Research , Key To Development

Research is an essential ingredient in defining the direction of a country as regards its attainment of national development. By nature of its business and level of expertise that sits in this sector, a Higher Institution of Learning becomes a preferred vehicle through which successful research activities is carried out.

In recognising this fact, the Copperbelt University has endevoured to develop research programmes that are relevant to Zambia as well as the Southern African region. This writer had an opportunity to talk to an academician, Prof. Glasswell Kayula Nkonde, a Chemical Engineering Expert, to share on research/projects he has been involved in and the following shows a list of some of them carried out since April, 2008;

1. Production of bathing soap using Jatropha Oil; This process is called a cold process of producing soaps. Prof Nkonde confirms that samples have been done and proved to be workable. Quality controls have equally been done. He said the project could be of help to small scale business entities to start producing their own soaps for sale and so he encourages them to contact the Institution for further discussion.
2. Reduction of Amonia in fish ponds using activated carbon (the activation is done by use of of steam at high pressure, among other methods); The benefit is that the removal would entail increased stocks and quality of fish in ponds thus leading to more fish and profitability of the business. Consequently, the absorbed Amonia could be used as fertiliser for crop production.
3. Distillation of water using a Solar Distiller; The project is being done in conjuction with Dr Simate from the University of Zambia. The aim is to produce clean water through use of a solar distiller. It has been proved that the distiller is able to remove 100% germs thus benefitial to the low income people and those staying in rural reaas who are dependent on untreated water from wells. The same water can be used for battery water production.
4. Production of Clinker using local raw materials at affordable energy requirments (the Clinker is the heart of cement production); The material involves fuse mix of clay and lime stone. This would be benefitial to small scale Entrepreneurs interested in going into cement production business.
5. Production of Animal feed using Moringa Tree leaves; This is an ongoing project Prof. Nkonde said there was more that could be done with the Moringa tree such as production of oil from seed to make soaps, for use in procission instruments and machines; and also as a source of nutrients.
6. Production of local fertiliser known as Partially Acidulated Phosphate Rock (PAPR); the fertiliser has already been produced and field tested at the University of Zambia. The fertiliser was further tested on various crops in Zambia and results have shown that this fertiliser can be used as an alternative to imported fertilisers. The product will soon be commercially produced and a local investor has shown interest in the product Prof. Nkonde said, as an Institution, we will finetune certain parameters related to prodution such as automation of the process as well as looking at other alternatives of the use of the phosphate resources for example in the poutry industry.
7. Production of insect repellant from lemon grass; This can be used on insects such as mosquitoes.

As part of learning and imparting knowledge, Prof. Nkonde said he has involved students on these projects. He said this could help them to become entreprenurs and start their own businesses when they graduate as opposed to rushing for formal employment.

 

Prof Nkonde said he hoped to advance the projects further and include Masters/PhD students on these projeots so that the Instituion could have further insight knowledge of some of these processes. With projcets like these, its clear that the University was not established for window dressing but as a catalyst for the economic development of the country.