IPSI Case Study Summary Sheet
Basic Information
Title of case study

Natural Agriculture in Zambia: Empowering Farmers, Strengthening Communities andRegenerating Ecosystems
Submitting IPSI member organization(s)Shumei International
Other contributing organization(s)Mbabala Women Farmers’ Cooperative Union, Natural Agriculture Development Program Zambia
Author(s) and affiliation(s)Alan Imai and Masahide Koyama (Shumei International)
Barbara Hachipuka Banda (Natural Agriculture Development Program Zambia)
Format of case study
manuscript
Language
EnglishEcological agriculture, women’s empowerment, traditional knowledge, community development,
Keywords
resilience
Date of submission
2 March 2018
Web link
www.shumei-international.org

Geographical Information
CountryZambia
Location
Mbabala Constituency, Choma District, Southern Province
Longitude/latitude or Google Maps link
Google map link to the region
Ecosystem(s)ForestGrassland
X
Agricultural
X
In-land water
CoastalDryland
Mountain
Urban/peri-urban
Other (Please specify)
Socioeconomic and environmental characteristics of the area
Mbabala, located in Southern Zambia, is home to approximately 20,000 people with the Tonga accounting forthe largest ethnic group. Agriculture in the area is a mix of small-scale and commercial farming. The main cash
crops are Maize and tobacco. Livelihoods also depend on livestock, mainly cattle, goats and chickens.
Description of human-nature interactions in the area
The Southern province of Zambia is one of the main agricultural regions of the country with 85% of thepopulation relying on agriculture for their livelihood. The greatest threats to biodiversity in the area aredeforestation and habitat destruction due to agriculture, cattle grazing and wood for fuel.

Contents
StatusOngoing
Period2004 to present
Rationale
The increasing impacts of climate change, food insecurity and deforestation present growing challenges to local
small-scale farmers and the high cost of inputs adds a considerable financial burden. The majority of smallscale farmers are women who are especially vulnerable as they lack access to land, finances and otherresources.
Objectives
The goal of the project was to improve the livelihood of small-scale farmers in Zambia through Natural
Agriculture. The project aimed to increase crop yields and incomes while reducing reliance on agro-chemical
inputs, and protecting biodiversity and long-term health of the land for future generations.
Activities and/or practices employedIncorporated traditional knowledge and cultivation methods practiced by farmers
Introduced ecological farming techniques, such as use of indigenous seeds, mulching, mixed planting
Re-introduced 5 local indigenous maize varieties
Established demonstration farms and seed saving and distribution system

Expanded the program through “train the trainer” workshops and Natural Agriculture fair.

Results
The program has grown from 25 farm families to 3,000 farmers in Mbabala and an additional 2,000 farmers in thesurrounding districts. Farmers have enhanced their farms’ resilience, ecological health and productivity, while significantlyreducing costs. The program has contributed to poverty reduction, food security, sustainable livelihoods and community
cohesion.

Lessons learned
The establishment of a training center, demonstration farms, workshops and an instituting an annual
agriculture fair were effective tools in empowering farmers and building community cohesion. On-going
capacity building and inclusion of all stakeholders, especially youth is key. Long-term investment is needed.
Key messages
Ecological agriculture practices, empowering women and integrating traditional knowledge enhance the healthof ecosystems, reduce poverty, increase climate resilience and empower local communities.
Relationship to other IPSI activities
N/A
Funding (any relevant information about funding of activities or projects described in the case study)
Shumei International provided financial and capacity building assistance, with in-kind support from the Zambia
Ministry of Community Development and local traditional leaders.

Contributions to Global Agendas
The table below shows based on the self-evaluation by author(s).  and  indicates the “direct” or “indirect” contributions to thefollowing global agendas respectively to which the work described in this case study contributes to.

CBD Aichi Biodiversity Targets (https://www.cbd.int/sp/targets/)
Strategic Goal A
Strategic Goal BStrategic Goal CStrategic Goal DStrategic Goal EUN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/sdgs)
