Effect of Load Shedding on Small Scale Entrepreneurs: A Case of Kitwe District of Zambia

Abstract

Electricity is one of the key factors that are critical for accelerating the growth of the economy of the country. Without electricity, a number of sectors are affected. From 2014, Zambia has been facing serious load shedding which has an effect on the lives of people from academia to industry. The study was designed to determine the effect of load shedding on small scale entrepreneurs in Zambia. The approach for the study was mixed research. The sample for the study consisted of 200 people working in bars, salons, barbershops and in cafes. Simple random sampling was used to come up with 200 participants. Data for the study were collected through questionnaire and face to face interviews. Data for the study were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance. The null hypothesis was tested at 5% significance level. The findings of the study revealed that load shedding has negative effect on small scale entrepreneurs in Zambia