Small-scale farmers across Southern Africa are grappling with increasing climate-related challenges, including erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, declining soil fertility and rising pest pressures, prompting new interventions aimed at strengthening resilience and productivity.
In response, Solidaridad has introduced the Climate-Smart Horticulture Production Manual for Small-Scale Farmers, a field-tested, practical guide designed to help farmers adapt to climate change while improving production of nutritious and marketable vegetables. The manual forms part of the organisation’s broader regional strategy to promote sustainable agriculture and build resilient smallholder farming systems in a region where agriculture remains central to food security and rural economies.
Brian Mbale, a lead farmer in Magoye, expressed appreciation for the technical and financial support provided through the initiative. He acknowledged Solidaridad, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Zukunft säen: Gemüsegärten für Kleinbäuer innen in Sambia (Plant the Future: Vegetable Garden for small-scale farmers in Zambia) project funded by the German Postcode Lottery for supporting the vegetable production programme.
“Traditionally, our only source of income was cotton, which is produced once after the rains. This meant our income was limited and uncertain. Through this vegetable project, we are now able to grow a variety of vegetables that can be produced and marketed throughout the year. As a result, our household income has improved, and we are now able to meet our daily needs. As vegetable farmers, we are very grateful for the manual provided,” says Mbale.
According to Mbale, “the Climate-Smart Horticultural Production Manual for small-scale farmers acts as a silent extension officer for us. Even when government extension officers and project staff are not available, the manual remains a vital source of information and provides step-by-step guidance to improve our farming practices. We truly appreciate this support.”
The manual promotes nature-based farming systems that rely on locally accessible resources rather than expensive external inputs. Recommended practices include crop diversification, intercropping, companion planting and enhanced biodiversity aimed at naturally managing pests and boosting productivity.
“Climate-smart horticulture is about restoring balance and building sustainable livelihoods in our farming systems. When farmers diversify crops and recycle nutrients on-farm, they reduce production costs while strengthening resilience to climate change,” says Daniel Kalala, one of the authors of the manual.
The approach reflects Solidaridad’s broader commitment to promoting good agricultural practices across value chains while supporting long-term sustainability for smallholder producers.
Water scarcity remains a major constraint for many farmers in the region. The manual outlines accessible water-saving techniques such as mulching, sunken and raised beds, drip irrigation systems and traditional clay pot irrigation methods.
“These are affordable, farmer-friendly solutions that can be implemented using local resources. The manual focuses on efficiency to make sure every drop of water counts,” explains Vincent Mofya, Senior Project Manager at Solidaridad.
Soil health is also highlighted as a critical pillar of productive farming systems. The manual encourages practices such as composting, Bokashi, biochar and liquid organic inputs to improve soil structure, nutrient availability and water retention while supporting cost-effective regenerative agriculture.
“Soil health is the foundation of sustainable agriculture,” says Sheila Garakara, Country Manager (Zambia) for Solidaridad. “When farmers invest in organic matter and soil life, they build resilient systems that protect both livelihoods and the environment.”
“The integration of climate-smart agriculture with safe crop production strongly supports the goals of the recently launched LOCAL ZAMGAP, particularly by enhancing its focus on food safety, consumer confidence, and environmentally sound practices,” adds Garakara.
The manual further outlines natural pest and disease management strategies that reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, contributing to safer food production for both households and consumers. With growing demand for chemical-free vegetables, farmers adopting climate-smart practices are also better positioned to access emerging markets.
“When farmers produce diverse, safe vegetables, they improve household nutrition while accessing better markets. The Climate-Smart Horticulture Production Manual for Small-Scale Farmers supports Solidaridad’s broader mandate to improve agricultural production, scale up sustainable practices and strengthen rural livelihoods across the Southern African region,” concludes Garakara.
