Thematic working areas

The Food Security and Livelihoods thematic area is at the heart of Zambia Climate Change Network’s operations. The thematics’ focus is on addressing the complex challenges posed by climate change to food systems and livelihoods in Zambia. Through this thematic area, ZCCN aims to enhance resilience, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and ensure food security for vulnerable communities across the country.

The thematic working group works closely with numerous organizations at local, continental, and international levels to leverage expertise, resources, and networks. Our active participation in platforms like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) allows us to contribute to global discussions on climate change and advocate for policies that prioritize food security and livelihoods.

Within this thematic area, we implement various projects tailored to address specific needs and challenges. For instance, the Agroecology for Climate Change Adaptation (A4CA) project, supported by the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa, focuses on promoting agroecological practices that enhance climate resilience and food sovereignty.

Additionally, the Gender and Climate Justice in Food Systems (GCJFS) project, funded by SIDA through We Effect, specifically targets gender disparities in food systems, ensuring women’s participation and empowerment in climate adaptation efforts.

Furthermore, our work extends to projects like the Needs-Based Adaptation for Africa (NBAA), which aims to develop context-specific adaptation strategies to address the impacts of climate change on food security and livelihoods.

The thematic working groups also ensure partnerships with a wide range of organizations, including Catholic Relief Services (CRS), among many others.

The Gender thematic area is a cornerstone of our organization’s mission to address climate change holistically. This area focuses specifically on understanding and addressing the gender dimensions of climate change and environmental issues.

At ZCCN, we recognize that women often bear the brunt of climate change impacts, yet they are also powerful agents of change and resilience in their communities. Our Gender thematic area works to ensure that women’s voices, needs, and contributions are central to all aspects of climate action.

Importantly, our work in this thematic area intersects with every other thematic working group. Gender is an issue that cuts across all areas of climate change and environmental work, whether it’s agriculture, energy, water, biodiversity, or advocacy. By integrating gender considerations into all our projects and initiatives, we aim to create more inclusive and effective solutions.

To strengthen our efforts, we collaborate with numerous organizations at the local, continental, and international levels. One such organization is the Zambia Alliance of Women (ZAW), among others.

Currently, ZCCN is implementing a gender-focused project-”Climate Justice for Women in Extractives (CJ4WE)” within the Gender thematic area. This project seeks to address the unique challenges faced by women in extractive industries, ensuring their rights are upheld, and their voices are heard in decision-making processes.