Integrated Mono-sex Aquaculture to revive sustainable livelihoods, restore Ecosystems and alleviate poverty among marginalized Zambians

 PAZESA Horticultural Community, Mono-sex Aquaculture to revive sustainable livelihoods, restore Ecosystems and alleviate poverty. Paul Phiri, Executive Director

Viable and Sustainable Livelihoods to mitigate the impact of COVID – 19

 

Project Name: Viable and Sustainable Livelihoods to mitigate the impact of COVID – 19.

Donors: The Lion’s Share

Implementing organization: PAZESA Horticultural Community

Target community: Kalichero and Mambwe areas

Location: Kalichero area, Eastern Province, Zambia, Southern Africa.

PAZESA Horticultural community with support from “The Lion’s Share” intends to facilitate Viable and Sustainable Livelihoods to mitigate impact of COVID - 19 Project in Kalichero, Mphomwa and Mambwe area east of South Luangwa National Park, Zambia, Southern Africa.

The Main aim of the project is to mitigate the socio-economic impact of COVID-19, conserve wildlife and strengthen community resilience in communities reliant on wildlife-based ecotourism enterprises during the COVID-19 pandemic. This effort strives to curb ruthless unruly wildlife poaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. PAZESA will facilitate viable and sustainable livelihoods to enhance food security and reduce poverty so that people refrain from ruthless wildlife poaching to generate income and food.  We intend to establish a fish hub to provide fingerlings and facilitate fish farming training to beneficiaries and the community. The project will uplift the wellbeing of women and youths by alleviating 40% poverty among beneficiaries and enabling beneficiaries to earn US$9 per day; then live on US$3  per day, invest US$3 per day and save US$3 per day. Facilitation of sustainable livelihoods like fish farming, livestock and horticulture production will provide all year round alternative food and stable income for marginalized families so as to divert people’s attention from wildlife poaching to sustainable wildlife conservation and strengthen resiliency in communities reliant on wildlife-based ecotourism enterprises during the COVID-19 pandemic.

All credit will go to “The Lion’s Share” for the Humble financial will to the project.

Paul Phiri
Executive Director
pazesacommunity@gmail.com

Viable - Sustainable Climate Smart Poverty alleviation and Food Security Initiative

Promoting: “Man-Bio Super Grow Media”- An effective Climate Smart initiative to curb Climate Change

PROBLEM STATEMENT:

High (abject) Poverty level and food-insecurity caused by Low Agricultural/Aqua-cultural productivity perpetrated by drastic climate change constrain the well-being of the marginalized people in developing countries especially Sub-Saharan Africa.

The average farmers, women, youths and children in rural areas of Southern Africa live under abject poverty (less than $1 USD/day} and eat once the other day especially between December and April of each calendar Year because of low agricultural productivity. Consequently, women and girls are forced to in indulge in prostitution, unprotected sex and extra-marital infidelity just to raise either food, money or both to earn a living. Male youths and adults indulge in Juvenile delinquency, charcoal burning, poaching and illegal fishing using toxins to raise money and food. Therefore, it is cardinal to comprehensively address this inter twinned problem (Poverty-hunger-Food insecurity and low Agriculture productivity chain problem) to improve the well-being of people in Africa. Addressing the problem will enable the world attain Sustainable Development Goal 1 (To End Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger and SDG 3 (Health and

Well-being) of the people everywhere.

This is the ideal time to address the problem because of:

1. Availability of innovative production Technics to boost Agricultural and Aqua-cultural productivity
2. Plenty unemployed determined youths and women yearn to do farming enterprise but are being discouraged by Climate Change, low agricultural productivity and poor marketing
3. Availability of sustainable cost effective solar irrigation systems to ensure production continuum.
4. The need to create community adaptation and resilience to climate change

PROJECT AIM

To empower young people with viable and sustainable, environmental friendly, climate smart organic farming production technics  to enhance agricultural productivity, boost food security, reduce hunger and reduce poverty levels in Zambia.

