PROJECT HISTORY

In November 2017 Partners in Action has been working to impact extreme poverty in Southern Zambia through new agriculture programs. In 2018 PIA funded 100 farmers to grow cowpeas in addition to the region’s standard product – maize. A major drought in early 2019 wiped out virtually the entire maize crop.  Farmers had neither food to eat nor income from their farms.  Throughout 2019 farmers have relied on meager government rations to keep their families alive.

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WHAT WE'VE LEARNED FROM THIS

Those fortunate enough to be part of the cowpea initiative were able to realize some output and stave off a complete loss.  We needed an approach that would ensure farmers, their families and their communities don’t face this kind of devastation again.

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WILL YOU PARTNER WITH US?

From  July thru October 2019 PIA partnered with various groups in Zambia to develop The Poverty Lab – a Product Diversification Model to expand agriculture in Namwala and create the path to food and income security.  For $1000 – which is provided to the farmer as a loan – a farmer will be able to move his or her farm to grow a diverse set of products, including multiple crops and poultry.  We have partnered with Inputs suppliers and Purchasers to manage the entire value chain and ensure farmers receive a fair market price for their output.

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When the farm output is sold the loan amount is returned to the Diversification Fund to help the next farmer.  And so on...