CARE International’s history in Zambia
CARE began working in Zambia in 1992 in response to a severe drought, providing emergency food assistance to affected communities.
As conditions stabilized, CARE expanded its work to include longer-term programs in rural and peri-urban areas, supporting livelihoods, access to services, and community-led initiatives.
Today, CARE works across several provinces in Zambia, partnering with government, civil society, and local organizations to support communities facing climate shocks, economic challenges, and limited access to services.
CARE and partners’ work in Zambia today
CARE works with communities and local partners to respond to urgent needs while supporting longer-term stability and livelihoods. Our work focuses on:
Crisis response
CARE provides humanitarian assistance during emergencies, including droughts, floods, and disease outbreaks. This includes cash support, water and hygiene supplies, and recovery support to help families rebuild.
Food and water
We support farming households to improve food production and nutrition, including through agriculture support, water access, and community-based approaches that help families cope with changing climate conditions. Through models such as Farmer Field and Business Schools, smallholder farmers build practical skills in farming, post-harvest handling, and market access.
Health
CARE works with communities to improve access to health services, including maternal and adolescent health and nutrition support. Programs such as SHE SOARS, delivered with partners including Restless Development, Live Well, and the Ministry of Health, support young people with health information, mentorship, and safe spaces.
Through the SUN Fund, implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the National Food and Nutrition Commission, and UNICEF, CARE has supported efforts to improve nutrition by promoting better feeding practices and strengthening community systems that help prevent malnutrition and stunting.
Making the economy work
We support women and young people to earn an income through savings groups, small business activities, and access to markets. Programs such as Intanda help connect participants to buyers, suppliers, and local opportunities.
Climate
CARE works with communities to better cope with climate challenges such as drought and flooding, including through climate-smart agriculture and natural resource management.
CARE works in partnership with local organizations, government ministries, and community groups to ensure programs respond to local needs and priorities.
Focus on women and girls
Women and girls are at the centre of CARE’s work in Zambia.
CARE works with women-led organizations, community groups, and local partners to support women’s leadership and participation in community life. This includes partnerships with organizations such as Volunteers Welfare for Community Based Care (VOWAZA) and the Zambia National Traditional Counsellors Association.
CARE and our partners support women and girls to:
Earn an income through savings groups and livelihood activities
Access health information and services
Participate in community decision-making
Reduce risks of violence and strengthen support systems
Programs such as SHE SOARS support adolescent girls with health information, mentorship, and safe spaces, while Nyenyezi supports girls’ education and life skills development. CARE also supports women through Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), which help women save money, access loans, and invest in small businesses. Across programs, CARE works with men and boys through community dialogue approaches to promote better social norms.
For recent updates on CARE Zambia, see here.
