Authors: Mr Chifwesa Michael
Abstract: Education is a fundamental human right and a key driver of sustainable national development. In rural Zambia, particularly Nchelenge District, accessing quality education is fraught with challenges. This study uses a mixed-methods approach combining surveys, interviews, and document analysis to identify core barriers including poverty, infrastructure deficits, geographical isolation, and limited community participation. Findings call for holistic, context-sensitive interventions to enhance educational outcomes. Child marriage, defined as the union of individuals under 18, represents a profound violation of human rights and severely hinders educational opportunities for young women. This practice is particularly prevalent in impoverished households and is linked to poverty and low economic development, with cultural norms in rural Zambia further perpetuating it. This study utilized a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data through a cross-sectional design in Nchelenge, Luapula Province, with a sample of 102 participants, including 100 randomly selected respondents and 2 purposively selected key informants. Data were collected via self-administered questionnaires for participants and an interview guide for key informants, with quantitative analysis conducted using SPSS version 16.0 and qualitative data analyzed manually. Findings highlight the negative impact of early marriage on youth in rural areas and suggest strategies for mitigation. The study calls for coordinated efforts among stakeholders, particularly emphasizing the Ministry of Community and Child Development's role in enforcing measures against child marriage.
