Keepers Zambia Foundation (KZF) was formed under the facilitation of the Royal Netherlands Government prior to the introduction of the Agricultural Sector Investment Programme (ASIP) with the intention of experimenting with an alternative method of financing small scale agriculture besides the basket funding that the ASIP prescribed. Initial funding for one year only was provided by the Dutch on the understanding that the organisation would diversify its funding sources with time.
On 29th January 1996, Keepers Zambia Foundation (KZF) was registered as an indigenous Zambian owned NGO with the main objective of livelihood advancement of disadvantaged communities in rural and peri- urban communities. The Organization has evolved to attain a national status with a coverage of over 50 development projects designed and implemented by KZF and a reach of 217,000 families or 1,300,000 people (representing nearly 10% of Zambia’s population: COSO 2010) in the field of agriculture, environment, energy, health, water and sanitation and advocacy.
KZF has over the years grown from a regional to a national organisation by expanding its physical presence to 7 of the 10 provinces of Zambia. The portfolio of development projects designed and implemented by KZF has increased with a reach and coverage that is nationwide. The number and range of partners has also expanded to include local and international NGOs, Multilateral donor agencies, the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ), the European Union, United States Government and United Nations specialized agencies. The annual income for KZF now averages US $6.5 million.
