Zambia

Zambia

The path to economic self-reliance

Caritas Czech Republic has been active in Zambia since 2013 and is a key partner of UNHCR (the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees). We focus primarily on supporting refugees and fostering economic selfreliance through sustainable agriculture, education, and the establishment of small businesses. We also provide university scholarships to vulnerable refugees and strengthen farmers’ resilience to climate change. At the same time, we work to introduce Czech innovations in agricultural mechanisation and the development of commercial farming, and we contribute to systemic and institutional reforms in the forestry sector. 

Why is help in Zambia still needed?

Many people in Zambia continue to face poverty, limited employment opportunities, and the impacts of climate change, which negatively affect agriculture and the livelihoods of entire communities. Supporting education, sustainable farming, and small business development helps people build more stable incomes, strengthen their self-reliance, and create better conditions for long-term development.

How Caritas Czech Republic helps

Czech technologies

Czech technologies

Agriculture is a key source of livelihood for a large part of Zambia’s population and one of the main areas of support for Caritas Czech Republic. We focus on developing commercial agriculture through the use of Czech mechanisation and agricultural technologies, which help increase productivity, build resilience to climate change, and improve farm sustainability. Demonstration farms, professional training, and linking farmers with technology suppliers and relevant institutions all play an important role in this effort. 

Economic self‑reliance

Economic self‑reliance

We see the development of modern and efficient agriculture as the foundation of longterm economic selfreliance for farmers and their communities. Therefore, in addition to increasing agricultural yields and supporting adaptation to climate change, we also focus on promoting small entrepreneurship, developing financial literacy, and providing specialised training.

Refugee communities

Refugee communities

Caritas in Zambia has long supported both refugee and host communities in border and urban areas to strengthen their self-reliance, economic stability, and access to education. We focus on developing sustainable agriculture, vocational training, and supporting small businesses, enabling people to increase their incomes over the long term. Key activities are designed to remain functional even after projects end and to contribute to the resilience and development of local communities.

Support for education

Support for education

We have long supported refugees’ access to higher education as a key tool for selfreliance and positive change within their communities. Thanks to systematic scholarship support, dozens of young people have already completed their university studies and applied their knowledge in practice. This assistance is provided through the Scholarship Programme DAFI, which opens the door to education for those who would otherwise lack access. 

Articles

There is no life without water: How Caritas helps secure access to it
July 8, 2026 News

There is no life without water: How Caritas helps secure access to it

This summer, the Czech Republic has already experienced several temperature records. We cope with the hottest days by staying indoors or finding shade wherever we can. Gardeners irrigate their crops with well water, while farmers cool their livestock with measures such as fans. During these periods, many of us impatiently wait for rain and make sure to stay hydrated. But can you imagine coping with extreme heat without access to water? Today, more than 2 billion people worldwide lack access to a safe source of drinking water. In some places, prolonged droughts and the impacts of climate change are the main causes. Elsewhere, armed conflicts further worsen the situation by destroying infrastructure and disrupting water supplies. We bring you an overview of the countries where Caritas Czech Republic is helping – from providing access to safe drinking water to supporting agriculture during droughts. 

Fleeing within their own country – how Caritas supports refugees
June 15, 2026 News

Fleeing within their own country – how Caritas supports refugees

According to the World Health Organisation, 117.3 million people have been forcibly displaced from their homes. However, displacement takes many forms – 36.4 million have sought safety across borders, while 8.4 million are already abroad applying for asylum. In this article, on the occasion of World Refugee Day, which is commemorated annually on June 20, we take a look at displacement from several perspectives, showing the diverse stories behind the term and how Caritas Czech Republic’s international aid responds to them.

 Two farmers from Zambia who turned access to water into opportunity and growth
June 10, 2026 CCR-Zambia

Two farmers from Zambia who turned access to water into opportunity and growth

Smallholder farmers in Zambia face increasing pressure from limited access to water for production. Through irrigation development and farmer mentoring, Caritas Czech Republic is supporting communities to farm more productively and sustainably. For Alex and Lewis, this support has become a catalyst for growth, resilience, and improved livelihoods.