The Citizen Report Card (CRC) survey in Livingstone, Zambia, was conducted to assess local democracy and youth inclusion services. The survey is part of ICLD’s Municipal Partnership Programme (MPP), which partners Livingstone with Dorotea in Sweden and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe to improve youth inclusion services. Through this survey, citizens in Livingstone have the opportunity to provide feedback on their experiences with local governance and public services.
Survey Process
The survey was conducted across 412 households in Livingstone Constituency using a clustered stratified probability sample design. The respondents were selected from the 20 wards, covering both urban and rural areas, ensuring the sample represented the city’s demographics. The survey measured key areas of local democracy—participation, transparency, accountability, and equity—along with questions related to youth rights and inclusion services.
Demographic Profile of Respondents
- 46% of respondents were female, and 52% were male.
- 51% of respondents lived below the absolute poverty line.
- 42% of the respondents lived in town areas, 42% in suburban areas and 16% lived in rural areas.
- 55% of the respondents were below 25 years old and 45% over 25 years old.
Key Findings
1. Participation in Local Democracy
- The Participation Index showed an average score of 0.20, showing that participants below 25 years old, and especially those below 18 years old, participate less in local democracy.
- People living in suburban areas have higher participation scores than those living in rural and town areas.
2. Transparency and Accountability
- The Transparency Index had an average score of 0.54, with respondents living in suburban and rural areas feeling that they know less about what the local government is doing and how to find information compared to those living in town areas. This is also true for respondents with an income below the absolute poverty line.
- The Accountability Index had an average score of 0.38, showing a significant and positive relation with respondents with a higher education level as well as respondents with someone with a disability in the family. In contrast, respondents below 18 years old scored lower on accountability than older respondents.
3. Youth Inclusion Services
- The Service Delivery Index for youth inclusion had an average score of 0.51, with respondents with a higher level of education being more satisfied with the service delivery on youth inclusion.
- Respondents who score higher on the transparency index are also more satisfied with the service delivery.
Key Takeaways and Recommendations
- Employment and Empowerment Programs: Local authorities should create more job opportunities for young people, offer business loans, and involve youths in meaningful work and leadership roles.
- Training and Educational Support: Local government should provide vocational training, entrepreneurship programmes, and targeted sponsorships to enhance youth engagement and build capacity for future workforce participation.
- Improving Communication: Efforts should be made by the local government to use social media and local platforms to spread awareness about programmes and opportunities and increase sensitization efforts.
The Citizen Report Card provides the local government of Livingstone with valuable insights to help enhance local democracy, improve youth inclusion services, and address the needs of marginalized groups in the community.
Human Rights and Youth Inclusion
Respondents were asked about human rights and youth inclusion, and their responses highlighted several key issues. Most identified the right to education as the primary human right that local government should provide. Other rights mentioned included access to clean water and sanitation, housing, freedom of expression, the right to vote, health services, information, a clean environment, participation in public affairs, employment opportunities, and freedom from discrimination.
However, a substantial number of young people expressed uncertainty or lack of awareness of their rights and the responsibilities of local government, with many responding “I don’t know” or indicating that no rights are provided. This suggests a significant gap in human rights awareness and civic engagement, underscoring the need for targeted education and awareness programmes.