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Zambia

MS ActionAid Denmark supports building local democracy in Zambia by empowering poor people to fight poverty. We support poor peoples' land rights – in particular women, youth and marginalized groups.

Building local democracy to empower the poor

“During last years fight for the NGO bill, civil society was caught unaware and it was difficult for us to come together and present a common stand. But now the civil sociey has created a joined forum, ready to act together and gain more influence.”

Rev. Malawo Matyola, Executive Secretary of Zambia Council for Social Development

Zambia's first president, Kenneth Kaunda, led the country as a one-party state from the independence until 1991, when a multi-party democracy system was introduced. But in reality, Zambia's democracy is still not working very well. Decisions are primarily made by the ruling party elite, while parliament and district authorities have very little say on matters of planning and budgeting.

Most poor people do not have any influence on the laws which decide how the resources are spent. They don't get regular information of what is going on, have limited access to participating in the public debate and hardly any influence on the decisions for development that are meant to improve their conditions. Very few belong to organised networks and associations who can speak on their behalf. This is why MS supports the strengthening of local democracy – to ensure that poor people's voices are heard to influence decisions.

How we work

In Zambia, MS ActionAid Denmark supports:
- Grassroot organisations which help local people organize themselves so that their rights and needs can be included in the policies which affect them. Networks also help people to share common experiences - for instance on better farming methods.
- Civil society organizations which analyse government policy and work to include pro-poor rights legislation and to coordinate civil society efforts.
- Women and youth organisations which enable these groups to participate in decision making and advocate gender equality.
- Advocating for the government's implementation of a decentralization policy to give people influence on plans, budgets and priorities in their locality.

We also support

In Zambia, many poor people are chased off their land because their land rights are not included in the legislation, because the management system is outdated and because of corruption and speculation in land. It is a disaster for many poor families who are totally dependent on the food they can grow on their plot. This is why MS supports Zambia Land Alliance and other partner organisations promoting a more equitable and transparent land policy.

Learn more

Farmers embrace conservation farming

04 November 2009 With global climate changes causing unpredictable rainfalls, and with traditional farming methods lowering the quality of the soils, Zambian farmers are looking for alternative methods to be able to survive.

Civil Society Day in Lusaka

04 November 2009 On October 16th, the annual Civil Society Day march took place in Lusaka, Zambia. See pictures from the event here.

The waiting game is over

03 November 2009 In 2005 construction began on a rural health centre in Zambia. 4 years later it still wasn't finished. But then the villagers had an idea.

When workshops change lives

03 November 2009 Sometimes it takes a dramatic event to make serious changes in your life and priorities. Sometimes it just takes a workshop in Zambia.

Going green in Denmark

03 November 2009 Morgan Mwangala, a volunteer of the Youth Association of Zambia, has just returned from a study trip on climate responsibility in Denmark.

Lukulu Floods with Vegetable Supply

03 November 2009 Lukulu district in Zambia's Western Province has previously received most vegetable supplies from Mumbwa and Lusaka. This year, however, the story is different.

Harsh weather conditions are defeated

03 November 2009 In Zambia, many are not aware that diseases can be caused by cold dry weather. ActionAid Zambia has set out to improve the health of children, suffering from weather related illnesses.

Zambia passes restrictive NGO bill – NGO’s protest

01 September 2009 The Zambian president, Rupiah Banda, has given his assent to the NGO-bill on August 28th, thereby finalizing the process of passing the much debated law, which many say will be detrimental to a free Zambian Civil Society.

Constitutional review
The Zambian Constitution is under review and the first draft constitution has been published. Some of the proposed changes have aroused public debate.

Corruption in Zambia
Every year billions of Kwacha that could have improved the lives of the poor people of Zambia ends up in brown envelopes for the benefit of very few people.

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