Transforming Zambia’s Agriculture
… Embracing Agroecology for a Sustainable Future Through Enhanced Productivity, Environmental Stewardship, and Community Empowerment
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka, Zambia24 (7-09-2024) – Zambia’s agricultural sector is poised for a transformative shift as efforts to adopt agroecological practices gain traction.
These methods aim to boost crop yields, enhance environmental stewardship, and empower local communities by integrating ecological principles into farming.
This move addresses critical issues such as food security, environmental degradation, and economic stability, promising improved productivity, reduced costs, and long-term sustainability.
Agroecology: A Path to Enhanced Productivity and Environmental Health
Agroecology has proven effective in addressing energy, water, and food security challenges through transformative changes, harmonizing productivity with sustainability by enhancing crop, livestock, field, farm, and landscape diversity. Central to this model is the use of biodiversity without depleting resources while reducing reliance on external inputs.
Muketoi Wamunyima, Country Coordinator of Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Zambia, stresses the urgent need for increased investment in extension services, technology, research, and training to advance agroecological practices among smallholder farmers.
He asserts that such investments are essential for improving livelihoods and strengthening food security in developing countries.
Wamunyima advocates for agroecology as a transformative approach that tackles the intricacies of food systems by integrating ecological, economic, and social dimensions.
“This holistic approach not only boosts agricultural productivity but also fosters sustainable commercialization within a supportive political framework,” he explained.
He underscores that agroecological practices can enhance resilience to climate change and promote biodiversity, offering significant benefits to smallholder farmers, who are often the cornerstone of food production in these regions.
Through encouraging community participation and knowledge exchange, agroecology can empower farmers—especially women and youth—to actively shape sustainable food systems.
Approximately 60% of IFAD projects completed between 2018 and 2023 incorporate agroecological practices at various levels—farm, landscape, market, and policy.
Drought-Resistant Seeds and Indigenous Farming
Faides Tembatamba, Country Director at ActionAid Zambia, underscores the critical role of drought-resistant indigenous seeds and organic farming practices in enhancing resilience to climate variability in Zambia.
She calls for increased government support to advance these sustainable agricultural methods. Government involvement, she adds, is essential for fostering sustainable agriculture through several key mechanisms.
“Financial incentives, such as subsidies and grants, can significantly boost farmers’ capacity to adopt drought-resistant and organic farming techniques,” Tembatamba says.
Developing comprehensive agricultural policies that prioritize sustainability will create a supportive environment for farmers. “Zambia can draw lessons from countries like Cuba and Switzerland, which have successfully integrated sustainable agriculture into their national policies,” she narrated.
Additionally, Tembatamba emphasizes that investing in research and development focused on sustainable practices can lead to innovations that benefit both farmers and the environment.
She further highlights the need for a coordinated effort to strengthen agricultural resilience in Zambia, ultimately contributing to food security and environmental sustainability.
Early Successes and Promising Results
The Community Technology Development Trust (CTDT) has reported a significant 20% increase in agricultural productivity in districts such as Rufunsa and Chikankata. This improvement is largely attributed to the distribution of resilient seeds through seed banks, which are part of broader efforts to enhance climate resilience among farming communities.
Edwin Abwino from CTDT emphasizes the importance of building resilient farming communities through effective agrobiodiversity management and climate change adaptation strategies. “By encouraging participatory plant breeding, farmers can develop crop varieties that are suited to their local conditions,” he said.
Isaac Chitibwi from the Worldview Institute Zambia highlights that incorporating trees into farming systems is vital for restoring degraded land, enhancing biodiversity, and improving soil health.
He says, “Agroforestry offers significant ecological and economic benefits, boosting soil fertility, controlling erosion, and improving water availability.”
Approximately 1.5 billion hectares of degraded land worldwide are suitable for restoration through agroforestry, which can enhance agricultural productivity and ecosystem services.
Economic Benefits and Challenges
Simon Mwamba, an environmental activist and board member of the Zambia Climate Change Network, supports agroecology as a way to reduce reliance on costly synthetic inputs. He emphasizes, “Organic farming offers significant economic benefits, including reduced chemical costs and increased profit margins.”
Boyd Moobwe, representing SAFADA, underscores the urgent need for heightened awareness and education on climate-smart agriculture (CSA) to address challenges like drought and its impact on agricultural productivity.
“Educating policymakers, farmers, and extension workers about CSA is key to providing the knowledge necessary for adopting sustainable agricultural methods that can alleviate the negative impacts of climate change,” Moobwe explains.
Success Stories
Ivy Nawa, a farmer from Chongwe, has experienced remarkable success with organic farming. By using organic fertilizers, she significantly improved her maize yields compared to traditional chemical alternatives.
Another farmer, James Zulu from Rufunsa, switched to organic farming after years of declining yields due to the overuse of chemical inputs. “My land is more fertile now than ever before,” Zulu says, as he observed a dramatic improvement in soil health.
