Our Projects
Projects That Change Lives
SAFOD turns advocacy into action through projects led by and for persons with disabilities across Southern Africa. Each one is grounded in evidence, delivered with affiliates, and built to leave lasting change.
Projects are where SAFOD's work meets communities on the ground. They train people, build services, and test ideas that can grow into wider change.
SAFOD has been delivering the following projects.
Ongoing CBM / BMZ Project
Enhancing Disability-Inclusive DRR Capacities in Southeast Africa
SAFOD runs a three-year project on disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi. Delivered with CBM Global, it cuts the risk persons with disabilities face in climate disasters. The work includes OPD training, policy mapping, and regional advocacy.
View project →
Ongoing Loughborough University · Economic Empowerment
Arts and Crafts Project — Mochudi, Botswana
SAFOD supports 13 craftspeople with disabilities in Kgatleng District, Botswana. Backed by Loughborough University, it built a multi-purpose hall in Mochudi and an e-commerce platform. The work helps craftspeople build inclusive, sustainable enterprises and reach global buyers.
View project →
Phase II Planned Research Project · FIRAH
Disability and Sexuality: Stories from South Africa
This research project challenged myths about the sexuality of people with physical disabilities. Funded by FIRAH, it used a public survey, interviews, and an awareness campaign. People with disabilities took part as co-researchers. SAFOD now plans a second phase of the work.
View project →
Ongoing OSISA Project · Inclusive ECDE
Inclusive Early Childhood Development and Education Project
SAFOD helps young children with disabilities get found early and join school in Lesotho, Mozambique, and Zambia. Funded by OSISA, it links community rehabilitation with inclusive early learning. Affiliates train caregivers and set up local working groups.
View project →
Ongoing UNICEF Project · #IYV
#InclusiveYoungVoices — Youth Online Advocacy Project
This project began by training 20 youth ambassadors with disabilities across Botswana, Namibia, Mozambique, Zambia, and Malawi. It has now grown to involve young people with disabilities across the region. They use social media to push for disability mainstreaming, through youth dialogues, a writers' competition, and engagement meetings with policymakers.
View project →
Offline Google Impact Challenge · Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology Information Mapping Project (AT-INFO-MAP)
AT-Info-Map mapped AT suppliers and service providers across ten Southern African countries. The mobile app helped users find AT in Botswana and beyond. The app's hosting has now expired. SAFOD is seeking funding and partners to bring it back, as its loss hits persons with disabilities searching for AT suppliers.
View project →
Inactive FFO Norway Project
Strengthening Human Rights and Good Governance Across SAFOD Affiliates
This three-year project built the skills of SAFOD affiliate DPOs in good governance, advocacy, and UNCRPD monitoring. Funded by FFO Norway, it trained eight affiliate federations in shadow reporting. National monitoring mechanisms were set up or strengthened in Namibia, Malawi, and Mozambique.
View project →
Inactive OSISA Project
Building OPD Capacity for an Inclusive Legislative Environment in Eswatini
SAFOD helped its Eswatini affiliate FODSWA recover after years of leadership and funding problems. Funded by OSISA, it strengthened governance, advocacy, and UNCRPD monitoring. The work produced an advocacy manual and supported lobbying for a new Disability Bill.
View project →
