Climate-smart cotton boost yields and incomes in Zambia

In rural Zambia, cotton farmers are seeing their livelihoods transformed through the adoption of climate-smart farming techniques.

Thanks to a partnership involving the European Union, African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states, and the International Trade Centre (ITC), farming communities in Magoye and Ngwezi have more than doubled their cotton yields and significantly improved their quality of life.

Prior to 2021, smallholder cotton farmers in these regions faced increasingly poor harvests, depleted soils, and little access to sustainable agricultural practices. Today, through the ITC-led EU/ACP-funded project, those same farmers are thriving. Many have reported increased cotton yields, from as few as six bales per season to as many as 30. This jump in productivity has enabled them to reinvest in livestock, education, and their future resilience.

At the heart of this transformation are two natural and environmentally sound soil enhancement methods: Biochar and Bokashi. These techniques have played a major role in regenerating soil fertility and improving crop health. Biochar enhances the soil’s ability to retain water and store carbon, while Bokashi allows farmers to convert organic waste into a nutrient-rich compost that feeds crops and reduces reliance on chemical inputs. Both approaches are sustainable, cost-effective, and well-suited to the local environment.

The project, running from 2021 to 2025, has so far trained over 130,000 farmers across three regions in Zambia. In the pilot plots, there has been 100% adoption of Biochar, Bokashi, and other climate-resilient methods. The results have been striking-not only in terms of agricultural yield but also in wider social and economic impact. Families are now investing in cows, goats, and plough animals. Household incomes have grown, and many families are now able to afford school fees and improve access to education for their children.

By adopting these climate-smart techniques, farmers have been able to secure their livelihoods and build long-term resilience in the face of climate change. The success of the project highlights the power of combining traditional knowledge with innovative, sustainable farming practices. It also underscores the importance of collaboration between international organisations and local communities.

This shift is more than just agricultural-it’s about empowerment, economic independence, and environmental responsibility. Through tools like Biochar and Bokashi, Zambian cotton farmers are not only rebuilding their soils but also their futures.