Martha Kaponda, a cassava farmer from Northern Province, embraced traditional seed-saving practices and organic mulch after attending a community workshop. Her cassava plants grew taller and more resilient, and she shares, “I had almost given up on farming, but now I feel hopeful again.”
Peter Mwape, a livestock farmer from Southern Province, has adopted organic feed and herbal remedies, reducing his reliance on expensive chemicals. “My cattle are healthier, and I feel like I’m doing something good for the environment,” he explains.
Government Support
The Zambian government is actively supporting the transition to organic agriculture through various initiatives. One such measure is the Agroecology Promotion Act, which provides subsidies and financial incentives for the use of organic inputs and conservation practices.
Agriculture Minister Reuben Mutolo Phiri has emphasized the government’s dedication to advancing organic agriculture. He said, “Organic agriculture supports food security and environmental stewardship through several key mechanisms.”
Phiri highlighted that organic farming preserves soil health, ensuring long-term agricultural productivity and resilience. Additionally, he pointed out that “organic methods enhance climate resilience by promoting biodiversity and maintaining soil fertility, helping farms withstand environmental stressors such as droughts or floods.”
Overcoming Challenges
Adopting agroecology faces challenges, including high initial costs and gaps in knowledge. Many farmers need financial and educational support to implement these practices effectively.
Dr. Mphatso Kabunda notes that overcoming these barriers requires grants, expanded training programs, and market-based incentives like certification schemes. He believes that addressing these challenges is crucial for scaling up agroecology and achieving sustainable food systems.
Comparing Agroecology and Conventional Farming
Agroecology offers clear benefits over conventional farming methods. While conventional agriculture relies heavily on synthetic inputs, agroecology uses organic fertilizers, crop diversification, and conservation tillage to enhance soil health and reduce dependency on external inputs.
Global Context and Zambia’s Position
Zambia is emerging as a potential leader in agroecology, with efforts underway to integrate these practices into the agricultural sector. While countries like Brazil and India are noted for their use of agroecological techniques, Zambia’s progress in adapting these methods to local contexts highlights its leadership potential in sustainable agriculture.
Ecological and Socio-Economic Impacts
Agroecological practices contribute to climate change mitigation by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving biodiversity. Practices such as conservation tillage and organic farming sequester carbon in the soil and enhance ecosystems.
Conclusion
The ongoing efforts to adopt agroecological practices in Zambia reflect a promising shift toward sustainable agriculture. By overcoming challenges and leveraging local success stories, Zambia can enhance its agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship.
Continued support, investment, and public awareness are essential to securing a sustainable food future and promoting resilience in the agricultural sector.
Don’t change the format proofread and just add direct snd indirect quotes
Zambia’s agricultural sector is poised for a transformative shift as efforts to adopt agroecological practices gain traction.
These methods aim to boost crop yields, enhance environmental stewardship, and empower local communities by integrating ecological principles into farming.
This move addresses critical issues such as food security, environmental degradation, and economic stability, promising improved productivity, reduced costs, and long-term sustainability.
Agroecology: A Path to Enhanced Productivity and Environmental Health
Agroecology has proven effective in addressing energy, water, and food security challenges through transformative changes, harmonizing productivity with sustainability by enhancing crop, livestock, field, farm, and landscape diversity. Central to this model is the use of biodiversity without depleting resources while reducing reliance on external inputs.
Muketoi Wamunyima, Country Coordinator of Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Zambia, stresses the urgent need for increased investment in extension services, technology, research, and training to advance agroecological practices among smallholder farmers.
He asserts that such investments are essential for improving livelihoods and strengthening food security in developing countries.
Wamunyima advocates for agroecology as a transformative approach that tackles the intricacies of food systems by integrating ecological, economic, and social dimensions.
“This holistic approach not only boosts agricultural productivity but also fosters sustainable commercialization within a supportive political framework,” he explained.
He underscores that agroecological practices can enhance resilience to climate change and promote biodiversity, offering significant benefits to smallholder farmers, who are often the cornerstone of food production in these regions.
Through encouraging community participation and knowledge exchange, agroecology can empower farmers—especially women and youth—to actively shape sustainable food systems.
Approximately 60% of IFAD projects completed between 2018 and 2023 incorporate agroecological practices at various levels—farm, landscape, market, and policy.
Faides Tembatamba, Country Director at ActionAid Zambia, underscores the critical role of drought-resistant indigenous seeds and organic farming practices in enhancing resilience to climate variability in Zambia.
She calls for increased government support to advance these sustainable agricultural methods. Government involvement is essential for fostering sustainable agriculture through several key mechanisms.
Financial incentives, such as subsidies and grants, can significantly boost farmers’ capacity to adopt drought-resistant and organic farming techniques.
