Zambian smallholder farmers reap Sustainable Intensification Practices rewards from the European Union-supported project

About 60,000 smallholder farmers are targeted beneficiaries in the ongoing Sustainable Intensification of Smallholder Farming Systems (SIFAZ) Project in Zambia. The seven-and-half-year European Union-funded project implements a research-for-development approach, where applied research is conducted alongside scaling-up of sustainable and climate-smart crop production and land management practices.

Since its inception, SIFAZ project has been conducting adaptive research that has resulted in the release of three (3) technologies namely Crop Intensification, Soil Health and Permanent Ridges. 

Crop Intensification technology addresses challenges of low productivity and soil health with the use of cereals, legumes and agroforestry or “fertiliser trees” such as Gliricidia. Soil Health technology addresses soil fertility decline with the Strip Cropping technique where cereals and legumes are intercropped in narrow strips on the same piece of land. The third technology released are Permanent Ridges, a Conservation Agriculture land preparation method that responds to excess water management, which involves planting crops on ridges maintained in subsequent seasons to avoid soil disturbance.

These technologies are promoted in 27 Project districts taking into account agroecological conditions. Apart from agricultural extension messaging during farmer meetings, these technologies are promoted on Lead and Follower farmer-managed technology demonstration fields, and cooperative-managed Mega Demos. Agricultural field days are held on these demos to expose the technologies to a wider farming community

The field days are an effective tool for the promotion of technologies as they bring together critical stakeholders such as farmers, agro-dealers, seed suppliers, mechanization suppliers, mechanization service providers, financial institutions and cooperating partners among others. The events act as a platform for information sharing creating linkages and relationships between farmers and the wider sector stakeholders such as suppliers of inputs and services, and off-takers of farmer’s produce.

On 29 February 2024, the President of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency Mr. Hakainde Hichilema declared a national disaster and emergency due to the severe drought experienced in the 2023/24 agricultural season in some parts of the country. This drought had devastating effects not only on agriculture but also on water availability, energy supply and the nation’s food security, impacting the livelihoods of millions of people. With 84 severely affected districts in eight (8) out of 10 provinces, some of the affected provinces are SIFAZ Areas.

Regardless of this situation though, hope has been seen because fields under the promoted SIP technologies showed resilience and some of them survived the drought. Where farmers have adopted the promoted technologies tailored to their specific soil types and climate conditions, SIFAZ as a project was able to hold successful agricultural field days in 20 out of the 27 project districts showcasing the resilience of Sustainable Intensification Practices (SIPs) in agriculture.

The Project organized its third annual national field day focusing on promoting sustainable agricultural practices and collaboration, drawing over 700 participants in Kasama District, Northern Province, on 26 April 2024.

Collaboration of results from research, coupled with adequate promotion has proved to be empowering farmers with knowledge and innovative SIPs that are resilient to the changing climate patterns. Together with the farmers, the Project upholds continuous capacity building and adaptation to proven technologies as they are key for smallholder farmers’ improved livelihoods and resilience to climate change.

In this journey toward agricultural excellence and innovation, adapted SIPs coupled with appropriate and sustainable mechanization, stands as the beacon guiding farmers towards increased and sustainable production, productivity and climate resilience, forging a path where tradition meets innovation for generations to come.