AN INVESTIGATION INTO ADOPTION OF MITIGATIVE AND ADAPTIVE STRATEGIES TO CLIMATE CHANGE: A CASE OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS MANUFACTURING BUSINESS ENTERPRISES IN LUSAKA PROVINCE

Climate change is a global problem that affects not just the physical existence of the world but the less physical aspects such as the economy. It is caused by both natural processes and by man’s industrial activities. These causes results in the emission of greenhouse gases that eventually elevate the earths global temperature consequently affecting weather patterns causing extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, hurricanes and more. These disruptions negatively affect communities and businesses causing risks to not just human life but to business operations. The sectors that contribute toward economic progression have been affected by climate change due to extreme weather events that have caused shifts in how many activities have normally been carried out in the past. The construction sector which contributes to a country’s economy through GDP contribution has equally been affected. Business enterprises that specialise in manufacturing of construction materials (located in Lusaka Province) are of particular interest in this research as that they feed into some of the inputs that the construction sector uses such as steel and concrete. These inputs are used in infrastructure development such as roads, buildings and bridges which positively contribute to the economic development of a country. However, these inputs also contribute to climate change via greenhouse gas emissions both during their production and as finished products. It is for this reason that this research endeavoured to establish what adaptive and mitigative strategies business enterprises are adopting and to reveal the influence that the lack of comprehensive implementation of climate change policy has had and to establish whether Change Management theories are being applied by business enterprises to guide them in their efforts to survive in the era of climate change challenges. The research used a descriptive type of research design with a case study approach. The data was collected using questionnaires with both open and closed ended questions. The analysis used mixed methods with tools such as Microsoft excel and SPSS version 20. The findings revealed that a significant number of enterprises lacked knowledge on the existence of climate change policy, further many of them did not use any change management strategies. Those that were knowledgeable claimed that there was a lack of finances to adopt climate smart strategies as these were seen to be expensive as such policy implementers provide more awareness and support systems. Key words: Business enterprises, climate change, policy, adaptation & mitigation and change management. 

 

 

 

LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................... iii 

LIST OF FIGURES ............................................................................... iv 

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ....................................................................... v

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION ........................................................... 1 

1.0 Overview .................................................................................... 1 

1.1 Background to the Study ...................................................................... 1 

1.2 Statement of the problem ................................................................... 5 

1.3 Aim of the study ................................................................................... 6 

1.4 General Objective of the Study .......................................................... 6 

1.4.1 Specific Objectives of the study ............................................... 6 

1.5 Research Questions .............................................................................. 6 

1.6 Significance of the Study ............................................................... 7 

1.7 Limitations of the Study ................................................................. 7 

1.8 Theoretical Framework ................................................................... 7 

1.8.1 Change Management Theory...................................................... 8 

1.8.2 Features of Change Management theory ................................ 8 

1.9 Conceptual Framework .................................................................. 11 

1.10 Operational Definition of Terms ................................................ 13 

1.11 Ethical Considerations......................................................... 13 

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW ........................................... 14 

2.0 Overview .................................................................................. 14 

2.1 Back ground on Climate Change ............................................ 14 

2.2 Climate Change and Global implications for business enterprises ....... 19 

2.3 Global Adaptation and mitigation for manufacturing business Enterprises ...... 23 

2.4 Policy framework on Climate Change in Zambia ..................... 26 

2.5 Manufacturing Business enterprises in Zambia and Climate Change ..... 28 

CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY .................................... 30 

3.0 Overview .............................................................................................. 30 

3.1 Research design ...................................................................... 30 

3.2 Target population .......................................................................... 30 

3.3 Sample size and sampling procedure .......................................... 31 

3.3.1 Sample size ........................................................................ 31 

3.4 Data collection methods ........................................................... 33 

3.4.1 Data collection instruments ...................................................... 33 

3.4.2 Data collection procedures .................................................... 34 

3.5 Data analysis ......................................................................... 34 

CHAPTER 4: DATA PRESENTATION, INTERPRETATION & ANALYSIS. ..... 35 

4.0 Overview ................................................................................... 35 

4.1 Data Analysis Method ....................................................................... 35 

4.2 Data Analysis and Representation (Part 1-Quantitative) .............. 38 

4.2 Data Analysis and Representation (Part 2-Qualitative) .................. 46 

4.3 Summary of Findings .................................................... 51 

RECOMENDATIONS .......................................... 52 

5.0 Overview .......................................................................................... 52 

5.1 Summary ............................................................................. 52 

6.2 Discussion ....................................................................... 53 

5.3 Conclusion ...................................................................... 54 

5.4 Recommendations ......................................................... 55 

REFERENCES ........................................................................................... 56 

APPENDICES ............................................................................................ 60 

Table 1: Target group of response rate(Planned) ................................ 36 

