IN THIS NEWSLETTER

Photo: Lena Vind-Andersen

By Lena Vind-Andersen, Information Officer

Sometimes a single individual can make a profound difference in the work for social change. By involving themselves and fighting for either just their own or several people’s rights, these individuals inspire others to re-evalute their own situation. Like a small stone that starts an avalanche, the actions of a single person can lead to a change for many. In this edition of the newsletter, we present to you the stories of several such people.

In Luapula, Civil Society for Poverty Reduction has been researching both the impact of the mining industry and the current status on achieving the Millennium Development Goal of gender disparity in primary education. The findings are not encouraging in either case.

Likewise, the justice systems of Zambia are not in good health, according to the findings of the DANIDA supported Access to Justice project, which is currently wrapping up it’s report, based on months of extensive country wide research.

From our own world, MS Zambia partners were visited by Danish actress and celebrity, Sofie Lassen-Kahlke recently, in connection with a campaign on Women and Land Rights that has resulted in substantial attention to the situation of women that lack land rights in Zambia. We hope this campaign will boost more funding to this thematic area.

And finally the merger between MS Zambia and ActionAid Zambia is in its final stages and will be completed by July 2010, after which we will be known by the name of ActionAid Zambia. Be assured that we intend to carry on with all of our partnership programmes as they are now, despite the name change.

Read about all this and more in the May newsletter. Please do not hesitate to send in contributions and ideas for the next edition, which is due in July 2010. Deadline for contributions will be July 2nd.

CALENDAR:

Photo Exhibition:
MS Zambia will be part of a new Zambia exhibition: Double Vision at Alliance Francaise, Longacres, Lusaka, on 3-15 June 2010. MS Zambia will facilitate a public debate on Women´s lands rights on the 14th of June at 18:00.

MS PARTNER NEWS

Fighting Traditions

Mary Banda has fought and won over a Zambian tradition that gives women less rights to land than men.
Mary Banda’s family has had to support itself through baking bread and brewing beer for the past two years. This harvest, however, will be different, because now Mary has a field of her own to cultivate. When the ground nuts and the maize are harvested, the family will be able to feed themselves better and generate more income from the sale of the extra produce. The future is definitely looking brighter than it did two years ago.
Mary lost her land plot in 2007 when her step father died. He had effectively been her father and supported her mother and all her younger siblings since Mary was three years old. Inheritance conflicts are the most common reason why a lot of Zambian women lose their land.
“After my step father died, his family said I wasn’t his real daughter and not entitled to the land he had given me. They didn’t want anything to do with me and pushed me off the land. My mother didn’t get any land either and my younger siblings were only given a very small portion. So it was a difficult situation, because my mother couldn’t work very much and I myself was trying to finish my schooling.”
Mary ended up going to the Victim Support Unit at the police to have her case heard. They referred her to MS Partner, Petauke District Land Alliance (PDLA).
PDLA mediated in the case and eventually Mary got all of her land back. She has also been given a written letter by the chief, which proves her right to the plot. In customary land areas it isn’t common to have written proof of your right to the plot you are using. By encouraging Chiefs to write letters and furthermore suggest that they keep a proper land register of who is entitled to which land, it is possible to aid those who are most frequently the victims of land dispossession: women and youths.
While the letters aren’t the same as a proper title deed and do not carry the same legal weight, they can nevertheless ensure that these groups can more easily defend their rights and keep their lands in case of ownership conflicts. And this is not only an advantage to women and youths, it is to the benefit of everyone, male and female, in the customary land areas, to have a written proof that defines the boundaries of your land.

