Overview
Concern's work in Zambia
Concern went to Zambia in 2002 because of the South African food crisis. The decision was taken to continue working in the country post-crisis because of the persistent level of poverty experienced by so many people.
In all its endeavours Concern is working in co-operation with local agencies and local government authorities so as to strengthen capacity and influence policies.
There is a close working partnership between Concern and the Mongu District Farmers Association. The Mongu district lies in the south west of the country.
It is a remote district where people live in great poverty and is served by very few relief organisations.
In the past Concern has helped them in procuring seed and tools but it has moved away from that specific task and is now helping the farming community develop more sophisticated skills in crop management.
HIV&AIDS
Concern’s main mission in Zambia is to ensure that the community takes on the responsibility for looking after its own affairs. The HIV&AIDS pandemic is a cause of major concern in Zambia.
Over 16 per cent of the population aged between 15 and 49 are HIV positive, according to the UNDP Human Development Report of 2004. Malaria is also a major problem in the country.
In the Mongu district Concern is involved in HIV&AIDS streamlining, livelihood programmes and in disaster risk reduction.
AIDS is blamed for decimating the elite of the Zambian professional class. Concern’s HIV&AIDS programme in Mongu District sees it working with youth organisations. They, through their structures, help in making people aware of the dreaded disease. They also help in informing people what precautions to take.
Concern helps them with their organisational skills and capacities concerning matters such as finance and planning. Again it is a matter of helping them to be able to support themselves.
Concern works with women’s groups, whose members are infected with HIV&AIDS. These groups play an important role advising and informing their communities about the hazards of AIDS.
Concern is also working with communities in the area of risk reduction. The objective here is to reduce the vulnerability of disaster-prone communities and to support the people in being better prepared for disasters when they do arise.
