Zambia’s Collaborative Climate Action Workshop

Effective climate action requires locally grounded solutions that are strategically aligned with national and global priorities. In this article, we reflect on a pivotal workshop held in Zambia, where partners in the Voices for Just Climate Action (VCA) programme convened to enhance collaboration and pave the way for impactful policy engagement.  The five-day event provided a crucial space to reflect on progress, identify opportunities, and collaboratively chart the course for the programme’s remaining phase.

This collaborative gathering strengthened partnerships among diverse stakeholders, facilitated vital knowledge exchange, and showcased the significant impact of the VCA programme. Participants explored innovative approaches, discussed the importance of systems thinking for effective interventions, and initiated the development of a joint advocacy plan to amplify community voices and influence policy on key issues, including the Plant Breeders Act.

The workshop underscored the critical link between local action and national policy. Key takeaways, directly relevant to policymakers and funders, include:

• Enhanced Local Ownership and Partnership: The workshop fostered stronger partnerships and relationships, creating a conducive environment for local ownership of climate initiatives.  This is a critical foundation for sustainable and impactful interventions, ensuring community buy-in and long-term engagement.  The “speed-dating” session proved effective in initiating new collaborations.

• Facilitated Learning and Knowledge Sharing: The workshop facilitated a deep exchange of knowledge and insights among alliance members and partners. Participants gained a deeper understanding of each other’s work, which directly enhanced collaboration efforts and avoided duplication of effort.  This cross-learning is essential for maximising the effectiveness of climate interventions.

• Showcasing Impact and Collective Storytelling: The workshop successfully showcased the collective impact of the VCA programme, enabling participants to articulate a unified narrative of the programme’s achievements. This thematic storytelling is crucial for communicating impact to policymakers and funders and demonstrating the value of investing in locally led solutions.

• Identifying Fundable and Scalable Local Solutions: The workshop made significant strides in identifying and packaging fundable and scalable local solutions. These solutions are now better positioned to attract financial resources, which will be critical in sustaining the programme’s impact beyond its current funding cycle.  This focus on scalability and sustainability is vital for long-term climate resilience. However, further work is needed to align these solutions with community needs and service provider priorities.

• Joint Advocacy Planning for Policy Influence: The workshop initiated the development of a joint advocacy plan, recognising the importance of coordinated action to influence policy. This is particularly relevant to the Plant Breeders Act, where a unified voice is essential for protecting smallholder farmers and traditional seed systems in the face of climate change.  The plan will define roles, responsibilities, timelines, and key deliverables for effective policy engagement.