As the drought continues to ravage Zambia, devastating the livelihoods of its citizens, a glimmer of hope emerges in Eastern Province.
Mpheza Phiri, a 54-year-old widow from Miliyasi village in Nyimba District, has found solace in rearing goats, a climate resilience measure that has proven effective in the face of adversity.
In 2020, Ms. Phiri received five goats from the Strengthening Climate Resilience of Agricultural Livelihoods project, a $32 million initiative funded by the Green Climate Fund, the Zambian government, and the United Nations Development Programme.
Today, her herd has grown to 40, providing a steady source of income and food for her family.
Ms. Phiri’s success is not an isolated case.
She is one of 946, 153 smallholder farmers, 40% of whom are women, benefiting from this project aimed at increasing climate resilience in Agro-Ecological Regions in Zambia.
As the project continues until 2025, it is expected to bring hope and sustenance to many more farmers facing the harsh realities of climate change.
By Samuel Khwawe