PLANNING BY MICRO AND SMALL ENTERPRISES IN NGOMBE COMPOUND OF LUSAKA IN ZAMBIA

The study explored how Micro and Small Enterprises plan their businesses during environmental crisis, such as load shedding and unstable fuel prices, in Ngombe Compound of Lusaka, Zambia. The specific objectives of the study were; to explore whether micro and small businesses make plans for their businesses, to find out how they plan their businesses and to establish the kind of plans micro and small businesses make. The study approach was qualitative with a case study design. Ten micro and small enterprises took part in the research. Data was collected using a structured, open-ended questionnaire. The findings revealed that micro and small enterprises in Ngombe Compound make single-use plans or specific plans as they are called in some literature. The study revealed that micro and small enterprises lack information about planning. That they have no financial capacity and ability to plan for long term. It was also established that micro and small enterprises engage in hand- to- mouth business. They do business to support families with daily household requirements. These businesses have no enough capital and skills to scale-up business. They require Government and other small business support organizations intervention, especially in times like business down turn brought about by power shortages and fluctuating fuel prices.