KHSA
Knowledge Hub for Organic Agriculture in Southern Africa
The Knowledge Hub is a multi-country project implemented in Zambia, Malawi, Namibia, and South Africa through in-country partners. It promotes the adoption of organic agriculture and agroecology to build resilient, sustainable, and farmer-led food systems across the region.
Driving Zambia's Transition to Sustainable Agriculture
PELUM Zambia is the national sector-wide partner for the Knowledge Hub for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology in Southern Africa (KHSA), an initiative under the Knowledge Centre for Organic Agriculture and Agroecology in Africa (KCOA). Through this partnership, we strengthen resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems by connecting local agricultural innovation with national policy and regional knowledge exchange.
Our work bridges the gap between research, policy, and practice, ensuring that farmers, policymakers, media professionals, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders have access to practical knowledge that accelerates the adoption of organic agriculture and agroecology across Zambia.
Approach
We work with key actors across the agricultural sector to promote sustainable farming systems that improve food security, strengthen climate resilience, protect biodiversity, and enhance rural livelihoods.
Policy Advocacy
We collaborate with Members of Parliament, government ministries, and technical experts to strengthen national policies and strategies that support organic agriculture and agroecology. Through evidence-based policy engagement, we contribute to creating an enabling environment for sustainable food systems.
Media Engagement
Recognizing the important role of media in shaping public awareness, we build the capacity of journalists and editors to report accurately on climate change, sustainable agriculture, nutrition, and environmental conservation. This helps increase public understanding and supports informed national dialogue.
Farmer Capacity Building
PELUM Zambia equips lead farmers with practical skills in agroecological farming practices, including soil fertility management, integrated pest management, organic crop production, and diversified farming systems. These farmers become local champions who share knowledge and innovations within their communities.
Traditional Leadership Engagement
We work closely with the House of Chiefs and traditional leaders to promote community ownership of agroecological practices. By strengthening traditional leadership engagement, we support the adoption of sustainable natural resource management and climate-resilient farming practices at the local level.
Our Impact
Our partnership with KHSA continues to deliver meaningful results that strengthen Zambia’s agricultural sector.
Supporting National Policy Development
Working alongside twelve civil society organizations, PELUM Zambia contributed to the development and submission of Zambia’s National Agroecology Strategy, providing a roadmap for advancing sustainable agriculture and resilient food systems.
Influencing Parliamentary Processes
PELUM Zambia has become a trusted technical partner, regularly providing evidence and expert submissions to Parliamentary Committees on issues related to agriculture, climate resilience, green growth, and livestock development.
Promoting Indigenous Food Systems
We co-hosted the National Seed and Food Festival under the theme “Food Sovereignty through Indigenous Seeds and Food,” bringing together more than 600 participants, including 65 farmers, to celebrate indigenous knowledge, seed diversity, and sustainable food systems.
Strengthening Post-Harvest Management
In 2026, PELUM Zambia conducted nine days of practical training across Chipata, Choma, and Mumbwa, equipping farmers with improved post-harvest handling, grain storage, value addition, and mushroom processing techniques that reduce food losses and increase household incomes.
Advancing Agricultural Journalism
Our annual Agroecology, Climate Change, and Social Accountability Media Awards continue to strengthen public awareness by recognizing excellence in agricultural reporting. Participation has grown to more than 50 submissions, reflecting increasing interest in quality reporting on sustainable agriculture.
Knowledge Resources
As Zambia’s KHSA partner, PELUM Zambia provides access to more than 1,400 validated knowledge products through the KCOA platform. These resources support farmers, extension workers, researchers, educators, and development practitioners with practical information for sustainable agriculture.
Available resources include:
- Technical manuals on organic pest control, soil fertility management, and post-harvest practices.
- Educational posters covering soil health, organic livestock management, and sustainable farming techniques.
- Mizizi Magazine, featuring success stories, innovations, and practical agroecological experiences from across Southern Africa.
Join the Movement
Sustainable agriculture requires collaboration. Whether you are a farmer, researcher, extension officer, policymaker, development partner, student, or advocate, you can become part of the growing agroecology movement.
By joining the KHSA Multiplier Network through PELUM Zambia, you will gain access to practical knowledge resources, learning opportunities, and a regional network committed to building resilient food systems across Africa.
Together, we can strengthen food security, protect biodiversity, empower farming communities, and create a more sustainable future for Zambia.