Born from lived community experience.
Chitambo Development Foundation grew out of a genuine need to improve the lives of people in rural Zambia.
Why CHDF exists.
Chitambo Development Foundation was established to address the many challenges facing rural communities in Chitambo and Serenje districts of Zambia — districts with rich cultural heritage and significant natural resources, yet grappling with inadequate healthcare, limited educational opportunities and environmental degradation.
Chitambo district was carved out of Serenje in 2012 to strengthen local governance and service delivery. Despite that change, communities continued to face limited access to essential services, high levels of poverty and mounting environmental threats. The need for a dedicated, community-focused organisation was the impetus for CHDF.
CHDF currently operates in Chitambo District of Central Province, with a long-term vision to expand to neighbouring districts as institutional capacity grows.
A vision of a dignified life for all.
The founding members were motivated by a vision of a dignified life for all people in rural areas, where communities are empowered to take charge of their own development.
CHDF was born out of lived community experience — witnessing persistent poverty, limited access to education and health services, environmental degradation and restricted livelihood opportunities. Those realities inspired an organisation rooted in community philanthropy, participation and resilience.
Working with communities, not for them.
Our work focuses on working with communities rather than for them — supporting local initiatives, strengthening local capacities, and unlocking community assets to drive long-term, people-centred development.
We believe communities flourish when they recognise and invest in their own resources, build resilience to adapt to challenges, and work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders.