The Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) has commenced training farmers in five districts in agroecology.
The Agroecology Training is being achieved through the Strengthening Civil Society Voices for Climate Advocacy in Zambia project funded by the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF).
The Project implemented in Chirundu, Lusaka, Chongwe, Rufunsa, and Luangwa focuses on the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the National Adaptation Plan (NAP).
Speaking in Luangwa during the first Agroecology Training,
Project Manager Engineer Gabriel Mukuka said the two-year project has been working with local civil society organisations in five districts to strengthen climate advocacy in Zambia.
Mr Mukuka highlighted the importance of agroecology in improving resilience against climate change, noting that farmers using sustainable practices have maintained crop yields despite harsh conditions.
He also pointed to the National Climate Action Framework, developed collectively by local civil society groups, as a key milestone of the initiative.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, CEJ has facilitated training workshops across the districts, with 25 farmers per district equipped with climate-smart techniques.
Mr Mukuka reaffirmed the project’s commitment to empowering communities to take action against climate challenges and influence policy decisions.
Meanwhile, Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) Agricultural Specialist Memory Mfungo has called on farmers to adopt diverse farming methods for resilience and food security.
Ms Mfungo cautioned against monoculture, emphasizing the benefits of planting different crop varieties at staggered times.
One of the Facilitators, Peter Tindwa, also encouraged farmers to preserve indigenous seeds alongside commercial ones to strengthen sustainability.