Malambo Independent Aspiring Member of Parliament Faith Lungu Bury (FLB) says the youth in Mambwe District, Eastern Province, face a unique intersection of challenges shaped by rural isolation, limited infrastructure, and socio-economic vulnerabilities.
In a statement ahead of Youth Day, Lungu highlighted that the most pressing issues include high unemployment, inadequate access to education and health services, early marriages, and climate-related disruptions to livelihoods.
She observed that the problems are compounded by weak institutional support and limited platforms for youth voices.
Lungu explained that the district, located in Eastern Province, Zambia, borders South Luangwa National Park and is predominantly rural, with agriculture and tourism as the main economic activities.
She noted that youth demographics reveal a large proportion of the population is under 25, reflecting Zambia’s national trend where over 50% are below 18.
Lungu remarked that there are limited formal jobs, with tourism and agriculture dominating, but both sectors are seasonal and vulnerable to climate shocks.
She emphasised that climate change and livelihoods are affected as droughts and floods disrupt farming cycles, directly impacting youth employment in agriculture.
Lungu observed that wildlife conflicts arise due to proximity to South Luangwa National Park, where crop destruction by animals discourages youth from farming.
She pledged to work with cooperating partners to expand vocational training in tourism, conservation, and climate-smart agriculture.
Lungu further committed to strengthening youth-led cooperatives, improving microfinance access, and investing in rural schools and digital learning hubs to reduce dropout rates.
She promised to mainstream youth voices into district development planning and climate adaptation programmes tailored to youth farmers and entrepreneurs.
