Mupapa Leads Zambia’s Green Revolution

... Women and youth spearhead efforts to restore forests and combat deforestation

By Francis Maingaila

Chikupi, Zambia – (28-02-2025) - The Mupapa Wood Initiative, a leading local furniture manufacturer, has launched a reforestation project aimed at restoring Zambia's degraded landscapes and combating climate change, with 420 trees of various indigenous species being handed over to 30 farming communities within Chikupi in Kafue District.

Ruth Chande Ironside, Chief Executive Officer for the initiative, remarked during the official launch that a significant portion of land in Zambia is being eroded due to the combined impact of deforestation driven by farming, charcoal production, and logging.

Ironside emphasized the company's commitment to ecological balance, stating, "For every tree we use, we plant another to ensure sustainability."

She elaborated that the initiative is working with a local women’s cooperative that set up a nursery last year to grow indigenous trees.

The project will also extend to local schools, where a nursery will be established to educate children about forest conservation and the effects of climate change.

In addition to the distribution of 420 trees to 30 farming communities, a tree planting event also took place at Chikupi School, reinforcing the initiative's educational aspect.

Students and teachers actively participated in planting indigenous tree species, which are integral to both the local ecosystem and the broader efforts to restore Zambia’s natural landscapes.

The school’s involvement aims to instill a sense of environmental stewardship in the younger generation, ensuring that the message of conservation and sustainability is passed down through the community.

This initiative also supports the school’s commitment to fostering environmental awareness and creating a greener future for the children of Chikupi.

The mood at the event was one of deep optimism and collective purpose. The local community, from young schoolchildren to elderly farmers, gathered with a shared sense of pride as they planted trees that would benefit not only their environment but also future generations.

There was palpable excitement in the air as families, neighbors, and local leaders joined hands, their faces glowing with hope.

The community's unity and commitment to a greener future were evident in the enthusiastic participation and the infectious smiles that lit up the event.

The children, in particular, were eager to get their hands dirty, as they understood the lasting impact of the trees they were planting. Their energy was a testament to the hope they hold for a sustainable future, one where they can grow up surrounded by a flourishing environment.

In addition to reforestation efforts, she revealed that the Mupapa Wood Initiative plans to introduce solar gas cookers in collaboration with a Zambian company, offering an eco-friendly alternative to charcoal.

“This initiative will expand from district to district, with the goal of planting as many trees as possible,” she continued.

The initiative aims to reach other areas, focusing on restoring tree cover and combating the effects of climate change across Zambia.

At the same event, Caillan Mitchell, a prominent advocate for sustainable farming practices, underscored the critical role smallholder farmers play in global agricultural sustainability and climate change mitigation.

He pointed out that smallholder farmers collectively manage 70% of the world’s agricultural land.

“While each farmer might appear insignificant on their own, together they possess tremendous potential to address climate challenges,” he stated.

Mitchell highlighted the value of indigenous trees in sustainable farming, emphasizing their resilience and adaptability compared to foreign species.

“Indigenous trees have flourished in this environment for centuries. They enrich the soil, enhance crop growth, and provide vital resources for livestock,” Mitchell explained.

He encouraged farmers to incorporate indigenous tree cultivation into their agricultural practices, suggesting that this would bolster soil fertility and ensure long-term food security.

“These trees offer countless benefits—not just for the environment, but also for the livelihoods of farmers and their communities,” he added.

He noted that farmers around the world are facing the impacts of climate change, such as erratic rainfall patterns and extended droughts.

His call for action is in line with ongoing efforts to promote agroecology and sustainable land management practices.

“Smallholder farmers are not merely crop cultivators—they are stewards of the land and vital players in securing a sustainable future,” Mitchell concluded.

A women-led initiative aimed at tackling environmental degradation and addressing youth crime prevention is gaining momentum in rural Zambia.

Manaseh Kalume, District Administrative Officer, representing District Commissioner Maurice Hikapulwe, praised the initiative for its emphasis on sustainable development.

