2024–2028 Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) and Early Warning Sensitization Programme

Overview

The 2024–2028 Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA) and Early Warning Sensitization Programme is a nationwide initiative designed to build resilience and promote sustainable agricultural practices among Zambia’s smallholder farmers. Building on the successful outreach to 1,500 beneficiaries in Namwala, Monze, and Bweengwa districts of Southern Province in 2024—with support from the Disaster Management and Mitigation Office (DMMU)—the programme aims to scale its impact to reach 150,000 smallholder farmers across Zambia by 2028. Through a combination of community sensitization, agroecology training, and early warning system awareness, the programme seeks to empower rural communities to adapt to climate variability, ensure food security, and embrace environmentally sound farming practices. Objectives & Impact

• Enhance Climate Resilience: Strengthen the capacity of smallholder farmers to adapt to the impacts of climate change through the adoption of climate-smart and agroecological practices.
• Expand Early Warning Awareness: Educate farming communities on the use and importance of early warning systems to anticipate and respond to climate risks, such as droughts, floods, and pest outbreaks.
• Promote Sustainable Agriculture: Encourage soil health, biodiversity, and sustainable land use practices to increase yields while conserving the environment.
• Empower Rural Livelihoods: Equip farmers—particularly women and youth—with knowledge, tools, and training to create sustainable income-generating opportunities within the agricultural value chain.
• Foster Collaboration: Strengthen partnerships among government agencies, local authorities, NGOs, and community leaders to ensure the long-term success and scalability of CSA initiatives.

Keep Lusaka Clean Campaign

Overview

• Launched on January 24, 2023, in partnership with DMMU
• Inaugurated by Vice President Mrs. Mutale Nalumango and Dr. Gabriel Pollen
• Focused on cleaning Lusaka and educating the public on hygiene and environmental health

• Led large-scale waste collection and sanitation activities
• Raised public awareness on the risks of unsanitary environments
• Mobilized hundreds of community volunteers
• Attracted media attention and inspired follow-up campaigns across Zambia

National Environmental Awareness Campaign

Overview

• Launched June 30, 2023, in Lusaka
• In collaboration with ZNBC, Prime TV, Camnet TV, KBN TV, Radio Phoenix, Diamond TV, Times of Zambia, Cavendish University, and government offices
• Officiated by Hon. Haimbe, Minister of Justice & MP for Lusaka Central

• Used media to educate the public on climate change and environmental protection
• Reached millions across Zambia through TV, radio, and university channels
• Built strong cross-sector partnerships for sustained awareness efforts

Keep Kitwe Clean Campaign

Overview

• Date: September 29, 2023
• Led by: Green Cosmos Zambia CEO, Mr. Martin Mulenga
• Key Partners: Kitwe City Council, Flava TV/FM, Radio Chengelo, Yah FM, ZNBC TV1, Daily Mail Newspaper

• Promote urban sanitation and environmental responsibility among residents
• Mobilized local volunteers, students, and civic leaders in cleanup activities
• Raised awareness about the health and environmental risks of waste buildup
• Amplified through media to inspire other cities to follow suit
• Reinforced Green Cosmos’s nationwide commitment to grassroots climate action

School Climate Clubs & World Environment Day Campaigns

Overview

• Launched: November 23, 2023 – School Climate Change Clubs initiated in multiple schools
• WED Activities: Conducted on June 5, 2023 & 2024 as part of the global Beat Plastic Pollution campaign
• Collaborated with public, private, and civil society partners for planning and mobilization
• Organized climate awareness walks in Lusaka and other cities to engage youth and the public

• Assess the scale and severity of food insecurity linked to climate events
• Identify regions most affected by drought and limited access to food
• Provide evidence-based data to guide government and stakeholder interventions
• Inform national strategies on climate resilience and food security

National Drought & Food Insecurity Assessment

Overview

• Launched: June 7, 2024
• In partnership with the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) under the Office of the Vice President
• Focused on drought-prone districts: Ngabwe, Samfya, and Chitambo
• Collected on-the-ground data on the effects of drought on food systems, livelihoods, and household vulnerability

• Assess the scale and severity of food insecurity linked to climate events
• Identify regions most affected by drought and limited access to food
• Provide evidence-based data to guide government and stakeholder interventions
• Inform national strategies on climate resilience and food security

Youth Empowerment through Innovation Fellowships

Overview

• GRECO launched two flagship programs empowering Zambian youth with climate-smart skills:
• Waste to Wealth Project – A recycling and green entrepreneurship initiative promoting circular economy practices.
• Green Climate Innovation Fellowships – Conducted in Lusaka (July 2024) and Kitwe (Sept 2024) with support from the U.S. Embassy Zambia and American Spaces.
• Trained a total of 340 youth in leadership, environmental innovation, and practical sustainability solutions.

• Equip youth with hands-on skills in waste management, climate innovation, and community engagement
• Promote eco-entrepreneurship and job creation through recycling and green business models
• Strengthen partnerships with international institutions and local learning hubs
• Foster a generation of climate-conscious leaders driving environmental transformation across Zambia