ZAMSOF (Zambia Social Forum) is a nonprofit civil society organization based in Zambia, Africa that aims at community service, advocacy, and being a voice for the voiceless. ZAMSOF is a member organization of PCFS.

Introduction

In the face of escalating climate change impacts, the need for sustainable agricultural practices in the global south such as Zambia has never been more urgent. Agroecology and food sovereignty offer a comprehensive strategy to enhance climate resilience, ensure food security, and promote sustainable development. This position paper, issued by the Zambia Social Forum (ZAMSOF), Development Education Community Project (DECOP), and women farmers’ movements, seeks to advocate for increased awareness and recognition of these practices among policymakers and the broader community. Drawing on experiences from Lusaka, Mufulira, Kapiri Mposhi, and Masaiti districts, and from the recent first-ever Agroecology conference in Zambia organized by PELUM Zambia we outline the critical importance of agroecology and food sovereignty for Zambia’s future.

The Urgency of Climate Change Adaptation

Zambia, like many other nations, is experiencing severe climate change impacts, including unpredictable weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and severe floods. These phenomena threaten agricultural productivity, food security, and the livelihoods of millions of Zambians. Traditional farming methods, which rely heavily on chemical inputs and monoculture, are increasingly unsustainable and exacerbate environmental degradation.

Agroecology and Food Sovereignty: A Pathway to Sustainability

Agroecology integrates ecological principles into agricultural production systems, promoting biodiversity, soil health, and sustainable resource use. Food sovereignty emphasizes the right of people to define their food systems, prioritizing local food production and consumption, and empowering communities.

Key Benefits of Agroecology and Food Sovereignty:

1. Climate Resilience: Agroecological practices, such as crop diversification, agroforestry, and organic farming, enhance the resilience of agricultural systems to climate variability. These methods improve soil structure, water retention, and biodiversity, making farms more adaptable to adverse weather conditions (Altieri et al., 2015; IPCC, 2019). According to a study by Mwango et al. (2016) on agroecological practices in Zambia, “smallholder farmers adopting agroecological practices reported improved resilience to climatic shocks and better yields during drought periods.”
2. Sustainable Development: By reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides, agroecology promotes environmental sustainability. It also supports economic sustainability by reducing input costs and enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers through diverse income streams (Gliessman, 2015). Research by Kautsky and Ekblom (2019) highlights that “agroecological farming systems in Africa have shown increased productivity and economic benefits for farmers, contributing to broader sustainable development goals.”
3. Food Security: Agroecology and food sovereignty ensure a stable food supply by promoting local food production and reducing the vulnerability of communities to global market fluctuations. This approach fosters a self-sufficient and resilient food system (FAO, 2018). As noted by Chinsembu (2018), “food sovereignty frameworks in Zambia empower communities to control their food systems, significantly reducing food insecurity and dependency on external food aid.”
4. Empowerment of Women and Communities: Women play a crucial role in agriculture and food systems. Agroecology and food sovereignty empower women by recognizing their knowledge, promoting gender equality, and enhancing their leadership in community food systems (Altieri & Nicholls, 2020). A study by Akinyi (2020) states, “Agroecological initiatives in Zambia have provided platforms for women to engage in leadership roles, improving their socio-economic status and community cohesion.”

Experiences from the Field

In Lusaka, Mufulira, Kapiri Mposhi, and Masaiti districts, various initiatives have demonstrated the potential of agroecology and food sovereignty to transform agriculture and improve livelihoods. For instance:

• Lusaka: Community gardens and urban agriculture projects have flourished, providing fresh produce and strengthening local food systems (ZAMSOF, 2023). A case study by Mulenga (2021) revealed that “urban agriculture initiatives in Lusaka not only improve food security but also contribute to environmental conservation and community well-being.”
• Mufulira: Agroforestry and organic farming practices have been successfully implemented, improving soil health and crop yields (DECOP, 2023). Mufulira’s agroecology project reported by Banda and Mwale (2022) demonstrates that “agroforestry practices have led to a 30% increase in crop yields and a significant reduction in soil erosion.”
• Kapiri Mposhi: Farmer cooperatives have adopted crop diversification and sustainable farming techniques, enhancing food security and resilience (Women Farmers Movements, 2023). According to Mungule et al. (2019), “Cooperative farming in Kapiri Mposhi has enabled farmers to share resources and knowledge, resulting in improved crop diversity and resilience to climate change.”
• Masaiti: Women-led farming groups have championed the use of traditional seeds and organic fertilizers, reducing costs and increasing productivity (Women Farmers Movements, 2023). A study by Mweemba (2020) highlights that “women’s groups in Masaiti using traditional seeds have experienced a 25% increase in agricultural productivity and reduced dependency on expensive external inputs.”

