By Samuel Mbewe
The Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI) has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the Community Technology Development Trust (CTDT) to support participatory plant breeding and variety development aimed at improving food security and agricultural productivity.
Speaking during a Training of Trainers workshop on Farmer Field Schools focusing on participatory plant breeding, ZARI Chief Agriculture Research Officer, Dr. Lloyd Mbulwe, said the approach enables the development of improved crop varieties that respond directly to farmers’ needs.
Dr. Mbulwe explained that involving farmers in the breeding process helps tap into indigenous knowledge, noting that farmers are custodians of seed systems. He said this collaboration promotes agrobiodiversity, increases crop diversity, and contributes to the reduction of malnutrition.
He further stated that the project will help farmers adapt to changing climate conditions by identifying and developing seed varieties that are drought-tolerant and heat-resistant.
The initiative is supported by Bread for the World and aims to reduce poverty, enhance community climate resilience, and maintain agrobiodiversity in the project target areas of Chikankata, Chirundu, and Shibuyunji districts.
Meanwhile, CTDT Programmes Officer Edwin Abwino disclosed that more than 3,500 farmers are expected to benefit from the project. He urged trained farmers to act as ambassadors by sharing the acquired knowledge with fellow farmers in their communities.
In addition, Oxfam Zambia Project Officer for Agriculture, Alexander Mumba, praised CTDT for consistently working closely with farmers and promoting locally driven solutions that address real challenges faced by smallholder farmers.
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