In the parched terrain of Magoye in Zambia’s Mazabuka District, about 150 km south of the capital Lusaka, Dixon Lungu battles the scorching heat as he waters his maize crop. With the dry spell dragging on for over a month after planting season, Lungu faces a severe challenge. “It’s been over a month without rain,” he said, “the effect on the maize field is very bad. We’re just praying to God for rainfall so we can have something to eat.” The impact of the drought is evident as the fields that were once lush lie barren, showing the harsh effects of climate change. Lungu worries that if the dry spell continues, the government will have no choice but to source food aid to support the population. Last year’s drought yielded about 13 bags of maize, but this year, Lungu doubts he will even harvest 10 bags.
To combat the negative effects of climate change, the Emerging Farmers Initiative (EFI) was established in 2019 by the Religious Sisters of the Holy Spirit. This project offers a way out of poverty for local youth and vulnerable families by combining education with eco-friendly farming practices and entrepreneurship skills. The initiative, housed at the New James Corboy S.J. Secondary School under the Monze Diocese, provides integrated farming skills in areas such as fisheries, gardening, piggery, and poultry farming.
The southern part of Zambia, where the project operates, has been hit by recurring droughts for over a decade. Despite other regions of the country receiving rain, this area suffers from prolonged dry spells. Sr. Juunza Mwangani, project manager for the Religious Sisters of the Holy Spirit, noted that climate change is undeniable and emphasized the need for resilience in the face of these challenges. “Our calling now is to journey with our people, to face how we will survive the effects of climate change,” Mwangani said, recognizing that agriculture, deeply rooted in the local culture, offers a viable path to sustainability.
Since 2022, the training hub for smart agriculture has produced over 100 graduates skilled in fisheries, gardening, piggery, and poultry. The facility features a feed production unit and a drip irrigation system, designed to optimize the use of scarce water resources in the region’s dry climate. These graduates, regardless of their educational background, gain practical, eco-friendly agricultural skills that will enable them to create sustainable livelihoods and contribute to the well-being of their communities.
While many young people are drawn to early marriages or seeking unsteady jobs in nearby industries, 23-year-old Jenipher Habeenzu is focused on building a career in agriculture. Enrolled in the agricultural course at the New James Corboy S.J. Secondary School, Habeenzu values the importance of treating agriculture as a business. “I have learned quite a lot during my six-month course here. I understand how vital it is to take agricultural production as a business,” she said.
The EFI project also supports local women, who are often disproportionately affected by food insecurity. Through the initiative, women are encouraged to integrate crops and livestock into their farming practices to ensure that when crops fail, their livestock can provide an alternative source of income. The project has expanded from one congregation to include five religious orders, with each woman mentoring two others in integrated agriculture to spread the knowledge further.
Among the local beneficiaries is 60-year-old Eucaria Hamaundu, who recalls the devastating effects of the 2023-24 drought. Thanks to the Sisters’ efforts, she received five goats in March 2024, and now those goats have reproduced, giving her a flock of 15. “I was empowered,” she said, “and now I have more resources to support my family.”
Charity Hamukulule, 50, another beneficiary, has turned to diversified farming, including poultry and horticulture, to better withstand the impact of the changing climate. With the help of the EFI project, she has been able to support her family of 10, not just with food, but also with the funds necessary for her children’s education. “The sisters’ EFI project is an eye-opener. I can now afford to feed my family and take care of my children’s educational needs,” she said.
Despite the challenges brought on by climate change, local authorities, such as Mazabuka District veterinary officer Irvin Mweetwa, have praised the EFI project for its positive impact. “Our collaboration with the sisters is a success thus far,” Mweetwa said. “This project aligns with government policy of addressing youth unemployment and engaging local women to embrace innovative agricultural practices to boost their household income amidst the effects of climate change.””Zambian Sisters Empower Farmers with Smart Agriculture to Combat Drought and Climate Change”
