Building Climate Resilience through CDF

For years, farmers in the Shimungalu and Mwanachingwala areas have battled unpredictable weather patterns, soil degradation, and dwindling water sources. Mr Dennis Mweemba, a farmer, explains that many rely on maize, sugarcane, and livestock farming. Yet, limited access to financial resources has hindered their ability to implement climate-smart agricultural practices. 

Mr Mweemba adds that unsustainable activities such as illegal sand mining along the Magoye, Kaleya, and Kafue Rivers have exacerbated environmental degradation, threatening both biodiversity and human well-being.

Recognising the urgent need for sustainable solutions, CUTS International Lusaka, with support from WWF, conducted capacity-building initiatives under the Voices for Just Climate Action (VCA) programme. The training aimed to educate community members on the CDF and equipping them with business proposal writing skills, opening doors to government-backed funding opportunities that can drive climate resilience.

Ms. Martha Kalumba, a small-scale farmer in Shimungalu, has always dreamed of expanding her small garden to include climate-resilient crops. However, without financial literacy or access to funding, she struggled to turn her vision into reality. The training sessions helped her understand the CDF’s application process, empowering her to draft a proposal for an irrigation system that would ensure year-round farming without over-extracting water from local rivers.

Similarly, youth who were previously engaged in illegal sand mining saw an opportunity to shift to alternative livelihoods. With guidance from CUTS and local officials, some young people began exploring eco-friendly business ventures such as fish farming and beekeeping—both of which provide income while protecting natural resources.

The initiative also fostered collaboration between local authorities and community leaders. Mazabuka Municipal Councillor, Mr. Clifford Jolezya, who have played a pivotal role in simplifying the CDF application process for participants. “When communities understand how to access these funds, they can develop projects that not only improve their income but also safeguard the environment,” he noted.

At Chibolya Community School in Mazabuka Kaleya, students are also taking an active role in climate action. An essay competition on combating climate change encouraged young minds to propose solutions, while members of the Climate Change Club initiated discussions on the effects of deforestation and kachasu brewing. Their enthusiasm culminated in a tree-planting activity, symbolizing a commitment to long-term environmental stewardship.

As Mazabuka’s communities gain financial literacy and awareness of climate finance opportunities, the potential for sustainable development grows. By integrating CDF funding into nature-based solutions, these communities are not only improving their livelihoods but also laying the foundation for a greener, more resilient future.