Green Stories with Jonas Miselo

In a bid to boost agricultural productivity and enhance food security, the Zambian government has called upon farmers in Kawambwa District to diversify their crops and embrace rice farming. This move comes as part of a collaborative effort with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) under the Market Oriented Rice Development Project (MOREDEP). Highlighting the potential of rice as a high-value crop, Steven Musonda, the Kawambwa District Agricultural Coordinator (DACO), emphasized that rice cultivation can offer farmers substantial returns on their investment. "As the Ministry of Agriculture, we have always spoken about diversification. We have trained farmers to diversify from mono-cropping of maize into other high-value crops like rice," he said. The DACO further stated that rice provides a higher profit margin compared to other crops. For instance, a farmer can make about K 10,000 profit per hectare as a gross profit, which should encourage farmers to

The construction and rehabilitation of irrigation canals and weirs in Nchelenge district by the Transforming Landscapes for Resilience and Development Project (TRALARD) will help farmers maintain their agricultural productivity despite the effects of climate change, the Ministry of Agriculture has said. Nchelenge District Agricultural Coordinator Arnold Muimui said the 6-million-kwacha project is welcome and will improve farmers’ livelihood in the district. “Climate change is a major threat to food security in Zambia, but irrigation can help farmers to adapt and continue producing food even during periods of drought,” Muimui said. Mr. Muimui further detailed the significance of the irrigation improvements for local farmers.  "The rains have become unpredictable lately because of climate change," he explained. "So, our farmers struggle to water their crops. Second, even when it doesn't rain, farmers still want to grow things like vegetables. But getting water is tough

Wildlife Crime Prevention Zambia (WCP) joined forces with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Alternatives to Charcoal Project (A2C) to train fifteen journalists in investigative journalism. This six-day intensive workshop aimed to shed light on Zambia's charcoal trade and its far-reaching environmental impact. The training, led by seasoned investigative journalist Charles Mafa of the Makanday Centre for Investigative Journalism, kicked off at the Mika Convention Centre in Lusaka. Over the first three days, participants honed their skills in crafting in-depth, informative, and investigative reports. The final leg of the workshop shifted to Mumbwa, placing journalists face-to-face with the realities of the charcoal trade. Mwatita Lubinda, a participant from Lusaka-based Cloud 9 FM, described the training as a game-changer. " The Investigative Journalism training opened my mind to ways to do an investigative story, considering that I have never

  In a significant development for the farming community in Mwansabombwe district, Luapula province, the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, through its Enhanced Smallholder Livestock Investment Programme (E-SLIP), has garnered heartfelt gratitude from local farmers for the transformative Livestock Pass-On Programme. According to testimonials from beneficiaries, this initiative is bringing about positive changes in their lives. Doris Mpundu, a farmer benefiting from the E-SLIP Pass-On programme, expressed her gratitude, highlighting that the project has successfully challenged cultural prejudices associated with cattle rearing in the Mwansabombwe community. Initiated in 2017, the E-SLIP programme has played a pivotal role in providing livestock stocking and restocking programs involving cattle, goats, and chickens to various community groups in the region. Luapula Province has historically grappled with low livestock populations, a challenge that initiatives like E-SLIP are acti

Chief Munkanta, Kawambwa district In a move towards sustainable development and environmental conservation, traditional leaders in Luapula Province are actively engaging with government initiatives to promote Community Forestry Management Groups (CFMGs). Chief Munkanta of the Chishinga people in Kawambwa district and Chief Mwansakombe of the Ng’umbo-speaking people in Chifunabuli district have both pledged significant portions of their land for community forest management, highlighting the importance of preserving forests for various economic and ecological benefits. Chief Munkanta, of Kawambwa district, is collaborating with the Ministry of Green Economy, specifically through the Department of Forestry, to ensure the success of Community Forestry Management Groups in his chiefdom. Recognizing the multifaceted importance of forests, Chief Munkanta emphasizes their potential for carbon trading, beekeeping, and mushroom harvesting. To protect these valuable resources, he active

Luapula Province PS - Mighty Mumba with the World Bank delegation A delegation from the World Bank and the National Project Implementing Unit (NPCU) of the Transforming Landscapes for Resilience and Development Project (TRALARD) recently visited Luapula province to assess the progress and impact of the ongoing projects. During a speech at the TRALARD Provincial Implementation Unit (PIU) in Mansa district, Mighty Mumba, the permanent secretary of Luapula province, revealed that the project had allocated approximately $19.4 million to various initiatives in the province. These projects encompass community livelihood programs, infrastructure development, and the dredging of water channels in Lunga district. Mr. Mumba highlighted the tangible positive effects of the project, stating, "The impact on the people of Luapula province in the five implementing districts is very positive and visible." He further detailed the project's reach, stating that over forty-eight thousand ben

Dredger in Lunga District The Minister of Green Economy and Environment Collins Nzovu unveiled the official launch of the dredging and excavation works for the Buyantashi Transportation Channel in Lunga District of Luapula Province. The works on the channel have been funded by the World Bank-funded Transforming Landscapes for Resilience and Development (TRALARD) Project and represent a significant step toward enhancing transportation infrastructure within the district. During a speech read on his behalf by his Permanent Secretary Dr. Douty Chibamba in Lunga district, the Minister underscored the vital importance of the transportation channels in Lunga District, referring to them as the district's lifeblood. He stated, "These channels play a pivotal role in facilitating the movement of people, commerce, goods, and services, aligning perfectly with President Hakainde Hichilema's vision of extending development across all corners of Zambia.” The TRALARD Project, w

  A senior extension methodologist at the Ministry of Agriculture in Luapula Province, Hobab Mumbi has emphasized the significance of climate-smart agriculture techniques in helping farmers adapt to ever-changing weather patterns. In an exclusive interview with NAIS, Mr. Mumbi shed light on the prevailing weather conditions in Luapula Province, characterized by the onset of rains. He stressed that this climatic factor is important for the successful planting and growth of crops. However, he also highlighted the potential challenges posed by delayed or erratic rains, which can result in planting difficulties and, ultimately, reduced crop yields. Among the key challenges faced by farmers due to weather conditions, Mr. Mumbi identified droughts, floods, and unpredictable weather patterns. To counter these challenges, he recommended a set of adaptive strategies for farmers. “To adapt, farmers can use drought-resistant crop varieties, improve irrigation methods, and diversify their

Lusenga Plains National Park is located in the Northern part of Zambia within the Luapula province and stands as a testament to Zambia's rich biodiversity and natural beauty. It boasts a captivating landscape, from evergreen forests and swamps to the mighty Kalungwishi River that forms its eastern border and includes Zambia's second-highest waterfall: Lumangwe Falls. The park is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 400 species recorded, including the elusive Blue Quail, the vibrant Banded Martin, and the stunning Violet-backed Sunbird. While game viewing opportunities are currently limited, the restocking program initiated in 2007 is steadily increasing animal populations. Soon, visitors may have the chance to spot buffaloes, blue and yellow-backed duikers, and even playful Gambian Sun Squirrels. Now this relatively smaller national park, covering 880 square kilometers, is set to change with the support of the Transforming Landscapes for Resilience and Development Project (T