Zambia – Past Projects

Strengthening Community-Based Management of Environment and Natural Resources (2015-2019)

The project builds the climate resilience of new partner communities Chamuka and Chikonkomene and assists them in finding new, sustainable ways to earn a living. It is implemented in partnership with Plan International Zambia, with funds from Plan International`s German National Office. The project aims to restore degraded land and forest areas, and to improve agricultural productivity through sustainable production and land management practices. Beekeeping, fish farming and tree planting are promoted alongside traditional farming activities to open up new markets and to improve the communities ability to generate income all year around.

Community Strategies for Climate-Resilient Livelihoods (2014-2016, with extension 2017-2019)

The project builds community resilience to the impacts of global warming through increased awareness and enhanced adaptive capacity. It is implemented in partnership with GLM Finland in the villages of Kafubu, Shimbizhi, Chiyumo and Chisuwo, with funding from the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. The project improves food security and diversification of income generation through climate-smart practices (e.g. agroforestry, organic gardening and small livestock). The project supports a community-driven response to climate change and strengthens the advocacy skills of community members. Read more >>

Farmers Market – Enhancing Access to Profitable Markets (2012-2014, with extension 2015-2016)

The project aims to improve the challenging marketing situation and to facilitate farmers access to profitable markets. It is implemented in partnership with GLM Finland in the communities of Kundalumwanshya, Nambo and Luanshimba with the funding of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. The project provides training in marketing skills in the communities. Donkeys have also been purchased for the farmers for easier transportation of crops to the markets and for draught power to increase farm sizes and yields.

Community Climate Change Adaptation through Integrated Resource Utilisation (2012-2013)

This project encouraged climate-smart community innovations, since GLM believes that a prudent, integrated use of local resources (e.g. land, perennial streams, forests and small livestock) enhances community productivity but also resilience to the impacts of climate change. By raising awareness of climate change, the project also helped inspire the local communities to take responsibility for how they utilise their natural resources. The project was implemented in Kundalumwanshya, Nambo and Luanshimba with funding from the Civil Society Environment Fund (CSEF).

Bridging Knowledge Systems (BKS) (2012-2013)

This project, also called “Farmers Diaries”, aimed to integrate scientific and indigenous knowledge on pest control and management. It gathered farmers’ field observations of the agricultural systems commonly practised in Zambia (agroforestry, conservation farming, slash-and-burn and conventional farming) and tested the methods scientifically. The project was carried out with thirty farmers in Chibobo and Kundalumwanshya, in partnership with Lancaster University (UK) and the University of Zambia. It resulted in the establishment of a community laboratory spearheaded by the farmers to store pesticides and to present experiment results and records from the field.

Woodlot Establishment Project (2011-2013)

Deforestation is among the major environmental problems in Zambia due to extensive charcoal production and clearing land for farming. This project addressed this issue by supporting the establishment of household and community woodlots and orchards in Kafubu Farm Block with the support of the Friends of the Earth Finland. The project diversified community livelihoods and improved their financial sustainability by enabling families to earn income throughout the year. Simultaneously, the project reduced pressure on indigenous forests and contributed to environmental well-being and climate change mitigation.

The Green Village project – Community Livelihoods, Natural Resource Management and Capacity Building (2008-2013)

The Green Village project supported community initiatives that improve household food and income security, help preserve the environment, increase sustainable production, develop infrastructure, and enhance management at the community and administrative levels. The project was originally implemented in four partner communities (Kundalumwanshya, Nambo, Luanshimba and Chibobo) in collaboration with the Student Union of the Turku University of Applied Sciences (TUO). In the second phase (2011-2013), the activities were scaled up and also replicated in Shimbizhi and Kafubu. The project was funded by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland.

Income-generating projects (2005-present)

Food security alone does not lead to sustainable livelihoods. The yields of small-scale farmers do not last until the next harvest, let alone earn them enough money to access basic needs, such as healthcare and education. By developing their income-generating activities, the farmers are able to increase their farm sizes and improve yields. Over the years, GLM has facilitated the acquisition of four hammer mills (Kafubu, Kundalumwanshya, Nambo and Chibobo) and the establishment of two piggeries (Muoyo and Luanshimba) and one chicken production project (Chibobo). These were financed by the Germany Embassy, Edinburgh Global Partnerships (EGP) and GLM Finland.

Infrastructure development projects (2002-present)

GLM has worked with Kepa Zambia and EGP since 2002 to facilitate a community-driven infrastructure development programme. The accomplished projects include: three crop marketing centres (Chibobo, Kundalumwanshya and Nambo), two community schools (Luanshimba and Nambo), a health centre (Kundalumwanshya) as well as a 50-metre lifeline bridge across Lukusashi River in Nambo.

Agriculture Community Capacity Building (ACCB) (2007-2008)

The ACCB project was carried out with the farmer groups in Kundalumwanshya, Luanshimba, Chibobo and Chilipamushi in partnership with Participatory Ecological Land-Use Management (PELUM) Zambia. The emphasis of the project was on community capacity building, more specifically on fish farming (incl. construction of fish ponds), organic gardening, livestock production (goats and cattle) as well as leadership skills.

Community Forestry Food, Good Health and Income Security (2007-2008)

The project’s overall objective was to improve the well-being of the environment and the local people’s household food and income security. It involved the establishment of family woodlots and orchards and provided training in their maintenance, thereby diversifying livelihoods and reducing pressure on the indigenous woodlands. A total of 60 farmers participated in the project and a documentary was produced on its implementation. The project was implemented in collaboration with the Canadian High Commission in the villages of Kundalumwanshya, Nambo, Luanshimba and Chibobo.

The Green Times newspaper (2003-2005)

The Green Times, an environmental monthly tabloid, was initiated by GLM as a mouthpiece for the organisation and a channel of awareness creation, since the traditional media in Zambia did not adequately cover environmental issues. It was widely distributed and brought various development and policy issues to the attention of the authorities. It also provided a platform for rural communities to communicate with decision-makers and the outside world, and was used by environmental activists and students as an advocacy tool and a source of knowledge. The project was funded by the Siemenpuu Foundation.

Capacity Building, Land Management and Sustainable Development (2001-2007)

This project was implemented in partnership with Kepa Zambia in all GLM’s project communities in Serenje and Kapiri Mposhi districts. It promoted the sustainable use of natural resources through community capacity building and environmentally-friendly agricultural practices. A total of 150 farmers were trained in agroforestry, beekeeping and a variety of other skills. The project also strengthened community management structures and governance. In addition, GLM staff and members attended various local and international capacity building programmes.