Table 2: Target group of response rate(Actual) ............................... 37 

Table 3:Reliability statistics ........................................................ 38 

Table 4:Item-Total statistics ...................................................... 39 

Table 5: Knowledge of Climate Change Policy .................................. 40 

Table 6: Institutions working with Business Enterprises ................... 40 

Table 7: Adoption of Adaptation and Mitigation measures .............. 41 

Table 8: Use of Change theory in adoption process ..................... 41 

Table 9: Knowledge of Climate Change Policy*Adoption of adaptation and Mitigation measures(Cross tabulation) ............................. 42 

Table 10:Chi-Square test .............................................................. 43 

Table 11:Correlation table ....................................................... 44 

Figure 1: The greenhouse gas effect (source IPCC 2007) ..................... 1 

Figure 2: Conceptual Framework ................................................. 12 

Figure 3: Cluster sampling illustration............................................. 32 

Figure 4: Bar Chart showing Knowledge of climate change policy vs adoption of 

adaptation and mitigation measures ............................................... 45 Figure 5: Risk exposure awareness .......................................... 46 

Figure 6:Understanding of mitigation and adaptation ................... 47 

Figure 7: Proposed solutions ......................................... 47 

Figure 8: Knowledge on climate change policy .................................. 48 

Figure 9: Adoption of Adaptation and Mitigation measures ............ 49 

Figure 10: Challenges faced in adoption of measures ..................... 49 

Figure 11: Institutions working with Business Enterprises ............. 50 

Figure 12: Use of Change Management theories in adoption of measures .... 51 

GDP                            Gross National Product 

 

This chapter presents the background on climate change, its causes and effects on the business enterprises in Zambia and world over. It stretches out a statement of the problem, purpose of the study, objectives of the study, research questions, significance of the study, limitations of the study, theoretical framework, conceptual framework, and operational definitions. The subsequent chapter will review literature that is relevant to the implications of climate change on business enterprises with special emphasis on the construction materials manufacturing enterprises. 

Climate change is defined as gradual changes in all the interconnected weather elements on our planet over approximately 30 years (National Geographics, 1996-2022). Moore (2017) describes climate change as a ‘tide of commitment to justice and human rights, a swelling affirmation of moral responsibility to the future and to Earth's fullness of life’. One of the factors of climate change in an increase in the earths atmospheric temperature. This is caused by Greenhouse gases which are emitted from the earth’s natural processes and by human activity. This then alters the climatic patterns of the earths regions, some experience droughts while others too much rainfall (NASA, 2020). 

  

Figure 1: The greenhouse gas effect (source IPCC 2007) 

The construction industry is an important sector of a country. In Zambia, it contributes to a relatively large proportion of the nation’s Gross National Product (GDP). GDP is a measure of economic growth (GRZ, 2019). To this effect it is important to take keen interest in the players that exist within this industry and how their existence affects or contributes to climate change which has now become a global problem and has a bearing on the prosperity of world economies as it changes the normal ways of life for all stakeholders as the effects of climate change affect the whole world. 

A study conducted in Kenya on Vulnerability and Adaptation Levels of the Construction Industry to Climate Change reveal the findings indicating that there is great need to initiate early warning systems, incorporate rigorous risk assessments to determine infrastructure vulnerability levels, integrate adaptation measures and strengths for infrastructure and buildings to continue functioning in a changing planet, and avert retrogression and mark-timing development wise (Onkangi et al, 2018). The construction industry plays an integral part in the development of the economy and is one of the important catalysts for growth. Activities in the industry are driven by public and private projects, such as roads, stadia, hospitals, schools, and residential and commercial property (Ministry of National Development Planning, 2017). This fact in itself places emphasis on why the construction industry is of particular interest in this research. The industry continues to grow over the years at a steady annual average rate and may be directly attributed to increased public and private sector investment on infrastructure development.  

