Zambia
Fruit trees integrated in
smallholder cropping systems,
and livestock production
| Main info | |
|---|---|
|
Name / Location |
Chisamba District / Central Province, Zambia |
|
Partner |
International Centre for Research in Agroforestry – ICRAF |
|
Agroecological Zone |
Semi-arid |
|
Climate Classification |
Temperate, dry winter, hot summer |
|
Land Ownership |
Public (Golden Valley Agricultural Research Trust) |
|
Total Area (ha) |
>2000 ha |
|
Area Under AF (ha) |
27.5 ha |
|
Non-AF Farmland (ha) |
~600 ha |
|
Support Organization |
Golden Valley Agricultural Research Trust – GART |
Resilient agroforestry systems adapted to semi-arid conditions
Located in Zambia’s Central Province, this Living Lab is dedicated to developing resilient agroforestry systems adapted to semi-arid conditions. In partnership with the Golden Valley Agricultural Research Trust (GART), and spanning over 2,000 hectares, the lab integrates fruit trees, fodder shrubs, and fertilizer tree species into smallholder farming systems. Serving as a platform for innovation, it demonstrates sustainable land restoration and agroecological practices, while addressing the challenges of climate variability and limited market access for rural farmers.
Main Challenges
Zambia’s Central Province presents several challenges that limit agricultural sustainability and smallholder prosperity. These include:
- Climate variability, with erratic rainfall and increasing drought frequency
- Market inaccessibility, restricting income opportunities and input availability
- Soil nutrient depletion, affecting long-term productivity
- Limited adoption of sustainable practices, due to knowledge and resource gaps
Agroforestry response
Zambia’s Living Lab promotes an integrated agroforestry approach that blends maize, legumes, and horticultural crops with fruit trees, fodder species, and nitrogen-fixing trees to enhance both productivity and ecosystem health. The system is complemented by livestock, including chickens, goats, and cattle, which contribute to nutrient cycling, food security, and income diversification. This Living Lab acts as a real-world demonstration space for sustainable agriculture, enabling knowledge-sharing and supporting long-term land restoration in a climate-challenged landscape.
