January 5, 2026
News
Forty-two-year-old Hamiyanda from Zambia used to rely on growing maize as his main source of livelihood. However, due to the impacts of climate change, this way of farming has become unsustainable. Thanks to Caritas Czech Republic, Hamiyanda gained knowledge of organic farming and became a sorghum seed grower. Once established in his new career, he was able to purchase his dream bike, which greatly simplified his work. Hamiyanda and other farmers in Zambia are supported by Caritas Czech Republic, even through donations collected in the Three Kings Collection.
Photo: Hamiyanda and his motorbike
Thanks to training, Hamiyanda learned about organic growing
Hamiyanda comes from the Kampunu area in Monze District, southern Zambia. This is where Caritas Czech Republic supports local farmers in their efforts to respond to climate change. We organise a series of training sessions in which they receive information on growing drought-resistant crops, and on other methods they can apply to farming to help their harvest thrive. This activity has been running since 2023, when Hamiyanda started attending the sessions.
One year later, thanks to the knowledge gained about sustainable crop production and marketing practices, Hamiyanda became a seed grower through the partnership between Caritas Czech Republic and Kagezi Seed. He attended further training in seed growing and was provided with ten kilograms of sorghum seed. Kagezi Seed also helped him reach the market through micro aggregators within his community. After completing his training, he began growing and harvesting the crop.
I thank Caritas Czech Republic for bringing Kagezi seed into this project, and I have benefited greatly from the knowledge,
says Hamiyanda.
A bountiful harvest allowed Hamiyanda to purchase a bike
During the harvest seasons of 2024 and 2025, Hamiyanda collected 2.261 kilograms of seed. He repaid part of his loan, then sold the majority of the harvest to Kagezi Seed. The company bought one kilogram for twelve Zambian kwacha. Altogether, Hamiyanda earned 27.000 Zambian kwacha during the season.
Photo: Hamiyanda's bike
Thanks to that, he was able to purchase a motorbike, which significantly improved his work. He can now travel outside his community, build new connections for future collaborations, and expand his livelihood. At the same time, he helps transport people within his own community.
Even if Caritas were to leave me now, I would have the motorbike to point to as a reminder, and I will continue to apply the knowledge I received,
shares Hamiyanda.
Hamiyanda’s plans for the future
Even in the current season, Hamiyanda has once again decided to grow sorghum seed. However, during his training sessions, he learned that the soil benefits when crops are rotated every other year. Therefore, Hamiyanda is growing the seeds in a different field, and he predicts that his harvest may be even richer than last season’s.
Caritas Czech Republic continues its work in Zambia
Another attendee of the training sessions in Monze was Minga. She is a farmer and a single mother who now supports her family through sustainable farming methods. Edeby, a businesswoman who focuses on organic farming, also received our assistance. Thanks to the training, she improved her marketing skills and expanded her business network.
Photo: Businesswoman Edeby
Caritas Czech Republic continues to train Zambian farmers who face worsening drought and other impacts of climate change. Our activities abroad are also supported by donations from the Three Kings Collection, the largest nationwide fundraiser in the Czech Republic. This year, it runs from January 1 to January 14. However, people can contribute throughout the year and help improve the lives of people both at home and abroad.
Photo: The Three Kings Collection 2025; photos taken from the Člověk a Víra society
