On January 18th, 2024, MC- Zambia (MCZ) launched a new pioneering project aimed at promoting climate-smart innovative agroecology for biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and improved rural smallholder livelihoods in Magoba and Chanyanya communities of Chikupi and Magoba ward of Kafue District.
As climate change threatens the planet and the livelihoods of these communities and others worldwide, the project reflects the MCZ’s commitment to sustainable practices and fostering a resilient and environmentally conscious future.
“With great enthusiasm, we unveil our ambitious climate change project. This unveiling is not just about a project but also about the possibility of creating a future where sustainability is a way of life. We encourage communities, NGOs, and government agencies to join hands in our fight against climate change.” said George Kalipenta, Project Lead.
This project takes special significance, considering this region is the country’s most affected by climate change, with low water levels due to droughts and increased water shortages threatening human life and livestock.
Along these lines, the importance of this initiative for the community is acknowledged by stakeholders, too.
“We have suffered from the effects of deforestation associated with charcoal production. Therefore, this climate change project brings so much joy and hope to our communities for a better future.” said Simon Peter Chisandi, Community Program Committee Chairperson.
Through this initiative, MC-Zambia will engage 300 vulnerable women, youths, and men in implementing activities such as training and workshops to raise environmental awareness, drilling boreholes, setting up fishponds, and establishing fruit orchards and woodlands.
The local communities in Kafue are receiving erratic rainfall induced by El Nino due to climate change. This has led to the failure of current water resources to meet the basic needs of smallholder farmers in livelihoods and the agriculture sector. Drought and other climate change-related disasters are increasing and negatively affecting energy, food security, water, health, and wildlife sectors. MCZ’s project represents a significant step toward combating these challenges by promoting climate-smart innovative agroecology for biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and improved rural smallholder livelihoods through well-tailored activities.
This project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Small Grants Programme (SGP) and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
For more information about this project and MCZ’s other initiatives, please follow MC-Zambia on Facebook and visit www.mcwglobal.org.
