1. The nature and distribution of poverty and its ultimate causes / potential risk factors.
The nature of the poverty in Zambia is found in not optimal policies. This was also enhanced by external factors. In the urban areas there was a major unemployment problem. The price of corn was kept at a low level so urban people were able to buy it, there was no income for the rural population.(World Bank Group, 2015) . As a result of this policy, the rural population was unable to improve their welfare.
2. Physical geography
Zambia is entirely surrounded by other countries, it is land-locked. In total the country has nine neighboring countries. Being landlocked could be seen as an advantage, because it leads to more sturdy food systems and forms a natural barrier which protects the country from smuggling. A disadvantage of being landlocked is higher international cargo transportation cost compared to coastal countries (Allafrica, 2015). In the seventies, Zambia had the most developed paved road network. This network is in a bad condition due a lack of maintenance. There are no real highways, but the connection between Ndola and Kitwe is often considered as one (Wegenwiki, 2014). Zambia has a population density of 19.56 people per square kilometer. The population is not evenly distributed across the country. The Copperbelt and Lusaka are crowded provinces with a population density of 62.5 and 100.4 respectively. This is in contrast to provinces like North-Western and Western with a population density of 5.6 and 7.0 respectively (Gwillim Law, 2010).
3. Government policies and capacity to invest in infrastructure
In the late 1980’s, the government made a stabilization program to rebuild the economy. The corn market has been liberalized. The government is also trying to ensure an increased budget for social development and is trying to find the best way in using allocations as effectively as possible. The government also increased the budget for education and healthcare.
4. Governance patterns and failures
Due to transparency international Zambia scores a 38 on a scale from 1 to 100 in terms of corruption. This score gives Zambia a 85th place in the world ranking (transparency,2014). When we compare this to the other countries, Zambia is an average ‘corruption’ country in Africa. On the website www.business-anti-corruption.com a detailed summary is given about the corruption in Zambia. In 2012 The Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Zambia was published and showed a list with 10 human rights that were violated (Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, 2012).
5. Cultural barriers (intercultures, 2009)
Zambia has a strong distinction between ethnic groups. On daily basis there is not much ethnic tension between colleagues and friends. But the political parties are highly dependent on the support of their ethnic group. Therefore ethnic tension do express themselves during elections. On the other hand there are tensions among racial groups. Generally it is hard the function well as a workplace with different racial groups. Due to a lack of trust and respect. Another important aspect is the role of women. Up to now it was expected that the woman takes care of the children and does the housework. There is a clear division of labour between sexes
6. Geopolitics
Zambia has several trade relations around the globe. For example with China, US, Netherlands and Canada. The most relations are based on investments from the other countries. These investments are often associated with development aid.
Congo is a civil war going on. The violence in DR Congo is not limited to the borders of the Central African country. Almost all neighboring countries are involved , including Zambia .
Zambia and Zimbabwe are battling the worst decline of water levels at the Lake Kariba reservoir in more than two decades, with the result that the power supply is threatened.