The Atubandike initiative is transforming the landscape of Zambian agriculture by addressing the barriers faced by women and youth in rural communities. This innovative approach, launched in 2023 under CIMMYT’s USAID-funded Southern Africa Accelerated Innovation Delivery Initiative (AID-I) Rapid Delivery Hub project, is reshaping the agricultural sector by promoting inclusivity and resilience through community-driven dialogues and capacity-building efforts.
The word “Atubandike,” which means “let’s have a conversation” in the local Tongo language, encapsulates the essence of this initiative. It is a platform that combines face-to-face discussions with digital tools, creating spaces where farmers, especially women and youth, can share their experiences, challenges, and ideas. This interactive approach not only provides a platform for marginalized groups to voice their concerns but also fosters collaboration to develop solutions that can overcome the systemic barriers they face in agriculture.
Women and youth are central to Zambia’s agricultural and economic resilience. However, their participation in the agricultural sector has historically been limited by restrictive social norms, inadequate access to land, financing, and training opportunities. The Atubandike initiative works to dismantle these barriers by engaging with over 1,700 farmers across 14 communities in Southern Zambia, uncovering critical insights into the challenges and biases that persist in rural areas.
One of the key findings from these community dialogues is the generational divide and the deep-rooted stereotypes about youth involvement in agriculture. Many older farmers view young people as disengaged or uninterested in farming, often associating them with urban lifestyles and a desire for easier, more immediate financial gains. These perceptions overlook the real obstacles young people face, such as limited access to land and financial resources, which hinder their ability to engage fully in agricultural activities. Youth participants in the discussions pointed out that their lack of involvement in farming is not due to a lack of interest but rather the scarcity of opportunities to acquire the necessary skills, resources, and mentorship.
Similarly, gender norms continue to restrict women’s roles in agriculture. Despite their significant contributions to household food security, women are often confined to secondary roles, typically cultivating “women’s crops” like groundnuts while men dominate the production of staple and cash crops like maize and soybeans. This gendered division of labor reflects broader societal perceptions that men are the primary breadwinners and heads of households, often sidelining women’s contributions and limiting their access to critical resources and decision-making power in agriculture. The Atubandike initiative has been instrumental in challenging these stereotypes by creating a space where the contributions of both men and women, as well as young people, are recognized and valued.
Through its community-driven model, Atubandike is not only raising awareness about the importance of gender and youth inclusion in agriculture but also encouraging practical solutions. For instance, many community members expressed a desire to see more youth actively involved in farming tasks, particularly in areas such as irrigation and crop management. Hands-on training is seen as a way to engage youth, teach them valuable agricultural skills, and keep them actively involved in farming.
Atubandike has responded by training young people as “digital champions.” These champions are equipped with both technical expertise and leadership skills, enabling them to mentor their peers and encourage greater youth participation in agriculture. By serving as role models and leaders in their communities, these digital champions play a crucial role in changing perceptions about farming and inspiring other young people to pursue agricultural careers. Their involvement in Atubandike not only extends the reach of the initiative but also demonstrates that agriculture can be a rewarding and viable career option for the younger generation.
The success of Atubandike lies in its ability to create a cycle of empowerment, where each community engagement builds upon the last, fostering both individual and collective growth. This approach is crucial in building resilience against the challenges that Zambian farmers face, such as erratic weather patterns, limited access to markets, and economic constraints. By promoting cross-generational and gender-inclusive collaboration, Atubandike is laying the foundation for a more inclusive and sustainable agricultural future in Zambia, where every farmer, regardless of age or gender, plays a vital role in the country’s agricultural success.
In conclusion, the Atubandike initiative is redefining how Zambia approaches gender and youth inclusion in agriculture. By encouraging open dialogue, empowering youth through digital tools, and promoting a more equitable approach to agricultural leadership, Atubandike is driving lasting change. It is creating a future where women and young people are not only heard but empowered to lead, ensuring that Zambia’s agricultural sector remains resilient and thriving for generations to come.
