Zambia Luapula
$20,408 needed of $20,408
Implementing Organization
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries (NCM)
Program Summary
Nazarene Compassionate Ministries Zambia’s Integrated Food Security and Resilience project targets 400 households in 20 communities within Luapula District, Zambia (Nchelenge and Kaputa) from 2026 to 2030, in partnership with Growing Hope Globally. This area has high child stunting rates (45% in Nchelenge, 57% in Kaputa), indicating severe chronic undernutrition. During the “hungry season” (December-February), 60-70% of vulnerable households consume only one meal daily, primarily cassava or maize. Consumption improves to two meals daily during harvest (March-June), with 35-40% achieving acceptable or borderline food consumption scores due to better availability of fish and vegetables. Currently, 60% of locally grown nutritious crops (maize, cassava, beans) are consumed. The project aims to strengthen food security and resilience by equipping 20 local churches and two multi-stakeholder alliances to implement sustainable initiatives. Core activities include conservation agriculture, seed distribution, small livestock management, savings and loan groups, and market linkages, focusing on improved agricultural production, climate-smart farming, financial literacy, business skills, and diversified livelihoods. Protecting environmental resources is also a key component.
Success Stories
Early Adapters See Early Impact
Although the Zambia Luapula program has just begun, early adapters like John have quickly put their learning about climate-smart agriculture into practice and are already seeing the impact.
“Before joining the project, I struggled to produce enough food for my family,” said John. “We depended on traditional farming methods, and most of the time the harvest was not enough to last until the next season.”
Since joining the program, John had grown in both knowledge and confidence. “I am now equipped with the skills and insights needed to improve my farming practices, and I am optimistic that this season will bring better yields. With these improvements, I believe I will no longer struggle to feed my family.”
He sees both the immediate and long term impact this program will have in his life. “These changes are important because they give me the ability to provide for my family with dignity and stability. Right now, they mean we will have enough food and better nutrition, reducing the daily struggles we used to face. In the future, the knowledge and skills I’ve gained will help me sustain higher yields, improve our income, and ensure that my children grow up with greater opportunities and security.”
This program, which is implemented with the local church, has brought about a profound spiritual transformation. For John, it has renewed hope and strengthened faith, showing that God provides through opportunities and hard work. It has deepened unity and compassion among church members as they witness lives being uplifted and families restored. For the wider community, it has inspired a spirit of togetherness and gratitude, reminding everyone that progress is not only material but also spiritual. It has encouraged them to trust more, share more, and believe that with God’s guidance, lasting change is possible.
Zambia Luapula is led by Nazarene Compassionate Ministries