Climate Change Resilience: Empowering Communities, Inspiring Change
At Family Development Initiatives (FDI), we believe that climate resilience is not just about protecting the environment — it’s about protecting people, livelihoods, and the future of our communities. Our work is rooted in ensuring that families, especially the most vulnerable, are equipped to adapt to the challenges of a changing climate through inclusive engagement, education, advocacy, and innovation.
Our Strategic Focus Areas
Policy Engagement and Civil Society Mobilization
FDI, in collaboration with the Zambia Climate Change Network (ZCCN), plays a central role in organizing Pre-COP (Conference of Parties) meetings. These high-level engagements bring together civil society and government to ensure that Zambia’s national climate position reflects the voices of non-state actors, especially those representing women, youth, and other vulnerable groups. Through this work, FDI strengthens inclusive national dialogues ahead of UNFCCC conventions, such as the upcoming COP29.
Youth and Science for Climate Action
In partnership with Cosmos Education Zambia, FDI marks World Science Day through interactive events aimed at:
- Inspiring youth in primary, secondary, and tertiary education to pursue science and technology with a climate-conscious mindset
- Building a movement of young climate leaders ready to drive innovation and resilience
- Highlighting barriers faced by young science innovators in Zambia, particularly around access to funding and support
- Raising public awareness of the critical role of science in achieving sustainable development goals
This initiative fosters curiosity and problem-solving while connecting the dots between science education and environmental justice.
Eco-Clubs in Schools
FDI has been actively working with schools across Lusaka Province to promote eco-clubs, reaching over 750 learners. These clubs empower children and youth to:
- Understand climate change and environmental conservation
- Take part in local climate actions like tree planting and waste management
- Build lifelong stewardship values for a healthier planet
Through these efforts, FDI is nurturing a new generation of climate-conscious citizens.
Natural Resource Governance
FDI also contributes to climate and environmental justice through advocacy in the extractives sector. As part of the Publish What You Pay (PWYP) platform, FDI promotes transparency, accountability, and equity in natural resource governance with specific focus on the mining sector. Since 2019, FDI has consistently participated in the Zambia Alternative Mining Indaba (ZAMI), ensuring that climate risks and community voices are part of national debates around mining and sustainability.
Our Vision
We envision a Zambia where climate resilience is a shared responsibility — from the classroom to the parliament, and from the grassroots to global platforms. At FDI, we are committed to ensuring that climate action is locally driven, scientifically grounded, and socially inclusive.