Zambia

The context

Deforestation

Zambia faces high deforestation rates due to the clearing of forests for agricultural expansion and charcoal production.

Local context

The government aims to minimise forest clearing for agriculture and promote agricultural productivity through private sector involvement. This will involve the implementation of favourable trade policies and the reduction of export restrictions on agricultural commodities, according to the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP).

Biodiversity

To combat deforestation, the government prioritises environmental sustainability and the protection of biodiversity.

Agriculture

Agriculture is the main livelihood for most Zambians, and about 80% of producers are smallholder farmers. However, low productivity hampers the agricultural sector, contributing only 5.8% to the GDP.

Decoupling Agriculture from Deforestation

The formalisation of value chains in line with international market requirements, such as sustainability and traceability, therefore become more important for the Zambian agricultural sector. Additionally, Zambia is among the few countries to sign a memorandum of understanding for the EU Forest Partnerships with producer countries during the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference. Through the SAFE project, Zambia aims to contribute to the EU’s holistic approach to jointly protect, restore, and sustainably use forests by ensuring that forests are managed sustainably and deforestation is minimised. The Forest Partnerships encompass the EU’s holistic approach to jointly work on forests and are a means to reverse deforestation in the supported countries and consequently enhance climate and biodiversity protection.

Approach

The SAFE project in Zambia aims to raise public and private sector awareness of the EUDR and its relevance for future Zambian exports to the EU market.

The project is working with smallholder farmers and communities to promote sustainable agricultural practices, minimise forest degradation, and prevent deforestation. The project also aims to establish a compelling case for least developed countries (LDCs) on how they can produce in line with the EUDR in the future. Lessons learned from the implementation in Zambia will be shared with Member States of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), enabling them to benefit from the knowledge and experiences that will be gained.

The project is taking an integrated landscape approach, fostering collaboration among various stakeholders and prioritising environmental considerations. SAFE will strengthen Zambia’s preparedness in the soy and wood value chains for potential exports to EU markets.

Commodities SAFE is working on in Zambia

Approach

The SAFE project in Zambia aims to raise public and private sector awareness of the EUDR and its relevance for future Zambian exports to the EU market.

Commodities SAFE is working on in Zambia

Activities

Good Agricultural Practices for Soy Farmers

Smallholder farmers are trained on good agricultural practices (GAP) for the soy value chain. This enhances sustainable farming and improves livelihoods while reducing pressure on forest lands.

Land Tenure and Gender Inclusivity

Land tenure rights, with a focus on women and marginalized groups are promoted. By facilitating land certification in selected chiefdoms, the project empowers communities and strengthens equitable access to resources.

Sustainable Soy and Forest Management

SAFE Zambia focuses on preserving forest ecosystems while promoting sustainable soy production. Working closely with community forest management groups (CFMGs), the project helps conserve forest through awareness campaigns and capacity building.

Traceability and Transparency

Traceability systems are piloted with two private sector companies in the soy value chain. These pilots ensure transparent supply chains that meet deforestation-free criteria, benefiting both farmers and businesses.

Forest Preservation and Policy Support

In collaboration with partners, the project contributes to policy development for community forest management (CFM). Studies and evaluations inform revisions of Zambia’s forest policies, ensuring long-term forest preservation.

Working with: CIFOR-ICRAF