Zambia in depth

Zambia’s remote, rural Eastern Province is extremely poor – yet has huge agricultural potential. With training and good quality livestock from Send a Cow and its partner Heifer Zambia, communities here are learning how to combat problems such as lack of job opportunities and high rates of HIV/Aids, and are build thriving, sustainable farms.

Strengthening people

We work mainly with women in Zambia – and with good reason. Gender inequality is severe, and women are normally excluded from decision-making at home and in the wider community. Many have been widowed by HIV/Aids, or have taken in orphaned children.

Our work bolsters women’s confidence and skills. As they start to make a success of their farming and get milk, manure and money, their pride grows. They report happier families, and improved social status.

Of course, men are welcome in our projects too! They can join community groups themselves, or accompany their wives to training. Find out more about how our work goes beyond food security.

Farming and Animals

Most farmers only have small land holdings, on which they grow mainly maize, sometimes with smaller amounts also of cotton, groundnuts and sunflowers. The vast majority of farming families also keep some form of livestock – mainly local Ngoni cattle.

These low-yielding animals are grazed on common land or on crop residues in farmers’ fields. They are susceptible to tick-borne diseases such as East Coast Fever – yet farmers have limited access to vet and vaccination services.

We provide good quality crossbreed, dairy and draft cattle in Zambia, as well as meat and dairy goats. Farmers learn stall feeding methods to prevent their animals from damaging their land while also keeping the animals away from most ticks, thereby protecting them against many diseases.

Through our sustainable agricultural training, farmers are making use of their livestock manure, and discovering that they can increase their crop yields and meet the demands of a rising population. 

Caring for the Environment

As elsewhere, climate change is making life even tougher for subsistence farmers. By learning how to integrate crops and livestock, families are discovering how to get the most of their land. We also train them in environmental protection techniques such as soil and water conservation, and agro-forestry. Read more about how Send a Cow helps care for the environment.