Over 100 Cattle Handed Over to Boost Climate-Smart Livelihoods in Kanyembo
The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, through its partner Community Climate Solutions Zambia (CCSZ), has handed over 100 cattle to the Kanyembo Community under a climate-smart livelihood programme aimed at boosting household incomes while restoring the local ecosystem.
CCSZ supports 56 Community Forest Management Groups (CFMGs) across seven provinces and focuses on reducing emissions, promoting sustainable forest management and ensuring fair community participation in carbon credit initiatives.
Speaking during the handover, Luapula Province Permanent Secretary Prudence Kangwa, who represented Provincial Minister Nason Musonda, described the initiative as a major milestone in rural development.
She said the programme demonstrated a development model that integrates environmental conservation with improved livelihoods.
Mrs Kangwa commended CCSZ for investing in communities before carbon credits are generated, describing the approach as evidence of genuine partnership and long-term commitment.
She added that the initiative aligns with the National Forestry Policy, which promotes sustainable forest management, climate change mitigation and equitable benefit-sharing.
Mrs Kangwa further noted that under the leadership of Hakainde Hichilema, Zambia continues to attract climate finance and nature-based investments, supported by a stable and enabling policy environment.
Representing the Ministry, Acting Director of Forestry Freddie Siangulube reaffirmed Government’s commitment to strengthening CFMGs, noting that the Forest Act legally recognises community groups and enables them to partner in sustainable forest management.
He urged communities and traditional leaders to protect forest resources for future generations.
CCSZ Chief Executive Officer James Mwanza said the handover marked the start of long-term climate resilience and improved livelihoods. He revealed that more than 1,200 cattle have so far been distributed to 16 CFMGs, while over 90,000 acacia seedlings have been planted by 350 farmers under the programme.
He called for expedited approval of carbon rights applications to unlock additional climate finance.
Meanwhile, Kanyembo CFMG chairperson Jasper Yandwa expressed gratitude to Government and CCSZ, saying the cattle and tree-planting initiatives would significantly improve livelihoods in the area.
The event, attended by government officials, traditional leaders and community members, marked another step towards inclusive, climate-smart development in Luapula Province.
