Monthly Archives: April 2024

The visionary CEO of Loctaguna Organics, Kanangwa Newlove is more than just a farmer. She’s a bridge between local farmers and the food service community, tirelessly working to create a sustainable and organic food system. Witnessing her passion and dedication firsthand at Loctaguna Organics is an inspiring experience. Through her partnership with the Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre, she empowers small-scale farmers across Zambia by training them in agroecological methods. This not only puts organic farming on the map but also revitalises awareness of healthy eating […]

Charles Nkhoma’s journey in agriculture began in 1982, following his graduation from UNZA with a BSc. Degree in agriculture. He joined the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI) as a weed control agronomist, but his role quickly expanded to encompass curatorship due to staffing constraints. This pivotal moment ignited his passion for plant taxonomy and propelled him towards an in-depth understanding of botanical identification, including mastering the nomenclature of farmers,plant species.  Charles soon found himself escorting international germplasm collectors across Zambia, making intimate ties with farmers […]

Sylvia Banda’s transformation from a government office worker to a Zambian culinary icon exemplifies the spirit of reinvention and self-empowerment. It all started when Sylvia, disillusioned with her office job, decided to follow her heart and pursue her passion for cooking. With little resources and antiquated cookware, she transformed her small kitchen into a bustling culinary hub, attracting clients with the alluring fragrances of Zambian staples. What began as a small catering business has grown into a network of training programmes around the region, serving […]

Royd Michelo, a  small-scale farmer residing in Chongwe District under Chief Bunda Bunda, epitomises agroecological stewardship. With a multifaceted role as a facilitator, practitioner, and implementer of agroecological practices, Royd champions sustainable farming methods, including water harvesting, soil fertility management, and natural pest control. His innovative approaches encompass organic fertiliser and liquid bio-fertiliser production, feed fermentation, intercropping, livestock integration, and crop diversification, all aimed at building resilient farming communities.  Royd’s commitment to promoting seed and food sovereignty as tools for resilience has earned him recognition, […]

In the realm of sustainable agriculture, few names evoke as much reverence and admiration as Brother Paul. Recently, the agricultural community mourned the loss of this visionary figure whose life’s work transformed farming practices in Zambia and beyond. Brother Paul’s journey from conventional agriculture to championing organic farming is not just a story of personal transformation but also a testament to the power of dedication and innovation in addressing pressing environmental and social challenges. Brother Paul’s awakening to the ecological pitfalls of conventional agriculture began […]

In the heart of Zambia’s agricultural landscape, Kenji Mpande stands as a dedicated advocate for sustainable farming practices and the preservation of local seed varieties. Working tirelessly under the banner of the Community Technology Development Trust in Chikankata, Kenji’s efforts are centred on conserving plant genetic resources and promoting agro-biodiversity to bolster the agricultural sector.  We spoke to the Farmers’ Rights Champion about Zambia’s seed law landscape and what we can do to maintain our local seed sovereignty.  How do you believe the proposed changes […]

Bevis Mushimbwa is a farmer hailing from Mulisa village in Senior Chief Shakumbila’s jurisdiction, Shibuyunji district. Since embarking on his farming journey in 1995, Bevis has been deeply rooted in the cultivation of both local and hybrid seeds. His commitment to sustainable farming practices led him to join the Community Technology Development Trust in 2017. There he underwent extensive training in Participatory Plant Breeding (PPB), Farmer Seed Enterprise (FSE), local food plants, nutrition, and advocacy, igniting his passion for seed systems advocacy.  The Farmers’ Rights […]

The Chief Coordinator for Agriculture Training Institutions at the Ministry of Agriculture, Penelope Malilwe, has a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted passion for agricultural development. Her journey in agriculture began with her training as a development specialist, and her work with agriculture colleges has further fueled her fascination with the subject. Penelope sees agriculture not just as a profession but as a boundless field of opportunity and discovery, constantly evolving and offering solutions to diverse challenges. We spoke with the Farmers’ Rights Champion to […]

Namfumu Conservation Trust co-founder Musonda Kapena is passionate about indigenous knowledge systems and sustainable agricultural practices. With extensive experience spanning two decades, both locally and internationally, Musonda has been instrumental in championing the stewardship of indigenous peoples in environmental sustainability efforts, not only in Zambia but also globally.  Musonda’s passion for indigenous knowledge systems in forest conservation and natural resource management is evident, particularly in her emphasis on the role of women as custodians and stewards of indigenous knowledge. Her work extends to green enterprise […]