Exploring Women’s Knowledge and Access to Community Development Funds in Rural Zambia

Abstract

Women’s access to development financing remains a critical determinant of rural empowerment and poverty reduction. This study examined women’s knowledge and access to the Community Development Fund (CDF) in selected rural districts of Zambia, using a descriptive cross-sectional design with a sample of 400 respondents. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests of independence. Results revealed that while 52.8% of women were aware of the CDF, only 20.5% had successfully applied and received support, highlighting a substantial gap between awareness and utilisation. Inferential analysis showed no significant association between age or education and CDF access, but gender (χ²=12.45, p=0.001, V=0.320), marital status (χ²=10.60, p=0.005, V=0.275), employment status (χ²=15.72, p=0.001, V=0.340), and occupation (χ²=18.90, p<0.001, V=0.365) were significant predictors of knowledge and access. These findings indicate that structural inequalities, rather than individual educational attainment, shape women’s ability to benefit from community development financing. The study underscores the need for gender-sensitive policies, inclusive outreach strategies, and targeted interventions that address barriers faced by subsistence farmers, unemployed women, and socially marginalised groups. Strengthening women’s equitable participation in CDF processes is essential for achieving gender equality, inclusive governance, and sustainable rural development