Women Empowerment Programs Research Articles

Modeling the Predictors of Poverty in Agricultural Households in Uganda: Application of Multilevel and Interaction Methods

This study aimed to model the predictors of poverty in agricultural households in Uganda. The study's specific objectives were to examine the effect of individual predictors of poverty and analyze the contribution of community predictors of poverty in agricultural households. The study utilized data from the Uganda National Household Survey (UNHS, 2019/20) obtained from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics. A sample of 13,732 households was randomly selected from the total weighted sample representation of 11.3 million households involved in agricultural activities. A logit model was used in the analysis and estimates were provided using multilevel and interaction methods. Key findings suggest that poverty in agricultural households was positively and significantly influenced by the gender of the household head, marital status of the household head, income stability of the household, age of the household head and livestock ownership. Additionally, regional differences accounted for 17.9 % of the variations in poverty levels in Uganda and understanding such regional differences and their influence on poverty levels can assist policymakers and organizations in designing targeted interventions and policies to reduce poverty levels among households. Such measures can address the specific challenges faced by different regions and promote more equitable development across the country. However, poverty in agricultural households was negatively and significantly influenced by residence status, savings account ownership and household size. Based on the study's findings, the key policy recommendations were that; the government should continue implementing gender-focused interventions to address gender disparities among women empowerment programs that involve access to resources including land, equal access to employment opportunities and equal access to education to reduce poverty among women. Regarding income instabilities in agricultural households due to price fluctuations, the government should empower farmers to form farmer groups where they can collectively increase their bargaining power to avoid price fluctuations.

Unmet need for family planning among married women in urban areas of Jember Regency, East Java, Indonesia: Does gender equality matter?

Unmet need for family planning is important to assess as an indicator for achieving universal access to sexual and reproductive health services. The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of gender relations on unmet need for family planning. We conducted a cross-sectional study with a randomly selected sample of 92 married women in Sumbersari District, Jember Regency, Indonesia. We collected data through structured interviews conducted between January and March 2023, and the data was analysed with univariate, bivariate and multiple logistic regression. The unmet need for family planning among the married women was 33.7%. Married women who had 3-4 children and low education were at greater risk of unmet need for family planning (OR 9.2; 95% CI 3.22-26.28 and OR 11.7; 95% CI 2.3-60, respectively). Married women who experience unequal gender relations with their husband were more at risk of unmet needs for family planning (OR 10.3; 95% CI 2.97-35.55) as well as women who agree with the husband's beating of his wife (OR 8; 95% CI 2.53-25.80). Gender inequality was a determinant of the unmet need for family planning among married women living in urban areas. Therefore, it is necessary to improve women's empowerment programs to reduce unmet need family planning among married women.

Evaluation of the Impact of Economic Empowerment Initiatives on Poverty Alleviation among Youth and Women's Groups: A Case Study of the Arusha Region, Tanzania

Globally, the Women and Youth Development Fund, channeled through women's groups, has played a crucial role in fostering economic empowerment for women and youth. In Tanzania, population growth has introduced both opportunities and challenges, with a significant issue being the rise in unemployment and poverty, particularly among women and youth. To address these challenges, the Women, Youth, and People with Disabilities Revolving Fund (WYDF) was established within Local Government Authorities (LGAs) to provide accessible loans to the poor, who are often excluded from conventional financial institutions. This study investigates the effectiveness of economic empowerment initiatives in alleviating poverty among youth and women's groups in the Arusha Region, Tanzania. Specifically, it examines the impact of start-up capital provision, financial literacy training, and business capacity-building on poverty reduction. The study employed a survey research design with a quantitative approach, collecting data from 95 respondents through questionnaires. Purposive sampling was used to select the sample. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and SPSS software, with regression analysis employed to explore the relationships between variables influencing poverty reduction among the targeted groups. The findings reveal that start-up capital provision, financial literacy training, and business capacity-building significantly contribute to poverty reduction among youth and women's groups. The study recommends enhanced financial literacy programs to enable entrepreneurs to save and accumulate sufficient capital for business investments. Additionally, the government, through youth and women empowerment programs, should continue providing training, particularly to those without technical skills, focusing on new production techniques, efficient fund allocation, and marketing strategies to ensure sustainable impacts.