Vision

A community where farmers have Improved all year round food security (Zero Hunger), increased income, reduced poverty levels, with reduced cost of production and improved climate change adaptation and resilience.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:

1. To create rural community responsibility for improved and enhanced agricultural productivity, all year round food security and reduce high poverty levels among 20 Climate Smart Community Educators (Trainers) in Zambia through "Man-Bio Super Grow" technology transfer by September 2020

1. To facilitate viable and sustainable cost effective , climate smart, innovative ("Man-Bio Super Grow" technology) Agricultural knowledge transfer to 100 farmers in Zambia by September 2020
2. To facilitate integrated Sustainable Aqua-cultural production among 10 fish farmers Trainers in Zambia by September 2020
3. To facilitate "Man-Bio Super grow" technology Transfer to 650 in Zambia through knowledge field schools by September 2020

PROJECT METHODOLOGY AND INNOVATION -innovative and scalable (or big and bold)

"Man-Bio Super Grow" is an organic blend of Lime, Manure, Agro-forestry biomass and beneficial Micro- organisms to the soil to enhance (double) agricultural productivity to attain Maximum Economic Yield. The project uses "Appreciative Inquiry" development approach which focuses on the 4 Ds.: “Discovery” (To appreciate best self-personalities, capabilities and community Resources), "Dream" (To enable participants to visualize their desired vision), "Design" To enable participants to plan their destiny) and "Destiny (To enable participants to act on their planned actions to archive their objectives so as to reach their Destiny and do more of their best. This strategy incites the participants to focus on success than problem stacking, to own development activities and ensures project sustainability and continuum.

WHAT MAKES IT INNOVATIVE AND SCALABLE (OR BIG AND BOLD)

1. "Man-Bio Super Grow" boost crop production; Irish potato grown in sacks from less than 1 kg/plant to a minimum of 15 kg/plant for an average rural farmer and from 3 kg to 35 kg for peasant farmers. "Man-Bio Super Grow" increases tomato and vegetable production by 58 %, maize by 40% and citrus by 60%.
2. Improves soil fertility and minimizes fertilizer use, soil erosion and reduces per-capita cost of production by 50%
3. It integrates NEW organic farming Technics with cost effective solar irrigation systems for improved all year round agricultural production to enhance food security
4. Promotes the use of and adherence to conservative, environmental friendly, Innovative, Climate Smart, Manure-Biomass Super Grow media called "Man-Bio Super Grow” Technology for enhanced Agricultural and Aqua-cultural Productivity.
5. Under Minimum tillage, "Man-Bio Super Grow" used in pot-holes conservation farming, improves soil and field water holding capacity thereby increases plant resistance and adaptation to climate change.
6. Induces all Year round fingerlings production and fast growth of fecund tasty fillet fish in Tilapia fish species.
7. User-friendly; beneficiaries will be trained on how to make their own Man-Bio Super Grow to ensure project sustainability, scale-up and replication.
8. Within 3 years, every farmer will be making their own "Man-Bio Super Grow Media", reduce fertilizer use and reduce inputs' cost by half.
9. Reduces farmers' Dependency on fertilizer

Who will benefit

130 Women/youths Direct Beneficiaries, 650 women/youths as indirect beneficiaries. Marginalized, underserved farmers of mixed gender in Kalichero 1 and Mnukwa Agricultural Camps in Chipata in Zambia will benefit as follows:

1. 20 women/youths Educators" to be trained (Training of Trainers) on how to make their own "Man-Bio Super Grow Media" for Climate smart Irish potatoes grown in sacks under cost effective solar irrigation farming.
2. Each Trained "Educator" will be empowered with the resources to pilot innovative climate smart potato and vegetable production and marketing and leadership skills
3. 10 women/youths to be trained in Climate Smart integrated Aquaculture value chain production enterprise using super biomass for phyto-plankton bloom
4. 100 women/youths to be trained and empowered in Innovative Climate Smart True Seed potato and vegetable production and marketing.
5. 650 indirect beneficiaries to benefit through "Pass-on" impact Multiplier effect during knowledge transfer Field school to maximize project impact

The Photos above are showing the effects of Man-Bio Super Grow Technology on various crops.

