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Country report at the workshop in Uganda 2002 |
by Gabriel Kaunda, NECOFA Country Representative of Zambia
Greetings from Zambia, especially NECOFA members.
NECOFA – Zambia was born in Cameroon two years ago (October/November, 2000) at the follow-up workshop thanks for the support we got for this admission to the then existing seven Country members namely Ethiopia, Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda.
Being the only participant from Zambia this admission in itself was the greatest challenge in the Promotion of Ecofarming.
After the Cameroon follow-up workshop work had to begin spreading the Gospel of Ecofarming at the same time enticing interested members to join. Most times it was one – on – one discussion.
I had to use our organisation for recruitment. NGOs and individuals were contacted. Something new always gets questioned, doubted and other times ignored. Questions like “How different is this concept?”
The greatest task at this stage was to distinguish Ecofarming from organic farming which apparently had gained some understanding. We took advantage of every staff training session at our local training institute. Slowly the concepts started to sink in and the word NECOFA was becoming popular. Generally it was not easy.
I also took advantage of targeting heads of extension in Agriculture, Researchers, NGOs and Teachers at various levels.
We thank the Coordinator for his efforts in this regard. It was at this gathering that a new complete executive was elected. It was also the time the Constitution was adopted.
In the last two (2) years NECOFA Zambia has achieved, the following
From individual to collective efforts (after ushering in executive committee) NECOFA Zambia has recorded over 150 members. In terms of coverage we have members in 23 districts of Zambia, out of the total 65. Each District is urged to form its own executive to foster Ecofarming in their Districts. This also conforms to our Constitution.
We have a full Executive Committee whose composition is widely representative. The executive committee meets wherever necessary, though it should meet regularly every quarter District Executive Committees have also been instituted so that each district runs its own activities.
Formulation of the NECOFA – Zambia Constitution and eventually managing to register it under the Zambian Law. The Constitution had several drafts before the final one. A lot of consultation was necessary. However it is still subject to review and amendments.
In collaboration with the Provincial Agricultural Farm Institute, the NECOFA - Zambia offered part of their Land for NECOFA Technology Demonstrations. During the official launch participants were taken round the Institute to see activities in:
Composting
Pot – holing
Green Manures
With the help of the international office NECOFA Zambia was officially born on 6 th. of March this year. We had the privilege of the Provincial Minister being the Guest of honour. The workshop had participation from Education, Research, Agricultural Extension small and large scale farmers and seven Non-Governmental Organisations namely:
This two (2) day workshop had three facets. The first was a presentation of research highlights in areas of Land and Soil Management, and soil fertility initiatives – dwelling more on multipurpose trees, Green manure, and cover crops, Bio-fertilizer (innoculum). The second part had District and Institutional reports. Lastly but even more important was the visitations to Research Centre, the Farm Institute and local farmers practising Ecofarming.
Lastly we had elections of the main Executive.
NECOFA – Zambia has recognised the importance of improving linkages with the relevant institutions and NGOs in the promotion of Ecofarming. We have Networked with
NECOFA members have been interested in distribution of Vetiver grass establish Nurseries and contour hedges for soil erosion control and fish ponds stabilisation. During the past year a total of 7 tons Vetiver grass was distributed to five Northern Districts.
Green Manures especially Sunnhemp (Crotalaria) and Velvet Beans (Mucuna – black seed) have gained popularity. However seed seems to be in short supply. A programme to multiply seed is in place, firstly through all trained staff who are given seed after the training. We have established a seed bank at Farm Institute at which those in need can buy. This year alone 2 tonnes have been harvested. Another Green manure called Tiphonia is being promoted especially in areas of phosphorous deficiency. Thaphrosia vogelli is another but more in plant and animal protection.
NECOFA Zambia has managed to have air time and print media publications. On the National Radio we have a monthly contribution of a 10 minute public awareness of NECOFA activities trough our National Agriculture Information Services. Two articles so far have been published on NECOFA and the intended activities in its long term strategy.
Recently a flier was prepared similar to the International NECOFA, and is being distributed.
The biggest limitation in our NECOFA work is the lack of office equipment especially communication – computer and others, and phone line. However we have secured an office. With this problem the Country Representative has to use personal initiative and facility at great cost, both in terms of money and time.
Attempts have been made to solicit for this assistance, but most potential donors would rather finance field activities other than office equipment. We hope that the NECOFA - International will give us a kick-start in this regard.
Three broad areas of intervention have been identified to further the goal of NECOFA, these are:
Lastly may I sincerely thank the international office and all of you colleagues for your efforts and sacrifice in contributing to the Development of Sustainable Agriculture in Africa.
We shall over come!!
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