Zambia
Zambia lies in the heart of southern Africa, bordered by eight countries: Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Angola, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Zambia has a population of approximately 18 million people. A diverse nation of 72 ethnic groups, languages, and cultures- all of the Bantu origin.
We Effect has a long history of working in Zambia which dates back to the end of the seventies – back then supporting the maize marketing cooperatives in different provinces as well as the founding of the Zambia Cooperative College. Over the years We Effect has supported the strengthening of numerous locally registered member based civil society organisations working in the agriculture, housing and cooperative finance sectors with the aim to improve the livelihood of Zambians living in poverty; particularly those that are from rural areas and especially women.
The Country Office opened up in 1996. From 2009, the Zambia Office is also hosting the Regional Office for Southern Africa. We Effect changed its name to We Effect from Swedish Cooperative Center (SCC) in 2013.We Effect’s main work includes the mobilisation of resources and organisational capacity building of our partners, to enable them to effectively meet the member driven services of their membership in a sustainable manner – and to ensure members claim their rights.
As of October 2023, Zambia has a population of approximately 18 million people, showcasing significant ethnic diversity with around 72 different ethnic groups and cultures, all of Bantu origin. This diverse demographic landscape contributes to Zambia’s rich cultural heritage but also presents unique challenges in governance and social cohesion. The nation’s diverse population underscores the need for inclusive policies that address the needs of all ethnic groups.
Despite various efforts to alleviate poverty, Zambia continues to grapple with significant poverty issues. In 2022, 60% of the population lived below the poverty line, with extreme poverty stagnating at 48% and urban poverty at 31.9%. These figures highlight the persistent socio-economic challenges faced by many Zambians, which are exacerbated by limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Addressing these poverty challenges remains a critical priority for the country’s development.
Food insecurity is another pressing issue in Zambia, with 82.5% of households reported as food insecure according to the 2024 Consolidated Approach for Reporting Food Security Indicators (CARI) scale. Among these, 20% experience severe food insecurity with significant consumption gaps, while 62.5% face moderate food insecurity. The severe food insecurity is driven by factors such as climate variability, inadequate agricultural infrastructure, and economic instability, affecting over 2.7 million people in 27 surveyed districts.
The malnutrition situation in Zambia is concerning, with 34.6% of children under five affected by stunting and 4.2% by wasting. Additionally, overweight prevalence in young children is 5.2%, while 14.7% of adult women and 4.4% of men suffer from obesity. Anemia affects 31.5% of women, reflecting broader issues with both undernutrition and overnutrition. The country’s recent severe weather events, such as droughts and floods, have also impacted housing and infrastructure, with around 1.6 million people needing food and shelter as of early 2022.
Zambia’s vulnerability to climate change is significant, with frequent extreme weather events such as droughts and floods affecting agriculture, water availability, and overall livelihoods. The Climate Risk Index (CRI) 2022 ranks Zambia 66th out of 187 countries, highlighting its high vulnerability and limited preparedness. Gender inequality also remains a challenge, with Zambia ranked 137th globally, reflecting ongoing issues in access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for women. We Effect’s work in Zambia focuses on strengthening civil society and the private sector, promoting gender equality, and improving food security and agricultural practices to align with national needs and support sustainable development.
Results in Zambia
- Supported 38,566 rights holders: We Effect has reached out to 38,566 rights holders in Zambia, providing them with crucial support and resources. This assistance includes advocacy and programs designed to empower individuals and enhance their ability to exercise their rights.
- Empowered 54 cooperatives: The organization has worked with and strengthened 54 cooperatives. This empowerment includes improving their organizational capabilities, increasing their access to markets, and enhancing their overall productivity and sustainability.
- Enabled 25,046 women to gain access to essential resources and opportunities: We Effect has successfully facilitated access for 25,046 women, ensuring they have the necessary resources and opportunities for economic advancement and personal growth.
- Assisted 14,388 farmers in shifting to organic and climate-resilient farming practices: The organization has supported 14,388 farmers in adopting organic and climate-resilient farming techniques. This shift helps improve their farming practices’ sustainability and resilience to environmental changes.
- Provided livelihood support to 28,713 families: We Effect has delivered targeted livelihood support to 28,713 families, enhancing their economic stability and overall quality of life. This support includes various interventions such as financial assistance, capacity building, and access to essential resources, contributing to sustainable development and improved family welfare.
