Department of Development Studies

About Us

Development studies prepares students for critical thinking on complex and multidimensional issues and problems affecting human society. More specifically, Development Studies as a field aims to foster understanding of the historical and current socio-economic, political, environmental facets of societal change at national, regional and global level. Further, the field puts forward (potential) approaches to development. Therefore, this field is key to problem-solving and policy formulation processes concerning economic, human and sustainable development vis-à-vis key in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals at a global level and at the local level contributing to the achievement of National Development Plans (NDPs).

The Development Studies Department offers quality and competitive undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. It is an interdisciplinary Department whose mission is to not only provide high quality teaching, but also research, consultancy and public service in different aspects of human and sustainable development.

Founded in 1975, the Department which is in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) started as a service department, teaching a compulsory first year course which was known as ‘African Development Studies’. The service function of the Department was later extended to the School of Natural Sciences where students were also required to take a similar course. In 1976, students in HSS were for the first time offered the possibility of pursuing a four year Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Development Studies. In the years that followed, a Master of Arts degree was included in the Department’s programmes catalogue and more recently, the Department began to offer a PhD programme. The PhD programme in Development Studies was one of the first to be offered in Zambia absorbing graduates from UNZA and other universities in-country and abroad.

The Department has now emerged as the biggest in the School of HSS, currently with a total annual enrollment of approximately 5000 students at the undergraduate level alone taking courses either as majors or minors.

Career opportunities

The labour market in Zambia (and abroad) has come to recognise and appreciate the expertise possessed by Development Studies graduates as essential to the effective pursuance of economic, human and sustainable development.

Many Development Studies graduates have been traditionally absorbed as key players in various Government Ministries and Departments, and now increasingly by Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) and the private sector, including banks. Multilateral and international organisations such as those in the United Nation, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and embassies have also increasingly employed and appreciated the knowledge and skills Development Studies graduates have

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Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies
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Publications

Akakandelwa, A., Kalibwa, S., Moyo, F. N. and Mumba, Moonga H. (2016), ‘Research Productivity of the University of Zambia School of Humanities and Social Sciences’ In: Akakandelwa, A., Makondo, F.N.S., Kanyengo, C.W., and Ahmed, Y. (eds) Tracing the Footprints of University of Zambia Research Outputs: 1966-2015. University of Zambia Press, Lusaka.

Cummings, S., Munthali, N. and Shapland, P. (2022) ‘A systemic approach to the decolonisation of knowledge: Implications for scholars of development studies’, in D. Ludwig et al. (eds) The Politics of Knowledge in Inclusive Development and Innovation. London: Routledge. Available at: https://doi.org/doi.org/10.4324/9781003112525.

Cummings, S., Munthali, N. and Sittoni, T. (2024) ‘Epistemic Justice as a “New Normal ?” Interrogating the Contributions of Communities of Practice to Decolonization of Knowledge’, Sustainable Development, pp. 1–18. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.3285.

Galarza-Villamar, J.A., […] Munthali, N., […] et al. (2024) ‘The role of connective interventions in the collective management of public-bad problems: Evidence from a socio-ecological system perspective’, NJAS: Impact in Agricultural and Life Sciences, 96(1). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1080/27685241.2023.2293846.

Jha, P., Yeros, P., Chambati, W and Mazwi, F. eds (2022). Farming and Working under Contract: Peasants and Workers in Global Agricultural Value Systems. New Delhi: Tulika Books.

Jomantas, S., […] Munthali, N., […] et al. (2021) Looking at healthcare to improve agircultural service delivery: the case of online chatgroup. CABI One Health. Avilable at: https://www.cabi.org/cabi-publications/looking-at-human-healthcare-to-improve-agricultural-service-delivery-the-case-of-online-chatgroups/

Jomantas, S., Munthali, N., et al. (2022) ‘Mobilising knowledge sharing in the agricultural advisory system: The case of ICT-facilitated plant doctor chat groups.’, in D. Ludwig et al. (eds) The Politics of Knowledge in Inclusive Development and Innovation. London: Routledge. Available at: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003112525.

Kalonje, V. (2025) ‘Housing low income earners in Lusaka, Zambia: Myth or reality: the case of the National housing authority’, Journal of educational excellence and innovation, 2 (3), pp. 1-15

Kalonje, V. (2020) ‘Challenges of housing provision for low income earners in Lusaka, Zambia’, International Journal of Humanities and Social Studies, 5 (12), pp. 111-117

Kanenga, H. (2020). Trade. In: Kabala, E., Kaleng’a, W.C. and Mulenga, J. (eds.) Textbook on Trade Policy and Development. Stockholm and Lusaka: Copperbelt University, Mulungushi University and University of Zambia.