Are if interested to support this project/ Please contact us on: pazesacommunity@gmail.com 

VIABLE AND SUSTAINABLE, INNOVATIVE YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AGAINST NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES

PROBLEM STATEMENT:

Each year 15 million people worldwide die between the ages of 30 and 69 from Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as heart diseases, cancers, diabetes and respiratory diseases. Over 85% of these people live in low and middle-income countries.

SITUATION ANALYSIS IN ZAMBIA:
80% of all Non-Communicable Disease related deaths in Zambia are among 30 and 70 years. 75 % of these deaths are caused by Non Communicable Diseases: diabetes, heart disease, respiratory diseases and cancer as consequences result of “High Risk Behaviors” like alcoholism, smoking Tobacco and bad nutrition. Almost three quarters (70%) of these deaths are linked to habits, or risk behaviors, that started in adolescence and go on throughout adult life. The most common ones are lack of physical activity, unhealthy eating, alcohol abuse and tobacco use. (Source: Zambia 2016 Demographic and Health Report).

PROJECT AIM

To empower young people with viable and sustainable health knowledge, improved nutrition education, behavior change communication skills, viable and sustainable livelihoods to improve their health and well-being and curb Non-communicable Diseases. 

VISION: A community where youths live a responsible life free from High risk behavior bondage and reduced cases of fatal non-communicable diseases.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES:
1. To improve the well-being of 50 youths in the need to adopt better healthful nutrition to curb non-communicable Diseases in Kalichero area by November 2020.
2. To reduce unhealthful nutritional high risk behavior which leads to non-communicable Diseases among 200 youths in Kalichero area by November 2020.
3. To empower youths with viable and sustainable livelihood skills for enhance health and well-being in Kalichero by November 2020.

PROJECT METHODOLOGY AND INNOVATION
“Appreciative Inquiry” (AI) model is the development approached to be used. Being at the ‘Exploring challenges and opportunities stage’, the project will enable the participants/beneficiaries to explore the challenges and consequences of bad habits, high risk behaviors (influential/leading to Non-communicable Diseases) and opportunities and benefits of healthful habits. Appreciative Inquiry focuses on DISCOVERY the BEST in people, the BEST in their organization and the BEST in the world around them, what works BEST, and embarks on doing more of what is most needed. This will drive participants to and community to discover the best in themselves, the best around them and the best in their community and will facilitate behavior change by imploring youths to do more of their best instead of judge and condemn them.
The project will facilitate quality health education on the causes, prevention measures and proven health management therapies theories of Non-Communicable Diseases to improve the well-being of young people in the community, change the mindset of youths and young people, and create community resilience towards non communicable Diseases in Zambia. The project will facilitate ideal health and nutrition education to beneficiaries in the community, facilitate behavior change communication skills and initiate “Tobacco/Alcohol Free Zone Livelihood skills training and recreation center” at PAZESA Resource Center. The Tobacco-smoke/alcohol Free training center will to help youths and young people age between 10 and 30 years to learn livelihood skills to generating food security and nutrition and income to improve their well-being. Coupled with behavior change communication skills, young people will be able to fight, prevent and manage Non Communicable Diseases like, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Lung Cancer, Heart diseases and Respiratory diseases.

PAZESA will promote health dietary and nutrition education to improve the well-being of youths. The following Low glycemic foods will help reduce blood Sugar, High Blood Pressure, high Cholesterol:

Fish (rich in protein, minerals, Omega 3 fatty acids and vitamins) increase levels of a hormone called adiponectin which improves insulin sensitivity and lowers the risk of developing full blown diabetes.

Avocado (has low glycemic poly unsaturated fatty acids and poly unsaturated fatty acids)

Cherries/berries, tomatoes contain anthocyanin which protects against diabetes and obesity.

