Young, Radical, and Rooted: The Zambian farmers turning challenges into opportunities

As we reflect on International Youth Day 2024, it is befitting to reflect on the extraordinary contributions by young people who are turning the tide on climate change and agricultural challenges. This year’s theme, From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development, resonates profoundly with the stories of two inspiring Zambian farmers—Abel Hangoma and Elizabeth Maanda Sianga—whose innovative approaches are transforming the agricultural landscape in Zambia and beyond. Their success stories are integral to the CGIAR Ukama Ustawi’s Learning Alliance, which champions the power of knowledge sharing to create real, on-the-ground impact.

Southern Africa has been grappling with severe drought conditions exacerbated by El Niño. In early 2024, Zambia, Malawi, Namibia, and Zimbabwe declared states of emergency due to the devastating impacts on agriculture and food security. These conditions have led to drastic reductions in crop yields, significant food shortages, and disruptions in water availability and livelihoods, prompting urgent international assistance. For many farmers in these areas, the relentless threat of drought and unpredictable weather patterns has turned farming into a daunting challenge. Yet, amid these challenges, Zambian farmers Abel Hangoma and Elizabeth Maanda Sianga stand out for their resilience and innovation, turning adversity into opportunity through their sustainable agricultural practices.

Agro Queens fostering economic growth, reducing poverty and improving food security in Africa

“Farming is a radical act of empowerment. As a young black female farmer, I am cultivating more than crops; I am sowing the seeds of self-sufficiency and community resilience,”

– Elizabeth Maanda Sianga, Founder of Agro Queens.

Elizabeth exemplifies what it means to be young, radical, and rooted. As an agronomist, she has dedicated herself to advocating for aquaculture and horticulture, successfully training over 10,000 farmers. Her innovative approach—combining biogas and solar energy with waste products from cattle and poultry to enhance fish farming—exemplifies circular economy principles and showcases how waste can be transformed into valuable resources.

Elizabeth’s work goes beyond farming; it addresses market instability by diversifying value chains and offering practical support to farmers. Her strong collaboration with Ukama Ustawi’s Learning Alliance is central to this mission. Through the Alliance, Elizabeth is helping to bridge local knowledge and global innovation, driving significant improvements in agricultural practices across Zambia and beyond. By working with the Learning Alliance, she is not only promoting sustainable practices but also empowering farmers to become more resilient and adaptable in the face of harsh conditions.

The ‘Radical Farmer’ revolutionizing agriculture

Abel Hangoma, known as the “Radical Farmer,” is at the forefront of sustainable agriculture in Zambia through his venture, Organic Farm7. Abel’s farm is a model of resilience, focusing on high-value crops such as raspberries, pomegranates, bananas, papaya, and passion fruit. By combining traditional knowledge with cutting-edge technology, he addresses the pressing issue of food security and employment in the face of climate change.

One of Abel’s standout innovations is his use of fertigation—a technique where fermented cowpea and alfalfa are integrated into irrigation systems. This method not only conserves water but also enriches the soil, promoting healthier and more productive crops. His innovative farming practices also include local mulching techniques and the use of aromatic herbs as natural pesticides, setting a new standard for sustainable agriculture in the region.

Abel’s commitment to sustainability is matched by his dedication to knowledge-sharing. Through web-based platforms like Facebook, he has reached over three million people globally, disseminating practical, climate-smart agricultural practices. His advocacy for knowledge exchange study tours through the Learning Alliance further highlights his belief in the power of collaboration. Abel is actively working with the Alliance to bridge the gap between complex scientific data and practical agricultural solutions, ensuring that farmers and local institutions can learn from each other, scale innovations, and transform sustainable practices into actionable, user-friendly information.

Ukama Ustawi Learning Alliance: Empowering farmers for a sustainable future

The Learning Alliance was established as a demand-driven network, bringing together key partners—CGIAR, CCARDESA, ASARECA and other regional knowledge management institutions. Operating under the CGIAR-CAADP X4P Knowledge Management Framework, the Alliance focuses on enhancing communication, building trust, and fostering collaboration among farmer, extension officers, researchers within CGIAR, AROs (Agricultural Research Organizations), and NROs (National Research Organizations). Its mission is to bridge the gap between research and practice by translating valuable findings into accessible formats, supporting practical applications, and encouraging collaborative learning through workshops and regional Share Fairs.

The stories of Abel and Elizabeth offer a glimpse of the broader impact the Learning Alliance is making across East and Southern Africa. By partnering with local and regional bodies, the Alliance strengthens knowledge-sharing networks, enhances research and extension services, and fosters supportive policy environments. These efforts empower young farmers to harness digital tools and innovative practices, turning clicks into real-world progress and driving sustainable development in agriculture.

Celebrating Youth Innovation and Resilience

As we reflect on International Youth Day 2024, the achievements of Abel, Elizabeth, and other young farmers making waves in agriculture stand as powerful testaments to what can be accomplished when innovation is paired with dedication. These young, radical, and rooted farmers are not just cultivating crops—they are cultivating a movement that is transforming agriculture and empowering communities.

Their successes also highlight the critical role of Ukama Ustawi’s Learning Alliance in fostering a culture of knowledge-sharing and practical innovation. By working together, these efforts are not only addressing the immediate challenges posed by climate change but are also laying the foundation for a resilient and thriving agricultural sector.

Looking ahead

The CGIAR Ukama Ustawi Initiative kicked off its first Share Fair in March 2024 in Zimbabwe, where over 50 farmers gathered to exchange knowledge, resources, and innovations in sustainable agriculture. Building on this success, the Learning Alliance is gearing up for an even bigger event in November 2024—the second Share Fair, this time in Ethiopia. This gathering will bring together farmers, Knowledge Management experts, CGIAR scientists, National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS), and extension services, sparking new collaborations and shaping the future of resilient farming.

Featured image: Elizabeth Maanda Sianga, Founder of Agro Queens. Credit: Elizabeth Maanda Sianga

Authors:

• Ngowenani Nohayi, Research Officer – Policy and Water Governance, International Water Management Institute (IWMI)
• Winnie Kasoma-Pele, Research Officer – Innovation Scaling, IWMI