Click here to read the full story on our web page

Justice in Zambia: Not as accessible as it shold be
Not all is well in the Zambian justice systems. The soon to be published findings of the DANIDA supported Access to Justice project highlight some shortcomings in the way the justice system functions, starting from the Police, the Legal Aid Board, Directorate of Public Prosecutions, all the way to the Courts (both local and traditional) and prisons around the country.
The project, which kicked off in November last year, has visited 19 districts spread throughout all provinces, interviewing users as well as stakeholders in the justice systems. Based on the research done, some common issues have emerged. In regards to prisons it has become evident that understaffing and lack of resources are working against the best interests of the detained. Findings indicate that lack of transport resources cause strife between the courts and the police, for instance when detainees need to be transferred between courts and prison. And at magistrates court level, very few people actually get the legal advice and representation they are entitled to due to human resource constraints.
In the traditional systems, the findings indicate that in certain chiefdoms corporal punishment is still being practiced, even though this has been outlawed. “There is a general lack of legal and rights awareness among the general public in the country. Together with lack of equipment and limited human resources in the Local Courts, it all contributes to the current state of affairs,” says researcher Soyapi Mapulanga.
The findings of this study will be the situation analysis that will inform the programme design for the Action to Justice programme which will encompass the whole nation in due course.
Click here to read the full story on our web page

Chasing the money
Budget tracking might sound like a boring thing to do. However, when a roof blows off a market due to mismanaged public funding, the figures on papers suddenly have real consequences in our daily lives.
One windy day in Kafue, Mr. Chishimba watched as the roof blew off Soloboni market. Ordinarily he might just have put the occurrence down to a question of exceptionally strong winds. But due to a recent budget tracking training, he knew this was not the only cause. “It was due to the fact that there were too few nails used in the construction,” he states. “I am
hurt and disappointed with the kind of work done at the market. 22 million zmk were earmarked for the construction, but looking at the structure it is obvious that much less was used.”
Towards the end of 2009, 15 community members in Kafue District were trained by MS partner, Caritas Kafue on how to track Community Development Fund (CDF) projects. Mr. Chishimba was one of the participants. And it changed his whole perspective on how public funds are used.
“The experience was an eye opener and I was able to appreciate what CDF can do for our communities if properly used by our leaders,” he says. After the workshop Mr. Chishimba confronted his Area Councillor and set about tracking the budgets of the council. He revealed that funds were not used appropriately and is very happy to have participated in the training: “I wasn’t able to speak before because I didn’t have much knowledge on CDF and I didn’t know who to approach to air my concerns. But now I am able to speak out!” he says.
Click here to read the full story on our web page

New mining activities - a mixed blessing for Luapula
The mining for manganese in Luapula Province is a mixed blessing to the people of the province, reveals a new report done by Civil Society for Poverty Reduction in Luapula.
The last two years have seen an explosion of mining activities in Luapula. Genesis Procurement, who presently employs more than 200 locals in their large-scale mining for manganese, is the main actor on the Luapula mining scene, but dozens of small-scale miners are also taking part in the search for manganese. The Luapula Provincial Programme Management Team of the national Civil Society for Poverty Reduction has conducted a research on the effects of this mining activity, and the findings are both positive and negative. On the positive side, there are the new job opportunities created. But there is also another side of the coin. The infrastructure of the province is strained under the many, heavily loaded trucks that are wearing down the roads. Most mining activities are operating without an impact assessment from the Environmental Council of Zambia. The land is in danger of being destroyed due to soil erosion and deforestation. There is a potential of diseases like malaria and diarrhoea due to stagnant water, since the mining of manganese is through open pit mining. This is the price that the people of Luapula are paying for the short term benefit of the mining boom in the province.
Click here to read the full story on our web page

Millennium Development Goal a far reach in Luapula
Early marriages continue to be a barrier against development in Luapula Province, as girls from as low as grade 5 and grade 6 are married of by their families.
The Millennium Development Goals (MDG’s) that Zambia has embraced as a target of development calls for elimination of gender disparity in primary and in basic education by the year 2015. However, a study carried out by Civil Society for Poverty Reduction in Luapula Province shows a large drop out of girls from grade 5 and upwards, caused by the early marriages and unwanted pregnancies.
In a typical rural school, the ratio of boys to girls shows a weak majority of girls up to grade 5; 51 % girls and 49 % boys. But for grade 6-7, the girls fall out and the ratio changes to 55% boys and 45 % girls. In grade 8-9 the problem gets worse, as the ratio falls to 41% girls and 59 % boys.
Traditional values and taboos surrounding education on reproductive health prevent effective measures against the girls drop-out. These factors are unlikely to change in the few years before 2015.
Click here to read the full story on our web page

