Wellbeing
Health
Closing gaps in rural healthcare with a focus on maternal health, adolescent reproductive health, mental health and menstrual dignity.
Learn moreCommunity-led development · Chitambo, Zambia
Building resilient, empowered and dignified rural communities.
Chitambo Development Foundation is a community-led, non-profit organisation working alongside marginalized rural communities in Chitambo and Serenje districts of Zambia to identify their own challenges and co-create lasting solutions.
Chitambo & Serenje Districts, Central Province, Zambia
Rooted in local knowledge
Growing change together
Growing change together
Who we are
Community-led development. Lasting change.
CHDF is a grassroots, non-profit organisation that works with rural communities to identify challenges, strengthen local capacity and co-create sustainable solutions.
We believe communities already hold knowledge, resources, leadership and potential that can be mobilised for development. Our role is to listen, connect, strengthen and stand alongside communities as they shape their own future.
Discover our storyVision
A nation where all people in rural areas live a dignified life.
To strengthen the socio-economic well-being and resilience of marginalized rural communities through a Community-Centered Engagement Model. This philosophy moves away from handout models, focusing instead on identifying and mobilising local resources, strengthened by strategic partnerships and community philanthropy.
Our areas of work
Connected challenges need connected solutions.
We work across six interconnected areas, because stronger livelihoods, healthier families and thriving environments reinforce each other.
Food systems
Agriculture & Livestock
Helping smallholder farmers move beyond subsistence through climate-smart practice, cooperatives and reliable market access.
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Opportunity
Education
Opening pathways to learning for disadvantaged children, young people and adults, and strengthening the schools they rely on.
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Resilience
Environment, Tourism & Natural Resources
Building climate resilience and community stewardship of the forests, wildlife and natural resources people depend on.
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Local economy
Livelihoods & Community Empowerment
Strengthening household incomes through cooperatives, savings groups and enterprise support for women and youth.
Learn moreInclusion
Cross-cutting Issues
Gender equality, disability inclusion, youth participation, good governance and social protection run through everything we do.
Learn moreOur approach
Working with communities, not just for communities.
Development works best when people are not simply recipients of solutions, but active participants in creating them.
01
Listen
Understand community priorities, experiences and challenges.
02
Co-design
Work with communities to develop practical, locally relevant solutions.
03
Mobilise
Build on local knowledge, resources, leadership and community philanthropy.
04
Partner
Connect communities with government, donors, private sector and technical experts.
05
Sustain
Strengthen local ownership so initiatives continue beyond individual projects.
Flagship projects
Three initiatives ready for partners.
CHDF has developed strong project concepts across education, climate and volunteering. All three are at fundraising stage.
- Chitambo Champions — Sport as a hook for learning and inclusion
- Community-Led Climate Mitigation & Resilient Livelihoods — Restoring forests, protecting livelihoods
- The VIE Catalyst — Bridging global talent with rural development
What we are working towards
Change that is owned locally and built to last.
Strengthening livelihoods
Expanding access to opportunity
Building climate resilience
Supporting healthier communities
Impact & accountability Latest news
All updates From the foundation.
Announcements · 2026
CHDF launches its online home
A platform showcasing who we are, what we do, and our vision for inclusive, sustainable community development in Chitambo District and beyond.
Read morePartnerships · 2026
We’re open to collaborate — let’s build impact together
CHDF is seeking partnerships with local and international NGOs, donor agencies, foundations, academic institutions, private-sector entities and individuals.
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Environment · March 2026
Earth Hour 2026: switch off, stand up for our planet
CHDF joined the global community in observing Earth Hour, encouraging households and institutions across Zambia to switch off their lights for one hour.
Read moreGet involved
Choose how you want to support Chitambo.
Stand alongside communities