This study examined the interrelationships among governance, educational equity, economic empowerment, social protection, poverty reduction, sustainable livelihoods, and peace and national unity in Zambia. The research was motivated by the need to understand how institutional, educational, economic, and social interventions collectively contribute to inclusive and sustainable development. Despite considerable progress in development programming, Zambia continues to face challenges related to poverty, inequality, unemployment, educational disparities, and social vulnerability. The study therefore investigated how governance and key development interventions influence poverty reduction and social cohesion, and how these outcomes contribute to peace and national unity.
Guided by a pragmatic research philosophy, the study employed a convergent parallel mixed-methods design. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 9,620 respondents across Zambia’s ten provinces, while qualitative data were generated through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, document analysis, and community consultations. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), whereas qualitative data were analysed thematically.
The findings revealed that governance significantly influenced peace and national unity (β = 0.283, p < 0.001), while educational equity positively affected peace and national unity (β = 0.221, p < 0.001). Economic empowerment contributed significantly to social cohesion and stability (β = 0.187, p < 0.001), and social protection emerged as a significant predictor of poverty reduction (β = 0.342, p < 0.001). Poverty reduction demonstrated the strongest relationship with peace and national unity (r = 0.744). Qualitative findings reinforced these results, highlighting the importance of accountable governance, equitable opportunities, economic inclusion, and effective social protection in fostering trust, social cohesion, and national development. The study concludes that inclusive development is fundamental to sustainable prosperity, peace, and national unity in Zambia.
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- PhD Maliro Ngoma (Autor:in), 2026, Building an Inclusive and Prosperous Zambia, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1747352
