Panos Institute

Celebrating Impact and Sustaining Climate Justice and Action in Zambia Beyond 2025

As the VCA programme in Zambia and globally draws to a close, stakeholders gathered in Chilanga, Zambia, for a three-day close-out meeting to reflect on achievements, celebrate milestones, and chart the way forward for climate justice beyond 2025.

Amplifying Grassroots Voices in Climate Finance Advocacy

Climate finance has become a crucial pillar in the global fight against climate change. From mitigation projects to adaptation efforts, financial flows are critical in determining who gets supported, how resilience is built, and which communities can thrive amid climate shocks. However, one key stakeholder group often remains marginalised in these discussions: grassroots communities.

PSAf Empowers Journalists in Mazabuka to Drive Climate Action and Justice Narratives

Panos Institute Southern Africa (PSAf), under the VCA programme, successfully conducted a transformative media training workshop in May 2025, Mazabuka, Zambia, aimed at strengthening the capacity of local journalists, storytellers, and communicators in Climate Action, Advocacy, and Justice Storytelling and Reporting. The initiative, which culminated in a powerful story harvesting exercise in the communities of Mwanachingwala and Nacipoma, sought to equip participants with the tools and knowledge to translate complex climate data into accessible, locally grounded narratives that catalyse change.

Inspiring Stories of Climate Action in Zambia

Witness the power of local communities leading the way to a sustainable future. These three compelling documentaries from Panos Institute Southern Africa (PSAf) take you to the heart of Zambia, showcasing grassroots innovations and resilience in the face of climate change.

Musaya Ward Rejoices as Zemba Zemba Dam Rehabilitation Begins

For over 17 years, residents of Musaya Ward in Chirundu District have endured an ongoing battle against water scarcity. The devastating floods of 2008-2009 not only displaced over 102,000 families across Zambia but also destroyed critical infrastructure in Musaya, including the Zemba Zemba Dam. Once a lifeline for agriculture, fishing, and household needs, the dam’s collapse left the community reliant on a single borehole, which produced unsafe water suspected of containing heavy metals.

Publication

VCA country project profiles

The VCA Project Profiles are now available as individual publications by country. These publications highlight various innovative, locally-driven climate action initiatives implemented by VCA local partners.

Knowledge Exchange Success Stories from Luangwa

Grassroots communities are increasingly recognised as critical stakeholders in the fight against climate change. Their unique insights into local ecosystems and their capacity for collective action make them valuable contributors to climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. A community-to-community exchange programme between the Kanayama Women's Federation and the Katondwe Alliance of Women has demonstrated how community linkages can significantly enhance grassroots climate action.

Powerful stories from VCA’s Knowledge Partners

Organisations and communities mobilising local knowledge and strengthening climate action.

Strengthening Peer Learning between Grassroots Women in Luangwa

In the heart of Zambia, grassroots women’s groups are leading the charge toward sustainable community development. Through a unique exchange programme, the Katondwe Alliance of Women (KAW) and the Kanyama Women’s Federation have come together to share knowledge and innovative practices, transforming environmental challenges into opportunities for growth.

News

VCA October 2024, COP 29 newsletter

Welcome to the October 2024, COP 29 edition of the VCA newsletter. This edition highlights our Global Programme's preparations for COP 29 and the online events focusing on strengthening local voices, global climate advocacy, and a position paper on the importance of including local voices at the global decision-making level.