Infrastructure development hugely depends of the use of construction materials which are a product of manufacturing activities and in their own production process and lifespan contribute to climate change adverse effects through emission of greenhouse gases.  Despite great contributions of the construction industry’s business enterprises, a number of challenges are faced by the industry, which required innovative solutions to overcome (Ministry of National Development Planning, 2017). These challenges include rising project costs, which could be attributed to the rise in prices of raw materials, labour and depreciation of the local currency in progressive years (Ministry of National Development Planning, 2017). This situation places business enterprises, that operate in the construction industry particularly those in manufacturing business, in a position to brace themselves for impact brought about by climate change thereby necessitating the use of strategies and adherence to policy that guides to help mitigate and adapt to effects of climate change. Business enterprises are faced with a number of risks due to climate change which include risks to business operations, risk to reputation, risk supply chains and so on. 

 

These risks brought about by climate change, need to be covered through application of practices that will reduce their effect and also ensure the survival of the business enterprise by way of adaptation. The extent to which these business enterprises adapt to sustainable practices will dictate where the Zambian economy is headed years from now. Thus an investigation into the same can help improve Strategies and reveal areas of policy improvement for the betterment of the economy in future. The ability of business enterprises to respond to climate risks depends in no small measure on factors that can be shaped through policy intervention (Crick, 2017). Addressing global climate change requires concerted efforts from all nations – both developed and developing. 

These efforts include assessing, planning and implementing relevant technologies and best practices, in a cost-effective manner to unleash mitigation and adaptation potentials in all sectors (Cam, 2012).This ultimately means that Zambia has to subscribe to Sustainable development which is a concept of utmost importance, for the survival of the earth. This has led to a global fight for sustainable development, with guidance of statutory instruments and policies that that been formulated in the quest to strategically manage the climate change challenges. Climate change is increasingly becoming a threat to future development plans, sustainability of existing infrastructure, and biodiversity conservation. The World Bank (2008) affirms that climate change is a serious environmental challenge that could undermine the drive for sustainable development. Assessment of vulnerability levels, adaptation measures, models, and climate change variables have majorly focused on biological systems. Besides biodiversity, the construction industry faces equally high threats from climatic changes with enormous carbon price-related risks.  

Human activity has resulted in damage to the environment. This damage has affected all sectors of the world at national level and international level ultimately affecting even the strongest of world economies. This is evident in the changes of weather patterns which have emerged as a consequence of the industrial activities of man in production processes in diverse sectors. These changes in weather have caused extreme weather variations, some aligned to excessive rains resulting in floods, while others have cause droughts that have impacted the availability of food due to reduced harvests or damage to crops (GRZ, 2016). 

Construction in the developing nations is gaining momentum and is a development indicator as well as a major contributor to GDP. However, infrastructure is very vulnerable structurally and financially to extreme weather conditions and events. This calls for a paradigm shift in conducting business in the construction industry in developing countries. The production of construction materials is among some of the activities that transpire in the construction industry. These materials contribute to climate change concerns as most of them result in emission of greenhouse gases during production and further during their use or life span. Examples of such materials are steel and concrete. It is therefore important to investigate what strategies are being employed by business enterprises to counter the effects of their activities on climate change and other activities that they have implemented in their operations to help mitigate the challenges that come with climate change. There is even greater need to look at the climate change policy and how it helps or impedes climate change mitigation strategies of business enterprises with regards to adaptation. Some business enterprises have had to revisit their strategies on supply chain management or the use of climate smart technologies as these have helped them survive in this robust economic world confounded by climate change policy and climate change weather effects that have disrupted or changed business as we know it. Government has mandated specific institutions to provide policy guidelines and implementation. However, the climate change agenda in Zambia is not only a donor construction: Although the issue is not high on the political agenda, there are de facto government interests related to climate change (Funder et al, 2013). He also adds that donors have played a central role in nurturing and influencing the climate change agenda in Zambia, and in developing the institutional framework for disaster management and climate change. 

In Zambia, policies and programmes on climate change are largely in place together with relevant governance and institutional structures, but the challenges of integration of climate change across all sectors, as well as implementation of policies remain (ZCCA, 2016). Climate change challenges in Zambia has generally been attributed to a lack of capacity. In addition, lack of information on climate change that is suitable for different audiences is said to be slowing down the pace for adoption of adaptation strategies and coping against climate change (Fumpa-Makano, 2011). However, without clearly defined methodologies for assessing both climate change risks and opportunities, the material financial impacts of climate change and associated adaptation initiatives will continue to go unreported and unmeasured (West & Brereton, 2013). In view of this, the current study investigated the adaptation and mitigation strategies of business enterprises in the wake of climate change and explored the relevant policies that exist in Zambia to fill a knowledge gap that will provide information relevant for all stakeholders with regards to climate change. 

