Farmers in Chongwe, Zambia are reverting to traditional knowledge and ‘green farming’ to increase crop productivity and combat land degradation.

An article in the Daily Mail, Zambia, explains how the Green Entrepreneurship project is assisting farmers through training and empowerment to undertake more sustainable farming practices such as agroforestry.

“Most communities in Chongwe’s farming area are experiencing low crop yields due to decreased soil fertility and unpredictable rain patterns over the years,” says the article. Deforestation due to charcoal and wood fuel production, logging for timber, expansion of small-scale agriculture and unsustainable agricultural practices has seriously impacted on agriculture in Chongwe.

The Green Entrepreneurship project aims to promote the integration of agroforestry, dairy farming, clean energy (biogas and solar), agro processing and provision of microfinance.

Grassroots Trust executive director, Rolf Shenton, explains how in Niger, agroforestry is helping to improve farmers’ yields as well as improve soil cover and water retention. Through the practice of Farmer-managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) – allowing trees that grow naturally to be retained and pruned – farmers are benefiting from shelter for their crops, better soil conditions and erosion control.

The Green Entrepreneurship project is coordinated by the international non-governmental organization, HIVOS, in partnership with Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre, the Dairy Association of Zambia and Micro Bankers Trust.

Read the full story: Green entrepreneurship: Empowering farmers for sustainable future