The Sustainable Livelihoods Programme aims at contributing to the improvement of livelihoods of the poor in the different dioceses where it has a presence. Specifically, Caritas Zambia implements three sub programmes namely Sustainable Agriculture, Alternative Livelihoods and Emergency Preparedness and Response as part of this broader programme.

Sustainable Agriculture Sub Programme

The Sustainable Agriculture Sub Programme seeks to improve the returns on the farmers’ produce through promoting and encouraging conservation farming and improved management practices among smallholder farmers. The sub programme, also, provides farmers with livestock and training in livestock production. In addition, Caritas Zambia facilitates the formation of farmer groups, which are intended to strengthen the farmer’s voice to lobby the government on agricultural issues and sourcing of farming inputs and bargain for economic prices for their produce. Besides research and policy analysis on agriculture issues, and advocacy activities are undertaken to influence pro-poor agriculture and development policies.

 Alternative Livelihoods Sub Programme

The Alternative Livelihoods Sub Programme helps Caritas Zambia to empower community members in the dioceses to effectively engage in other economic activities besides farming. Activities under this Sub-Programme include training of smallholder farmers and other selected community members in entrepreneurship; research and awareness creation on sources of livelihoods and alternative income sources for communities.  Other activities include capacity building for crop dependant communities in small livestock production, harvesting and sale of forest products, and growing of cash crops as well as in small businesses activities.

Emergency Response and Preparedness Sub Programme

The Emergency Response and Preparedness Sub Programme of endeavours to increase capacity of communities in disaster preparedness and response. In this regard, the studies on coping mechanisms and indigenous Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) measures in communities are undertaken. Also, communities are trained in DRR, while community awareness is created, especially, on early warning.  Equally, issues related to climate change are identified for advocacy and communities are trained in lobbying and advocacy skills.