Tackling Poverty through Resilience in Rural Communities of Luapula Province of Zambia

Rural Communities of Luapula Province of Zambia continue to experience economic and social shocks as a result of change in weather patterns, impact of COVID-19 pandemic, sticking to old agricultural practices, rapid depletion of natural resources and lack of extension services. Poverty levels are reported to be swinging between 76% and 82% and rural populations are the most affected. This study was conducted under the topic; Tackling Poverty through Resilience in Rural Communities of Luapula Province of Zambia. The general objective was to explore ways that will enhance community capacity to recover quickly from the poverty trap that they are found in. The study used the qualitative research method and primary data was collected through informal interviews with key respondents, checklist driven interviews, focus groups comprising village members both men and women, questionnaire survey, participant observation and activity within the farming communities and interviews with key actors that included ministry of agriculture food and fisheries officers, village leaders, line government ministry officials, commercial seed and fertilizer suppliers. Secondary data was collected through reports, leaflets and books. Data was analyzed qualitatively using themes. The study adopted the Social Capital Theory because it is necessary for strong social relationships, both internal and external to the community, to proceed.