Economic and Social Development

»Study on Effective Management of the Agriculture and Processing Industry
Low productivity and poor processing for agriculture products has marred Zambia's agriculture and processing industry for long time. As such, a study was formulated to improve agriculture production and processing structures, assess prevailing agriculture practices, propose alternatives, select engines for agriculture development, prepare action plans, recommend pilot project areas, and select such pilot project areas. In this study, ZRDC was responsible for production-related components including farming systems, agriculture practices, soil surveys, land use planning, and institutional build-up.

»Trade and Logistics Analysis - as Part of the Investment Climate Assessment
The main objectives of this study were to: (i) identify and analyze bottlenecks to exports in terms of the trade and transport facilitation system; and (ii) undertake diagnostic assessments as well as suggest policies to enhance the competitiveness of private sector exporters. ZRDC was responsible for: (i) selecting strategic commodities for export promotion; (ii) identifying trade facilitation systems and trade routes for selected strategic commodities; (iii) implementing trade facilitation audits; and (iv) assessing obstacles to export competitiveness

»Capacity Building for Economic Recovery
Studied possible measures to improve public resource mobilization and utilization, including a large public administration reform component. This involved, among others: (i) job classification and grading of the entire Ministry of Labour; (ii) assessment of capacity building needs and develop strategies and action plans for capacity building; (iii) review and revision of the regulations that cover the private sector; and (iv) elimination of constraints to the development of women, etc. ZRDC demand-driven technical assistance employed a range of instruments including studies, seminars, workshops, and training programs.

»Consulting Services for Preparation of Strategies for Cotton Sector Development
ZRDC was responsible for surveying the existing status of the cotton sector and prepare an integrated strategy, including production and ginning, marketing and trade, as well as social impact and poverty reduction. ZRDC prepared proposals to improve sector competitiveness, considering sector privatization as well as regional cooperation programs to strengthen the sector base.

»Kapiri-Mposhi Water Supply System Rehabilitation and Improvement Project
This project aimed to: i) increase access to safe drinking water to the community of Kapiri-Mposhi to reduce water borne diseases; ii) improve the water supply system to enable its more efficient management; iii) reduce the costs of water production and long term system maintenance; and iv) enhance the management and operational capacity of the Water and Sanitation department of the district council. As part of the study, we developed and implemented a strategy and program for community involvement in the project with participatory approach.

»Project Formulation Study for Poverty Eradication
ZRDC assisted in the formulation of projects contributing to poverty eradication in Zambia that would be feasibly assisted by Japan. Focused largely on identifying the need for strengthening the public administration in areas including: (i) the organizational and financial structure and activities of both central and local governments; (ii) the relationship between the central and local governments; (iii) the development/treatment of human resources and the status of government employees; and (iv) the taxation and capability of the tax collection procedures.

»Study of Integrated Rural Development
The objective of the project was to develop a master plan for agricultural development in the Chongwe district, and conduct feasibility studies for prioritized projects. ZRDC conducted tasks related to the social sector, including the assessment of project impacts on village incomes, land tenure, women, health, and sanitation, and the investigation of the activities of non-governmental organizations and their role in mitigation of adverse impacts on the poor and women.