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MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

LUNDAZI DAY SECONDARY SCHOOL

GEOGRAPHY (2218/3) FIELD PROJECT

“WHAT YOU DO DAILY, DETERMINES WHO

YOU BECOME IN FUTURE.” –DR. KALUMBA.
J.

COMPILED BY: MUNTHALI. [Link]

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WRITING A GEOGRAPHY FIELD PROJECT REPORT

1 THE AIM
 The aim of field project work in Senior Secondary School Geography is to
allow candidates acquire values, attitudes, commitment and practical skills
needed to protect, improve and sustain the environment.
 Field project also enable candidates understand geographical phenomena
and appreciates various inter-relationships.
2 PLANNING A FIELD PROJECT WORK
 Project work requires planning and execution in a logical sequence. Learners
should therefore, be guided throughout the process by their teachers of
Geography.
 Candidates can either carryout the projects individually or as a group. It,
however, becomes easy for both the candidates and the teacher(s) if during
the Data Collection process, Candidates do it in groups. The Data collected
and analysis should, however, be solely the responsibility of individual
candidates.
 The investigation must be related to a theme or topic in the syllabus but
shouldn’t be restricted to the prescribed content.
 Each report should have the required content and meet the criteria for
assessment.
3 CHOICES OF FIELDWORK PROJECTS
 Candidates should choose topics which offer the opportunities available in the
local communities where they are.
 The project chosen should be approved by the Geography teacher and
should be geographical in nature.
 Some examples of common topics available in the syllabus are but not limited
to the following:
i) Rural land use zones, farm studies and land use transects
ii) Settlement characteristics, site, development, farm, land use zones,
transects, spheres of influences.
iii) Mining activities such as Mineral extraction/ mineral processing.
iv) Study of local industries such as Manufacturing and processing
industries.
v) The impact of Road or bridge construction, etc.
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vi) The study of a river and its valley including direct measurement of
velocity, depth, width, load, process of erosion and deposition,
catchment area or any aspect of a water system- canal, dam swamp,
dambo, etc.
vii) The examination of soil with particular reference to the collection and
analysis of profile samples, soil forming processes, inter-relationship
with vegetation and land use.
viii) Weather study, principle and use of rain gauge, wind vane, wet and
dry bulb thermometers (hygrometer), etc.
ix) Study of local population to understand its structure and other
characteristics.
x) Study of local landforms, hills, escarpments, gorges and ridges.

NB Some topics listed above have more than one component.

Candidates are therefore, encouraged to pick only one component
for easy coverage of their field project.

PROCEDURES FOR CARRYING OUT FIELDWORK

REQUIREMENTS

Candidates are required to undertake an investigation related to a theme or topic in the

course. The field project should involve a series of activities including:-
 Preparation- aims and objective formulation
 Data collection- observing, collecting and recording raw data in the field.
 Data processing- classification, compiling and arranging data.
 Presentation- Tables, maps, flow diagrams, pictures, graphs, statistics (mean,
mode and median.)
 Analysis/ interpretation- based on the information collected, provide the
implications, reasons and meanings of the findings.
 Conclusion/ evaluation- confirmation, contradiction, unearthing of new
information.
 Writing a report. (Give limit e.g 1500-2000 words) based on the type of the
candidate’s fieldwork.

Data Collection

 Primary data- The data for investigations must come from the candidate’s own
personal observations and measurements, that is, it should be collected in the
field by the candidate.
 This “primary data” should form the basis of each investigation.
 Fieldwork should provide sufficient data to enable adequate analysis and
analysis.
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 Secondary data- Secondary data involves the gathering of data from sources
which have already been compiled in written statistical or mapped forms/books.
 Descriptive investigations that rely heavily upon observations without
measurement should be minimised.

Written reports

 Candidates should produce written reports of their investigations. The word limit should
be between 1500-2000 words.
 Maps, diagrams, graphs, statistics, analyses and other supplementary information (such
as the title and contents, page and references) are not included in the word limit.
 The candidate’s individual reports should demonstrate the application of rigorous
methodology and geographical knowledge.

