ENGAGING SMALLHOLDER FARMERS
IN REVERSING DEFORESTATION

PROJECT

The Luanshya district is Zambia’s most densely populated region and as a result it’s forests have been disappearing. Through a holistic approach that integrates livelihood development with ecological restoration, we support farmers to restore the native Miombo woodlands that are disappearing from the region. By employing assisted natural regeneration of Miombo woodlots (plots of native woodland on farms) and introducing economic activities such as bioenergy and honey production, local communities can restore their forests. The farmer population benefits from diversified jobs, higher incomes and new skills. The project establishes market linkages between small-scale farmers and local private sector companies. In addition, this project looks to aid farmers in obtaining ownership of land in order to secure the sustainability of the conservation and livelihood outcomes.

WHY ZAMBIA?

In Zambia, poverty and environmental degradation are closely linked. Indeed, Zambia is one of the world’s poorest countries and has one of the highest rates of deforestation. In the Copperbelt province, large numbers of miners were forced into charcoal production after the collapse of the mining industry.
Here, we work to restore Miombo woodlots that have suffered as a result, supporting sustainable socio-economic development and promoting a market for a green alternative to charcoal. Named for the dominant oak-like miombo trees, the Miombo woodland is a unique African environment and
important habitat for wildlife.

PROJECT GOALS

• Restore native Miombo woodlots on smallhold farms
• Promote sustainable exploitation of Miombo woodland and sustainable forest management
• Promote economic development
• Build livelihood resilience

CARBON CALCULATION

In the Copperbelt province, the above-ground biomass in Miombo woodlands can store an average of 145.4 tons of CO2 per hectare after a period of 20 years.