Today, students under the Food Sovereignty Initiative for Africa (FSI) participated in hands-on seedling transplanting activities as part of their training.
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency Zambia (ADRA Zambia), through FSI, continues to strengthen food security and agricultural productivity by equipping local farmers and agricultural leads with practical skills and innovative farming techniques.
FSI is an agricultural program implemented by Adventist Development and Relief Agency Zambia in partnership with ADRA International, ADRA Australia and GoodOne Global. The initiative is designed to transform regional agricultural productivity while strengthening household and community Food Sovereignty across Africa.
The program focuses on promoting self-sufficiency by helping communities produce enough food locally and reducing dependence on food imports. Through the initiative, farmers are trained in the use of composite mineral fertilizers, climate-smart agriculture, clean energy applications, and modern water management systems aimed at improving yields and building resilience against climate change.
As part of the initiative, participants undergo an intensive three-month practical training program that combines theory with hands-on field experience. The training exposes participants to innovative agricultural approaches such as modified hydroponic gardening, sustainable year-round food production, and modern farming technologies that can help increase productivity even in challenging climatic conditions.
The first cohort of specialized farmers recently graduated from the FSI practical curriculum after successfully completing the training. Participants expressed appreciation for the knowledge and practical skills gained during the program, noting that the experience has equipped them to improve farming practices within their communities.
One of the students, Ladslaus Banda, shared how the training has transformed his understanding of agriculture.
“The FSI training has opened my eyes to new farming methods that can help us produce more food throughout the year. I have learned practical techniques that I can apply in my community to improve food production and support families facing food insecurity,” said Ladslaus Banda.
Through initiatives such as FSI, ADRA Zambia continues to empower communities with sustainable agricultural solutions that promote resilience, improve livelihoods, and contribute to long-term food sovereignty across the region consistent with the African Union (AU) agenda.
Story by: Memory Musamba
Photos by: Bettina Szabo
English