Format Guidelines

1. Introduction
 Identify a field project topic. Briefly discuss its historical aspect.
 State the problem including the brief conceptual background which should be
related to the Aim(s) and the Objectives.
2. Aim(s)/Objectives
 State the purpose and intentions of the field research.
3. Methods of Data Collection
 Identify the targeted populations- the study area (including the map of the
research), respondents or participants.
 Use interview guides, Cameras, Questionnaires, Note pads, maps, Experiments,
observations, recording, taking pictures and other techniques to collect data.
4. Data processing
 Classify, compile and arrange data.
5. Data presentation
 Use of graphs, tables, flow diagrams, pictures/photographs, maps (computer-
generated/ hand drawn) statistics, etc.
6. Interpretation and analysis
 Describe the findings with reference to aims and objectives.
 Provide balanced and well-reasoned arguments of findings.
 Explain any anomalies in the findings.
 Provide references to all maps and illustrations in the discussion.
7. Evaluation and conclusion
 Conclude on the results based on presented data.
 Confirm or contradict the findings and unearth new information.
8. Recommendation
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 Provide recommendations for the improvements of the situation/ solution to the

problem(s).
9. References
 Acknowledge any sources.

Geography Field project mark allocation

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MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

LUNDAZI DAY SECONDARY SCHOOL

Geography Field Project Evaluation Record

Name of Candidate: ………………………………………………….. Examination N0: ………………

School/Centre: ………………………………………………………. School/Centre Code: ……………

Components Assessment Areas Maximum Mark

Mark Scored

Title of Report 2

Aim of the project 2

Project Proposal Objectives 3

Methodology of the Study 4

Data Collection 6

Data Collection Data Presentation 10

and Analysis
Interpretation and Analysis 15

Problems and Limitations of the Study 3

Report Writing and Conclusion 8

Finalisation
Recommendations 5

Quality of Work 2
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Total 60

Final Mark = =

Name of Examiner:
………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Signature:
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

SAMPLE OF A FIELD
PROJECT REPORT
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NAME: SINGONGO MERCY

EXAM NUMBER: 1601044XXXX27

SCHOOL CENTER: MUYOMBE BOARDING SECONDARY SCHOOL

CENTRE CODE: 1044

SUBJECT: GEOGRAPHY

SUBJECT CODE: 2218/3

PURPOSE: GEOGRAPHY FIELD PROJECT REPORT

SUPERVISOR: MR. MUNTHALI, E.K

RESEARCH TITLE: CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF BEMBA RIVER FLOODS;

YEAR: 2020 SCHOOL CERTIFICATE EXAMINATIONS

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter One Page number

Acknowledgement……………………………………………………………………

Dedication………………………………………………………………………………

Introduction……………………………………………………………………………

i) Background/ problem definition………………………………..

ii) Location of the study………………………………………………..

General Aim……………………………………………………………………………

Specific Objectives…………………………………………………………………

Chapter Two

Methodology…………………………………………………………………………

Research questions………………………………………………………………

Chapter Three

Data Collection……………………………………………………………………

Data Presentation…………………………………………………………………

Interpretation and analysis……………………………………………………

Problems and Limitations………………………………………………………

Chapter Four

Evaluation and Conclusion……………………………………………………

Recommendations………………………………………………………………

References…………………………………………………………………………
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

This research report would not have reached its completion without the help of some
individuals who were always available whenever I contacted them for help. These
people include; Mr. Munthali, E.K who provided guidance and supervision during the
course of my research work; Mr. Silume, O, The Head of Department Social Sciences,
Muyombe Boarding Secondary School who supported my research work financially and
also made sure that all the necessary sources for secondary information were provided
to me. Since this field project was done as a group especially during Data Collection in
the field, I also want to give gratitude to my fellow researchers who included; Mwanza
Jenipher, Muwowo Kingson, Munthali Patricia and Kangulu Patience. I wish all these
people, together with my ever supportive family, God’s blessings.

