Capacity Development Workshop on the Right to Food

May 8^th, 2025, FIAN Zambia held a capacity development workshop on the right to food and agroecology under the project titled “Stronger Together: Supporting Civil Society to Advance the Right to Food in Zambia.” The two-day workshop, held in Lusaka, brought together civil society organizations, smallholder farmers, researchers, policy advocates, and faith-based institutions. The purpose was to strengthen participants’ understanding of the right to food, deepen knowledge of agroecological approaches, and reinforce collective action aimed at transforming Zambia’s food systems in a just and sustainable manner.

Day one of the workshop featured a series of thematic presentations and discussions that explored the legal and policy dimensions of the right to food, the obligations of the state, and the role of community-led advocacy. Speakers shared practical experiences and insights on sustainable farming practices, seed sovereignty, and the environmental, nutritional, and social benefits of agroecology. Notably, farmer Gilbert Naife shared his experience with Bokashi composting, highlighting it as a cheaper and more effective alternative to conventional methods. Discussions also touched on climate resilience, challenges in fertilizer use, and community-driven solutions to food insecurity.

Day two included a field visit to Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre (KATC), where participants were welcomed by Fr. Claus, who gave a brief history of the center and its founding by the late Brother Paul. The visit provided participants with hands-on learning opportunities in key areas such as compost and Bokashi production, natural farming techniques, crop rotation, conservation agriculture, and small-scale grain and dairy processing. Presentations by Fr. Dondo and other KATC staff illustrated the power of agroecological systems that work in harmony with nature, leveraging biodiversity, soil health, and traditional knowledge to achieve productivity and sustainability

Participants also shared the dry grain processing unit and livestock section, gaining insights into the integration of grain and dairy systems to support household nutrition and rural livelihoods. From the use of simple tools for composting to the precision of crop arrangements in natural farming beds, the field sessions reinforced the practical relevance of agroecological principles for Zambian farmers.

The workshop concluded with heartfelt closing remarks from Fr. Claus, who thanked participants for their dedication and urged them to take forward the lessons learned. He reminded everyone that real change begins at the community level, with people working together in solidarity and hope to ensure that the right to food becomes a reality for all.