Empowered worldviews: Assessing the persistence of psychosocial intervention effects in Zambia

This study assessed whether empowerment from World Vision’s faith-based Empowered Worldview (EWV) approach persisted 3–5 years after delivery among smallholder farmers in Zambia. Using 2020–2023 longitudinal data from the THRIVE livelihoods program, results show internal empowerment remained high (82.3% at endline vs. 80.0% at midline) and was strongest when paired with livelihood interventions. Localised empowerment also improved and was linked to sustaining internal empowerment. Gains were more pronounced among non-poor households, highlighting the need for additional support for the poorest. Both empowerment types were positively associated with household resilience.