Eat healthy food!                                     Grow your own, it’s cheap and sustainable!

Are you interested to know more about how to maintain your health?

Please sign up and follow our blog. The upcoming articles will give more light on dietary information and nutrition.

Paul Phiri

Executive Director

Comprehensive Youth Engagement in Sustainable Agricultural Enterprises –Roadmap to Poverty Alleviation, Food Security and Employment creation in Africa.

PAZESA Horticultural Community has embarked on building the capacity of youths who are farmers aged between 18 and 35 years to comprehensively engage in viable and sustainable Agricultural Enterprise.

PAZESA trains youths in productive Aquaculture/fish farming, Horticulture and Agri-business.

PROJECT AIM

To incite 500 youths to comprehensively engage in productive Agricultural Enterprise so as to increase food security, reduce poverty and create employment for the youths in rural resource poor areas.

PROJECT INNOVATION AND SCOPE

1. 1.       PAZESA uses viable innovations to train livelihood skills and enterprises and use of ICT for marketing agricultural products. It transfers scientific and high technology innovations to determined youths engaged in agricultural enterprises. Fish farmers are taught how to successfully do Artificial Fish Breeding in a User friendly methodology and by using the locally available materials. The organization has linked up with scientist and technicians of high reputation who train farmers how to use PG (pituitary Glad) to induce artificial breeding in catfish and Tilapia.

1. 2.       Trains youths to use renewable energy (solar) for all year round drip irrigation farming to boost agricultural productivity and mitigate the negative impact of climate change.

1. 3.       Uses the Community based Resource Center and Digital Library to market agricultural products, store agricultural data, conduct monitoring and evaluation and connect rural youths to agricultural experts worldwide.

1. 4.       Promotes commercial production and processing of drought resistant cultivars like Vitamin A rich sweet potatoes and cassava and establishment of community based Agro-processing enterprises.

Two expert scientists, Mr. Mupenda and Mr. Given Kujila, from the National Fisheries Headquarters conducted the training on behalf of PAZESA Horticultural Community and the Global Innovators Network for rural Development in Africa. Shown here are PAZESA staffs and National Fisheries breeding Experts during the 2 days artificial fish breeding Training of Trainers’ Knowledge Exchange event at Chipata Aqua-cultural Research Station.

TRAINING EVALUATION

PAZESA Executive Director, Mr. Paul Phiri (a training participant) was very grateful to the trainers and Government of Zambia for empowering youths with such sustainable practical skills. He said this is a huge step toward reduction of poverty, increasing food security and creating youth employment since the skills learnt are highly rewarding.

Paul Phiri said “Artificial Fish Breeding using the locally available resources is a Road-map to sustainable poverty alleviation and employment creation”. He further urged the trainees to practice and implement the technology so as to emerge as pilots and mentor other youths engaged in agricultural enterprises. He further urged the donor community to support “Comprehensive youth engagement in sustainable agricultural project” through grants. 

Anyone interested to support this project should contact the executive director, Paul Phiri on email: pazesacommunity@gmail.com

Empowering the marginalized Inadequately Served Population in Rural areas of Africa through sustainable fish farming

“Triple Multiplier Pass-on effect” is an innovative approach used to create project sustainability, maximize project impact, facilitate scalability and coax community adoption of the project. 
PAZESA Horticultural Community has witnessed another bumper harvest of fish on 24^th October, 2013 at  Penner Roberts Gardens, respectively, in Chiparamba Agricultural Block of Chipata district in Zambia. 800kgs of fish was harvested from 2 fish ponds belonging to Mrs Felistus Phiri. Felistus Phiri, a 28 year old young woman, keeping 8 children of whom 4 are orphans, who was trained and empowered in fish farming by PAZESA Horticultural Community with financial support from firelight foundation of USA, has managed to produce a bumper fish harvest worth over $1, 600 USD from a 500m squared fish pond at a minimum total production cost of $100 USD. Despite the inadequate rainfall, Felistus has prepared to pass-on to 2 other families. She is determined to procure enough agricultural inputs for the next season.

