Zambia faces an urgent climate and environmental crisis. Each year, the country loses over 172,000 hectares of forest, driven by poverty, unsustainable agriculture, charcoal production, and illegal logging. More than 5.2 million hectares of land are now degraded, undermining food production and pushing families deeper into poverty.
At the same time, climate change is accelerating soil erosion, unpredictable rainfall, and declining fertility are reducing agricultural productivity, while increasing the cost of living and migration pressures in rural communities.
World Vision Zambia (WVZ) is leveraging its deep community footprint and expertise to pioneer carbon programming that restores degraded landscapes, captures carbon, and delivers
sustainable livelihoods.
We believe carbon markets offer an opportunity to unlock long-term financing for climate mitigation, adaptation, and inclusive development, while achieving measurable reductions in
greenhouse gas emissions.
The Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) Business Plan for Zambia (2023–2033) outlines a comprehensive strategy to restore 2 million hectares of degraded land, contributing to climate resilience and improved livelihoods. World Vision Zambia aims to directly restore 600,000 hectares through community-based programming and catalyse broader adoption of FMNR practices to cover an additional 1.4 million hectares. FMNR is a cost-effective land restoration technique that involves the regeneration of native trees and shrubs from existing root systems or seeds. The plan highlights FMNR’s ability to improve soil fertility, water retention, biodiversity, and agricultural productivity, ultimately doubling crop yields and increasing income for farming families.
In the 2024 financial year, World Vision Zambia achieved remarkable progress in improving the well-being of vulnerable children and communities by strategically integrating Gift In Kind (GIK) across key sectors. Through the distribution of essential items, including school furniture, medical supplies, bicycles, re-milled soap, clothing, and toys, the organisation has significantly enhanced education, health, hygiene, and mobility, while fostering resilience and long-term development across communities.
On 26th April 2025, the vibrant grounds of Lusaka’s Athletico Sports Complex came alive with energy and purpose as part of the third edition of the annual Strong Girls Strong Zambia campaign's Corporate Fundraising Sports Day. This event, organised by World Vision Zambia, will contribute to empowering 15,000 girls, both retrieved from child marriages and those at risk, to live safer, healthier, more productive lives by 2025. The Sports Day gathered numerous corporate teams, and supporters united by a common goal: to raise funds that will transform the lives of girls living in rural areas.
For 17-year-old Gladys, attending school used to be a daily struggle. As a student at Masamba Secondary School in Zambia, she often faced challenges that made learning difficult. One of the biggest obstacles was the lack of access to clean water.
"I would miss school for days, especially during my menstrual cycle," Gladys recalls. "Without proper water and sanitation facilities, managing my hygiene was a challenge. I felt embarrassed and uncomfortable, so I chose to stay home."
The Joining Forces Alliance has strongly condemned the escalating cases of rape and defilement of children across Zambia, calling for urgent intervention to protect the country's most vulnerable.
At a press conference held on Monday in Lusaka, the alliance, comprised of six leading child-focused organizations, including Save the Children, World Vision Zambia, Plan International Zambia, Child Fund, SOS Children's Villages International, and Terre des Hommes International Federation, expressed deep concern over the rising cases of child sexual abuse. Reports indicate that children are increasingly being victimized in spaces meant to be safe havens, such as homes, schools, and orphanages.
With El Niño worsening drought conditions, families across Zambia are facing immense hardships as they struggle to access food, water, and basic necessities. This has led to severe water shortages, crop failures, energy deficits and increased food insecurity, which is affecting an estimated 9 million people in 84 districts.
World Vision International President and CEO, Andrew Morley, met with Zambia's President, His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, at State House in Lusaka to discuss collaborative efforts aimed at improving the well-being of Zambian children and families. The meeting reflects the strong partnership between World Vision and the Zambian government in addressing critical issues such as access to clean water, education, and food security.
World Vision Zambia’s Strategic Goal from 2021-2025, through working with children, families, communities and partners, will contribute to the sustained well-being of 1,500,000 children, especially the most vulnerable
Strong Girls Strong Zambia
Mukonda with his family- He has four children whom he encourages to read through the reading corner; his wife has also taken up reading through this initiative. Reading corners, like this one, provide a fun, safe environment for children to explore reading and writing.
Martha Muntimbili a community volunteer, leads a Good News club for children from grades 1 through 4, enabling them to hear the Word of God.
In 2018, 2,038 girls and 1,891 boys were reached through Scripture Union clubs, Good News clubs, Sunday/Sabbath schools and home Bible studies by faith leaders.
Lucas Munankwenka, 56, and his wife Josephine, 48, show off the chickens they own thanks to World Vision. World Vision trains communities in sustainable, resilient ways to increase their incomes and invest in their communities.
COVID-19 is putting 85 million more children at risk of violence.
Isolated in unsafe homes, sent to work or pushed into early marriage, millions of boys and girls could be facing physical, emotional and sexual abuse as result of the pandemic.
Many children are already suffering and helplines are being overwhelmed with calls.
The effects on these children will last a lifetime. We must prevent this devastating legacy.
Please help us to convince governments and UN agencies to act.
Please call on governments and institutions to urgently increase funding for health, education and other social services that protect children from all forms of violence and abuse, especially for girls and boys at greater risk due to the impacts of COVID-19.
It takes Zambia
World Vision began working in Zambia in 1981 with three community development projects in Mkushi District of Central Province.
Children are at the heart of our work. Today, World Vision Zambia works in over 72 districts across ten (10) provinces to serve vulnerable children and communities in the country. With a workforce of over 500 professional staff, we work closely with communities, partners, and the Government of the Republic of Zambia to ensure vulnerable children live life in all of its fullness.
Through Area Programmes, World Vision’s interventions have addressed food insecurity issues, primarily through agriculture, water and sanitation, education, health, infrastructure development, livelihood and child protection in transforming the lives of vulnerable children, women and families.
Improving children's well-being and futures continues to be the focus of everything we do.
