BRINGING DEVELOPMENT CLOSER TO THE PEOPLE

What is the Constituency Development Fund (CDF)?

The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is government funding provided to constituencies to support local development, with the aim of bringing resources and decision-making closer to the people.


CDF is designed to help communities receive public goods and services-such as schools, health facilities, water points, feeder roads, and empowerment programmes-that respond directly to their priorities and everyday needs. In Kasenengwa, CDF creates an environment where the Member of Parliament, Kasenengwa Town Council, Ward Development Committees, and local communities sit together to identify challenges, select projects, and implement solutions that improve people’s well-being at constituency and ward level, while promoting transparency, accountability, job creation, and inclusive participation for youth, women, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

How is CDF managed in Kasenengwa?

Kasenengwa Town Council manages CDF in line with the Constituency Development Fund Act No. 11 of 2018 and its guidelines. These rules promote transparency, accountability, and community participation in how funds are allocated and used.

Decisions on CDF-funded projects are not made by one person alone – they involve community structures, technical officers, and the CDF Committee to ensure funds are used fairly and responsibly.

How much CDF does Kasenengwa receive each year?

CDF allocations to Kasenengwa have increased significantly over time. In 2021, the allocation was ZMW 1,600,000.00. By 2022, this rose to ZMW 25,739,910.92, followed by ZMW 28,313,902.01 in 2023, ZMW 30,635,641.96 in 2024, ZMW 36,058,150.60 in 2025, and ZMW 40,000,000.00 in 2026.

These increasing allocations mean more resources are available to support community projects, empowerment programmes, and bursaries. A full breakdown of these figures is available in the detailed CDF allocation table and annual reports.

What are the main components of CDF in Kasenengwa?

CDF in Kasenengwa is divided into three key components, based on national guidelines:

  • Community Projects (60%) – For infrastructure and services that benefit the wider community, such as schools, health facilities, water points, and feeder roads.

  • Youth & Women Empowerment (20%) – For soft loans and grants to youth, women, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups to support businesses and skills development.

  • Bursaries (20%) – For financial support to orphans and vulnerable learners to access secondary boarding schools and skills training.

How are Community Projects funded through CDF?

Community projects start at Ward level. Communities identify and prioritise projects through their Ward Development Committees (WDCs). Application forms are completed and submitted with supporting documents such as meeting minutes and land proof.

These proposals are then appraised by a Technical Appraisal Committee, reviewed by the CDF Committee, and finally approved by the Minister. Only projects that benefit the wider community, use approved designs, and have minimal negative environmental impact are funded.

How does the Empowerment component work?

Under the empowerment component, individuals and groups (especially youth, women, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable people) can apply for grants or soft loans to support businesses and income-generating activities.

Applications are made through the WDC, accompanied by required documents such as registration certificates, NRCs and bank details. The CDF Committee reviews applications, and in some cases financial institutions are involved to help manage loan products. Approved beneficiaries sign grant or loan agreements before funds are disbursed.

Who can get a CDF bursary?

CDF bursaries support orphans and vulnerable learners from Kasenengwa Constituency who have been accepted into public boarding schools or TEVET/skills training institutions.

Priority is given to learners from poor households, orphans, and persons with disabilities. Applications are made through the WDC with documents such as acceptance letters, birth certificates, death certificates (where applicable), and recommendations from schools or community leaders. Once approved, payments are made directly to the schools or training institutions.

Who is eligible to apply for CDF support?

Eligibility depends on the component:

  • Community Projects must be identified by the local community, benefit many people, use approved designs, and have minimal environmental impact.

  • Empowerment applicants (usually groups/ cooperatives) should have at least 10 members, be residents of the constituency for more than six months, hold valid NRCs, and run projects that can create employment.

  • Bursary applicants must be residents of Kasenengwa Constituency, enrolled or accepted in a public boarding school or TEVET institution, and be from vulnerable or low-income households, with orphans and learners with disabilities prioritised.

CDF SUPPORT INFORMATION

Tap on each section below to view the required documents and committee details.

Different components of CDF require different supporting documents. Generally, applicants should prepare the following:

Community Projects

  • Signed minutes of community meetings.
  • Proof of land ownership (where applicable).
  • Recommendation letters from community leaders.
  • Completed community project application form.

Empowerment

  • Registration certificate for the group or cooperative.
  • Green National Registration Cards (NRCs) for members.
  • Bank account or mobile wallet details.
  • Business proposal or concept note.
  • Recommendation or introduction letter.

Bursaries

  • Acceptance letter from the school or training institution.
  • Birth certificate (where applicable).
  • Death certificates of parents (for orphans), where applicable.
  • Disability card (where applicable).
  • Recommendations from the school or community leaders.

The Constituency Development Fund Committee (CDFC) is established under the CDF Act to oversee the management and implementation of CDF projects in Kasenengwa Constituency.

Membership includes:

  • Community representatives nominated by the Member of Parliament.
  • Councillors representing the wards.
  • Traditional leaders from the constituency.
  • Representatives from civil society and faith-based organisations.
  • Technical officers from Kasenengwa Town Council.

This mix ensures that decisions on CDF are guided by community voices, traditional leadership, and professional technical expertise.

Need to apply for Community Projects, Empowerment or Bursaries?

📥 Download CDF Forms

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