For many years, farmers in the Naolo district of Western Province, Zambia, relied heavily on chemical fertilizer and intensive tillage. While these methods sometimes produced good harvests, they also contributed to soil degradation, reduced productivity, and increased production costs, making farming difficult for many households.
Today, however, farmers are practicing integrated crop-livestock farming, improving soil fertility, increasing yields, strengthening household incomes, and building resilience to climate change.
This transformation has been driven largely through radio programs implemented by Oblate Radio Liseli in partnership with MISA Zambia and with support from Farm Radio International as part of the On Air for Gender-inclusive Nature-based Solutions (NbS) project.
Through the NbS project, MISA Zambia has been working with farmers in Nalolo District to promote sustainable agricultural practices using radio as the main tool for knowledge sharing. The programs broadcast on Oblate Radio Liseli focus on climate change adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and practical farming techniques that farmers can apply using locally-available resources. The goal is to enhance community action by promoting inclusive, locally-relevant, and gender-responsive solutions that improve livelihoods while protecting the environment.
Through testimonies, discussions, and practical demonstrations shared on the radio, farmers have learned about integrated livestock and crop farming, including practices such as kraal shifting, use of manure, crop residue management, and proper planting methods. These practices help maintain soil fertility, reduce dependence on chemical fertilizers, and improve productivity in a sustainable way.
For example, kraal shifting is when cattle are kept in one part of the field for a short period of time so that their manure enriches the soil, before being moved to another area of the field.
Ms. Likando Mateyana, a farmer from Lifelo village in Nanjucha area, explained that the new farming methods are affordable and suitable even for elderly farmers or those with limited resources. She said farmers who do not own cattle can collect dry cow dung from grazing areas and use it as manure when planting. This practice improves soil fertility and results in better yields compared to relying only on chemical fertilizers.
Farmers say one of the biggest changes they have seen since adopting integrated farming is the improvement in crop yields. Mwala Namukolo explained that after following the advice from the radio program, farmers started planting one or two seeds per hole instead of five, and they began burying crop residues to improve soil fertility. As a result, yields have increased, and families are now able to produce enough food for the whole year. He said the knowledge shared on the radio has given farmers confidence that the future of their community will be better than before.
The changes taking place in the communities have also been noticed by agricultural stakeholders working closely with farmers. Levy Akushanga Masheke is a coordinator with Mongu Farmers District Association, which has been encouraging farmers to return to traditional farming practices, particularly the use of livestock manure to enhance soil fertility. He explained that the association has been providing technical support to farmers through radio programs. He is happy to see that many farmers have now returned to integrated farming practices, including the use of manure to enrich their soils and improve productivity.
Mr. Masheke added that the results from farmers who have adopted integrated farming are visible and impressive, as the yields are good and the produce is organic and safe for consumption. He expressed happiness at the positive change in the behaviour of small-scale farmers, noting that more farmers are now embracing integrated farming practices. He encouraged farmers to continue adopting and practicing integrated farming methods, which have proven to be effective and sustainable for many years.
The adoption of integrated farming practices is also helping communities adapt to climate change. Farmers say that the use of manure, crop residues, and proper planting methods helps the soil retain moisture, which is important during dry periods. By reducing dependence on expensive inputs, farmers are also less affected by rising fertilizer prices.
Source: Farm Radio International
