Environmental research

Zambia Relief and Development Foundation (ZRDF) is a Non Governmental Organization (NGO) which has been in existence since 2003 when it was registered with the Registrar of Societies of Zambia. ZRDF s focus has been centered on rural community development through sustainable agricultural practices, and emergency food distribution in times of crisis. The principal areas of activity where ZRDF have operational structures are Chongwe District, Lusaka Province; Kapiri Mposhi and Mkushi in Central Province and Mwinilunga in North Western Province. In partnership with Government and other partner organizations, ZRDF has supported interventions that nurture independence and self-reliance amongst the neediest communities in these areas while ensuring short term needs are met. In order to achieve more long-term solutions for the communities it supports, ZRDF has been moving its focus towards more sustainable goals. Hence its work being structured around two core programmes: Food Security and Entrepreneurship, as well as Emergency Food Aid and Reconstruction. Cross cutting both of these areas are Health and Well-being, notably HIV/AIDS and Gender. Project s main objective To enhance community based natural resource management through crop diversification and proper land use management, reducing environmental degradation leading to global warming while enhancing community quality of life. Specific Objectives 1. To promote adaptation to climate change while mitigating of effects of climate change of targeted farmers in the Luano valley of Chongwe 2. To promote sustainable agricultural practices such as crop diversification in order to reduce high dependency on the failing cereal (maize) and avoid failure risk due to insufficient rains 3. To train targeted rural community farming groups to support sustainable food and cash crop production which will reduce poverty, food insecurity and exploitation by briefcase businessmen 4. To prevent environmental degradation such as deforestation caused by indiscriminate cutting down of trees, soil erosion/acidity caused by use of agro-chemicals 5. To co-opt vulnerable youths and women at community level in all project activities so as to improve their ability to participate in programmes related to modern technologies focused on community development in various contexts of the economy.

Zambia