As climate change intensifies, smallholder farmers in Southern Zambia face prolonged droughts that threaten their livelihoods. With much of Zambia’s agriculture dependent on rain-fed farming, rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and soil degradation are making it increasingly difficult for farmers to sustain their crops and livestock. However, through innovative partnerships and sustainable farming practices, these farmers are not only adapting to climate challenges but also unlocking new economic opportunities.
A key initiative supporting these farmers is the Hooves for Sustainability (H4S) project, which focuses on climate-smart solutions that enhance agricultural productivity, improve soil health, and create new income streams. These efforts are transforming smallholder farming while contributing to global carbon reduction goals.
One of the most impactful innovations introduced is the use of biochar, a soil amendment made from cotton stalks. Biochar improves moisture retention, enhances soil fertility, and helps crops withstand drought conditions. Through targeted projects, thousands of farmers have adopted biochar, significantly increasing their cotton yields from 350 kg to 800 kg per hectare. For smallholder farmers, this translates into higher productivity and increased earnings, strengthening their resilience against climate shocks.
Beyond improving yields, biochar also opens up access to carbon credit markets, providing an additional revenue stream. During the 2024-2025 farming season, hundreds of farmers are expected to earn income from carbon credits, offering financial security in an unpredictable climate. This dual benefit of improved soil health and economic opportunity is positioning smallholder farmers as key players in the fight against climate change.
In addition to supporting crop farmers, livestock farmers are benefiting from sustainable practices such as rotational grazing. This approach prevents overgrazing, allows pastures to regenerate, and enhances soil fertility. As a result, livestock remain healthier, losses are reduced, and farmers enjoy higher incomes. These practices also contribute to lower carbon emissions, making them environmentally beneficial.
For many farmers in Zambia, livestock is more than just a source of income it is a cultural symbol of wealth and prosperity. In communities where cattle hold deep traditional value, improving pasture conditions through rotational grazing ensures not only economic stability but also the preservation of this heritage.
The adoption of sustainable practices is proving that smallholder farmers can be leaders in climate action. By integrating biochar into their soil management strategies and implementing rotational grazing, they are actively securing their futures while contributing to environmental sustainability.
With the right support, farmers are transforming their agricultural practices to ensure food security, improve livelihoods, and protect the environment for future generations. These initiatives demonstrate that even in the face of climate challenges, smallholder farmers can thrive. By equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge, they are building resilience, increasing productivity, and creating a pathway to prosperity for themselves and their communities. Through sustainable practices, access to carbon markets, and healthier ecosystems, farmers in Southern Zambia are not just adapting to climate change they are leading the way in combating it.
