More than 11,000 smallholder farmers in Lundazi District of Eastern Province have been trained in Climate Smart Agriculture and agroforestry under the Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Programme. The initiative promotes sustainable agriculture while addressing environmental conservation challenges such as deforestation and land degradation. Government, through the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, has intensified efforts to protect forests and restore degraded land across Eastern Province. With financial and technical support from the World Bank, the programme targets improved productivity, climate resilience and sustainable natural resource management. The large number of trained farmers reflects a coordinated push to strengthen rural livelihoods while protecting the environment.
Speaking in Lundazi, Acting District Agricultural Coordinator Kaposhi Lyandamo confirmed that 11,000 farmers have been trained so far. This includes 1,000 Lead Farmers and 10,000 Follower Farmers trained through the Farmer Field Schools model. The model equips farmers with hands on skills in conservation farming, soil management and sustainable land use practices. Following the training, farmers have started establishing agroforestry tree nurseries using Conservation Agriculture methods as part of the implementation schedule. These nurseries support reforestation efforts while providing farmers with additional income opportunities through tree products and carbon credit initiatives.
The programme aims to strengthen natural resource management, prevent further forest degradation and reduce carbon emissions from the land sector. By integrating agroforestry with crop production, farmers improve soil fertility, increase yields and build resilience against climate shocks such as droughts and floods. The carbon credit component is designed to create financial incentives for communities that protect forests and adopt sustainable practices. Lead Farmer Florence Moyo from Noah Farmer Field School in Chief Mphamba’s area said the training has already improved productivity and increased household incomes. She urged more farmers to adopt Climate Smart Agriculture practices to secure food security and long term income stability.
Lundazi District Commissioner Marjorie Banda described the programme as critical in addressing deforestation while improving rural livelihoods. She called on cooperating partners to invest in agribusiness development to strengthen market linkages between farmers and off takers. Improved market access will ensure that increased production translates into higher incomes for farming households. In neighboring districts, Chama has trained 875 Lead Farmers and 8,750 Follower Farmers, while Lumezi has reached 9,350 farmers under similar interventions. The Eastern Province Jurisdictional Sustainable Landscape Programme continues to drive climate resilience, environmental protection and inclusive economic growth across the province, positioning Eastern Province as a leader in sustainable agriculture in Zambia.