Agroecology Strategy Development Cheers PELUM Zambia

By Linda Mupemo

A field of organic vegetables at Loctaguna Organics - Picture by PELUM Zambia

Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Zambia has commended government for embarking on the development of the first ever national agroecology strategy which is set to promote the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices in the country.

PELUM Zambia Communications Officer Rebecca Botha said the agroecology strategy will feed into the national agriculture policy thereby attracting funding to the sector. 

ZANIS reports that Ms. Botha said this during a Food Jam recently held at Loctaguna Organics, in New Kasama, which was aimed at equipping Journalists with practical knowledge on sustainable agriculture methods such as agroecology. 

She noted that promoting the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices calls for concerted efforts from various stakeholders adding that Journalists have a vital role to play in raising awareness through disseminating information about the matter. 

Ms. Botha said the adverse effects of climate change the country is experiencing such as droughts are threatening food security hence there is need for farmers to transition to sustainable agri-food systems. 

"We need to embrace farming methods that support biodiversity and promote environmental conservation, agroecology is one of them,” she said.

Earlier, Loctaguna Organics Chief Executive Officer Kanangwa Newlove called on government to intensify its efforts in enhancing access to knowledge about organic farming. 

Mrs. Newlove noted that unsustainable agriculture practices largely contribute to environmental degradation and ultimately climate change hence there is need to equip farmers with information about eco-friendly farming methods like organic farming. 

“In the past, our forefathers grew what they termed the three sisters: maize, beans and pumpkins in one crop field. This method helps in pest and weed control. We need to go back to that indigenous knowledge, we need to grow food in a way that promotes the health of the crops and the environment,” she said.

And Soil Scientist Patson Ncube urged farmers to embrace the use of organic fertilizers as opposed to chemical fertilizers which degrade soil. 

Compost enhances soil health as opposed to chemical fertilizers - Picture by PELUM Zambia 

Mr. Ncube stated that the use of animal manure and compost are nature-friendly ways of fertilizing soil. 

He added that farmers should desist from using pesticides for pest control purposes as they are harmful to the environment and consumers of the crops.

“You need to plant a variety of trees and flowers at your farm. Plants such as comfrey help to control pests organically. All you need to do is create a mini ecosystem at your farm and leave nature to nature, there is no need to use chemicals,” he said.

The Food Jam which attracted 15 Zambian Journalists drawn from broadcast, print and online media platforms was part of a climate change reporting training being conducted by the Knowledge Hub for Organic Agriculture in Southern Africa.