SACCORD continues fighting deregistration
Though SACCORD has temporarily regained its NGO-status after a six-year battle with the Ministry of Home Affairs, the future of the organisation is now in the hands of the Supreme Court. ”It has been a lonely fight,” says Lee Habasonda CEO of SACCORD referring to the general lack of support from the NGO community in Zambia.
Deregistration, undocumented accusations, court hearings, appeals, retrials and uncertainty. This has been the reality for SACCORD (Southern Africa Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes) the past six years, since former Minister of Home affairs Hon. Ronnie Shikapwasha decided to de-register the organisation in 2004. Earlier this year the High Court decided to uphold the decision made by the Ministry of Home Affairs. SACCORD appealed this decision and has now temporarily regained their status through a court injuctio, but only until the Supreme Court decision has been reached. At present time SACCORD is waiting to present and argue its case. The deregistration of SACCORD in 2004 was based on the allegation that the organization was engaged in activities, which are a danger to state security. The ministry of Home Affairs has not to this date presented documentation for these allegations. Lee Habasonda is disappointed by the general lack of support from the NGO community in Zambia. “Even though the NGO law has not yet been implemented it is already working effectively,” says Lee Habasonda. “Big parts of the NGO community have been quiet and passive when we needed them the most. Many are frightened to speak up out of fear of being deregistered. This is the sad reality of activism in Zambia today.”
Click here to read full article on our web site

A Volunteer with a passion - the story of Humphrey Zulu
Three years ago Humphrey Zulu was a volunteer for the Anti Voter Apathy Project (AVAP). Then, he helped the organisation in the Voter Education Campaigns. Today he works as their Youth Mobilization and Campaigns Officer.
Humphrey is tall, dark in complexion and wearing gray trousers, a purple striped shirt and a neck tie. As he speaks, he smiles shyly. “I have a great passion for young people”, he admits. Three years ago, Humphrey Zulu was just like any other Zambian youth with very little knowledge of democracy and good governance. He attended the University of Zambia where he studied a certificate in Law, but now his passion for young people has lead him down a different path of life than he originally envisioned. From being a volunteer with AVAP, he is now employed to talk to other youths. “I never thought I would reach this far in terms of youth activism” says the visibly happy Humphrey. “I have tremendously developed my public speaking abilities through my new appointment as Youth Mobilization and Campaigns Programme Officer. I can now confidently stand up and educate youths on the core values of good governance.”
Click here to read the full story on our web site

Call for propasals for governance activities
The Zambian Governance Foundation for Civil Society is calling for a second round of proposals for financing governance related activities.
The Zambian Governance Foundation for Civil Society offers capacity development and funding in support of civil society development. It aims to promote governance with focus on government accountability and responsiveness towards all poor and vulnerable sections of society. The Foundation is now inviting Expression of Interest for its second round of financing from organisations that engage in activities to further this goal. The Foundation will support work in pro-poor public policy engagement by civil society.
Initiative Support: This grant scheme provides project or activity-based grants to smaller and emerging civil society organisations active in policy engagement work at various levels of government. Mandatory criteria to be considered for funding.
Deadline: Friday, 4th June 2010, 17.00 hours
Information material, application guidelines and Expression of Interest forms (in softcopy) can be collected at the Foundation Secretariat or in any partner offices across Zambia. They can also be viewed by clicking below.

