SCOPE Zambia was established to promote the sharing of experiences by partners who are committed to assisting schools and colleges to demonstrate sustainable land use with a view of enhancing healthy environments in and out of school. Last year in December 2021, SCOPE Zambia conducted permaculture trainings in 10 schools in Chibombo district. Among the schools trained where Kafululu Secondary. Permaculture practices such as soil improvement (Bokashi making) and water harvesting were taught. The trainings lasted 3 days and were heavily reliant on practical teaching. During the training, pupils, teachers and community members actively participated in the learning process and were awarded certificates. A farmer in Kafululu who took part in the training decided to put them to practice on her farm located around the school. She used bokashi fertilizer to grow her gankanta maize (local maize variety), soya beans and cowpeas.
Kafululu is a small farming community in Zambia. The area is lush with natural resources, but the people are poor and have little access to education or modern technology. However, the Kafululu school community are beginning to change their fortune by adopting permaculture techniques. Permaculture is a system of agriculture that mimics the patterns and relationships found in nature. It is a sustainable way of farming that requires far less inputs than traditional methods. The results are higher yields, improved soil health, and increased resilience to climate change. The Kafululu community has embraced permaculture and is reaping the benefits. One farmer has seen her yields increase significantly since she began using permaculture techniques. She also reports that the food tastes better, indicating that it is more nutritious and natural. She has been recommending permaculture to her neighbors and is helping to spread the word about this sustainable farming system.
Kafululu is just one example of how permaculture is changing the lives of small-scale farmers around the world. With more education and awareness, permaculture can help to end poverty and hunger, and create a more sustainable future for us all. When most people think of permaculture, they think of sustainability, food security, and environmental protection. But permaculture can also be a tool for social change, as demonstrated by its spillover into the Kafululu Community in Zambia.