Look at this healthy crop of maize. Grown in one of the poorest regions of Africa, maize is a staple food in rural communities. Farmers here in the Simalaha Community Conservancy grow specially selected, drought-resistant varieties of maize and sorghum in order to feed their families. Bumper crops like this one are due in large part to the successful take up of innovative conservation-friendly farming methods.
For years, the farmers in the Simalaha Community Conservancy have used traditional farming methods that rely on plenty of rainfall. The problem is that when there are droughts, the crops fail, forcing communities to rely on scarce natural resources for food, and this puts severe pressure on the environment. A real issue for eco-conservation, Peace Parks Foundation is collaborating with communities in Zambia to train farmers in conservation agriculture. This practice turns farmers away from conventional slash and burn farming techniques, which are not only inefficient but also one of the main causes of deforestation in Zambia. It means that farmers can grow crops all-year-round using available water sources such as rivers or pans in a way that is good for the environment and minimises disruption to natural biodiversity.
Much success has been achieved already. Peace Parks Foundation and partners have trained more than 1500 farmers and supported them by distributing seeds and cuttings.
But of course, things don’t always go to plan and sometimes crops fail or struggle to grow. To tackle these problems, a special clinic is a regular feature in Sikaunzwe, in Simalaha. Run by trained plant doctors, a team from the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute and the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International, bring their expertise to help farmers grow healthier crops and stave off droughts and disease.
This is a huge step in the journey towards a more prosperous future for rural communities, with conservation agriculture paving the way for the ultimate goal of achieving year-round food security.