DEDICATION

This field project report is being dedicated to my mother who has continued to believe
in the work that I do. Despite being a single mother and having very limited resources,
she kept encouraging me to keep going and supported my research work financially.
May the most high God Almighty richly bless you mother.
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Introduction

i) Background/ Problem definition

According to Ntalasha, L.S (2004), “A flood is a great overflow on to a place
that is usually dry.” Bemba River is one of the major rivers in Muyombe
Chiefdom and the surrounding areas. The river has recorded a number of
floods between 2010 to date. It is believed that Bemba River floods, which
have affected the Yombe people and other people who use the Chama-
Muyombe-Isoka Road, started in the late 2010. The native elderly people who
have been using the river for a long time explain that before 2010, the river
was very deep and because of this, water could not flow over the river banks.
The indigenous people who have taken time to explore the river from its
source in Chipakama to its mouth in Lubumbu (Chili River) near Headman
Mubombo, claim that in the late 2010, very little water started overflowing
and the road users would wad through the water. According to them, this
was as a result of river meander. As the river discharge increased, the water
was forced to cut-short at a bend very near to Bemba Bridge. Other people
have, however, argued that the Bemba floods are a result of two major
practices including grazing of livestock along the river banks which led to
loosening of the soil, and the other factor being Farming where local people,
due to lack of chemical fertilizer and awareness, resorted to tilling the land up
to the river banks, hence making the banks susceptible to erosion. Something
that started very well, however, is now yielding very catastrophic results in
floods which have not only affected the natives but also other people who
use the Chama-Muyombe-Isoka Road. This research was therefore,
undertaken to ascertain the causes and effects of Bemba floods.
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The problem statement

Bemba River crosses the Isoka-Muyombe-Chama road in Muyombe chiefdom.
For many kilometres, Bemba River flows side by side with the road and it is
also near to human settlement. The settlement is more of linear as villages
are mostly concentrated along the river. This would mean that many peasant
farmers do their farming activities along the river posing a danger to it. Due
to the farming activities and other unknown factors, the river is now flooding
whenever it feels like during the rainy season. The resulting floods have and
continue to torment the lives of all the people who are along the river and
those using the famous Isoka-Muyombe-Chama road. It was therefore, the
essence of this field project report to ascertain the causes of Floods and also
extending to discuss the effects of the said floods on the Yombe people and
those using the road.

Problem definition
Bemba floods are not only a result of human activities but also a natural
occurrence. The phenomenon is therefore, too general to be studied and
concluded in just one case study especially one which is purely academic.
This study was therefore, restricted to the following disciplines:-
 Causes of Bemba River floods
 Effects of Bemba River floods to the local people and those using the
Isoka-Muyombe-Chama road.
 Soliciting measures that would help lessen the floods upon determining
the extent of river floods and their effects.
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Location of the study

Map of Muyombe chiefdom

Bemba River crossed by the Isoka-Muyombe-Chama Road

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General Aim

To find out the causes of Bemba River floods and the effects the floods have on the
Yombe people.

Specific objectives

This study was undertaken to;

 ascertain the causes of Bemba River floods,

 identify the effects of Bemba River floods on the local people of Muyombe and
other people who use the road crossing the river and;
 solicit suggestions as to how the problems experienced by the people as a result
of floods, can be solved.

