Food-feed-fertility: Feeding the soil, Livestock, and People in Zambia
Smallholder farmers in Zambia are transforming food security by integrating crops and livestock to feed soils, animals, and families sustainably. What to read next: Why women are central to resilient food systems | Afriseed: How improved legume seed can help transform ZambiaтАЩs agrifood systems | тАЬMaize is FoodтАЭ: ZambiaтАЩs Journey with Climate-Resilient Seeds | Conservation agriculture in Zambia: less labor and higher yields
In Zambia's Southern Province, livestock is more than an asset; it is a livelihood strategy, a local bank, and a symbol of wealth. A herd can pay school fees, cover emergency medical costs, and provide stability for a family when crop harvests are low. It can also influence a smallholder's social status and how they are viewed by society. However, in recent seasons, this status has come under pressure due to erratic rainfall and El Ni├▒o effects that have thinned pastures and shortened the grazing window by reducing available biomass. Cattle are pushed further into communal areas to search for sparse feed, which is inherently low in productive nutrients. By the time the long winter months arrive, many families are already worrying about what their animals will eat and what they will lose if the animals weaken and die.
This is the current reality that farmers participating in the European Union (EU)-funded Sustainable Intensification of Smallholder Farming Systems in Zambia (SIFAZ) project are trying to address. The aim of the project is not to replace livestock with crops but to strengthen the link between them. This practical approach allows farmers to plan feeding their livestock the same way they plan cropping for human consumption. Instead of relying solely on distant grazing areas, farmers are validating improved fodder systems that provide feed on-site when it is hardest to find, while also improving soils for the next cropping cycle.
Early-season evaluations from the 2025/2026 season show that the appreciation of in-situ fodder production is increasing. Close management of livestock and growing feed for livestock production, however, requires a mental shift among livestock owners used to extensive herding, as population densities increase. Moving from extensive livestock grazing to livestock holding, which means keeping animals in close proximity and controlled feeding, depends on having enough biomass to sustain the animals.
The SIFAZ project is not only about livestock but also about integrating crops and livestock to feed soils, animals, and families sustainably. Smallholder farmers in Zambia are transforming food security by adopting a holistic approach to agriculture. This integration ensures that the soil remains fertile, livestock are well-nourished, and families have a reliable food supply.
Women are central to these resilient food systems. They often manage the day-to-day operations of farming and livestock, ensuring that both human and animal needs are met. By adopting improved legume seeds, farmers can enhance soil fertility and provide nutritious feed for their livestock. This not only improves the health of the animals but also contributes to better crop yields, creating a cycle of sustainability.
Conservation agriculture in Zambia has also shown promise in reducing labor and increasing yields. By minimizing soil disturbance and maintaining soil health, farmers can achieve higher productivity with less effort. This approach is particularly beneficial in regions where climate change is affecting agricultural practices.
The "Maize is Food" initiative in Zambia highlights the importance of climate-resilient seeds. By investing in seeds that can withstand droughts and pests, farmers can ensure a stable food supply even in challenging conditions. This initiative is part of a broader effort to build resilient agrifood systems in Zambia.
In conclusion, the SIFAZ project in Zambia is a testament to the power of integrating crops and livestock to create sustainable food systems. By focusing on soil health, livestock nutrition, and crop yields, smallholder farmers are building resilience against climate change and ensuring food security for their families. The project's success underscores the importance of women in these systems and the potential of improved seeds and conservation agriculture to transform Zambia's agrifood landscape. As the project continues to evolve, it holds the promise of a more stable and prosperous future for Zambia's smallholder farmers.
