Before joining the Urban Garden Farming Project, 38-year-old Charity Zulu relied on buying vegetables from the market.

“Like many families, I found it difficult to keep up with the rising cost of food. Although there was a small space around my home, the soil was poor and I lacked the knowledge and skills to grow vegetables successfully,” Charity said.

In January 2026, DAPP Zambia introduced the Urban Garden Farming Project in Matero, Chawama and Kanyama compounds. Charity joined one of the community gardening groups in Matero where she received practical training in climate-smart urban farming.

She learned how to make compost manure using household organic waste, prepare seedbeds, conserve water through mulching and drip irrigation and grow vegetables sustainably in small spaces.

"The biggest lesson I learned was how to make compost manure. Before the training, nothing could grow in the small space at my home. Now, I grow healthy and nutritious vegetables for my family. Nutrition has improved," Charity says with a smile in a group of other members of her group.

The garden has improved her family's diet by providing fresh, nutritious vegetables while reducing the money they spend on food.

"I am now looking for a house with a bigger yard so that I can expand my garden, grow more vegetables and earn an income," she explains.

The Urban Garden Farming Project in Matero has 25 groups consisting 20 members each.