METHODLOGY

This study was a survey of causes and effects of Bemba river floods. This study was
carried out by a group of five researchers. The focus was mainly to find out when
exactly Bemba river started flooding to an extent of not allowing people to use the road
when at peak; determine the number and type of people who get affected by Bemba
river floods; ascertaining the causes of Bemba river floods; identifying the effects the
floods have on the Yombe people and those using the road and suggesting possible
ways to combat the floods. The attainment of the stated objectives was made possible
by the usage of various methods including but not limited to:-
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 Oral interviews- Many people especially the aged and native ones were
randomly asked questions orally.
 Questionnaire- Prepared questions based on river understudy were distributed
to people who were busy and those in distant places. Respondents were also
assured of confidentiality and that the information provided would be used for
academic purposes only.
 Observations- Several physical tours were made along the course of Bemba
river to specifically examine the river’s course. The information observed was
being recorded in the diaries.
 Cameras- Pictures were taken during the tours of the river.
 Secondary sources were also used to back up the primary data collected. Some
of the secondary sources of information included books and internet.

DATA COLLECTION/ PRESENTATION

The data collected and presented below comprise both primary and secondary. As
stated under methodology, the used various methods to physically explore the
course of Bemba river so as to determine its profile. On causes of the river floods,
mere observations were carried out along the course of the river. The local people
were also interviewed to get their thoughts on the causes of river floods. Some chief
causes as given by randomly interviewed respondents included grazing of livestock
along the river course, crop farming, deforestation, gardening and superstition. The
natural factors as observed during the tour of the river and enriched by secondary
sources included nature of parent rock, poor drainage system, heavy rainfall
received in the chiefdom and high sedimentation. These factors and the effects of
the floods on Yombe people are presented below.

DATA PRESENTATION

Causes of Bemba River floods

Table 1: Human factors

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Factor (Cause) Level of proficiency

V.H H AV L V.L
Crop farming X X X X
Deforestation X X X X

Superstition X X X X 
Grazing livestock X X X X
Gardening X X X X
KEY: V.H=very high;H=high;AV=average;L=low;VL=very low;X=unavailability

 =availability

Table 2: Natural causes

Factor (Cause) State/Level

Hard Soft Heavy High Low Good Poor
Parent rock x  x x x x x
Drainage system x x x x x x 
Sedimentation x x x  x x x
Rainfall x x   x x x
River banks x x x x  x x
KEY:

 Applicable x= Not applicable

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Land clearing for gardening activities along Bemba river banks

(In the pictures, a group of researchers tour Bemba River to examine the
causes of Bemba River floods.)
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Effects of Bemba river floods

A careful survey of Bemba river has shown that Bemba river floods have resulted into
both positive and negative effects though the later ones clearly outnumber the former
ones. The graphs shown below show the extent to which Bemba river floods affect the
Yombe residents and other outsiders who use the Isoka-Muyombe-Chama road crossed
by Bemba River.

Positive effects of Bemba River floods

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Negative effects of Bemba river floods

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Pictures showing some peak moments of Bemba River’s floods and resulting effects.
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INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS

Causes of Bemba River floods

From the findings, it can be noted that Bemba River floods have been a result of both
human and natural occurrences. This is shown in the tables 1 and 2. In table 1, Farming
activities have been the major cause of the floods. People carryout farming practices along
the river banks. There are farming activities such as animal grazing, gardening and growing
of various annual crops near or along the river banks. Farming along the river may not be a
very big problem to lead to floods. The challenge, however, is that many peasant farmers
even till the edges of the river banks by clearing all vegetation along the banks. This makes
the river become susceptible to erosion. As the river discharge increase, erosion process
also increase since the soil along the banks becomes loose as roots of vegetation are no
longer effective to hold it. This in the long term leads to the river burying itself with the
eroded material. The river has almost turned into a plain in many stretches, hence as it
rains, the water easily floors out of the river channel. It should be fascinating to also note
that some targeted interviewed, stressed that Superstition partly contributed to Bemba
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River floods. A particular respondent explained, “There is a certain part of an animal (name
of animal and its part not named) which someone is believed to have taken and mixed with
another black medicine and threw it into the river when it was still very narrow and deep.
After this, the river started widening which automatically meant that the river was getting
shallower and shallower due to river valley widening. This eventually has led to floods, an
annual song which no one wants to sing especially during peak times of the rainy season.”
Whether this assumption is true or false, the fact is that we are experiencing uncontrollable
floods especially from the onset of the rains until early May.

