Workshop participants engage in scenario mapping. Photo by Lydia Amanzi / CIFOR-ICRAF

As Zambia’s population surges and its landscapes come under mounting pressure, experts, local communities and stakeholders are converging to chart a path toward sustainability. A recent participatory landscape workshop explored solutions to safeguard the country’s rich biodiversity while building resilient livelihoods. The workshops highlighted innovative strategies that could shape the future of land use, conservation and climate resilience in Zambia.

A Nation in transition

Zambia, one of the world’s youngest nations by median age, is experiencing rapid demographic growth. According to the World Bank, its population of 19.6 million in 2021 is expanding at 2.7% annually. With much of this growth occurring in urban areas, the country’s population is expected to double within 25 years, intensifying pressure on jobs, healthcare, and essential services.

Over the years, the Center for International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF)  research across various landscapes, including Zambia, has highlighted the need for food systems to evolve if a country is to continue benefiting from its abundant natural resources.

Professor Markku Kanninen of the University of Helsinki. Photo by Lydia Amanzi / CIFOR-ICRAF

These concerns took centre stage at the recent Participatory Landscape Workshops, organized by CIFOR-ICRAF Zambia in collaboration with the University of Helsinki. Hosted in Petauke (Eastern Region) from September 4–6, 2024, and in Lusaka from September 11–12, 2024, the workshops convened diverse stakeholders to discuss the country’s pressing environmental challenges and explore pathways forward.

“We must find a balance between our growing needs and the preservation of our natural environment,” said professor Markku Kanninen of the University of Helsinki, one of the lead facilitators.

Workshop objectives: Planning for the future

The workshop aimed to develop future land-use scenarios, assess their carbon and biodiversity impacts and outline strategies to steer toward desirable outcomes. “The scenarios developed were used to explore specific actions regarding biodiversity conservation, carbon storage and climate-resilient value chains,” explained Kanninen.

This initiative is part of the EU-funded Zambia for Agroforestry, Biodiversity and Climate (Z4ABC) project, which seeks to scale up five value chains across the Lower Zambezi, Luangwa and Nyika (ZLN) corridors. These include agroforestry, community-led ecotourism, seed multiplication, sustainable game ranching, bamboo product development, and non-timber forest product (NTFP) harvesting—such as edible caterpillars and wild mushrooms.

“Land-use planning is integral to our efforts,” said Z4ABC project lead Maimbo Malesu. “We aim to foster coordinated conservation and restoration strategies to maximize ecological and socio-economic benefits.”

Participants at the Landscape Participatory Workshop. Photo by Lydia Amanzi / CIFOR-ICRAF

Challenges on the Horizon

Participants at the workshop highlighted numerous challenges. Sebastian Scott, an agricultural advisor at Grassroots Trust, pointed out that Zambia’s increasing population puts immense pressure on land and natural resources, particularly NTFPs that have supported livelihoods for decades. He warned that these resources may become unsustainable without immediate conservation and restoration efforts.

Agricultural expansion and urbanization were also cited as major contributors to land-use change. “Much of the land that was once wildlife habitat is now being converted to human settlements,” observed Solomon Kazadi from BioCarbon Partners.

The effects of climate change were another critical issue. Titus Mwale, a Nyimba District Farmers Association representative, noted that weather patterns are forcing communities to adopt new conservation practices to cope with unpredictable production cycles. Policy inconsistency emerged as a recurring theme. Participants discussed the conflict between charcoal production permits and conservation efforts, a problem attributed to outdated policies. Governance issues were also raised, particularly the lack of strong local governance. Solomon Kazadi called for stronger collaboration with traditional leaders to ensure sustainable land management.

Proposed solutions

A range of solutions was suggested to address these challenges. One key recommendation was to prioritize community-led initiatives for resource management. CIFOR-ICRAF scientist Moombe Kaala emphasized the importance of integrating trees into landscape-level strategies, stating, “We need targeted action that places trees at the center of livelihoods in the ZLN corridor. If we don’t act, we risk losing the progress we’ve made.” Policy reform was another priority, with participants urging updates to Zambia’s land-use policies. “Changing policy isn’t easy, but it’s necessary,” Kanninen said. “Leaders need to be willing to enforce these changes, but it’s also up to the people to push for action.”

Investing in sustainable agriculture was also highlighted as a critical path forward. Thelma Njawva, a project coordinator from the Czech Development Agency in Zambia, emphasized the importance of incorporating agroforestry and sustainable agriculture practices into local farming systems. Participants also discussed the potential of technology, such as AI, to monitor biodiversity and support conservation efforts.

Looking ahead: A collective effort

As the workshop concluded, participants developed landscape scenarios to illustrate future possibilities. While some projections raised concerns about vegetation decline, others highlighted significant restoration opportunities.

“The Participatory Landscape Workshop provided a crucial platform for collaboration,” said Malesu. “By working together, we can build a sustainable and resilient future for Zambia.”

Group photos at the Lusaka workshop. Photo by Lydia Amanzi / CIFOR-ICRAF

Rufunsa District Commissioner Richard Mabena emphasized ongoing government policy reforms to better coordinate conservation efforts. “The government, in collaboration with various partners, is harmonizing policies to prevent the exploitation of legal loopholes,” he stated.

The workshop also reinforced the importance of community awareness and behavioral change. “No one will burn the bush if they know how to create long-lasting energy alternatives,” noted Father Dondo of Kasisi Agricultural Training Center. Similarly, Mulenga Kerrer of the Furrer Foundation advocated integrating agricultural education into school curricula to instill sustainable practices in future generations.

Reflecting on the workshop’s outcomes, Chandalala Kelvin, chairperson of the Fulamphonje Community Forest Management Group in Rufunsa, expressed optimism.

“People are beginning to see how NTFPs and rainfall are linked to trees,” Kelvin said. “The attitude toward forest management is changing. Hopefully, we can secure a better future for the next generations.”