Naomi Chanda

Naomi Chanda is a Zambian farmer and agriculture trainer based in Chinsali, northern Zambia. She works with the Campaign for Female Education (Camfed) to teach climate-smart agricultural techniques and supports girls' education and empowerment through her community initiatives.

Early life and education Chanda was born in northern Zambia and raised in the Chinsali district by her mother after her father died when she was an infant. Her mother faced challenges in providing for Naomi's education, including the costs of school fees, uniforms, and other essentials.

In secondary school, her situation became increasingly precarious until Camfed stepped in to provide financial support for her education. She also conducts community outreach programs, teaching farming techniques to local smallholder farmers and schoolchildren. These efforts aim to build resilience against environmental challenges such as prolonged droughts and erratic rainfall.

Her leadership roles within the Camfed Association include serving as the district chairperson in 2019 and later as the national chairperson for Zambia in 2022. These positions involved advocating for educational re-entry policies for girls and supporting community initiatives. In 2024, Chanda was featured on the BBC’s 100 Women list.

Personal life Chanda supports vulnerable girls by covering their school fees and providing uniforms and other essentials. She operates a small home furnishing business, using the profits to assist disadvantaged children in her community. Chanda converted her family home into a shelter for girls, providing a safe space for those at risk of early marriage and supporting their educational pursuits.