Table 2 depicts some natural causes of Bemba River floods. The river maybe flowing on a
permeable rock which ensures that the water drains very well, its river valley, however, has
been buried leaving the river banks very low. With a relatively increase in the discharge of
the river, floods are the case. The drainage system of the river is another factor of concern.
A good example is an abandoned old modeled Belman Bridge which has very small water
inlets. These inlets have been blocked by the river’s transported sediments. This bridge is
located some few kilometres after Bemba and Vumbo rivers confluence. The poorly
constructed and less useful river has led to the accumulation of loose mineral grains such as
boulders, pebbles, sand, silt and mud which has in turn resulted into low banks as sand
builds up backwards. Such factors have led to easy flooding of the river. Other people have
argued that Bemba River floods are an attribute of heavy rainfall received in the chiefdom.
Muyombe is one area in Muchinga province that is experiencing heavy rainfall. In as much
as these rains have been very good in terms of Agriculture on one hand, they have not put
smiles on the Yombe people with regards to Bemba River floods.

EFFECTS OF BEMBA RIVER FLOODS

Figure 1 denotes positive effects of the floods which have characterised Bemba River.
Natives who reside along the river benefit greatly when the river floods. This is made
possible when the sediments transported by the river when flooded, are deposited around
the areas along the river. These deposited materials decompose to form manure. The graph
also indicates that the river floods can be the source of food in terms of fish which provides
essential nutrients to the body. When the river floods, people travelling to Isoka and Chama
can hardly cross the river using Muyombe Bridge. Because of this, the local able bodied
people find chance to make money as they carry travelers and luggage on their back taking
them to either side of the bridge. This is business to the local strong men.

Figure two shows the various negative effects of the river floods. As can be seen, the river
has resulted into a number of negative effects among them being pollution, damage to
infrastructure, slowing down economic activities, damage to property, impediment of
transport system, etc. The major demerit of Bemba River floods is impediment of transport
system. This can also be seen in the pictures which were taken while conducting fieldwork.
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People going to Chama and Isoka could be seen waiting for the water levels to reduce
before crossing. Pupils and teachers residing in Musanta but learning and teaching at
Muyombe Secondary School respectively, could not report to school because of the floods.
This in turn resulted into poor academic performance among pupils.
On a very small scale, the floods have also contributed to loss of property, death to people
and animals, desertification and waterborne diseases.

PROBLEMS AND LIMITATIONS

During Data Collection in the field, there were a number of challenges which the
researcher encountered. Since my fieldwork was mostly dependent on the river, I spent
much time surveying Bemba River which also harbours dangerous animals such as snakes.
This meant that my life was at stake. The other challenge faced was the long stretch of
Bemba River from its source to its mouth. I wouldn’t have collected valid data if I had to
survey a relatively short stretch of the river. I therefore, had to divide the limited time
available between studying other subjects and having to survey the river valley channel.
The time frame was as such not enough for the fieldwork. The nature of the study was a bit
wide and studying it within the space of two (2) years which was also partly affected by the
Global environmental shock in Covid 19 in the final stages. Because of this, we could not
successfully collect all the data as intended. The voyages made were costly as the
researchers spent on food and transport every time there was need to tour the river. Some
people who were being interviewed were not willing to reveal information. Those who were
able to read and write were given simplified questionnaires but most of them could not give
back the questionnaires when approached as they claimed they had not filled in and others
claimed to have lost them. This made it difficult for the researcher to collect adequate data.