Recommendations for Policymakers

To harness the full potential of agroecology and food sovereignty, we urge policymakers to adopt the following recommendations:

1. Develop and Implement a National Agroecology and Food Sovereignty Strategy: This strategy should include clear goals, actions, and timelines to promote sustainable farming practices and support climate adaptation (FAO, 2018).
2. Increase Investment in Research and Education: Funding for research on agroecological practices and education programs for farmers is essential. Extension services should provide training on sustainable farming techniques and climate adaptation strategies (Gliessman, 2015). Mwango et al. (2016) emphasize, that “increased investment in agroecological research is vital for developing locally adapted solutions to climate change.”
3. Promote Policy and Institutional Support: Policies should support smallholder farmers, protect traditional seeds, and facilitate access to markets for locally produced food. Institutions should be strengthened to implement and monitor agroecological practices effectively (IPCC, 2019). As noted by Chinsembu (2018), “supportive policies and institutional frameworks are critical for scaling up agroecological practices and ensuring long-term sustainability.”
4. Enhance Collaboration and Partnerships: Collaboration between government, civil society, farmers’ organizations, and international partners is crucial. Partnerships can drive innovation, share best practices, and mobilize resources (Altieri et al., 2015). Kautsky and Ekblom (2019) state, “Effective partnerships between stakeholders can significantly enhance the impact and reach of agroecological initiatives.”
5. Empower Women Farmers: Policies and programs should prioritize gender equality and support the active participation of women in agriculture. Women farmers should have access to land, credit, and decision-making processes (Altieri & Nicholls, 2020). Akinyi (2020) highlights that “empowering women in agriculture leads to more sustainable and inclusive agricultural development.”

Conclusion

Agroecology and food sovereignty offer a sustainable and resilient pathway for Zambia to adapt to climate change and achieve sustainable development. By promoting these practices, we can ensure food security, protect our environment, and empower our communities. The experiences from Lusaka, Mufulira, Kapiri Mposhi, and Masaiti districts highlight the transformative potential of agroecology and food sovereignty. Policymakers must act decisively to adopt and implement strategies that support these sustainable farming practices for the benefit of current and future generations.

References

• Akinyi, E. (2020). Gender and Agroecology in Zambia: Empowering Women through Sustainable Farming. Journal of Sustainable Agriculture, 14(2), 120-135.
• Altieri, M. A., & Nicholls, C. I. (2020). Agroecology: A brief account of its meanings and applications. Ecology and Society, 25(4).
• Altieri, M. A., Nicholls, C. I., Henao, A., & Lana, M. A. (2015). Agroecology and the design of climate change-resilient farming systems. Agronomy for Sustainable Development, 35(3), 869-890.
• Banda, T., & Mwale, S. (2022). Agroforestry Practices and Their Impact on Crop Yields in Mufulira, Zambia. African Journal of Agricultural Research, 17(6), 456-470.
• Chinsembu, K. (2018). Food Sovereignty in Zambia: A Case for Empowering Local Communities.
• African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 18(1), 9801-9821.
• (2023). Implementation of Agroforestry Practices in Mufulira.
• (2018). The 10 Elements of Agroecology: Guiding the Transition to Sustainable Food and Agricultural Systems. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
• Gliessman, S. R. (2015). Agroecology: The Ecology of Sustainable Food Systems. CRC Press.
• (2019). Climate Change and Land: An IPCC Special Report on Climate Change, Desertification, Land Degradation, Sustainable Land Management, Food Security, and Greenhouse Gas Fluxes in Terrestrial Ecosystems.
• Kautsky, K., & Ekblom, H. (2019). Agroecological Approaches to Sustainable Agriculture in Africa. Journal of Environmental Management, 243, 432-442.
• Mulenga, C. (2021). Urban Agriculture in Lusaka: Improving Food Security and Environmental Conservation. Zambian Journal of Urban Studies, 8(1), 52-65.