Yearly Archives: 2024

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 […]

Mugove Walter Nyika is a community development facilitator with a deep passion for building resilience and food sovereignty in African communities. Mugove grew up surrounded by traditional farming practices and the wisdom of his grandparents. This early exposure to sustainable living laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to empowering communities. Since the mid-1990s, Mugove has been instrumental in the Schools and Colleges Permaculture (SCOPE) programme, working as the Regional Coordinator for Malawi with reSCOPE. He passionately shares his knowledge and skills with students and […]

Misheck Nyirongo, the founder of Khumbilo Agroecology Media Services, leads evidence-based advocacy through a communication-for-development approach, striving to foster ecologically sustainable agriculture in Zambia. With a deep commitment to agroecology journalism for climate action, Misheck brings a wealth of practical experience and academic achievements to his work. He has received specialized training in climate change mitigation and adaptation, complementing his Diploma in Journalism from the London School of Journalism with certificates in filmmaking and television production. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism […]

Mary Sakala is a resilient smallholder farmer from Mumbwa District who is an advocate for farmer rights and indigenous seed preservation in Zambia. As Chairperson of the Rural Women Assembly (RWA), Mary leads a grassroots movement across Southern Africa, uniting small-scale farmers, peasants, and rural workers in the pursuit of food and seed sovereignty. With a fervent dedication to challenging patriarchal structures, the RWA, under Mary’s leadership, actively protests and mobilises against the systemic injustices that impede the welfare of women small-scale farmers.  On her […]

Lucy Musonda’s story is a testament to a deep love for the land. Raised in a nurturing middle-class home, Lucy’s mother instilled in her a passion for cultivating the land and raising livestock. This early exposure sowed the seeds for Lucy’s future, a path that she has embraced with remarkable focus. Her academic achievements stand as a pillar of her commitment – a diploma in agricultural science with education already under her belt and a current pursuit of a bachelor’s degree demonstrating her insatiable thirst […]

Juliet Nangamba is a powerful voice for change in Zambia’s agricultural sector. An ecofeminist with over 12 years of experience, she brings together her expertise as a qualified agronomist and her passion for inclusive practices. Juliet’s work centres on advocating for the recognition and utilisation of indigenous knowledge and farmer-managed seed systems. These systems, she argues, are not only central to food security and nutrition but also hold immense potential for climate adaptation and mitigation. With a firm belief in empowering farmers, Juliet has become […]

Euckeria Mpande’s passion for Zambia’s agriculture industry has shown brightly throughout the last decade. Her unrelenting commitment to community engagement has helped numerous farmers by implementing new approaches such as participatory plant breeding and targeted marketing strategies. Euckeria defends farmers’ rights, recognising their extensive knowledge of the soil and expertise in picking the best seeds for their individual needs. This conviction drives her advocacy for farmer participation in agricultural decision-making. Euckeria is more than just an advocate; she is a farmer as well. This direct […]

Emmanuel Mutamba, a prominent figure in Zambia’s agricultural landscape, has dedicated his career to advancing sustainable farming practices and advocating for farmers’ rights. As a founding member of the Green Living Movement (GLM) and former leader at the Environmental Conservation Association of Zambia (ECAZ), Emmanuel’s journey embodies a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship and community empowerment.  In 2010, his pivotal role in spearheading a campaign against GMOs led to the establishment of the Zambia Alliance for Agroecology and Biodiversity (ZAAB), where he served as the […]

Chipo Chiluma’s agricultural education began not in a classroom, but in the fertile fields of her grandparents’ farm in Mumbwa. Raised in a rural town where farming was the lifeblood, Chipo saw firsthand the dedication and hard labour required to produce the land. Her early years were spent with her parents and grandparents, practicing traditional traditions that assured a plentiful crop. Chipo’s family farm was thriving, producing a variety of crops including maize, groundnuts, sorghum, and beans. Sweet potatoes thrived alongside the crops, and livestock […]