Zambia

The majority of the Zambia’s poor reside in the rural areas and approximately 60 percent are dependent on agriculture for their livelihood. Agriculture also remains by far the main opportunity for income and employment for women who comprise 65 per cent of the rural population.

 
The Zambian government also considers agriculture as one of the most important sources of economic growth in the country. Sector growth has been slow. The majority of the 800,000 small scale farmers who depend on agriculture for their livelihood have also met tremendous challenges in dealing with the new dispensation of economic liberalisation.
This context provides great impetus for SCC work in the area of sustainable agricultural production, food security and local level business development. SCC has focused its work in Zambia in this area since 1997.

Organic Agriculture and Sustainable Livelihoods: This project which is implemented in collaboration with KATC is aimed at improving food security and income among small scale farmers in Chongwe district, East of Lusaka, through broadening the scope in use of sustainable agriculture practices. Major interventions of the project are focused on training and field extension including study circles. The project aims to reach 4,800 small scale farmers in Chongwe district during 2006-2008.

Technologies promoted by KATC are focussed on low external input agriculture and sustainable production systems. Farmers benefit from this production system in four ways: less input costs, increased soil productivity and higher yields, diversified farming which also mitigates drought, as well as the positive effect on the environment. Joint action is also promoted through groups and associations.

Eco-Marketing Project 

The project is implemented in collaboration with OPPAZ and is aimed at enabling organic farmers and wild harvesters increase their income. The focus is on training, including study circles, so that farmers