Smallholders Farmers' Support Project

We must address the global emergency caused by global warming and climate change with ambition and urgency. DAPP in Zambia works with thousands of small holder farmers to increase their resilience to climatic shocks, hazards and to increase use of sustainable farming methods thereby reducing CO2 emission.

We work with smallholder farmers to improve their resilience toward climate shocks and hazards.

The farmers are organized in clubs which provide them a platform for farmer to farmer support, collective actions and creation of linkages to government and private sector services.

Farmers ultimately improve livelihoods, food security and wealth.

The members of the clubs learn to deal with climatic challenges and other risks, i.e. crop diversification and crop varieties, diversifying agriculture production, using climate smart farming methods, practicing water harvesting and improving post-harvest techniques. The program is providing them access to farming inputs, financing, and climatic information and access to markets. Farmers are able to share their experiences, challenges, and solutions including accessing credit, markets, extension services, etc.

Through the Farmers’ Clubs, small holder farmers learn to practice environmentally friendly agriculture that in return improves crop production, food security and enhances their livelihood.

The farmers work together in the Farmers’ Clubs consisting of between 40 to 50 members. The Club is governed by the Farmers’ Clubs Committee and internal extension support is conducted by 5 Lead Farmers who also head micro groups. Project Field Staff (Project Leaders) are based in their area of operation each supporting 500 to 650 farmers working together with Camp Extension Officers.

Through the clubs the farmers get access to an organized Club Life that include training sessions, field visits, low cost technical solutions, technical and personal assistance, exchange experiences and together they practice collective actions to create change.

The Farmers’ Clubs Model

The farmers learn to practice conservation agriculture including diversification of produce and the use of sustainable and environmental friendly farming practices. This include sustaining natural resources in terms of water, soil and trees. Farmers are insured using weather index to reduce their risk in case of crop failure due to droughts.Internal saving groups provides farmers with a mechanism for emergency and production loans. The clubs assist farmers with market access through trained and equipped aggregators who collect the grains from fellow farmers and identify the buyers who offer the best prices.

Key Results from 2022