“Developing comprehensive agricultural policies that prioritize sustainability will create a supportive environment for farmers; Zambia can draw lessons from countries like Cuba and Switzerland, which have successfully integrated sustainable agriculture into their national policies,” she narrated.
Additionally, Tembatemba said investing in research and development focused on sustainable practices can lead to innovations that benefit both farmers and the environment.
She emphasizes the need for a coordinated effort to strengthen agricultural resilience in Zambia, ultimately contributing to food security and environmental sustainability.
Early Successes and Promising Results
The Community Technology Development Trust (CTDT) has reported a significant 20% increase in agricultural productivity in districts such as Rufunsa and Chikankata.
This improvement is largely attributed to the distribution of resilient seeds through seed banks, which are part of broader efforts to enhance climate resilience among farming communities.
Edwin Abwino from CTDT emphasizes the importance of building resilient farming communities through effective agrobiodiversity management and climate change adaptation strategies.
The organization is actively involved in participatory plant breeding initiatives, allowing farmers to engage in the development of new crop varieties that are better suited to their local conditions.
This collaborative approach not only empowers farmers but also ensures that the seeds they use are resilient to climate variations, ultimately supporting food security and livelihood improvements in vulnerable areas.
Isaac Chitibwi from the Worldview Institute Zambia highlights that incorporating trees into farming systems is vital for restoring degraded land, enhancing biodiversity, and improving soil health.
Agroforestry, which combines trees with crops and livestock, offers significant ecological and economic benefits. It boosts soil fertility, controls erosion, and improves water availability, making it effective for degraded landscapes.
Approximately 1.5 billion hectares of degraded land worldwide are suitable for restoration through agroforestry, which can enhance agricultural productivity and ecosystem services.
“This approach supports biodiversity, food security, and local incomes, helping to alleviate poverty,” he explained.
Furthermore, Chitibwi observed agroforestry systems can mitigate climate change by sequestering carbon and increasing resilience to environmental shocks like droughts and food shortages.
“Integrating trees into farming practices is thus a sustainable strategy for both environmental health and agricultural productivity,” he suggested.
Economic Benefits and Challenges
Simon Mwamba, an environmental activist and board member of the Zambia Climate Change Network, supports agroecology as a way to reduce reliance on costly synthetic inputs.
He points to organic farming’s potential for significant economic benefits, including reduced chemical costs and increased profit margins.
Mwamba highlights the need to combine local knowledge with modern science to enhance resilience and sustainability.
Boyd Moobwe, representing SAFADA, underscores the urgent need for heightened awareness and education on climate-smart agriculture (CSA) to address challenges like drought and its impact on agricultural productivity.
CSA is vital for adapting farming practices to climate change, boosting resilience, and ensuring food security, especially for smallholder farmers who are particularly vulnerable to climate effects.
Moobwe’s appeal supports ongoing initiatives aimed at educating policymakers, farmers, and extension workers about CSA principles and practices.
These efforts are designed to provide them with the knowledge necessary to adopt sustainable agricultural methods that can alleviate the negative impacts of climate change, such as increasingly frequent and severe droughts.
Promoting CSA enables stakeholders to work towards enhancing agricultural productivity in a sustainable manner, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthening the overall resilience of farming systems amidst climate variability.
Agroecology: A Sustainable Approach to Farming
Agroecology integrates ecological principles into farming, focusing on practices such as biodiversity, organic fertilization, and conservation tillage.
These methods aim to maintain soil health, reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals, and enhance resilience to climate variability.
In Zambia, early adoption has shown improvements such as increased yields from crop diversification and enhanced soil fertility from organic fertilization.
Conservation tillage has the potential to reduce soil erosion, while integrated pest management could decrease crop damage. Agroforestry and water conservation techniques are expected to enhance crop resilience and productivity.
Success Stories
Ivy Nawa, a farmer from Chongwe, has experienced remarkable success with organic farming.
By using organic fertilizers like Agus, she has significantly improved her maize yields compared to those achieved with traditional chemical alternatives.
The benefits were evident not only in the quantity but also in the quality of her produce.
Nawa’s success serves as a compelling example of the potential for organic fertilizers to enhance agricultural productivity while promoting environmental sustainability.
Inspired by her results, Nawa has become a passionate advocate for organic fertilizers within her community.
She actively shares her knowledge and experiences with fellow farmers, encouraging them to adopt similar practices.
Her efforts have sparked increased interest in organic farming methods among local farmers, fostering a broader movement toward more sustainable agricultural practices.
Another farmer, James Zulu from Rufunsa, has transformed his small vegetable farm through agroecological practices.
Faced with declining yields due to the overuse of chemical inputs, Zulu decided to switch to organic farming.
By using compost and natural pest control methods, he not only increased his harvest but also noticed a dramatic improvement in soil health.
