Authors : John Augustine Chanda; Alex Mugala

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 6 - June

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/3m3za64j

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/2ec9jp9d

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jun1067

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : This study examined the nexus between Constituency Development Fund (CDF)-funded health investments and maternal and child health outcomes in Vubwi Constituency, Zambia. The study was motivated by persistent maternal and child health challenges in rural areas despite increased government investment in decentralized development through the CDF. A parallel convergent mixed-methods design was adopted, involving the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data concurrently. The study targeted health workers, community members, and local authority officials, with a sample size of 298 respondents selected using simple random and purposive sampling techniques. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interview guides and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics as well as thematic analysis. The findings revealed that CDF-funded health projects have generally contributed to improved maternal and child health outcomes in Vubwi Constituency, particularly through enhanced access to health services, increased skilled birth attendance, improved availability of drugs and medical supplies, and perceived reductions in maternal and child morbidity and mortality. However, these improvements were found to be uneven across communities. The study further established that governance factors such as transparency, accountability, community participation, and communication significantly influenced the effectiveness of CDF health investments, while political interference negatively affected outcomes. The study concludes that while CDF health investments have positively impacted maternal and child health outcomes, their effectiveness is highly dependent on governance quality, implementation consistency, and equitable resource distribution. It recommends strengthening transparency mechanisms, improving community participation, ensuring equitable distribution of health investments, and enhancing monitoring and evaluation systems to maximize the impact of CDF-funded health projects in rural Zambia.

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