Zamsof

Zambia Social Forum (ZAMSOF) is an open space that aims at building inclusive participation of the ge Past Experience:

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Zambia Social Forum (ZAMSOF) was formed in 2003 as an open space that provides free platform for ordinary citizens to discuss democratically on issues that affect them. The forum aims to formulate affirmative actions that inform advocacy planning and allow citizens to engage at policy level for social change in their respective thematic areas they represent. The forum is also a network of Civil So

ciety Organizations, individuals and Community groupings, which is part of the World Social Forum of CSOs prelude to the Southern Africa Social Forum (SASF), Southern Africa People’s Network Summit (SAPSN) African Social Forum (ASF) and World Social Forum (WSF) that takes place annually and bi-annually respectively. ZAMSOF aims at “improving participation of the general citizenry in the policy making processes for the national sustainable development in partnership with affected communities.” The forum further serves to build community, regional and global solidarity around issues of social, ecological, political, and economic justice in quest for sustainable development. The Zambia Social Forum has a track record of mobilizing community members through social forums to discuss pressing issues and concerns. These forus have resulted in community groups building consensus and engage with duty bearers to demand for improved services in their respective communities. The forum has received support from partners and stakeholders like Actionaid Zambia, Oxfam, Open Society Institute of Southern Africa (OSISA), African Social Forum Council, AIDS Alliance International, Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR), Sight Savers, and Disability Rights Watch, African Support Centre based in South Africa, Zambia Library for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ZLSCVI). ZAMSOF has further Conducted literacy classes on policies of neoliberalism and globalization and food sovereignty with technical moral support from FAHAMU in Kenya, People’s Coalition on Food Sovereignty (PCFS ) based in Philippines and global Southern and Eastern African Countries. The forum has been hosting study circles on food sovereignty and climate justice with support from the Philippines and FAHAMU based in Kenya respectively. ““Seeing is Believing” project “Eye Care Health “Get Up, Stand Up, Get Your Eyes Tested” in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Zambia Federation of organizations of Disability Organizations (ZAFOD), Financed by Standard Chartered Bank in collaboration with Sight Savers Zambia Office. ZAMSOF has also engaged and trained Lusaka City Councilors, Ward Development Committee members, Employees of Lusaka City technical working group and community facilitators in local area planning using the Human Rights Based approach through the community engagement and empowerment project which was funded by the GIZ. This led to five (5) wards in Lusaka city coming up with local area plans which were officially launched by His Worship the mayor of Lusaka. ZAMSOF also trained small-scale farmers in climate Justice, Agro-ecology and food sovereignty, and provided a platform through which small-scale farmers and duty bearers came together to discuss and interrogate agriculture, climate justice and agro-ecology policies. This resulted in realization of various gaps which need to be amended and strengthened in order for these policies to reflect the needs of the poor. The project was funded by ACTIONAID-SIDA grant. The forum gets much of its moral, technical and financial support from among several local and international networks, Collaborative partnerships including individual members for the continuation of its operation...

11/03/2026

10/03/2026

What does international cooperation look like at the community level?

For the women farmers of Kapyanga it means healthier soils, stronger harvests, and renewed hope for their communities. 🌱
Recently, Zambia Social Forum (ZAMSOF) had the opportunity to share stories like these during the NGOs Breakfast Network Meeting convened by the German Embassy in Zambia.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Andreas Pletziger Head of Development Cooperation, and the Embassy team for creating a space where civil society organizations and development partners can connect, exchange ideas, and strengthen collaboration. 🤝

At the meeting, ZAMSOF highlighted how communities such as those in Kapyanga are blending traditional knowledge with agroecological practices -restoring soil health, improving food security, and building climate resilience.

These locally driven solutions are why partnerships matter. Collaboration with organizations such as GIZ and other development partners helps amplify community voices and scale sustainable agriculture initiatives across Zambia.

From farmer training and cooperative strengthening to policy dialogue, ZAMSOF remains committed to ensuring that smallholder farmers -especially women and youth are at the center of building resilient food systems.

Because real transformation starts in communities like Kapyanga and grows through partnership. 🌍🌾

07/03/2026

🌍✨ International Women’s Day 2026

Today, Zambia Social Forum (ZAMSOF) celebrates the inspiring women of Kapyanga, whose work reflects the true spirit of Ubuntu our shared humanity. Through a powerful blend of traditional wisdom and modern agroecology, these women are restoring their land, strengthening community resilience, and advancing solutions to some of today’s most pressing challenges: climate change, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity.
Their journey reminds us that sustainable change begins within communities, driven by knowledge, solidarity, and collective action.
📖 Explore and share their inspiring photo essay:
https://the-global-forest-coalition.shorthandstories.com/ubuntu-in-action/index.html

30/12/2025

Reflection of 2025

Ubuntu in Action: Meet the Climate Defenders of Zambia! 🇿🇲🌱
In the Shibuyunji District, the Kapyanga Women Association is proving that the path to a sustainable future is rooted in tradition. Guided by the spirit of Ubuntu (shared humanity), these incredible women are reclaiming their agricultural heritage to fight climate change and food insecurity.
What are they achieving? ✅ Seed Sovereignty: They’ve built a community seed bank preserving 35 varieties of indigenous crops. ✅ Forest Restoration: Over 2,000 native trees have been planted in the Kawena Forest Reserve. ✅ Green Innovation: They produce eco-friendly charcoal from maize cobs and run a community hammer mill. ✅ Holistic Health: Growing medicinal plants like Moringa to support local families.
For these women, agroecology is a way of life that restores both the soil and cultural dignity. But they cannot do it alone—they are calling on global leaders to invest in real, grassroots solutions led by those on the frontlines.
Let’s stand in solidarity with the keepers of the seed! ✊🌾

https://the-global-forest-coalition.shorthandstories.com/ubuntu-in-action/index.html

25/12/2025

🌍 As 2025 draws to a close…

We pause to reflect on the commitments made and the work still ahead. At LLDC3 in Awaza, Turkmenistan (Aug 2025), the Awaza Programme of Action reaffirmed global resolve to support landlocked developing countries.
From an African civil society perspective, the message is clear: people-centered implementation is the priority. This means:
✅ Closing urban–rural gaps
✅ Supporting locally led climate resilience
✅ Advancing inclusive regional integration
✅ Engaging civil society as accountable partners

The framework is in place. 2026 must be the year commitments turn into results. No landlocked country, no community left behind.

22/12/2025

"Wishing you a joyous Christmas filled with love, hope, and solidarity! May the spirit of community and justice inspire us to build a world where all can thrive. 🌟🎄
Zamsof UN - OHRLLS