Exploring Women Journey And Factors That Act As Glass Ceiling On Women In Getting Into Senior Management: A Literature Review

The literature review indicates that the progression of women in many fields in getting into senior management has been growing very slow. Men are still dominant in numbers when it comes to such positions, for example in the construction industry, men are still dominant in construction industry due to the fact that the working conditions of the construction environment(s) are dangerous to conduct work on and the culture of hard labor altogether with long working hours deprive women an opportunity to flourish in such environments. Therefore, there is a need to interpolate such industries into novel models and transform them into advanced state for all. Subsequently, the literature postulates that there is a need for more women to study Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields further to be able serve in senior management positions. However, many organizations need to have women empowerment programs for those who exhibit the attributes to serve in senior management/leadership positions with the inclusion of capable women. Senior women need to mentor and train junior women within permissible structures of organizations. The literature suggests that the gap between the two genders when it comes to senior management is great apart even though women are perceived to have skills to serve in those positions. Thus, there is a need for more studies focusing on how to minimize this gender disparity as most of the studies are centric in the disparity of the two genders rather than establishing the cause and proposing solutions. Therefore, the research proposes that a new model for numerous industries ought to be generated in order to exterminate this exacerbating effect.

Evaluating the Impact of a Women's Empowerment Program on Environmental Sustainability through Eco-Friendly Fertilizer Production

Evaluating the Impact of a Women's Empowerment Program on Environmental Sustainability through Eco-Friendly Fertilizer Production. The high potential in Grenden Village as a corn producer has the side effect of increasing corn plant waste. Most people do not utilize corn waste, especially corn cobs. Corn waste is rich in organic matter and can be reused for plant fertilization. Corn cobs can be used as an alternative fertilizer that can replace the role of chemical fertilizers. PPK Ormawa Team of HMPS S1 Science Education ASE held training for village residents through the Gayati Women's School to provide education and practical activities to residents to utilize corn waste as organic fertilizer. This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a training program in teaching local women to utilize corn cobs as organic fertilizer. This research was conducted using a descriptive qualitative method that focuses on describing the results obtained in real terms based on conditions in the field. Data were collected through observation, activity documentation, and interviews. The implementation of the activity was carried out in Grenden Village, Puger District in August 2024. The target of this activity was mothers who were members of the Gayatri Women's School, totaling around 20 people. The object of this activity is corn cobs which are one of the local wastes in Grenden Village. Evaluation of this activity through the results of the pretest and post-test shows that education and training in making fertilizer from Corn Cobs have a positive impact on the community such as waste reduction, economic improvement, soil health, and empowerment education.

Challenges to Empowerment of Women through Value Chains: The Need to Move from Individual to Relational Empowerment

ABSTRACTThis article examines the prevailing assumption by donors that connecting smallholder women to value chains will close the gender gap and empower women. Based on a case study of a programme that seeks to empower women through their integration into value chains in Vietnam, the article assesses women's empowerment across four dimensions: economic, psychological, social and political. The authors argue that women's engagement in value chains does not always financially benefit and empower women because patriarchal power structures within families, communities and businesses make it challenging for women to gain authority over production decisions in higher‐value crops. Women in the study gained more autonomy over ‘women's crops’ which yielded small incomes, while men had control over production that was seen as ‘men's work’, and in large‐scale and more lucrative production. Gendered power relations affect women's access to economic opportunities: in this context, development agencies should reconsider their approaches to women's economic empowerment by focusing on relational rather than individual empowerment. This means that women's economic empowerment programmes should involve both men and women, with targeted interventions ensuring women are empowered within the household and in their connections with the community, local authorities and businesses.

Optimalisasi Program Rukun Warga Responsif Gender untuk Mewujudkan Kelurahan Dr.Soetomo Ramah Perempuan dan Peduli Anak

KRPPA (Kelurahan Ramah Perempuan dan Peduli Anak) is an urban village initiative that combines women's protection and empowerment programs with child rights protection and fulfillment programs. The incorporation of gender and child perspectives into the management of governance at the urban village level, urban village development, and community development and empowerment must be carried out in a planned, comprehensive, and sustainable manner in the long term. The purpose of the KRPPA program optimization research is to strengthen community empowerment with a focus on gender and children's rights. The KRPPA program initiated by the ministry aims to support the developmental needs of children in Kelurahan Dr. Soetomo, tailored to their specific needs. Kelurahan Dr. Soetomo collaborates in the implementation of KRPPA, one of which is through the socialization of Gender Responsive RW. By involving various parties such as parents and local government, this program has succeeded in creating a safe and supportive environment for children's development. The KRPPA assessment has 10 indicator scores that must be met. This comprehensive approach has shown the extent to which Kelurahan Dr.Soetomo has achieved a women- and child-friendly village. The method applied in the community service program in Dr. Soetomo Village, Tegalsari District, Surabaya City is Community Based Research (CBR). The stages carried out include the initial stage and the mentoring stage with the community. Optimization to realize a Women-Friendly and Child-Caring Village maintains RW that have indicated gender responsive RW with a score of 10.

