On-going

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 ABSTRACT

 The relentless cholera outbreaks in Kanyama Compound, Lusaka, Zambia, underscore the critical public health challenge posed by inadequate sanitation and unsafe water sources in rapidly urbanizing, resourceconstrained environments. This study delves into the contribution of underground water to cholera cases in Kanyama using geospatial techniques. The objectives of this seek to (1) map shallow wells and pit latrines, (2) chart the spatial distribution of cholera cases and (3) analyse their interplay to uncover significant correlations. Employing QGIS 3.34.11, satellite imagery and field-validated GIS data, will map the spatial distribution of shallow wells, pit latrines and cholera incidence to uncover contamination pathways. By integrating remote sensing analyses of soil moisture and vegetation indices, the aim is to infer underground water dynamics and identify hotspots of contamination exacerbated by poor sanitation infrastructure. The anticipated outcomes include actionable insights for targeted public health interventions, a comprehensive framework for environmental health surveillance using geospatial technologies and empirical evidence demonstrating the cost-effectiveness of remote sensing in tackling waterborne diseases in marginalized settings. Ultimately, this research aspires to inform policies and strategies to mitigate cholera outbreaks, safeguard water quality and enhance public health resilience in Kanyama and similar vulnerable regions globally. 

ABSTRACT

Global land degradation assessments reveal that the most significant degrading areas are primarily located in Africa, south of the Equator. Land degradation poses a critical problem, threatening agricultural productivity, biodiversity and livelihoods. This study aims to evaluate the extent of land degradation in Zambia using remote sensing technologies, focusing on its physical, chemical and vegetative components. The study's significance lies in its potential to inform policymakers and stakeholders about the current degradation status and guide effective land management strategies. Methodologically, we will employ satellite imagery and GIS tools to assess changes in land cover, soil quality and vegetation health from 1993 to 2023. The expected outcome includes detailed maps and data sets highlighting degraded areas, which will be instrumental in devising targeted interventions to combat land degradation in Zambia.

 ABSTRACT

In the face of escalating climate change impacts, communities near the Kafue FloodPlain are wrestling with the urgent need to adapt to changing environmental conditions. These communities include Kasengele, Zambia compound, Chikankata and so on. However, the mentioned communities lack accessible and effective tools tailored to their specific needs for climate adaptation. The absence of such tools leaves them vulnerable to the worsening consequences of extreme weather events, sea-level rise, droughts, floods, and other climate-related challenges.One such challenges still persist in the Kafue Flood Plain degraded wetland. In the aspect of quickening climate change, the mild ecosystems of wetlands are increasingly vulnerable, particularly in regions like Kafue Flood Plain in Zambia where these invaluable habitats are essential for both biodiversity and human livelihoods. The study’s main objective is to develop a community-based climate adaptation tool so as to empower communities to understand, plan for and respond effectively to the impacts of climate change in their local area.The methodology used for the study is by conducting a thorough assessment of the degraded wetland, including its current ecological status importance. Additionally, this can also be done by collecting baseline data on climate patterns, historical trends, and projected changes in the region's climate. Introducing a Climate Adaptation Tool for Rehabilitating Degraded Wetland could yield several expected outcomes aimed at bridging communities and fostering sustainable environmental practices and these include the following; Enhanced Community Resilience, Improved Livelihoods, Biodiversity Conservation and Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration.