PoCs in Zambia have limited rights such as access to land/freedom of movement, additionally, it is difficult to apply for permits and the costs are prohibitive. The issue of opening accounts is currently being introduced and discussions are underway. Refugees can however, save money through their mobile phones. Recently, the Zambian government has been looking into integration mechanisms and is considering granting 1,000 Angolan refugees with citizenship as well as further integration policies concerning an undisclosed amount of Rwandan refugees. For refugees, farming is the best employment opportunity. The Agricultural industry at 60% of employment is currently the sector employing the most refugees in the country with maze being the primary crop of choice (ILO). Additionally, for refugees in urban contexts within the country, the main form of livelihoods consists of micro businesses, buying and selling, mostly in the informal sector with a few working in the transportation industry. Currently, Caritas CR along with Trickle Up and Self Help Africa (SHA) are implementing GA programs in the country.
Zambia has a GDP growth of between 5-7.5% per annum. The economic growth stems mainly from the construction, transport, communications, trading and mining industries. The agricultural industry where most refugees are currently employed is one of the weakest industries due to the fluctuating climate with the copper industry dropping its production as well as due to a low demand. Although the agriculture industry accounts for 60% of overall employment, 90.6% of agricultural activities are low paying and yield a low productivity rate. The mining industry is pushing the country forward yet currently only accounts for 1.4% of employment. According to government statistics, 27,945 individuals are unemployed in Western Province and 27,424 are unemployed in North Western Province (Zamstat). According to a country analysis conducted by the ILO, 20% of Zambians live in poverty with 40% living in extreme poverty (ILO). Additionally, according to the WFP, 40% of Zambian children under 5 are stunted due to food related insecurities (WFP).
1,500 beneficiaries from Refugee communities
1,500 beneficiaries from host communities
TBC
TBC
Copyright © 2019 Poverty Alleviation Coalition - All Rights Reserved.