Expression of interest Advert with information on application procedures
Application guidelines and Eligibility criteria for Initiative Support
Initiative Support Grant. Expression of Interest Form

In the first round of ZGF calls, a number of MS-Zambia partners were positively assessed as having the capacity and strategic focus in their governance work. Chipata and Chongwe District Farmers Association and Mansa District Land Alliance will receive grants to support their governance activities.
For further information please visit www.zgf.org.zm

MS GLOBAL NEWS

Tanzania: Turning coffe farmers into entrepreneurs
Development of organised smallholder coffee enterprises and the introduction of sustainable agricultural practices are improving the livelihoods of 1700 farmers in Southern Tanzania. A farmer-to-farmer extension system, market linkages and access to credit are key elements of the initiative.
In Tanzania, many smallholder coffee farmers lack knowledge of modern production and processing techniques as well as market information. The results are low yields, poor quality and low prices. Low incomes have led to low investments in the coffee fields and a declining spiral has begun. To turn the tide for coffee farmers in Mbeya Rural and Mbozi Districts, International Coffee Partners (ICP) launched a coffee project in May 2006. One thousand farmers benefit directly but more than 1700 farmers participate in the project.
Click here to read the full story on MS Tanzanias web site

MS Sudan: Democracy Bus went beyond expectation
In five weeks, the Democracy Bus supported by MS reached more than 7500 Sudanese with information about democracy and the elections, which took part in Sudan in April 2010.
In February and March, Sudanese and Danish youths brought debates on democracy to the Southern Sudanese people. The so-called Democracy Bus with civic educators, musicians, puppeteers, actors and Danish students drove from village to village in Central Equatoria State in Southern Sudan. The goal was to encourage especially women and youths to take part in the elections in Sudan scheduled for 11-13 April 2010. “It has really ended up well. Several times during the planning, I had to ask myself if this would ever happen. We were running around trying to get funds and so on but now we are finding ourselves finishing the project successfully. We were even able to expand and reach more people than anticipated. It is really unbelievable,” says Eric J. Moses, Manager of Yei Community Resource Centre.
Click here to read the full story on MS Sudans web page

MS ZAMBIA NEWS

MS Zambia /ActionAid merger news
MS Zambia and ActionAid Zambia are now in the final stage of joining forces. The full merger of the two organisations will be a reality the 1st of July of this year by which time the new national organisation will adopt the common name ActionAid Zambia.
At the present time ActionAid Zambia is undergoing a process of nationalisation and internationalisation. The process of nationalisation began early this month where the first step is re-registration of ActionAid Zambia as an independent Zambian organisation. Once nationalised, ActionAid Zambia will no longer operate as a branch of ActionAid International but as a national and autonomous organisation associated to ActionAid International.
Earlier this month MS Zambia and ActionAid Zambia held a workshop together with ActionAid Africa Regional Office, which was led by the ActionAid Affiliate and Associate Development Unit. A Task Force was appointed to facilitate the steps towards nationalisation. This is one of the key milestones in the merger completion process. The merger will take effect July 1st 2010.The present programmes and partnership agreements of MS Zambia will however continue under the management of the new national organisation as they are at the moment. A take off and orientation event that will bring together both MS-Zambia and Action Aid Zambia stakeholders will take place in the first week of July. Details will be communicated to all partners as soon as plans are finalised.
Once ActionAid Zambia becomes an associate of ActionAid International, the organisation will acquire a seat on the ActionAid International General Assembly and will have equal voting rights with other associate organisations of ActionAid International. This means power to influence strategic and policy decision making at home and internationally.

