Zambia

Context at a glance

A celebration dance at the dedication of a Habitat house with homeowners, volunteers, and workers

An estimated 60 percent of the population live in rural areas, where housing needs are considerable. People live in grass-thatched mud and wattle structures which require an annual overhaul. Cracked and broken walls invite serious health risks, rain and rodents into the house. Families are crowded into a single room and children face life-threatening conditions on a daily basis.

Meanwhile, in the urban areas, problems continue to grow due to urban migration and the spread of HIV/AIDS. Cities like Lusaka and Ndola cannot provide adequate services and infrastructure to meet the growing demand.

Habitat for Humanity programme

About 1,150 houses have been constructed since the programme began in 1984. The average size of a Habitat house in Zambia is 12m² (approximately 35 sq ft). Most rural houses are built from burnt bricks and their roofs are covered with corrugated iron sheets.

Over the years HFH Zambia has helped facilitate multiple development initiatives in the Chanyanya community. In addition to housing, HFH Zambia has helped promote holistic community development initiatives by working in partnership with other NGOs in the construction of schools, clinics and community centres, and other projects like road improvements and bridge construction. From humble beginnings, Habitat Zambia has expanded into six of the country’s nine provinces.

Habitat for Humanity is helping orphans and vulnerable children through a special project in South Africa.

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