One thousand young farmers are set to benefit from First National Bank (FNB) Zambia Foundation and DAPP Zambia’s Climate Resilience and Sustainable Livelihoods initiative in Mpika District.
The Foundation has since handed over a K690,000 cheque to DAPP aimed at empowering farmers through climate-smart agriculture and livelihood strengthening initiatives.
Through this partnership, DAPP will organize farmers’ clubs and farmers’ service centres, train farmers in climate-smart agriculture, establish savings groups, provide financial literacy training, and link beneficiaries to the private sector for marketing services.
Speaking on the partnership, FNB Zambia Foundation Trustee Happy Nyasulu said by equipping 1,000 young farmers in Mpika with climate-smart agricultural skills, improved farming technologies, and sustainable livelihood strategies, the two institutions are strengthening the foundation of the country’s future food systems.
Mr. Nyasulu stated that the programme is being carried out in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture as well as the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services, complementing government efforts to boost agricultural productivity and improve rural livelihoods.
He said the Mpika initiative recognizes that climate change is not an abstract global issue; it is a daily reality for farmers, and aligns with the Foundation’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable development.
“This initiative is a cornerstone of FNB Zambia Foundation’s broader sustainability agenda, which focuses on empowering communities and promoting environmental stewardship that secure Zambia’s future.”
“Young farmers play a particularly strategic role. They bring energy, openness to new methods, and the potential for long-term impact. By investing in them, we are investing in decades of innovation, productivity, and resilience. The challenges they face are real,” Mr. Nyasulu stated.
He expressed gratitude to FNB Zambia for allocating 1% of its annual profit after tax towards supporting such initiatives.
Earlier, DAPP Zambia Managing Director, Elise Soerensen said the initiative will use the Farmers’ Clubs Model as a platform and structure for farmers to share knowledge and experiences to withstand climate-related shocks.
Ms. Soerensen described the partnership as a significant step towards building resilient farming communities in Mpika District, noting that by organizing farmers into strong Farmers’ Clubs and promoting climate-smart agriculture, DAPP and the Foundation are strengthening food security, incomes, and long-term sustainability for rural households.
“Farmers will be supported to diversify into irrigation farming, small livestock production and increase cultivation of legumes to enhance resilience, nutrition and soil fertility. They will also establish vegetable and tree nurseries,” Ms. Elise stressed.
She explained that DAPP Zambia’s Farmers’ Clubs model has been instrumental in providing a platform for farmer-to-farmer support, access to extension services, private sector markets, finance, and insurance networks.