The food crisis in Zambia continues
Despite the drop in international food prices since 2008 food prices in Zambia continue to grow. MS Zambia has produced a report which explores the reasons for this.
The food crisis in Zambia continues despite the drop in international food prices since 2008. The causes of the food crises in the country are a complex combination of political, legal, institutional and attitudinal factors. Even though 58% of Zambia’s untapped land is classified as medium to high potential for agricultural production, the country only uses 15% of its’ total arable land and about 30 % of its irrigable land. Most agriculture production in Zambia comes from small-scale farmers. 60 % of small-scale farmers are women, who also represent 70 % - 80% of the agricultural labour. However, customary land administration is discriminatory against women and the majority of the land is still under customary tenure. The marginalization of women and their lack of access and control over land is a major contributing factor to food insecurity at household level.
However, the high cost of food in Zambia is also dependent on how much it costs to produce final products. The cost of food is tied to how well the economy is performing vis-à-vis foreign exchange rates, foreign direct investments and donors’ balance of payments supports. At the moment, raw maize sells at higher prices than a processed product like mealie meal. Commercial farmers are not getting the real value and benefit of their labour and many have instead opted to cultivate bio-fuel crops. The end result is that the few available commercial farmers only produce for the export market and the vicious circle of deprivation and vulnerability escalates the price of staple foods.
Click here to read MS Zambias new report on the Food crisis in Zambia

Money raised for Women and Land Rights

2 million Danish Crowns (349.000 US $) was collected by 2000 volunteers in the annual national household collection in Denmark. Among the volunteers was the Danish actress Sofie Lassen-Kahlke, who recently visited Zambia to learn about the land rights work done by MS Partners.
Sofie Lassen-Kahlke was this years national collection ambassador for MS in Denmark. Her job was to raise awareness in the Danish media about the importance of promoting women’s land rights , which was the key theme of the fundraising campaign. The campaign will benefit MS partners in Zambia, Tanzania and Nepal. Sofie was very impressed with the land rights projects she visited in Zambia and learned a lot from the experience. “Many of the women I met were widows who were fighting for the survival of themselves and their children. If the land is taken from them, they will have nothing to eat. The work done by MS Partners on informing them about their rights is very useful and I now have a much better understanding of its’ importance. Having visited Zambia gave me a lot of motivation for doing the collection.” Sofie’s subsequent media appearances in Denmark helped raise awareness for the campaign and has contributed to the good result. The money will be distributed among MS Land Rights partners in the three countries. The annual national household collection in Denmark took place on May 9th 2010.
Watch videos of Sofie in Zambia (Danish Information Spots, but quite enjoyable to non Danish speakers as well)
2.30 min trailer
30 sec spot

MS and ActionAid Zambia to be part of photo exhibition
In an upcoming photo exhibition, to take place in Lusaka, MS Zambia and ActionAid Zambia will showcase materials on its Land Rights work with a focus on women’s land rights issues.
The main exhibition subject matter is panoramic photography of Luangwa Valley and The Children of Zambia and Football, but our two organisations will use the opportunity to present visual and printed materials on our Women and Land Rights work. The exhibition is entitled Double Vision and will take place at Alliance Francaise, Longacres, Lusaka, on 3-15 June 2010. MS Zambia will facilitate a debate on the 14th of June at 18:00.

Admission is free. Please drop by if you are around Lusaka.

PEOPLE

New faces
Pamela Chisanga is the new Country Representative for ActionAid Zambia. She has held this position since January 2010, and will eventually take over as Country Director for the merged national organisation in July 2010. Pamela previously served as Executive Director for a Zambian NGO named Children in Need (CHIN). Please join us in welcoming her.

Norma J. Martinez is the new Communication advisor/ information officer for both MS Zambia and ActionAid Zambia. She has assumed her duties per May 2010. She can be contacted at norma.martinez@ms.zm and cell: 0974 122308

Leaving MS Zambia

Finn Petersen, Country Director since 2007, ended his contract December 31st 2009. He is now employed at the Governance Secretariat in the Ministry of Justice as the new Danida Advisor. Former MS Deputy Director, Nachilala Nkombo has assumed the position of MS Director leading up to the merger in July 2010.



Lena Vind-Andersen, Information officer since April 2008, will be leaving at the expiry of her 2 year contract by end May 2010. She will be returning to Denmark, but will probably not be able to stay away from Africa long.

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Visit our website for more news and information: www.ms.dk/zambia