Kanenga, H. (2020). Trade Facilitation. In: Kabala, E., Kaleng’a, W.C. and Mulenga, J. (eds.) Textbook on Trade Policy and Development. Stockholm and Lusaka: Copperbelt University, Mulungushi University and University of Zambia.

Kanenga, H. (2016). Understanding Sino-Zambia Trade Relations: Trends, Determinants and Policy Implications. World Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2(2), pp.52–77.

Kanenga, H. (2016). One Belt One Road Strategy in China and Economic Development in the Concerning Countries. World Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2(1), pp.10–14

Kanyamuna, V., Siamabele, B., Phiri, M., Mubita, A., & Kalonje, V. (2023) ‘Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Arrangements in Zambia’s Public Sector: Shifting Sands or a Solid Rock?’, Advances in Social Research Journal, 10 (11), pp. 382-413

Kanyamuna, V., Mumba, M., Mkandawire, A., Mulonda, M, & Kalonje, V. (2021) ‘Opportunities and challenges in using information from zambia’s government monitoring and evaluation system’, World’s journal of social sciences and humanities, 7(1), pp. 23-33

Kibombwe, F., Munthali, N., et al. (2024). Recalibrating the geography of thought: enhancing a new way of relationship between Africa and Europe from an interculturality perspective. Africa Europe Relations and AU and EU partnership in a multi-crises World. Addis Ababa, 25th to 27th March, 2024.

Kontinen, T. Oinas, E., Komba, A., Matenga, C., Msoka, C., and Mumba, Moonga (2015) ‘Developing Development Studies in North-South Partnership: How to Support Institutional Capacity in Academia.’ Rehema Kilonzo and Tiina Kontinen (eds). Contemporary Concerns in Development Studies: Perspectives from Tanzania and Zambia. Helsinki: University of Helsinki. ISSN –L 2243-3635 ISBN 978-951-511007-7

Makungu, Moses, Lorraine Matekenya, Priscillah Nsama (2025). The Effects of the Revocation of the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit (ZEP) on Zimbabwean Migrants’ Children Living in South Africa Int. j. adv. multidisc. res. stu 2025; 5(2):1356-1362

Makungu Moses, Tarisai Chakunyuma, Brivery Siamabele, Priscilla Nsama, Valentine Kalonje, (2025). Interventions by Zambian Government to Prevent Resurgence of Cholera in Unplanned Settlements: Lessons from Misisi Compound in Lusaka 2025:5(2):379 -388

Makungu Moses, Brivery Siamabele, Priscillah Nsama, Valentine Kalonje, Themba Mapulanga, (2025). Waste Management and Livelihoods: Experiences from George Compound 2025; 5(2):367-378

Makungu Moses, Atupele Mbewe, Brivery Siamabele (2025). Exploring Potential Opportunities for the Malawi Government to Implement the Encampment Policy; Experiences from the Dzaleka Refugee Camp of Malawi 2025; 5(1):749-756

Makungu Moses and Sishekanu Kennedy (2024). Implications of Development Assistance on the Health Sector: A Case of Zambia 2024; 4(6):638-643

Makungu Moses and Farai Sylvia Liwewe (2024). Coping Mechanisms among Refugee Women and Girls in Post Conflict Situations: A Case of Lusaka Urban Center 2024; 4(4):93-96

Makungu Moses (2024). Pre – conditions for Zambia to Exit from Depending on Foreign Aid as a tool for Development Financing 2024;4(2):746 750

Mapulanga,T., Siamabele,B., Nsama, P., Kalonje,V., & Makungu, M. (2025) ‘Waste Management and Livelihoods: Experiences from George Compound’, Advanced Multidisciplianary Research studies Journal, 5(2), pp.367-378

Matenga, T. and Munthali, N. (2022). The Zambian Cyber Act’s effect on political news reporting on social media. IAMCR Conference – Communication Research in the Era of Neo-Globalisation: Reorientations, Challenges and Changing Contexts, Beijing 11th – 15th July, 2022.

Mazwi F., Mudimu, G and Helliker, k. eds (2024). Chinese Investments in Africa: Its Variegated and Contradictory Character in Relation to Land, Agriculture, Mining and Infrastructure. Springer Economic Geography.

Mazwi, F. (2022). The Political Economy of Contract Farming in Zimbabwe. Cape Town: HSRC Press.

Mazwi, F., Mudimu, G., and Helliker, K. eds (2022) Capital Penetration and the Well-Being of the Peasantry in Southern and Eastern Africa: Neoliberal Restructuring. Geneva: Springer Nature.

Mazwi, F. (2024). Politics, Profits and Protection: Zimbabwe’s Tobacco Industry since 1947: By Sibanengi Ncube Makhanda, South Africa: Africa Humanities Association Publications, 2022, 153 pp. ISBN: 978-1-920033-00-2. The Journal of Development Studies, 1–2. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220388.2024.2401194.

