

 There was a reluctance in the answering of questions by the people
 There was a lack of transportation.
 CHAPTER SIX

Conclusion and recommendation

6.1 Conclusion

The effects of load shedding in Muchinshi are widespread, impacting daily life, business
operations, and essential services. The disruptions caused by power outages result in significant
inconvenience and financial strain on both individuals and businesses. Essential services, such as
healthcare and education, face operational challenges, which affect their effectiveness and
accessibility.

5.2 Recommendations

I highly recommend to the ministry energy and power supply as well as the government to;

 Investment in energy infrastructure and alternative power sources should be prioritized to

reduce the frequency and severity of load shedding.

 Encourage the adoption of energy-efficient practices and technologies to reduce overall

demand on the power grid.

 Develop support programs to assist businesses and households in coping with the
financial impact of load shedding.

 Schools should integrate contingency plans and alternative learning methods to ensure
continuity during power outages. Enhanced support for digital and remote learning can
also be beneficial.

 Raising awareness about load shedding and encouraging energy conservation practices
can help in managing the demand and improving the overall energy situation.

 Launch afforestation and reforestation programs to counteract the environmental impact

of increased charcoal use.
EVALUATION

The field project effectively captures the broad impacts of load shedding on Muchinshi,
providing valuable insights into the community's challenges. The use of mixed research methods
allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the situation. However, the study could be further
strengthened by including a more detailed analysis of the economic implications and exploring
potential alternative solutions in greater depth. Additionally, conducting a follow-up study to
assess the long-term effects of any implemented recommendations would be beneficial.
Semi structured interviews were conducted with adult members of the sampled electrified
households and the small business enterprises. Respondents were asked questions on how
frequently they experienced load shedding and how load shedding has affected their social and
economic activites. Representatives of the small business enterprises were asked to explain in
what ways and to what extents their businesses have been affected by load shedding. The
interviews were conducted either in English or the local dialect bemba depending on the
language the respondent or key informant was most familiar with.

Almost half (48%) of the respondents were aged between 20 and 30 years, while the rest where
above 30 years old. Most of the respondents (64%) were women and the rest (36%) were men.
The higher percentage of women respondents was probably due to most men having gone out to
engage in income earning activities outside the home at the times the survey was conducted,
which was from mid-morning to late afternoon. Load shedding was reported as a daily
occurrence and the average load shedding duration was eight hours