Zambia
A country of potential, facing climate shocks and rural poverty
Zambia is rich in natural resources and farming heritage, but rural communities face mounting challenges. The country is experiencing its worst droughts in decades, devastating crops and driving hunger across farming households. Most smallholder farmers lack access to the inputs, training, and finance needed to improve their productivity. With weak infrastructure, limited access to clean water, and increasing climate shocks, daily life is a struggle for many. Yet alongside our local partner ZRDF, Zambian families are unlocking lasting change - through sustainable farming, financial inclusion, and climate-smart solutions that build resilience and opportunity.
Key challenges
More than three-quarters of people living in rural Zambia struggle to meet their basic needs and live in poverty (World Bank, 2022), a situation worsened by recurring droughts that devastate the agriculture-dependent livelihoods many communities rely on.
Drought, ageing infrastructure, and underfunded water systems have worsened the crisis, leading to frequent cholera outbreaks and high child mortality rates. Women and girls often spend hours each day collecting water, limiting their opportunities for education and increasing their vulnerability.
In 2020, Finscope found that just 17% of people in rural Zambia had access to formal financial services such as bank accounts, savings, or credit. Without these tools, many families are unable to invest in their farms, grow small businesses, or build financial security for the future.
Brandy Mungaila, Director at ZRDF, Ripple Effect's local partner in Zambia
Building brighter futures in rural Zambia
In Zambia, Ripple Effect is supporting farming families to overcome poverty and build healthier, more resilient lives. We work with communities to strengthen financial literacy and inclusion, helping people access vital services like savings, loans, and training to grow their livelihoods. Our projects promote gender equality and social inclusion, ensuring women and underrepresented groups can fully participate in decisions that affect their futures. Through sustainable animal health care, improved nutrition, and support for those affected by HIV/AIDS, we’re improving wellbeing across generations. By also helping pupils stay in school and succeed, Ripple Effect is investing in lasting change for Zambia’s rural communities.
Current projects:
- ZRDF & Ripple Effect partnership project - Mkushi & Luano districts - 2023-2025
Our partners
Ripple Effect works in partnership with Zambian charity ZRDF (Zambia Rainbow Development Foundation) to deliver long-term, sustainable change in rural communities. Registered with PACRA, ZRDF has over 26 years’ experience working in some of the most isolated and impoverished areas of Mkushi District, Central Province. Their holistic approach spans four key areas - education, health, livelihoods, and women’s empowerment - ensuring interventions are interconnected and community-led. With a strong focus on building local capacity and self-reliance, ZRDF only implements projects where communities commit to sustaining progress beyond the life of the programme. Their proven track record and deep-rooted relationships make them a trusted partner in helping communities break free from poverty and thrive.
Other funding, delivery and research partners are:
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