AfDB supports Zambian farmers with climate-smart, resilient livestock projects

By Faridat Salifu

The African Development Bank’s Climate Resilient Livestock Management Project, operational in Zambia from 2017 to 2022, has played a pivotal role in empowering small livestock farmers to adapt effectively to climate change.

According to the recently published Project Completion Report on November 2, 2023, the initiative has led to a substantial increase in the percentage of households with adequate water supply for their livestock, rising from 48% to an impressive 89% during the project’s duration.

One of the noteworthy achievements is the adoption of new milk production practices by 96.7% of households, resulting in enhanced nutritional benefits for both adults and children.

The comprehensive training provided has enabled 122% of households to create hay using seed-grown pasture.

The project, supported by a generous grant of $6.21 million from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and facilitated by the African Development Bank, successfully complemented and climate-proofed the $18 million Livestock Infrastructure Support Project.

Key accomplishments include the procurement of additional fodder seeds, restocking programs benefiting 5,640 livestock units, and the rehabilitation of meadows spanning 3,763 hectares.

These efforts have contributed to the creation of 617 hectares of sustainable pasture, the construction of 112 kilometers of fire-break roads, the development of 258 community village land-use plans, and the installation of 45 solar-powered boreholes, ensuring critical water access for livestock farmers.

The project’s impact extends beyond infrastructure and includes capacity-building activities, awareness campaigns on climate change adaptation, and essential training for local artisans.

Notable initiatives encompass training in biogas digester construction, sustainable land-use management, fodder conservation methods, and climate risk assessment and adaptation skills for livestock farmers.

Six livestock farms have been equipped with biogas digesters, aligning with the project’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

Gender mainstreaming has been a priority, with over 40% of women’s groups benefiting from training and climate-resilient livestock restocking programs.

Raubil Durowoju, the African Development Bank Country Manager for Zambia, emphasized the project’s commitment to gender inclusivity, while Mr. Gethings Chisule, the Government Provincial Coordinator for the Northern Province, highlighted the tangible contributions to improving the income levels of smallholder livestock farmers and fortifying their resilience to climate change.

In conclusion, the Climate Resilient Livestock Management Project in Zambia has achieved remarkable success in enhancing sustainable livestock practices, improving livelihoods, and building resilience to climate change among smallholder farmers.

Individual stories, such as Ms. Naboth Zulu’s from the Musa Dairy Cooperative in Kasama, further underscore the project’s significant impact on the ground.