“My land is more fertile now than ever before,” Zulu says. “I can see the difference in the color and texture of the soil.”
His success has inspired others in his village to reconsider their reliance on chemical inputs, with many now seeking his advice on how to transition to organic farming.
Martha Kaponda, a cassava farmer from Northern Province, found a solution to her declining harvests through traditional seed-saving practices.
After attending a community workshop on agroecology, she began planting indigenous seeds and using organic mulch to retain soil moisture.
The results were immediate: her cassava plants grew taller and more resilient to pests and drought.
“I had almost given up on farming, but now I feel hopeful again,” Kaponda says.
Her renewed sense of purpose has made her a vocal advocate for indigenous seeds and organic farming practices, often traveling to nearby villages to teach others the techniques she learned.
Similarly, Peter Mwape, a livestock farmer from Southern Province, has embraced agroecological methods in raising his cattle.
Mwape began incorporating organic feed and herbal remedies to boost the health of his livestock, which had been suffering from frequent illnesses due to the use of commercial feed and antibiotics.
Since making the switch, Mwape’s cattle have not only grown stronger but also require fewer medical interventions.
“I no longer have to spend money on expensive chemicals,” Mwape explains.
“My cattle are healthier, and I feel like I’m doing something good for the environment.”
His story has inspired many livestock farmers in the region to adopt organic approaches to animal husbandry.
Government Support
The Zambian government is actively supporting the transition to organic agriculture through various initiatives.
One such measure is the Agroecology Promotion Act, which provides subsidies and financial incentives for the use of organic inputs and conservation practices.
This legislation is part of a broader effort to encourage farmers to adopt sustainable practices that benefit both their productivity and the environment.
Agriculture Minister Reuben Mutolo Phiri has emphasized the government’s dedication to advancing organic agriculture as a crucial approach to strengthening food security and protecting the environment.
He said Organic agriculture supports food security and environmental stewardship through several key mechanisms.
According to Phiri, By avoiding synthetic chemicals and relying on sustainable practices like composting and crop rotation, organic farming preserves soil health, ensuring long-term agricultural productivity and resilience.
Additionally, organic methods enhance climate resilience by promoting biodiversity and maintaining soil fertility, helping farms withstand environmental stressors such as droughts or floods. This makes food systems more reliable in the face of climate change.
Organic agriculture also contributes to healthier ecosystems by reducing pollution from pesticides and fertilizers, safeguarding water quality, and enhancing biodiversity, all vital for balanced ecosystems that support farming.
Furthermore, organic crops often have higher nutrient density, improving nutrition and contributing to food security, especially for vulnerable populations.
Economically, organic farming can open up new markets and offer higher-value products, boosting farmers’ livelihoods and reducing poverty, which further strengthens community-level food security.
The government’s focus on organic farming aligns with global efforts to create sustainable, resilient food systems while preserving environmental resources for future generations.
By supporting farmers like Ivy Nawa through policy and financial assistance, the government aims to create a more resilient and sustainable agricultural sector.
This support reflects a broader recognition of the role that organic farming can play in addressing the challenges of food security and environmental sustainability in Zambia.
Overcoming Challenges
Adopting agroecology faces challenges, including high initial costs and gaps in knowledge.
Many farmers need financial and educational support to implement these practices effectively.
Dr. Mphatso Kabunda notes that overcoming these barriers requires grants, expanded training programs, and market-based incentives like certification schemes.
Addressing these challenges is crucial for scaling up agroecology and achieving sustainable food systems.
Comparing Agroecology and Conventional Farming
Agroecology offers clear benefits over conventional farming methods. While conventional agriculture relies heavily on synthetic inputs, agroecology uses organic fertilizers, crop diversification, and conservation tillage to enhance soil health and reduce dependency on external inputs.
Conventional farming often incurs high costs and causes long-term environmental damage, whereas agroecology promotes sustainability, reduces production costs, and offers better profit margins.
Global Context and Zambia’s Position
Zambia is emerging as a potential leader in agroecology, with efforts underway to integrate these practices into the agricultural sector.
While countries like Brazil and India are noted for their use of agroecological techniques, Zambia’s progress in adapting these methods to local contexts highlights its leadership potential in sustainable agriculture.
Ecological and Socio-Economic Impacts
Agroecological practices contribute to climate change mitigation by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving biodiversity.
Practices such as conservation tillage and organic farming sequester carbon in the soil and enhance ecosystems.
Socio-economically, these practices offer increased income and resilience for farmers, with particular benefits for women and youth through skills development and leadership opportunities.
Conclusion
The ongoing efforts to adopt agroecological practices in Zambia reflect a promising shift towards sustainable agriculture.
By overcoming challenges and leveraging local success stories, Zambia can enhance its agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship.
Continued support, investment, and public awareness are essential to securing a sustainable food future and promoting resilience in the agricultural sector.