Low impact agriculture

Zambia is a country in southern Africa that counts about 16 million inhabitants. The country’s national economy relies on its huge mineral resources, copper in particular (Zambia being one of the main world producers of this metal together with Chile). Most of its population however still lives below the poverty line (54.4%).

The project will concern the districts of Mongu and Limulunga, in the Western Province. In this depressed region 80% of the population lives below the poverty line. The population practices subsistence agriculture and farming. To supplement their budget, between 65 and 70% of families produce coal illegally by burning wood. This results in pollution and severe deforestation.

The project has two objectives: starting eco-sustainable farming activities that will generate an income for families, and setting up a pellet production activity using vegetable waste.

1) Agricultural activities will focus on the preparation of vegetable gardens to grow vegetables for direct consumption or to be sold at markets, and the cultivation of moringa, sweet potato and mango.

• The moringa is an easy plant to cultivate because it grows on almost any types of soil and is very drought resistant. Its leaves, flowers, roots, seeds and fruits are edible. The moringa is rich in proteins, minerals, vitamins, as well as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances. Zambian farmers will receive adequate training on processing and packaging the leaves that can then be sold.
• Mango is very widespread in Zambia. Its production is concentrated in two months and the surplus is not sufficiently exploited. For this reason, farmers will be taught how to process, pack and sell the dried fruits.
• Sweet potato is a very common tuber and its cultivation is complementary to that of the mango. Its cultivation and drying will therefore be promoted to offer farmers an additional opportunity.

2) Pellets will be made from agricultural waste by decomposing and compacting it

The direct beneficiaries are the 1,500 inhabitants of three villages who, little by little, will be able to abandon the illegal production of coal and undertake income-generating agricultural activities; moreover, thanks to the pellets, they will also dispose of an environmentally friendly energy source. The beneficiaries will be gathered in local associations and, in addition to the required technical training, they will also be given the tools for processing the raw materials to sell them on the market.
It is estimated that the project will benefit indirectly at least 195,000 people, who will be able to enjoy preserved forests, clean energy and better quality agricultural products in greater quantities.