Mazwi, F and Yeros (2023). Zimbabwe’s Command Agriculture. Problems of Planning under Neoliberalism. The Agrarian South: Journal of Political Economy

Mazwi, F and Chambati, W (2023). Diversification of sugar production in Zimbabwe: wealth accumulation from below by outgrowers. Canadian Journal of Development Studies.

Mazwi, F. (2022). ‘Joint Ventures’ and Land Rentals in Tobacco: Limitations of Radical Land Reforms in a Neoliberal Economic Environment: The Case of Zvimba, Zimbabwe.” Journal of Southern African Studies

Mazwi, F and Chambati, W. (2022)” “The land belong to us”: ethnic claims over land during Zimbabwe’s land reforms. Agrarian South: Journal of Political Economy 11.1

Mazwi, F (2021). “Revisiting the Trimodal Agrarian Structure as a Social Differentiation Analysis Framework in Zimbabwe: A Study”. Agrarian South: Journal of Political Economy, 10-2 page(s): 318-343

Mulenga, Nicholas., Mumba, Moonga H. and Mulonda, Mulonda. (2021). Accessibility of Social Security among Domestic Workers in Lusaka, Zambia. International Journal of Humanities, Art and Social Studies (IJHAS), Vol. 6, No.1, February 2021.

Mumba, Moonga (2016) ‘Social Capital among Young entrepreneurs in Zambia’ in Kathrine V. Gough and Thilde Langevang (eds) ‘Youth and Employment in Africa’. London and New York: Routledge. ISBN 978-1-138-84459-9 (hbk) ISBN 978-1-315-73025-7(ebk)

Mumba, Moonga H. (2015) Accountability Challenges among Donor Funded Civil Society: Examples from Zambia’ Rehema Kilonzo and Tiina Kontinen (eds). Contemporary Concerns in Development Studies: Perspectives from Tanzania and Zambia. Helsinki: University of Helsinki. ISSN –L 2243-3635 ISBN 978-951-511007-7

Munthali, N., Leeuwis, C., et al. (2018) ‘Innovation intermediation in a digital age: Comparing public and private new-ICT platforms for agricultural extension in Ghana’, NJAS - Wageningen Journal of Life Sciences, 86–87, pp. 64–76. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.njas.2018.05.001.

Munthali, N., Lie, R., et al. (2021) ‘Intermediation Capabilities of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in Ghana’s Agricultural Extension System’, The African Journal of Information and Communication, 28(28), pp. 1–37. Available at: https://doi.org/10.23962/10539/32212.

Munthali, N., van Paassen, A., et al. (2021) ‘Social media platforms, open communication and problem solving in the back-office of Ghanaian extension: A substantive, structural and relational analysis’, Agricultural Systems, 190. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2021.103123.

Munthali, N. and Kirina, T. (2023) ‘Decolonising gender and development. The influence of Ubuntu philosophy on the articulation of African feminism.’, in O. Muntanga and T. Marovah (eds.) Global SouthTheories. London: Routledge. ISBN 9781032415970

Munthali, N., Kirina, T., et al. (2024) ‘Nature based solutions at the frontier of the climate change policy dialogue. A vehicle for the epistemicide or appropriation of indigenous knowledge?’ Africa Europe Relations and AU and EU partnership in a multi-crises World. Addis Ababa, 25th to 27th March, 2024.

Munyima, Ui, Aurick Mubita, Moonga H. Mumba (2025). Knowledge on Child Protection Among Children: A Study on Selected Schools in Munali Constituency of Lusaka, Zambia. Archives of Current Research International 25 (2):53-68. https://doi.org/10.9734/acri/2025/v25i21067.

Mwange Austin and Mumba Moonga (2025). Perceived Trust and Digital Financial Inclusion in Zambia’s Informal Markets: Mediating and Moderating Role of Digital Financial Literacy and Digital Financial Efficacy. African Journal of Commercial Studies, 2025, 6(2), 99–105. DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.59413/ajocs/v6.i2.9

Mwange Austin and Mumba Moonga (2025). Socioeconomic Determinants of Digital Financial Inclusion among Informal Market Traders in Zambia: Evidence from Lusaka City Market. East African Finance Journal. Volume 4 (1) 141-156 DOI Link https://doi.org/10.59413/ajocs/v6.i2.9

Siamabele Brivery, Mumba H Moonga, Kaliba Matilda., Mubita Aurick, Kalonje Valentine, & Phiri-Mumba Rudo (2025). A Review of the Human Trafficking and the Opening Up of Borders in Africa. International Journal of Educational Excellence and Innovation, 2(02), 20-36. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14865116

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