APPENDEX I:
QUESTIONNAIRE
PARTICIPANTS CONSENT FORM
Dear Respondent,
I am a postgraduate student at the University of Lusaka conducting research titled: "An
Examination of Zambia’s Porous Borders and the Effect on State and Human Security:
A Case of Sikongo District, Western Province."
This study aims to investigate the consequences of weak border control on Zambia's
security and development. Specifically, it will assess how porous borders influence state
security through issues such as smuggling, illegal migration, and cross-border crime.
The research will also examine impacts on human security, including community safety,
livelihoods, and access to essential resources. Additionally, the study will explore
effects on local governance and economic stability within border communities.
Your participation in this study is entirely voluntary, and all responses will be treated
with strict confidentiality. The information you provide will be used solely for academic
purposes. There are no right or wrong answers, I am interested in your genuine
perspectives and experiences. The questionnaire will take approximately 20 to 30
minutes to complete.
By sharing your insights, you will contribute to a better understanding of border security
challenges in Sikongo District, which could inform policies to strengthen safety and
development in the region.
Thank you for considering this request and for your valuable cooperation.
Respondents Signature………………………….
Date……………………………….……………….
Researcher signature……………………………..
SECTION A: DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
(Tick ✓ the appropriate box)
1. What is your sex?
a. Male
b. Female
2. What is your age group?
a. 18-25 years
b. 26-35 years
c. 36-45 years
d. 46-55 years
e. 56 years and above
3. What is your primary occupation?
a. Farmer
b. Fisherman/Fisherwoman
c. Trader/Business owner
d. Civil servant/Government employee
e. Student
f. Unemployed
g. Other (please specify): ____________________________________
4. How long have you lived in this community?
a. Less than 1 year
b. 1-5 years
c. 6-10 years
d. More than 10 years
e. All my life
Section B: Porous Borders and State Insecurity (Objective 1)
5. In your opinion, how would you describe the ease with which people can cross
the border informally (outside official crossing points) near your community?
a. Very easy
b. Easy
c. Moderate
d. Difficult
e. Very difficult
f. Don't know
6. Do you think that the ease of crossing the border contributes to security
challenges in Sikongo District?
o Yes, significantly
o Yes, moderately
o Slightly
o No, not at all
o Don't know
7. What are some of the security concerns you associate with informal border
crossings in your community? (Multiple response)
a. Smuggling of goods
b. Smuggling of weapons/firearms
c. Human trafficking
d. Drug trafficking
e. Theft/Robbery
f. Illegal immigration
g. Increased crime rates
h. Spread of diseases
i. Other (please specify): ____________________________________
8. Have you or anyone in your household experienced any direct security incidents
that you believe are linked to the porous nature of the border?
a. Yes
b. No
9. If yes, what was the nature of the incident
a. Theft
b. Threat
c. Witnessing illicit activity
SECTION C: HUMAN SECURITY AND LIVELIHOODS
Section C: Cross-Border Illicit Activities and Human Security (Objective 2)
10. What are the cross-border illicit activities in your community? (Multiple response)
a. Smuggling
b. Human trafficking
c. Illegal mining
d. Any other, please specify………………………
11. How common are illicit cross-border activities in your community?
a. Very common
b. Common
c. Sometimes occurs
d. Rarely occurs
e. Never occurs
f. Don't know
12. Do these illicit cross-border activities affect the human security in your
community?
a. Yes
b. No
13. In your opinion, how do these illicit cross-border activities affect the safety of
residents in your community? (Please rate on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is No
Effect and 5 is Very Negative Effect)
14. In your opinion, how do these illicit cross-border activities affect the livelihoods of
residents in your community? (Please rate on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is No
Effect and 5 is Very Negative Effect)
15. In your opinion, how do these illicit cross-border activities affect well-being of
residents in your community? (Please rate on a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is No
Effect and 5 is Very Negative Effect)
16. Have you or your household been directly affected by any specific illicit cross-
border activity?
a. Yes
b. No
17. Have you or your household experienced any of the following:
a. Stolen goods
b. Attacked during the day
c. Attacked during the night
SECTION D: COMMUNITY AND GOVERNANCE RESPONSES
Section D: Border Management Practices (Objective 3)
18. What types of border surveillance or patrols do you regularly observe in your
community? (Multiple response)
a. Police patrols
b. Military patrols
c. Immigration officials
d. Community policing/Neighborhood watch
e. No visible patrols
f. Other (please specify): ____________________________________
19. Are the following border management practices present in addressing security
challenges in your community
a. Security Personnel
b. Border infrastructure
20. How would you rate the effectiveness of current border management practices
(e.g., presence of security personnel, border infrastructure) in addressing
security challenges in your community?
Security personnel Border infrastructure
Very effective Very effective
Effective Effective
Moderately effective Moderately effective
Ineffective Ineffective
Very ineffective Very ineffective
Don't know Don't know
21. Do you feel safe in your community given the current border management
practices?
a. Always safe
b. Mostly safe
c. Sometimes safe
d. Rarely safe
e. Never safe
22. How often do you interact with border security personnel (Police, Immigration,
Military)?
a. Daily
b. Weekly
c. Monthly
d. Rarely
e. Never
23. When you interact with border security personnel, do you find them to be: (Select
all that apply)
a. Approachable
b. Helpful
c. Professional
d. Responsive to concerns
e. Absent/Invisible
f. Corrupt
g. Abusive
h. Unprofessional
i. Other (please specify): ____________________________________
24. In your opinion, what measures could be improved in border management to
enhance security in your community? (Open-ended)
Section E: Community Resilience and Needs
25. In what ways does your community support each other during security
challenges related to the border? (put the options)
Section F: Further Comments
26. Please provide any additional comments or suggestions you believe are
important regarding security challenges and solutions in your community related
to the border.
Thank you for your valuable time and participation!
