ZARD was formed in 1984 for the purpose of encouraging research on the position of women in Zambia; and to create channels of communication between researchers and others concerned with the place of women in the development process in Zambia. The organization does not have its own research funds but acts as an intermediary in forwarding research proposals to appropriate donor organizations for consideration.

Objectives
ZARD objectives are: to promote research aimed at enlightening the public on the status of women; to create channels of communication between researchers and persons concerned with development problems, particularly policy makers; to strengthen research capabilities, promote participatory research and emphasize action-oriented research; to encourage an innovative approach to research so that it is centred more on development problems pertaining to Zambia in particular and Africa in general; to evaluate research priorities and methodology; and to collect and disseminate findings and other information concerning research.
 
Activities
Zard holds meetings to exchange ideas, organizes seminars and workshops on research and methodology, and maintains contact with other research groups.
Conservation and Mangement of Resources for Environment and Development: Desertification, Drought, Rural Development and Water Research on the impact of drought on women, water and sanitation.
Socio Economic Dimensions: Urbanism, Women`s Rights, Human Rights ZARD undertakes research aimed at uplifting the status of women relative to men in Zambia.
A large part of the work focuses on women. Research has been recently conducted on community Participation in Huiman Settlements, Property and Urbanization.