A 500m² fish pond stocked with 500 brooders (of rendarii and andersonii species {poly-culture mixed species}) in December 2012 at a stocking cost of $100 USD produced 800kgs worth $1,600 USD at $4/kg of table-size fish during this partial harvest. The owner of the fish pond, Felistus Phiri, proudly explained that she uses ‘agro-forestry biomass and animal manure’ to fertilize her fish pond.  She still has numerous fish and fingerlings left in the pond. Mrs Felistus Phiri hopes to Pass-on to two other fish farmers who she has already identified in order to scale-up the project and leverage resource provision.

The harvest was organized and done by PAZESA Horticultural Community, “Global Innovators Network for Rural Development in Africa” in conjunction with officers from the Department of Fisheries and Chipata Aquacultural Research Station. Mr. Robert Goma, a specialist fish-culturist and Researcher urged other fish farmers to practice sustainable integrated fish farming for poverty alleviation. He said that ‘fish farming has comparatively less labor as compared to other agricultural ventures. Fish farming is highly rewarding, a money spinner, and a reliable boat for poverty alleviation in rural areas. Fish farmers themselves control the pricing, hectarege and productivity as there are no limitations as to how many ponds a farmer should have.  The cost of running is affordable, minimal, reasonable and realistic whilst the returns are always overwhelmingly abundant’. 

PAZESA Horticultural Community practices the Triple Multiplier Pass-on effect strategy to scale-up and maximize the project impact among the rural under privileged (the inadequately served populations). This strategy brings hope to the hopeless rural poor as they economically empower each other, they team up to create rural community responsibility for poverty alleviation, fight HIV/AIDS and reduce food insecurity in the community. Fish farming provides very good readily available fish proteins for people living with HIV/AIDS enhancing positively living through better nutrition. This is a very good income generating activity for people living with HIV because the once established the cost or running and labor, is minimal as compare to the start-up cost.

“Triple Multiplier Pass-on effect” is an innovative approach used to create project sustainability, maximize project impact, facilitate scalability and coax community adoption of the project. The philosophy incites project beneficiaries to become grass-root donors by passing on a certain percentage of their profits to other vulnerable families. Three circles of beneficiary generations are therefore created as the first direct beneficiary empowers 2 other beneficiaries (subsequent beneficiaries). These subsequent beneficiaries latter pass-on to 1 beneficiary each their by maximizing the project impact. This process turns the rural poor who are beneficiaries into Grass-Root Donors so as to leverage resources mobilization; every beneficiary becomes a potential grass-root donor who empowers others in his community. 

Nevertheless, these fish farmers face a lot of challenges especially caused by climate change and predators. Most wetlands dry-up during the dry season which is a threat to fish farming as the ponds dry-up. Otters are also a very big problem because they invade the fish ponds and eat the fish at night especially during the dry season. These challenges can be mitigated through joint efforts of donors, PAZESA and the community. We need to include a strong component of climate mitigation/resilience, watershed management and water harvesting techniques as well as secure the fish ponds by strong fencing.

PAZESA Horticultural Community therefore urges all donors to support integrated fish farming, combat climate change and empower the rural under privileged through sustainable livelihood skills. Merge fish farming with HIV/AIDS programs, women and youth economic empowerment and rural development to minimize adverse impact and you will never regret.

Special thanks to Firelight Foundation, department of fisheries and the US Peace Corps in Zambia for your support.
Let us empowering the marginalized Inadequately Served Populations in rural areas of Southern africa through viable and integrated fish farming

If you are interested to support PAZESA Horticultural Community, the Global Innovators' Network for Rural Development in Africa, please do not hesitate to contact us on:

pazesacommunity@gmail.com or ginrda@gmail.com

Looking forward for another exciting episode of the activities at PAZESA. 

Enjoy the reading!

Paul Phiri

Executive Director