Zambia

Background:

Zambia has experienced impressive economic growth in recent decades. Yet this prosperity has been focused on urban areas, contributing to increasing inequality.

The majority of Zambians live in poverty and most of these people live in rural areas.

Heifer International first began work in Zambia in 1988 to alleviate hunger and poverty in communities nationwide through gifts of livestock and training. Since then, our work has expanded beyond livestock.

Alongside our partners, we help local farmers build sustainable livelihoods through agriculture, enterprise development, gender equity, and livestock while mitigating the impact of HIV/AIDS and climate change. 

We focus on livestock value chains that are best suited to the local context, including goats, beef, dairy, and poultry, with a special emphasis on including women as equal partners and decision makers.

We work with families to form farmer groups and strengthen access to markets through entrepreneurial skills training.

By applying modern livestock management practices, communities have reduced animal mortality to almost zero. Community animal health workers have enabled their neighbors to better care for their livestock, while generating their own income sharing their expertise.

Families are learning to build strong animal pens and grow robust kitchen gardens, which raise incomes and improve nutrition, providing consistent, diverse, healthy food.

Women, who traditionally do not have a voice in household matters or are able to own land, are building their power as leaders and income generators in their communities. 

Living Income

Heifer works with farmers to secure a living income so they can lead dignified and prosperous lives. Learn more about what achieving a living income entails.