Analysis Of Family Economic Resilience Against Early Marriage Practices In Mayang Village

This research aims to measure the economic resilience of families involved in early marriage in Mayang Village, Jember Regency. Using a mixed methods approach that combines quantitative and qualitative methods, data was collected through observation, interviews, documentation, and surveys of 50 respondents who met the criteria. Data analysis using multiple linear regression shows that family income, mother's education level, and access to social assistance programs significantly affect family economic resilience. The data processing in this research uses Descriptive Statistical Analysis to describe the economic characteristics of families, such as income, expenditure, and welfare indicators. The results of this study indicate that early marriage has a significant impact on the economic resilience of families in Mayang Village, as reflected in decreased income and increased health burdens. These findings also highlight the importance of women's economic empowerment programs and improved access to education as efforts to enhance the welfare of families involved in early marriage. Interventions targeting education, health, and changes in social norms are crucial for improving the economic resilience of families in Mayang Village.

Women's empowerment and gender equality programs to support stunting elimination in South Central Timor Regency

Introduction: Stunting remains a significant public health concern in Indonesia, particularly in East Nusa Tenggara Province, where it is the most prevalent among all Indonesian provinces at about 42.6 per cent. Empowerment initiatives represent a crucial approach to addressing this issue. Women's empowerment holds profound significance as it governs and nurtures human resources within the household, especially children, who represent the nation's future generation. This community service aims to implement a women's empowerment program by establishing a group of Women Providing Health Information (Perempuan Pemberi Informasi Kesehatan) and enhancing women's access to national health services. Methods: We conducted an experimental quantitative study involving mothers with children aged 12 to 59 months. Inclusion criteria included mothers with children aged 12 to 59 months residing in Kesetnana Village. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test. The mothers' classes aimed to enhance mothers' knowledge regarding the first 1000 days of life and the nutritional requirements during this period. The study included 35 participants, with the questionnaire on stunting knowledge serving as the primary instrument. Results: The findings revealed a notable increase in participant knowledge in the post-test compared to the pre-test, with a mean rank of 88.00 and a p-value of 0.000. Conclusions: The results underscore the continued need for a gender- and culture-based approach to health promotion to mitigate the incidence of stunting. Effective health education on stunting reduction requires collaborative efforts between health workers and local communities, with mutual support being essential.

Awareness and Opinion about CSR Initiatives by Jubilant Life Science Ltd – A Study in Kallahalli Village, Nanjangud Taluk

The purpose of the paper was to assess the awareness, opinion and also to study the satisfaction level of the village people regarding CSR initiatives. To investigate this, Kallahalli village, Nanjangud Taluk where Jubilant Life Science Ltd conducts CSR activities was taken into consideration. 52 respondents from Kallahalli Village were interviewed through structured questionnaire. The study reveals that most of the village people are not aware of Vocational Training Programme, Education Programme, Adult Education Programme, Greening Activities, Library Facility and Women Empowerment Programmes which are being initiated by Jubilant Life Science Ltd. Tailoring Training for Women, Drinking Water facilities and Women Empowerment Programmes are very helpful to them. However, the findings from this survey may not be generalized due to the fact that only one village was chosen for the study.

Evaluation of The Effectiveness of HIV Prevention Strategies on HIV Prevalence Among Men and Women in Zoba-Ma’akel/Eritrea

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) emerged in the late 1970s and is transmitted through unprotected sex, mother-to-child transmission, drug use and contaminated medical tools. HIV have continued yet, as health and development problems through the world. This study assesses the effectiveness of HIV prevention strategies in Zoba-Ma’akel/ Eritrea, focusing on gender disparities in HIV prevalence. Using Convergent-Parallel-Mixed-Method of Research Design, the study gathered quantitative data from 150 people living with HIV, and qualitative data from experts and community leaders. The quantitative data were processed using SPSS, while qualitative data were analyzed in thematic and content-based methods. The study found a significant decline in HIV prevalence in Zoba-Ma’akel over the past decade, but noted persistent new infections and higher prevalence among women. Key findings highlighted the importance of HIV education, the impact of gender-based violence, stigma, unemployment and the effectiveness of Antiretroviral Therapy. Innovative strategies, such as establishment of Association for People Living with HIV, couple testing, and integrated HIV-TB prevention, were identified as crucial. The study recommended targeted interventions for high-risk groups and emphasized the need for women's empowerment programs. Despite challenges, the study provided valuable insights for policymakers and future research

Empowering refugee and local women through social cooperatives: an unfinished success story in Southern Türkiye

PurposeThis study aims to understand the social cooperative model's empowerment and social cohesion impacts based on the case of a cooperative with the partnership of local and refugee women in southern Türkiye to give evidence for the potential and challenges of women cooperatives.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted surveys and focus group interviews with both members and board members. The authors grounded the findings in dimensions extracted from literature on the impact of cooperatives on their members and the wider community.FindingsThe social cooperative economically empowers women through employment and income generation, and skill training while enhancing them socially with increased decision-making power, autonomy, self-esteem and respect. It fosters social cohesion between local and refugee members by building trust and peace, solidarity, knowledge sharing and collective action. However, the cooperative faces challenges in managing sustainable business models, and cooperative membership does not ensure a steady income, social security, economic independence or a fairer division of domestic work.Research limitations/implicationsThe challenges and limited outcomes of social cooperatives are primarily due to resource scarcity. Hence, these needs must be considered by policymakers and sponsors of women empowerment programmes so that they can offer response actions to empower social women cooperatives. During the research period, the COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant threat to the survival of the cooperative. Moreover, the restrictions imposed by the pandemic made it impossible to engage Syrian women in focus group discussions. Consequently, the focus group interactions were limited to two Palestinian members, while Syrian members were included in survey interviews.Originality/valueThis study is one of the few attempts to examine the social cooperative model’s impact on women’s empowerment and social cohesion in the context of a mixed membership of local and refugee women in Türkiye. Fieldwork evidence on cooperatives that improve gender equality and inclusive growth can contribute to the advocacy of support for women’s cooperatives in the context of refugees.

Pemberdayaan Organisasi PKK dan UMKM Milik Bu Sri; Upaya Perbaikan Keterlibatan Wanita di Desa Setren

Women's empowerment is a modern concept that marks progressive changes in efforts to liberate from patriarchal culture, where women's involvement in society was previously very minimal. Efforts to align the portion of involvement of all genders are often referred to as the equal rights movement or women's liberation movement. In Setren Village, women's involvement is still low, with the achievement of SDG 5 point "Village Women's Involvement" only 26.32%. Based on this assessment, our community service work program is focused on increasing women's involvement. We initiated two main programs: empowerment of Village PKK Organizations through the creation of Village Gardens and education on Verticulture planting media, as well as rebranding of Mrs. Sri's Village MSMEs which operate in the soybean juice beverage sector. By partnering with the PKK, this women's empowerment organization is expected to be able to contribute to community development. Support for MSMEs also aims to improve the economic and environmental aspects of villages. This research aims to evaluate the results of the women's empowerment program in Setren Village. In contrast to previous research which focused on crafts, our approach uses planting media education and MSME support. The service will be carried out for three months, from March to July 2024, in accordance with the SDGs of Setren Village. The methods used include surveys, discussions and problem identification. Surveys were conducted at the Village Hall and the Village Head's house to obtain initial information. The second visit was made to Mrs. Sri's house to understand the condition of MSMEs. After identifying the problem, discussions were held to determine the work program based on the relevant Setren Village SDG point 5.

WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT STRATEGY AS AN EFFORT INCREASING THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN NAGRAK VILLAGE SUKABUMI DISTRICT

The lack of involvement of women in the development process has impacts especially on women themselves. There are aspirations that will be more effective if championed by women who specifically understand their needs. Women need to be empowered so they can function as subjects and objects in development. The aim of the research is to find out and analyze women's empowerment strategies as an effort to increase the role of women in Nagrak Village. This research uses a qualitative approach and descriptive methods. The results of the first research, the strategy for implementing women's empowerment programs as an effort to increase the role of women implemented by the Nagrak Village Government has 4 series of strategies, including; (1) field orientation, (2) inventory of problems and abilities, (3) personal approach, and (4) cooperation program. Second, the achievements of the women's empowerment program as an effort to increase the role of women by; (1) increasing involvement of women in various fields (2) increasing women's capacity by having understanding and skills. Third, there are 2 categories of obstacles faced by the Nagrak Village Government, namely; (1) internal barriers and (2) external barriers. Fourth, efforts that can be made to resolve existing problems include; (1) carry out consultations and coordination with the Sukabumi Regency Regional Government (through related agencies). (2) formulate and establish policies with a gender justice perspective. (3) building a partnership network with external parties.

Creating a more prosperous life through beauty: how entrepreneurship education empowers women MSME in Indonesia

This research aims to determine whether a top cosmetic company’s Beauty for Better Life Women's Empowerment Program (BFBL – WEP) has encouraged women to become entrepreneurs in the micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sector, and identify the various obstacles and challenges they face in navigating their entrepreneurship journey. Launched by the L'Oréal Foundation in 2009 in 27 countries including Indonesia, the BFBL Program believes that a program like this will play a central role in helping vulnerable, underprivileged, or marginalized women regain their self-esteem, develop self-confidence and enhance their well-being. Using a qualitative research design with primary data collected through semi-structured interviews of thirteen (13) female beneficiaries of the Program, the research covered six (6) regions in Indonesia. Additional data was obtained from two (2) more key informants representing the Head of the BFBL Program in L’Oreal Indonesia and a beauty coach. Interviews were done through hybrid methods of offline and online engagements with respondents, enabling reach as well as convenience as the respondents came from different regions across the country. Findings show that the BFBL produces successful women MSME entrepreneurs through a) training in the planning and design of beauty services; b) resource support provides mentoring and coaching, and c) marketing support skills through social media promotion, creating a business portfolio, and learning ethical practices in dealing with clients. Geographical challenges in program implementation as well as logistical capabilities of participants were detected. Implications to organizational practices related to women’s entrepreneurship promotion are presented.

Implementation of women's empowerment program in improving family welfare in Batu Bara Regency

Ladies enjoy different benefits and fluctuated jobs, remembering for instruction and vocations. The issues of ladies from low monetary gatherings, particularly connected with orientation, need regard for increment their social and financial support. Ladies' strengthening, particularly among unfortunate families, shows the requirement for substantial activities in reinforcing social and monetary viewpoints. This study means to examine the execution of the Ladies' Strengthening Project in Further developing Family Government assistance in Tanah Itam Ulu Ranch Town, Datuk Lima Puluh Locale, Batubara Rule. This sort of examination is subjective exploration utilizing Spellbinding strategy. Not entirely settled by purposive testing, information assortment methods were done by perception, interview and documentation. Information legitimacy test in this review is source triangulation. Information investigation strategies use information decrease stages, information show, and end drawing. The consequences of the review show that there is a ladies' strengthening program, yet it has not had the option to make a huge commitment in further developing family government assistance through the Deqoupage create program. There are impediments in the execution of this strengthening program, chiefly because of the low level of ladies' cooperation. This low interest can be brought about by a few things, like the absence of socialization, the absence of preparing given by the public authority, and the degree of instruction.

Women Empowerment Programmes Toward Sustainable Development in Nigeria Challenges and Policy Options

Women play a significant role in sustainable development around the world, yet they often face unique challenges that limit their potential and impact. Globally, women make up almost half of the agricultural workforce, and their contributions are critical to food production and rural development. Developing countries are not left out. However, in Nigeria, women have less access to resources and services than men, and their participation in the sector is often limited by cultural and social norms. These challenges not only affect individual women, but also have broader economic, social, and environmental consequences. Invariably, to assess the correlation between women’s empowerment and sustainable development, the study employed the qualitative research method. Hence, it relied on books, scholarly journals, articles, and seminar papers. Central to the finding of the study is that there have been numerous programmes that aimed at empowering women thereby promoting sustainable development among which include: The Women in Agriculture Program (WAEP), the Women Agripreneurship Development Program (WADP), the Women’s Rights to Property initiative (WRPI), and the Agriculture and Gender Empowerment strategy (AGES) inter alia but their success was never encouraging due to poor programme implementation. The study also identified lack of continuity, illiteracy, and corruption, among other factors, as the main challenges confronting women empowerment programmes toward sustainable development in Nigeria. The paper recommended the development of multi-sectoral approaches that bring together different government agencies and departments to work together on issues related to women empowerment programmes.