He noted that the program, which distributes indigenous tree seedlings to farmers, is empowering communities to confront urgent societal challenges.

“This initiative is particularly inspiring because it is led by women. It is heartening to witness them taking charge of efforts to address critical societal issues,” Kalume said.

He encouraged the group to extend its reach to other regions to maximize its impact.

The Mupapa Wood Initiative, active in several provinces including Southern Province, is providing rural communities—especially women and youth—with the knowledge necessary to manage sustainable forest practices.

Kalume also highlighted the Zambian government’s commitment to environmental sustainability, referencing President Hakainde Hichilema’s establishment of the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment in 2021 as a pivotal move to support conservation initiatives.

He assured attendees that key ministries, such as Agriculture and Forestry, will continue to support community-driven environmental programs.

“The government is fully dedicated to safeguarding our environment by raising awareness and combating deforestation,” Kalume said.

“Through partnerships with initiatives like Mupapa, we can ensure sustainable land management and promote climate-smart agricultural practices.”

Mupapa also donated tree seedlings to local farmers, underscoring their role in restoring degraded land, improving water quality, and serving as carbon sinks to alleviate climate change.

The initiative aligns with Zambia’s 2024–2025 National Tree Planting theme: “Planting for Resilience: Using Trees to Combat Drought, Ensure Food Security, and Increase Household Income.”

Kalume urged community members to treat tree planting and conservation as vital priorities, explaining that sustainable forestry practices not only fight climate change but also create economic opportunities.

“These trees will contribute to environmental restoration, provide income for communities, and boost agricultural productivity,” he said.

With Zambia losing an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 hectares of forest annually, Kalume urged stakeholders to scale up reforestation and conservation efforts.

He emphasized that assisted natural regeneration is a cost-effective method for rehabilitating degraded landscapes.

“My office is committed to supporting initiatives that align with government efforts to promote sustainable forest management and climate-smart agriculture,” he stated.

Kalume highlighted that overcoming environmental challenges requires collaboration between the government, communities, and private sector stakeholders.

“The government alone cannot tackle deforestation and climate change. However, through partnerships like this one, we can achieve substantial progress,” he concluded.

District Forestry Officer Vincent Siakalambwa called for more community engagement in the fight against climate change, stressing the urgent need for reforestation and sustainable farming practices.

Speaking at the event in Chikupi, Siakalambwa acknowledged that Zambia is still recovering from the destructive effects of a nationwide drought.

He urged citizens to seize every opportunity to restore the environment, particularly through tree planting efforts.

"As a country, we have just emerged from a severe drought, and while we are now in the recovery phase, we must remain proactive," he said.

“When the rains come, we should not complain, but instead, see them as a blessing, remembering the hardships we’ve faced."

Siakalambwa pointed out that Chikupi is grappling with two key challenges—deforestation and agricultural expansion.

He noted that extensive tree cutting has had a profound impact on the region’s ecosystem, making it crucial to integrate tree planting into farming practices.

“We have identified two key issues: Chikupi is an agricultural hub, but it has also experienced significant deforestation,” he explained.

“Our strategy is to incorporate tree planting into sustainable agriculture, which will help restore the environment while also supporting local livelihoods.”

He commended local communities for taking ownership of the initiative by nurturing seedlings, stressing that government agencies alone cannot address climate change without the backing of partners and the public.

"As a department, we acknowledge our resources are limited. That’s why we welcome partnerships that complement government efforts in fighting hunger, combating climate change, and improving local microclimates," Siakalambwa stated.

He further urged stakeholders to provide full support for the initiative, warning that a lack of support could discourage organizations from investing in the district’s environmental sustainability.

"If we do not support these efforts, they might be redirected elsewhere," he cautioned. "However, we recognize the potential here, and we must ensure this program succeeds."

Siakalambwa expressed optimism about the program’s impact, thanking partners and community members for their dedication. He reaffirmed the Forestry Department’s commitment to working collaboratively toward a greener, more resilient future