April 8, 2026
News
Sustainable agriculture is a vital pillar of growth in Zambia, yet small-scale farmers often face significant hurdles to success. From unpredictable climate shocks like severe droughts to limited access to local markets and high transportation costs. Like many other farmers, Ethel faced these obstacles while trying to sustain her livelihood through traditional farming. Thanks to our support, Ethel now successfully runs her own thriving poultry and agribusiness
From traditional farming to organic diversification
Before her partnership with Caritas, Ethel followed the traditional path of many local growers, concentrating solely on maize. Like many in her region, she faced steep hurdles: a lack of local buyers and the high cost of transporting goods to urban centers 25km away.
In 2023, Ethel joined the Green Solutions for Sustainable Development and Growth project. This experience sparked a shift in her approach, as she quickly adopted organic methods and began diversifying her crops. Even when a severe drought devastated local harvests, Ethel’s new skills kept her moving forward. She had already mastered the art of making compost and early field preparation, proving that organic farming offers a promising future even in a changing climate. 
To help her recover from the drought, Ethel received essential compensation through a program initiated by Caritas in collaboration with PULA Insurance. Today, Ethel is much more than a maize farmer. Through specialised training with our partner Kagezi Seed, she has become a skilled Cowpea seed grower, recently producing ten 50kg bags. She has also established a thriving poultry business with over 100 birds and a vegetable garden that serves her local community.
“From the diversification I learnt under Caritas Czech Republic, I can do more business enterprises at once,” she explains. “I have tomatoes and other vegetables, poultry, and crops as well.”
A role model for the community
Ethel’s success has resonated far beyond her own fields. As a Lead Farmer, she now trains others in her community through a farmer-to-farmer approach, often liaising with extension officers to share best practices. Her journey proves that when women are given the right tools, they don't just survive, they lead the way toward food security.
Caritas Czech Republic's endeavors in Zambia
In Zambia, Caritas Czech Republic empowers farmers by providing access to agricultural inputs, value-addition techniques, and market linkages. Our training programs transform local farms into centers of productivity, helping individuals realize their full potential.
Your support makes this empowerment possible. Join us in building a brighter, more self-reliant future for Zambian communities.
