Renewal Through Resilience: Zambia’s Journey of Unity and Hope in 2024
This newsletter is led by Shumei International, a NGO based in Japan. Shumei America is proud to support the Zambia project, a partnership between Shumei International and Natural Agriculture Development Program Zambia (NADPZ), which shares Natural Agriculture as a way to bring health, happiness and harmony to all.
The year 2024 brought immense challenges to Zambia, testing the resilience and strength of its people. The devastating drought that followed the 2023/2024 rainy season caused unprecedented disruptions across the country. With 20+ hour power cuts becoming the norm, 90% of the country’s staple maize crop was destroyed, leaving countless households struggling to provide even one meal a day. Water sources, including riverbeds, lakes, streams, and boreholes, dried up, making access to fresh water a daily struggle.
Amid these hardships, however, the Natural Agriculture farmers showed remarkable resilience, demonstrating that even in the most difficult times, unity and community can prevail. These farmers supported one another, refusing to be defeated by the adversity they faced. They marched hand in hand during Women’s Day celebrations, upholding the rights of women and showcasing the strength of collective action. They shared knowledge about cultivating drought-resistant crops like cassava, ensuring that vital information reached all cooperative members. This spirit of collaboration and innovation became a source of hope for many, as farmers worked together to adapt and survive in a challenging environment.
A particularly inspiring milestone came from the Kabeta Technical Training Center, which welcomed its highest intake of students to date. This increase in enrollment reflected a growing determination among young people to take control of their futures, equipping themselves with the skills and knowledge needed to overcome the challenges of the modern world.
In other areas, Mumbwa in Central Province and Sinda in Chipata stood out for their proactive contributions to the Natural Agriculture project. Sinda played a particularly vital role, preserving and sharing seeds to prevent the project’s seed banks from disappearing entirely during the drought. These seeds were distributed to other NA members, helping restart seed banks in other areas and safeguarding the future of Natural Agriculture farming across the country.
In Pemba, progress was equally evident. The new classrooms at the project site provided much-needed space for the growing school population, ensuring that more children could access education. Under the guidance of a new headmaster, an additional group of grade seven students wrote their exams this year, with many graduating to the community high school. This achievement highlighted the power of education in creating opportunities, even in the face of adversity.
While it would have been easy to focus solely on the difficulties that dominated much of 2024, it is equally important to recognize the everyday resilience and determination that flourished in the background. The Natural Agriculture farmers continued to believe in the principles of their work, embracing the power of sustainable farming and the enduring strength of community.
Through their dedication, they have not only strengthened agricultural sustainability but also reignited the indigenous cultural value of prioritizing the collective good during challenging times.
The continued support of Shumei Japan and Shumei America has been instrumental in these efforts, and we remain deeply grateful for their unwavering solidarity. Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome the Shumei Japan youth in August to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Zambia project. This milestone reflects the enduring partnership and shared vision that have made such a profound impact over the years.
Now, as the rains have returned and the landscape is transformed, there is a renewed sense of hope. The parched lands that once resembled a desert are now lush with greenery, and the sight of sprouting blades of grass serves as a powerful symbol of renewal and perseverance. This blessing of rain has brought life back to the land and has reinvigorated the spirits of the farmers, giving them a renewed sense of determination to continue building a sustainable future.
As we look back on 2024, one lesson remains clear: we are stronger together than apart. Through unity, compassion, and collective action, we have proven that even the most daunting challenges can be overcome. Together, we move forward with hope and determination, ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges of the year ahead.
Barbara Hachipuka Banda
Project Coordinator
