Young Zambian Farmer Navigates Climate Change with Traditional Wisdom and Modern Know-How

 

Climate-smart agriculture, an innovative approach that helps guide actions to transform agri-food systems towards green and climate-resilient practices, is transforming the way we grow our food. From precision farming methods to the use of organic farming practices, the founder of Love for Humanity Foundation Felix Mbewe is reshaping the agricultural landscape in Zambia.  

Felix's journey into farming stems from his upbringing and education. Born in the digital native’s error, he experienced a unique blend of city life and hands-on farming practices which played a great role in the development of his passion for farming. As he navigated through his adolescent years, it was at Jacaranda and Kabulonga Boys secondary schools where he first encountered formal agricultural education. Despite a strong inclination towards the arts, Felix’s exposure to farming during his childhood at the family farm profoundly influenced his path.

He went on to study for a Bachelor's Degree in Development Studies, Philosophy, and Applied Ethics and is currently pursuing a Master's in the same field from the University of Zambia, all while still maintaining his unwavering commitment to sustainable agriculture.

Initially inclined towards a career in business development, a pivotal moment came when he started the Love for Humanity Foundation during his second year at university. This social enterprise aimed to empower vulnerable communities, eventually steering Felix back to his agricultural roots.

Influenced by his farmer parents and grandparents, Felix began volunteering with his grandfather and uncle, teaching farmers how to maximize yields through the faith-based organisation AgriHope, which promotes Climate-Smart Farming, known as “Farming God’s Way.”

This experience reignited his passion for farming, leading him to retire from his corporate job in August 2022 to focus on his farm and social farming initiatives.

"I decided to change the focus for the Love for Humanity Foundation to teaching Conservation Agriculture," Felix explains. "Our clientele base grew from one area with 20 villages to over 2,500 within five years."

Felix runs two farms in Chaminuka area in Lusaka province and the Mushindano district in Northwestern province with a total land cover of over 300 hectares.

With Zambia facing increasing climate change impacts, Felix has adapted his farming practices to cope with these challenges. His main objective is to teach rural youths, men, and women climate-smart farming methods. This includes better land tilling techniques, potholing, ripping, mulching, crop rotations, intercropping, and the use of organic materials. By promoting drought-resistant varieties and high-value crops, Felix aims to create competitive Zambian farmers who can thrive locally and globally.

Innovative techniques are central to Felix's approach. He conducts seminars and workshops that teach agricultural production, sales, marketing, and value addition. His expertise in water conservation, soil fertility, and sustainable supply chain management has facilitated numerous successful out-grower schemes, which benefit both the farmers and the market. Felix's vision is to build a robust food basket for Africa, contributing to global food security through sustainable agriculture.

“Drawing from my vast expertise and experience with techniques such as water conservation, utilisation, trapping, and distribution, soil fertility building, retention, and maintenance, I play a pivotal role in managing and coordinating numerous out-grower schemes. Through my leadership, I have facilitated the successful establishment of a sustainable supply chain for agricultural produce, benefiting both the farmers and the market under our program besides my farm,” he said.

Felix cultivates a variety of crops on his farm, including maize, vegetables, fruit trees, sugarcane, pineapples, and potatoes, due to their resilience and market demand. Apart from farming, he is involved in agro-engineering and consultancy, sustainable irrigation, farm planning, agro installations, and seed supply. He has also pioneered sugarcane juice production in Zambia, diversifying his ventures and adding value to his produce.

Water scarcity is a pressing issue in Zambia, but Felix employs efficient water management practices. By ripping and potholing his fields and applying mulch, he ensures sufficient water and moisture for his crops, even during dry spells. While rainwater harvesting is not practical due to limited rainfall and necessary tools, Felix advocates for drilling wells or boreholes to tap into Zambia’s abundant underground water resources.

Felix’s impact extends beyond his farm. He collaborates with various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and international partners, to enhance agricultural practices and promote sustainable development. His dedication to value addition in agribusiness aims to increase farmers’ incomes and create employment opportunities through processing, packaging, and branding.

The Love for Humanity Foundation which now operates in eight African countries is making strides in connecting produce to markets, which can be a significant challenge in the Zambian agricultural industry. He supplies traditional markets and has partnered with the Village Improvement Program to open a Farmer's Market, providing stable market access for rural farmers. Despite setbacks like the COVID-19 pandemic, Felix is determined to establish the first-ever Zambian-owned Farmers Supermarket, linking rural farmers to modern markets and elite communities.

Maintaining soil fertility and preventing erosion are crucial for sustainable farming. This is why Felix advocates for the use of animal and compost manure, which he considers the best fertilizers. These natural fertilizers ensure long-term soil health and productivity.

Felix balances traditional wisdom with modern agricultural practices. Techniques like mixed cropping, rotations, and reducing synthetic chemicals help minimise environmental impact. He emphasises traditional practices such as the Chitemene system, which involves cutting trees halfway to allow regrowth, over modern methods that often lead to extensive land clearing and soil degradation.

Looking ahead, Felix aspires to see a thriving agricultural landscape in Zambia, with many indigenous commercial farmers feeding both the continent and the global market. His advice to young farmers facing climate adversity is to start small, practice climate-smart farming, and learn from successful practitioners.

"Focus on starting small and practicing climate-smart farming," Felix advises. "Yes, it is labour-intensive but very beneficial in the long run for both your soils, production, and self. The good news is that these practices almost require little to no money at all."

Felix Mbewe’s story is a testament to the power of sustainable farming and community engagement in combating climate change and promoting rural development. His innovative methods and unwavering commitment are paving the way for a brighter, more resilient agricultural future in Zambia and beyond.