The Agriculture in Zambia

58% of Zambia’s 75 million hectares of land can be used for agriculture, but only 15% is currently utilised. Among other things, the agricultural policy focuses on expanding agricultural research and advisory services as well as increasing the mechanisation and diversification of agriculture. In order to reduce the effects of climate change, the Zambian government is promoting measures for climate-resilient cultivation methods and investments in climate- and resource-friendly technologies.

The Project

Since August 2014, the AKTC has been operating as a training centre where market-oriented Zambian farmers, specialists and managers of agricultural businesses as well as multipliers (universities, advisory services) are trained in modern sustainable crop production and agricultural technology. Climate-resilient and agroecological production methods have been added as new focal points. Agroecological cultivation trials will be scientifically monitored by the Julius Kühn Institute as of 2024. To disseminate knowledge beyond Zambia, the project cooperates with the regional farmers’ association SACAU.

Project goals

• qualification of target groups in the practical application of modern technology and sustainable cultivation methods
• further development into a competence centre for climate-resilient plant production
• development of new trial and demonstration areas for sustainable, conservation agriculture methods, regenerative agriculture and agroecology
• expansion of local, regional and international cooperation

Together with the University of Hohenheim and the Julius Kühn Institute, the AKTC is conduct- ing research into mechanised conservation tillage and agroecological approaches. Proven economic advantages also help to convince farmers.

Results and Successes

Since 2014, the AKTC has trained more than 18,000 participants from the Zambian agricultural and the agricultural education sector through training courses and demonstrations.

Since 2023, the Zambian tractor driving licence can be obtained at the AKTC In addition to cooperations, including with the University of Zambia and the Natural Resource College, AKTC acts as consultant for the development of training content for the Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA).

Project Partners and Cooperations

• Ministry of Agriculture, Zambia
• European agribusiness companies
• Zambian Agricultural Universities and Colleges
• University of Hohenheim & Julius-Kühn-Institute
• Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions - SACAU

Project Partner on Operational Level

• Golden Valley Agricultural Research Trust (GART)
• Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU)

Link to project website: AKTC-Sambia

Released 12. Dec 2024 as text

Address

German-Zambian Aricultural Knowledge and Training Centre (AKTC)
Climate-resilient and agroecological cultivation for the further development of modern agriculture in Zambia and the region – development, testing, dissemination, training
AKTC P.O.Box 108 Fringilla Lusaka, Zambia
108 Chisamba Farm
Sambia

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