This paper has discussed a number of issues on the nature and state of social policy practice and research in Zambia. One interesting observation is that there is no specific conception of social policy in Zambia, but rather conceived in terms of instruments of social policy such as health and educational services. Though the government policy is to promote stakeholder participation, there is no strong evidence of active participation in the policy formulation process. Similarly, policy implementation does not reflect policy guidelines partly due to inadequate human and financial resources; inadequate technical data; and political interference. Ithas also been noted that in the recent years, social and economic policies have not been conceived as complementary in nature. Economic policy has assumed a centre stage against the backdrop of adverse economic conditions. Social policy has been conceived in terms of mitigating the negative impacts of the structural adjustment programme (SAP) which has been instituted to restore economic prosperity. With regard to the state of social policy research, the problem areas for research, and the methods and techniques employed, have been appropriate for social policy practice in Zambia. However, problems relating to data analysis, presentation of findings and utilisation in policy formulation and implementation need to be addressed for social research to become an important tool for social policy practice in Zambia.
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