Knowledge Exchange Success Stories from Luangwa
By Kondwani Thindwa - Panos Institute, Zambia
Grassroots communities are increasingly recognised as critical stakeholders in the fight against climate change. Their unique insights into local ecosystems and their capacity for collective action make them valuable contributors to climate adaptation and mitigation strategies. A community-to-community exchange programme between the Kanayama Women's Federation and the Katondwe Alliance of Women has demonstrated how community linkages can significantly enhance grassroots climate action.
The exchange programme, initiated in 2024 to strengthen ties between the host Kanyama Women’s Federation, a group known for its expertise in urban agriculture, and the visiting Katondwe Alliance of Women, a rural community from the Luangwa district with a keen interest in adopting sustainable farming practices, shows signs of success. Its success is a positive outcome for the VCA programme as peer-to-peer knowledge exchanges are proving to be an effective approach for responding to the challenges of climate change, especially considering the benefits of its emphasis on emerging knowledge and contextualised experiences. This creates the potential to leap from learning to action.
Early Signs of Success
Since the exchange, the Katondwe Alliance of Women have made significant strides in adopting sustainable agriculture methods. Sack gardening is already being piloted in several households, providing families with a reliable source of vegetables while conserving water. Meanwhile, bokashi manure production for sack gardens has been embraced as a cost-effective way to improve soil fertility and reduce reliance on synthetic fertilisers.
“I’ve learned that farming doesn’t have to be expensive. With organic manure and sack gardening, we are growing food even in small spaces.” – Mrs Mwanza.
Sack Gardening: A Solution for Urban and Rural Settings
Sack gardening, a critical focus of the exchange programme, captured the imagination of the visiting community members from Luangwa. This innovative method involves growing vegetables in vertically stacked sacks filled with soil and organic manure, making it ideal for areas with limited space or poor soil quality. Participants from Katondwe, after learning about this method, were particularly inspired by the simplicity and scalability of this technique, which they are now replicating in their community to boost household food production.
These initiatives have enhanced the community’s resilience to climate change and fostered a sense of collective responsibility and innovation. Members of the Katondwe Alliance report increased confidence in their ability to address climate challenges, thanks to the practical knowledge and inspiration gained from the Kanayama Women’s Federation.
The host women from Kanyama are equally enthusiastic about the programme. Alice Phiri, a long-time Kanyama Women’s Federation member, shares how the women from Katondwe brought fresh perspectives on cooperative farming and resource-sharing.
“This exchange has shown us the power of unity and shared knowledge…it’s not just about teaching; we also learned from the visitor.” – Alice Phiri.
A Model for Grassroots Development
The exchange programme underscores the importance of grassroots initiatives in addressing broader societal challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and food security. It demonstrates the importance of creating and strengthening linkages between VCA communities. Such collaborations provide a platform for sharing experiences, best practices, and solutions tailored to the unique challenges grassroots communities face. By equipping women with practical skills and fostering inter-community collaboration, the initiative aligns with Zambia’s national efforts to promote gender equality and sustainable development.
By investing in these networks, stakeholders can ensure that climate action is inclusive, impactful, and sustainable.
Looking ahead, the two groups have committed to maintaining their partnership through regular communication and follow-up visits. Plans are already underway to establish a joint demonstration centre in Katondwe, where women from both communities can continue experimenting with and improving their agricultural practices.
“We would love to assist our colleagues set up a green space in Katondwe just like ours…we can do joint ventures to support each other in improving these green centres.” – Faides Tembo.
The Way Forward
The journey of the Katondwe Alliance of Women and the Kanayama Women’s Federation serves as a powerful reminder of the potential that lies within grassroots communities. We can build a more resilient and equitable future by fostering connections, sharing knowledge, and empowering individuals. As these women and youths continue to champion sustainable agriculture practices, their efforts serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for other communities facing the challenges of climate change.
In a world increasingly defined by environmental uncertainty, the value of grassroots linkages and knowledge-sharing cannot be overstated. The story of these two communities demonstrates that the path to sustainable development begins with empowering those at the forefront of climate action.
