CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE
As part of GED Africa’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive development, we launched our first Livelihood Restoration Program (“LRP”) in October 2024.
The program is designed to enhance food security, support economic resilience, and introduce climate-smart agricultural practices for communities along the Kasomeno-Mwenda Toll Road corridor.
A 4.25-hectare demonstration plot was established in Gershom, Mwense, Zambia, to serve as a hub for knowledge-sharing and agricultural innovation.
The plot consists of:
- 3.5 hectares of virus-resistant cassava (Mweru variety) – A high-yielding strain that matures in just 18 months, compared to the typical three years.
- 0.75 hectares of maize – Cultivated using sustainable farming techniques.
- Indigenous vegetable and herb nursery – Featuring medicinal plants and agroforestry initiatives.
- Intercropped beans – Enhancing soil nitrogen levels while supporting nutrient-dense diets.
The demonstration plot is a cornerstone of our “trainers-of-trainers” model, ensuring knowledge is passed on to a wider network of farmers, fostering long-term agricultural sustainability.
Agricultural Inputs and Training Dashboard
Through extensive training programs, we are equipping farmers with the skills needed to increase productivity and adapt to climate challenges. So far, the program has delivered:
The “Trainers-of-Trainers” Model
Given the linear nature of the project, GED Africa has adopted a “trainers-of-trainers” model to ensure the widespread adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices across multiple communities.
This approach enables sustainable knowledge transfer and ensures long-term impact beyond the immediate project-affected population.
Enabling Lead Farmers
To help scale the impact of the Livelihood Restoration Programme, GED Africa has identified and engaged Project-Affected People (PAPs) with strong agricultural knowledge to serve as Lead Farmers. These individuals act as knowledge hubs within their communities, helping to spread sustainable farming practices far beyond the initial training site.
At the demonstration plot in Gershom, Lead Farmers:
Ongoing Support and Field Engagement
A core strength of this model is the continuous support offered to Lead Farmers in the field. The GED Africa team regularly visits farms to:
- Troubleshoot challenges as they arise.
- Offer tailored technical support.
- Reinforce key techniques through hands-on guidance.
- Adjust training based on field observations and local needs.
In addition to these agricultural activities, we are also working collaboratively with shop owners, traders, and small businesses who lost their shops during the construction of the road. We are identifying viable opportunities to support them in setting up new businesses and running them independently, with a focus on training and capacity building for long-term success that lasts beyond GED’s hands-on support.
By providing real-time support and resources, GED Africa is cultivating a self-sustaining network of agricultural leaders who are driving lasting change within their communities—well beyond the life of the initial training programme.
Looking Ahead
Building on the success of this initiative, we are preparing to expand the program in 2025 by:
- Identifying additional land for new demonstration plots in both Zambia and the DRC.
- Broadening training programs to reach more farmers.
- Scaling up the cassava return system to ensure continued sustainability and growth.
Through the LRP, GED Africa is not only mitigating the impacts of resettlement but also fostering long-term agricultural transformation that will benefit communities for generations to come.