The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, through Community Climate Solutions Zambia (CCSZ), has empowered the Kanyembo Community with 100 cattle under a climate-smart initiative designed to improve incomes while restoring ecosystems. CCSZ, a social carbon enterprise supporting 56 Community Forest Management Groups across seven provinces, focuses on reducing emissions, promoting sustainable forest management, and ensuring communities benefit fairly from carbon credit projects. The initiative integrates conservation with livelihood enhancement, providing tangible benefits to rural communities before carbon credits are generated.
Luapula Province Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Prudence Kangwa, described the handover as a significant milestone in rural development. Speaking on behalf of Provincial Minister Hon. Eng. Nason Musonda, she commended CCSZ for demonstrating long-term commitment and genuine partnership with communities. Mrs. Kangwa noted that the programme aligns with Zambia’s National Forestry Policy, which promotes sustainable forest management, climate change mitigation, and equitable benefit-sharing. She highlighted that under President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership, Zambia continues to attract climate finance and nature-based investments due to a stable and predictable policy environment.
Acting Director of Forestry, Dr. Freddie Siangulube, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening community forest management groups. He emphasized that the Forest Act legally recognises these groups and enables them to participate in sustainable forest management initiatives. Dr. Siangulube urged communities and traditional leaders to safeguard forest resources for future generations, stressing that local stewardship is critical to achieving climate resilience.
CCSZ Chief Executive Officer, Mr. James Mwanza, said the handover represents the start of long-term climate resilience and improved livelihoods. He revealed that over 1,200 cattle have been distributed to 16 CFMGs, while more than 90,000 acacia seedlings have been planted by 350 farmers under the programme. Mr. Mwanza also called for expedited approval of carbon rights applications to unlock additional climate finance that will benefit communities and conservation efforts.
Kanyembo CFMG Chairperson, Mr. Jasper Yandwa, expressed gratitude to the government and CCSZ, noting that the cattle and tree-planting initiatives will significantly improve livelihoods in the area. The event, attended by government officials, traditional leaders, and community members, marks another step toward inclusive climate-smart development in Luapula Province. By combining sustainable forest management with income-generating activities, the initiative provides a replicable model for climate-smart rural development across Zambia.