February 20, 2025
News
In a small village in southern Zambia, farmer Conceptor not only takes care of her family but also manages her farm. Thanks to training provided by Caritas Czech Republic, she has learned ecological methods that help her cope with the challenges posed by climate change. Today, she is able to grow enough food not just for her family but also for selling at local markets. As a lead farmer, she also inspires other farmers in her community.
Conceptor inspires other farmers in her community
In the village of Gaali, near the town of Monze in Zambia, we are warmly welcomed by the smiling farmer Conceptor at her home, where she looks after six children. Outside, under a small shelter, lunch is being cooked over an open fire, and a few chickens are roaming around. After a tour of her small farm, we sit down in the shade of a fruit tree as Conceptor begins to share her story.
Conceptor has been farming for several years, and as a lead farmer, she passes on her experience to others in her community. However, her crops are increasingly threatened by climate change, which is depriving farmers in Zambia of their livelihoods. "Climate change has had a major impact not only on my maize but also on other crops, such as peas. Due to extreme drought, I harvested only a small amount, barely enough for my family," Conceptor recalls.
Training has improved her livelihood
After completing training of agricultural skills provided by Caritas Czech Republic, Concepter's harvest began to improve, mainly due to the introduction of ecological methods. "I learned how to make compost from manure without having to use chemical fertilisers," Conceptor explains. Thanks to these methods, she has also learned how to maintain her fields in good condition so that they remain fertile for future generations.
The knowledge gained from the training has enabled Conceptor to become a successful farmer. She is now able to grow enough crops to feed her family and sell surplus produce at local markets. "I no longer have to buy food because my harvest is enough for the whole family," Conceptor says happily.
Farming is Conceptor’s passion. Despite the lack of water, which makes her work more difficult, she hopes to expand her farming activities in the future. "If everything goes well, I would like to drill a bore-hole and expand my farm," Conceptor shares her plans.
Caritas Czech Republic helps farmers in Zambia adapt to climate change
Zambia is one of the countries increasingly affected by climate change. Farmers, whose livelihoods depend on agriculture, are among the hardest hit. We support farmers like Conceptor to help them continue growing crops despite changing climate conditions. One such farmer is Jean, who, with our support, has become the owner of a cassava processing business.