Risk factors associated with intimate partner violence (IPV) against Jordanian married women: A social ecological perspective

This paper seeks to gain insights into complex and multiple influences which may behind the different components of intimate partner violence (IPV) against Jordanian wives. Drawing on a quantitative approach, the paper explores and presents findings of the determinants of domestic violence sustained by female partners during the year preceding a nationally representative survey. The survey is based on national multi-stage random sampling data from the 2012 Jordan Demographic Health Survey (JDHS). The paper applies the social-ecological framework. A method of Leastwise deletion techniques is used to remove missing data. Doing this resulted in 6213 married women used in the data analysis. Logistic regression models are used to estimate/predict different forms of IPV against domestic female partners. The findings of the study suggest that wives are victimized at all levels of the framework. Specifically, family, community, and social levels were the most vital factors affecting victims experiencing IPV. More specifically, wives witnessing their fathers beat their mothers and wives who are scared of their husbands are more prone to sustain violence inflicted by their partners. Furthermore, wives' education, working status, and age at marriage do not predict IPV. Another key finding is that wife empowerment in family relationships is a protective factor against domestic violence against her. The implication is that the patriarchal explanation of domestic violence against wives is valid in the Jordanian cultural context. This study underscores the need to reevaluate the effectiveness of Jordan's general human development programs and women empowerment programs as an essential measure for alleviating IPV inflicted on married women in Jordan.

Identifying Barriers to Utilization of Basic Emergency Obstetric and NewBorn Care Services in Jigawa State, North-western Nigeria: A Qualitative Study

Background: Maternal mortality has remained high in northern Nigeria despite decades of effort aimed at reducing it. The number of women who deliver in Emergency Obstetric Care (EmONC) facilities is low. This study explored the barriers to utilizing Basic EmONC services in Jigawa State.
 Methods: A qualitative study was conducted among mothers of children under five years through 12 Focus Group Discussions. A purposive sampling technique was used to select participants who were categorized based on age (below 35 years, 35 years and above) and prior utilization of EmONC services. Content analysis along thematic lines was done and the findings were reported in narrative form.
 Results: The mean age of participants was 31 ± 6 years. The majority of participants had primary education and most were unemployed. Most of the participants identified obstetric danger signs, however, they opine that medical attention should be sought only when complications become serious. Participants in all groups unanimously said decision-making for seeking medical care rests with the husband and occasionally the mother-in-law. Barriers to seeking care identified by participants include lack of money, distance to the nearest health facility, fear of embarrassment by healthcare workers, and insecurity among others.
 Conclusion: Most participants were knowledgeable of obstetric danger signs, but with low risk-perception towards obstetric complications. The Jigawa State government should engage in a robust education campaign on the need for early decision-making to seek care as well as strengthen its women empowerment programs to overcome barriers to seeking care for obstetric complications.

An Investigation into the Causes of Tax Evasion and Avoidance by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Their Effect on the Zambian Economy in Chililabombwe District

This study was purposed to investigate the causes of tax evasion and avoidance and its effect on the Zambian economy in Chililabombwe District of the Copperbelt Province. It had two-fold objectives: to examine the causes of tax evasion and avoidance in Chililabombwe District by SMEs, and to determine the effect of tax evasion and avoidance in Chililabombwe District on the Zambian economy. The study used a mixed method approach combining both qualitative and quantitative paradigms in which 110 sample size was targeted. One Hundred and ten (110) questionnaires were distributed and 79 were returned representing 72%. Purposive and convenient sampling techniques were used. Quantitative data was analysed through the SPSS version 16 while qualitative data was analysed through content analysis focusing on main unfolding themes from the interviews. The study discovered that that there are loopholes in the Zambia Revenue Authority's (ZRA) tax administration system which are due to inefficiencies or inadequate competence of tax collectors, which taxpayers exploit in evading and avoiding tax. The investigation also revealed that on account of the established loopholes, certain revenue collectors collude with taxpayers to commit tax fraud by accepting bribes from them while poor sales, high tax rates, and lack of tax education to SMEs were noted to be among key reasons for tax avoidance. Consequently, the study ascertained with concern that the levels of development in the district, in terms of social amenities, schools, road network, and youth / women empowerment programmes are very low. The study concluded that tax evasion and avoidance were real and rife among the SMEs on account of the factors cited and that mitigative policy measures were required without any further delays. Arising from the results of the study, it was strongly recommended that for tax evasion and avoidance to be mitigated, the revenue authority needs to urgently reform the tax system to make it equitable and fair coupled with rigorous tax education to the traders for sufficient tax knowledge and thereafter digitize tax remittances with ease for the traders to file returns without need for middle persons. Tax morale and ultimately revenue collection can be improved through tax education programs, integrity of tax collectors, and reduction of tax rates chargeable to SMEs. Enhanced training and sensitization to create awareness, reduce compliance cost, and simplify online technology for the overall positive impact on compliance among the SMEs are elements of paramount import for the success of the nation in meeting its socio-economic goals through guaranteed revenue collections by the Revenue House.