Zambia

Introducing Regenerative Farming and Solar-Powered Irrigation for Women Farmers

Organisation

The Harvest Fund

Website

Support area

Mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions

Funding

139414.5 €

Project duration

Jul, 2025 – Jun, 2027

This IKI project, implemented by The Harvest Fund, supports women-led cooperatives in Southern Zambia, to adopt regenerative agriculture and transition to energy efficient farming through solar-powered irrigation. Implementation is of the project involves promotion of regenerative practices of cultivated land and establishment of demonstration plots. Onboarding of additional cooperatives, and solar-powered irrigation solutions installed, improving irrigation reliability. Women farmers receive training in soil restoration, water conservation, and climate smart methods, boosting confidence and early crop performance. The project is also strengthening women’s leadership and generating spillover interest among other farmers, laying a strong foundation for gender inclusive and sustainable, climate resilient agricultural systems.

Sustainable Development Goals

13 – Climate action

Capacity development

In addition to providing of funding, IKI Small Grants supports The Harvest Fund in their organisational capacity through:

Training on regenerative agriculture techniques, including compost and bokashi production.
Training on gender equality and social inclusion.
Training on nutrition education, including practical cooking demonstrations.
Training on good agricultural practices (GAPs) and climate‑smart agriculture, such as agroforestry.
Training on farming as a business, as well as leadership and cooperative governance.

About the organisation

The Harvest Fund is a social enterprise in Zambia that supports women farmers by strengthening agricultural cooperatives, improving access to finance, and promoting climate‑smart, regenerative farming. It helps women increase productivity, adopt sustainable practices, and build resilient livelihoods through training, market access, and innovative tools that enhance long‑term economic and environmental well‑being.