A lack of comprehensive implementation of climate change policy will influence adoption of mitigation and adaptation measures to climate change in ‘construction materials’ manufacturing business enterprises in Lusaka Province. 

 

To investigate this phenomenon, it entailed looking closely at the adaptation strategies that business enterprises are employing to counter the effects or challenges of climate change and to also look at climate change policy. Additionally, there is no known study conducted in Zambia on business enterprises, specifically those in the business of manufacturing construction materials with regards to climate change. This created a knowledge gap that this study sought to fill.  Climate change assessments, identification of vulnerability, and risk management are the first line of defence towards developing adaptation measures. Adaptation would not be possible in the absence of reliable and timely data. This information is expected to be sourced from policy documents and enhanced through comprehensive implementation and monitoring of activities of business enterprises to ensure adherence to guidelines.  

This study aimed to investigate the level of adoption of mitigative and adaptive strategies to climate change with special emphasis on business enterprises that manufacture construction materials in Lusaka Province. 

The general objective of this research was to emphasise the role of business enterprises in climate change adaptation and mitigation while examining the policy guidelines that exist in Zambia. 

The following research questions were explored in order to provide guidance and focus on the subject matter: 

The significance of this study was to provide current information on the state of business enterprises in relation to their role to help curb climate change challenges. This information would be usable to the formulators of policy documents, the regulators of the environment such as the Zambia Environmental Management Agency to the very manufacturing enterprises, who will learn from each other on how best climate change can be managed. The research study endeavoured to establish the level of adoption of mitigative and adaptive strategies by business enterprises, and to establish whether lack comprehensive of implementation of climate change policy was an influencing factor. Further, the study sought to inform and inspire companies to anticipate and adapt to climate change and to engage policymakers to support business enterprise’s contributions to climate change adaptation for more resilient communities and societies; and also encourage civil society organizations, universities and research institutes, and other non-governmental actors to see business enterprise’s as key partners in contribution to economic development.

 

This study was limited to Lusaka province and captured business enterprises that manufacture construction materials.  

A theory can be used to test or run an enquiry during the study which is either qualitative, quantitative or both (Creswell & Creswell, 2018).  The theoretical framework shows the relationship of variables of a research study and how these interact with each other hence giving the study some kind of form (Swanson & Chermack, 2013). The former author also notes in another 2007 publication of his, that ‘theory framework’ must articulate researcher and practitioner perspectives in language, components and structure. The theoretical Framework is said to be able to take different forms depending on the researchers conceptualisation of society or an ideology (Gilbert, 2008). This research used the Change Management Theory. 

Change management theory articulates, in a systematic way, how strategies, activities or programmes contribute to a set of specific outcomes through a series of intermediate results. It describes the pathway through which change will come about. It also describes the underlying assumptions and conditions necessary to bring about this change (Ministry of National Development Planning, 2017). Climate change is a form of change that many business enterprises will have to reckon with. This is in the context of how the economy can be diversified; what results are needed to attain diversification; and what interventions will bring about these results. Change of any kind especially that which is revolutionary or radicle, requires strategies and innovations on the part of the affected party in order to ensure survival and ability to thrive in a new or dynamic environment. 

There are many theories of change management out there especially in an age dominated by digital change and transformation. According to (Bruce, 2013) Change management models can include theories that:  

The best models of Change Management theory are those that include: Ideas grounded in psychology, social dynamics, business, and other disciplines, Practical action plans designed to execute change and Frameworks that act as a lens, which helps practitioners understand why they do what they do.  

Change management principles, models, and theories are very useful to change practitioners. These models give change managers the materials they need to succeed in organizational change (Bruce, 2013). The best ones include: 

(Bruce, 2013) further explains the following models on change management: 

Kurt Lewin is considered to be one of the forefathers if not the forefather of change management, organizational development, and social psychology. Of all the theories of change Management, Kurt Lewin’s ideas have been criticised the most and although simple in nature, his models are quite powerful. Change practitioners who use this theory exclusively can leverage its simplicity, then create their own roadmaps and tactics. However, people who want step-by-step action plans will likely prefer one of the theories mentioned below. 

