Keepers Zambia Foundation

Empowering vulnerable households to build lasting food and income security.

Keepers Zambia Foundation (KZF) works in the rural Lukulu district of Zambia’s Western Province, where more than three-quarters of the population rely on traditional small-scale farming methods to support themselves. Low production rates and small yields caused by out-dated agricultural practices and compounded by inconsistent weather patterns means that many families are only able to provide one to two meals a day for the children in their care. In addition, although Zambia is making good progress against HIV & AIDS, still nearly 11% live with HIV and the effects of the epidemic on households and communities remain far reaching.

KZF’s Egmont-supported project aims to increase the food and income security of 300 particularly vulnerable households headed by women, youth or people living with disabilities. Many of them are also caring for AIDS orphans.

Household heads are being trained in climate adaptation and resilience and provided with seeds for drought-resistant crops to strengthen families’ food security. Household heads are also being inducted into savings groups where they can save for the future, access loans to start or grow businesses and support their children’s education. Being a member of a savings group will also provide an additional buffer against economic and climate shocks.