EVALUATION AND CONCLUSION

The main aim of this field project was to ascertain the causes and effects of Bemba River
floods. Fieldwork was conducted through surveys, one on one interviews and through the
use of questionnaires. The information gathered from the ground revealed a number of
causes and effects of Bemba River floods. As indicated under data presentation,
investigation of Bemba River through the stated methodology brought out both natural and
human induced factors leading to river flooding uncontrollably. On the natural causes, the
one factor that stands out most is heavy rainfall received in the area. Muyombe chiefdom
where Bemba River lies has been receiving very high rainfall and like in any area, the
inevitable aftermath of the heavy rainfall should always be floods especially when the river
valley is also negatively affected by other factors as indicated. The heavy rain received in
the area coupled with the human induced factor in Farming activities along the river, seem
to be the major contributing factors to floods being experienced in Muyombe particularly at
Bemba Bridge. It was observed that many local people, who are spread in a linear
settlement along the catchment area, employ bad agricultural methods when tilling the
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land. Theses farmers have cut down all the trees along the river banks exposing the river to
soil erosion. Generally, the roots of vegetation hold the soil in position and because of this,
the soil becomes resistant to soil erosion. This is, however, not the case with Bemba River.
There is too much deforestation along the river especially during gardening and crop
farming. These practices have therefore, led to the burying of the river through erosion. As
the river has become a bit wide and shallow, water easily flows out when the heavy rains
are being received.
The floods are now a thorn in the flesh of many people who use the Muyombe-Isoka-Chama
Road. This is a very busy road but it has become a source of worry to many especially in
the rainy season. Even though the local peasant farmers smile as they grow their crops
along the river without artificial fertilizer as a result of floods adding more nutrients to the
soil, many people cry as transportation is impeded. From the pictures, it can be seen that
school going children have to cross the river half naked to access educational services to
either side of the river. There are pupils who live in Musanta but have to cross the river to
access educational services in Muyombe. Similarly, pupils who in live in Muyombe cross the
river in order to access education at Musanta Primary School. These pupils suffer a great
deal especially during the rainy season as they are usually forced to miss lessons even for a
week when the river floods. Pupils are not the only people finding floods as a hurdle when
crossing Bemba River. The Chama-Muyombe-Isoka Road is one of the busiest roads in
Muchinga province. This is because it links Isoka to Muyombe, Chama and also Malawi.
There are many people who do business using this same road and during peak moments of
flooding, not even strong vehicles can cross the river using Muyombe Bridge. This
eventually slows down business. The floods have really affected people negatively as they
pose a danger mostly to the school going children and if quick interventions will not be put
in place, we are likely to witness something very hazardous from the floods.

RECOMMENDATIONS

 Since the Old Belman Bridge which is poorly drained has contributed heavily to the
floods, it will be wise to demolish as it serves little or no purpose. This will help the
blocked and ever accumulating sediments to be easily transported thereby easing
erosion.
 Farmers who use bad agricultural methods along the river banks should be advised
and made aware of the catastrophic results of such practices.
 Some farmers can also be relocated to upper land so that vegetation can regrow
along the river. Vegetation naturally holds the soil in position using roots and this
helps to reduce soil erosion.
 If resources can allow, a long lasting solution will be to make a long fly over bridge
from the late Kawawa slope to the late chief Musungambumba slope. This is because
the road is lying very low and even if culverts and new bridge are to be made, the
purpose will still be defeated since water flows over the bridge most of the time the
river floods at peak.
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 It will also be of great help if a Secondary School can be built in Musanta so as to

help learners who trek from the said village to Muyombe Day and Boarding
secondary schools. There are many learners residing in the surrounding villages such
as Musanta, Chidulika, Mung’ang’a, Bula, Chimbala, Zumbe, Kaswanga,etc. The
children from such areas would find it easy to access education if there was a
secondary school in Musanta. For now, these children continue to wade through the
floods as options are very limited at their disposal.
 Farmers are also encouraged to employ agro-farming, where they can plant Bananas
along the river as they grow their usual crops. Such a practice can help reduce soil
erosion.

REFERENCES

1. Ntalasha, L.S. etal, (2004). A High School Geography Textbook of Zambia and the
Sub-Region. Times printpak (Z) Limite, Ndola, Zambia.