Every change, he says, follows a 3-step process that starts by addressing existing mind-sets. These steps are: 

John Kotter’s theory of change management is specifically tailored for change management and organizational change. He is a leading authority in the change management industry. It is applicable, straightforward, and easy to map out making it easy to follow and implement. His theory has the following 8 steps: 

This theory is designed as a roadmap and execution plan. Similar to Kotter’s model, this change model is ideal for change managers who want theory plus application.  

It consists of 5 stages: 

The theories above can be applied in the adoption process by using a step by step process to initiate change by use of a combination of models. This will establish how enterprises are formulating their strategies to ensure that the respective strategies have a guiding framework that ensures proper execution and desired results. 

 

The conceptual framework of this research borders on two main variables, the first variable being independent and the second dependent. These respectively are: the lack comprehensive implementation of climate change policy, and the poor adoption of adaptive and mitigative measures to climate change by business enterprises. There are other variables that are present in the conceptual framework as shown in the figurative representation which are the moderating and intervening variables. A supportive policy environment is essential to catalyse broader private sector engagement and facilitate scale-up and replication of effective approaches already underway (United Nations, 2012). According to change management theories, there exist barriers that hinder change in any environment. Climate change is a kind of change and it affects the whole world from households to businesses, even the overall economy has been affected by climate change. Business plays a crucial role in building resilience within economies and societies and contributing to environmental protection (CRS, 2011). This research asserts that use of change management theory in the adoption of adaptive and mitigative measures to counter climate change can help to ensure that business enterprises embrace change. Why is it important to embrace change in this situation? The answer is simple- Business enterprises contribute a great deal to the economy of a country not just through its operations that generate revenue that ends up as tax paid to government which is used for various development projects but also through the provision of products that are used in construction of infrastructure. This being said the construction industry is a great contributor to the national economy. Hence, because of this nexus, there is need to ensure that business enterprises are equipped with the necessary tools to enhance their ability to positively contribute to national economic growth by monitoring and guiding on sustainable processes and products that are climate friendly, this mandate is safely placed in the hands of selected regulatory bodies whose role is to implement climate change policy. Simatele (2010) urges that the challenges emanating from severe weather will always be an immense task and will compromise both local and national development if climate change specific legislation is not strengthened. However, even with the existence of these regulatory bodies there is still a trend of most business enterprises to not subscribe to adoption of adaptive and mitigative measures, such as resorting to alternative power options or green processes, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions resulting from operations. Hence, there exists a close relationship between the development of an economy and the various manufacturing enterprise’s operations. Worldwide, a growing number of companies are beginning to pursue adaptation measures designed to anticipate, avoid, absorb and recover from climate impacts (Cameron, 2019). 

 

Figure 2: Conceptual Framework 

Source: Self designed representation to show Conceptual framework  

Construction materials means major material used in the construction process of infrastructure like buildings or other civil works i.e. concrete/cement and steel. 

Policy means any formal documents that guide stakeholders on how to behave or act with regards to climate change. 

Adaptation: means any methods, strategies or processes that are used to mitigate or counter the effects of climate change by business enterprises. It involves adjusting to actual or expected climate change effects. This includes managing risk and exploiting opportunities. 

Mitigation focuses on limiting the speed and scale of climate change. It has typically received the most attention in policy circles, such as debates over carbon pricing as a mechanism to reduce GHG emissions across the economy.  

Business Enterprises shall mean any registered business, entity that deals in manufacturing of construction related materials by ZAM 

Saunders et al (2012) states that ethics are standards of behaviour that guide a researcher work in relation to right or wrong. (McLaughlin, 2012) cites a named author in his book on the topic of ethics, he adds that knowledge and skills for ethical practice include the moral concepts of rights, responsibility, freedom, authority and power. This simply means that the participants rights and freedom must be upheld, allowing them to freely participate without prejudice and allowing them the freedom to discontinue at will. In the course of a research, researchers need to be able to adequately prepare themselves of the emergence of ethical issues by stating that consideration of ethical issues is critical to the success or failure of any high-quality research involving humans (Berg, 2001). Hence, clearance was gotten from the University of Zambia Ethics Committee to ensure that ethics were upheld during the conduct of the research. The researcher also obtained informed consent before administering the questionnaires and enlightened participants of their freedom to withdraw should they feel the need to and assured them that confidentiality would be upheld. This is important to avoid bringing the University of Zambia’s good name to disrepute.