Corporate social investment and community development: A case study of the mining sector in the Copperbelt, Zambia

Résumé

This study examined the effects of Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives on community development in mining-affected areas in Zambia, a case of the Copperbelt Province. It focused on three main objectives: to identify the types of CSI initiatives implemented by mining companies, to assess the effects of CSI initiatives on community development, and to propose a framework for enhancing CSI for sustainable development. The theories that guided this research are stakeholder theory and legitimacy theory. The study used an explanatory sequential mixed method, combining both qualitative and quantitative data from 100 respondents. The study employed a mixed sampling technique, combining purposive and simple random sampling. It employed an explanatory sequential mixed-methods research design, following a pragmatic research paradigm. The study used both primary and secondary data. It used semi-structured interview guides and questionnaires to collect data from participants. The data gotten from respondents was analyzed using inferential and descriptive statistics. Not only that, but the ANOVA test was also conducted to determine the relationship between variables. Results indicate that corporate social responsibility has an effect on community development. The results indicate that the most frequently identified initiative was the provision of healthcare services, endorsed by 27.8% of responses (n = 10), representing 52.6% of cases. The findings also suggest that CSI initiatives are most strongly perceived to enhance well-being (66.7%) and promote economic development (58.3%). A one-way ANOVA (regression ANOVA) was conducted, and the results indicated that the model was statistically significant, F(1, 98) = 61.76, p < .001. A simple linear regression analysis was conducted. The results show that corporate social initiatives significantly predict the effects of CSI initiatives: B = 0.617, SE = 0.078, t(98) = 7.86, p < .001. In conclusion, the study concludes that CSI initiatives in Zambia’s Copperbelt are fragmented, short-term, and insufficiently aligned with community needs and sustainable development goals. The absence of structured planning, weak community participation, limited accountability, and inadequate sustainability mechanisms reduces the overall effectiveness of CSI. The study recommends that mining companies should transition from project-based CSI approaches to strategic, long-term development frameworks that integrate community priorities and national development plans.