These efforts are expected to yield significant improvements in water accessibility, particularly in regions susceptible to drought, such as Chirundu district. Despite being situated along the banks of the Kafue River, the district faces frequent droughts, exacerbating water scarcity in the agriculture camp, which is further intensified by the lack of motorized pumps for water extraction and ongoing threats from crocodiles.

“This scheme not only promotes access to water for increased agriculture production but also demonstrates the adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices, through harnessing sustainable innovations such as solar energy and drip irrigation for efficient resource utilization that can be scaled up in other drought-affected areas throughout the country. It also demonstrates diversification in agriculture to safeguard the livelihoods and incomes of our communities,” said Mr. James Wakiaga - United Nations Development Programme in Zambia’s Resident Representative during the event.

The project has also provided farmers with over 1,900 banana suckers, planted across 1.5 hectares. The cultivation of these cash crops, alongside maize, holds great promise for boosting both income and food security within the community.

Collaborating closely with the government and partner organizations, the local community is actively driving development initiatives. The banana plants, initially planted in January 2024, have successfully taken root and are expected to be ready for harvest by December 2024.

Rosemary Makwelele, a 60-year-old smallholder farmer and mother of seven, expressed her gratitude: "This scheme will greatly improve our lives because drought has been affecting our crops for a long time, leaving most of us in this cooperative with no source of income. But with this water scheme, farming will greatly improve for both personal farming and as a cooperative especially now that we have so much knowledge on farming, all thanks to the SCRALA project."