Oxfam's work in Zambia in depth

In Zambia, Oxfam's focus is on developing sustainable livelihoods within the context of HIV and AIDS, health and education, water and sanitation, and strengthening community capacity to cope with disasters.

The context

Zambia is a land-locked country, sharing borders with eight other countries. Of a population of 13.4 million, 64% of people live below the poverty line. With a GDP per capita of $1,497 Zambia is ranked 150 out of 169 countries.

Despite sustained economic growth, which generates domestic income to cover 74% of its national budget, Zambia’s development challenge is how growth benefits can trickle down to the majority to reduce poverty. Zambia is one of the least equal societies in Sub-Saharan Africa.

How Oxfam is helping

Oxfam has been working in Zambia since the early 1980s. Working with partners and stakeholders, our programmes include developing sustainable livelihoods within the context of HIV and AIDS, health and education, water and sanitation, and strengthening community capacity to cope with disasters.

Oxfam's programme in Zambia builds on past learning and focuses on the following areas:

• improving the well-being of poor women and men, particularly those in rural areas
• economic empowerment
• access to essential services (education, health, and water)
• reducing the impact of disasters
• promoting the rights of women

Our vision is to see citizens actively participate in a prosperous Zambia.

 

Last updated: May 2011