Africa Endowments
Zambia Endowments
CLARENCE R. AND ARETA V. CROWELL ZAMBIA ENDOWMENT
Established in 2002 with a gift from Clarence R. Crowell of Turlock, California.
Copper mining has long been a mainstay of Zambia’s economy, but in the ‘80’s and ‘90’s declining copper prices coupled with a prolonged drought hurt the country’s economy. “Despite progress…Zambia’s economic growth remains below the 5-7% necessary to reduce poverty significantly,” says the World Factbook. In many areas of the country, due to the prevailing drought, farmers have sold or traded most of their small livestock in order to survive. Another challenge that is choking Zambia’s progress is the prevalence of HIV/AIDS; Zambia’s infection rates are some of the highest in the region. In fact, the average life expectancy now is just 35 years. Heifer has ongoing projects introducing, or in some cases, re-introducing, draft and dairy cattle, and goats. Heifer has micro-credit programs that provide small loans to low income farmers for developing livestock projects. The recipients, in most cases women, are receiving training in animal care, record keeping and marketing skills, to promote self-reliance and increased income for family needs.
To keep hope alive in Zambia, please give today.
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