In the heart of Livingstone, Zambia’s vibrant tourist capital, lies a beacon of sustainability and community empowerment – the Mukuni Community Farm. Founded in partnership with Chief Mukuni, the Green Safaris Conservation Foundation, By Life Connected and the Mukuni Development Trust, this farm represents a profound synergy between environmental stewardship, economic empowerment, and local community development.
On the 17th of April 2022, the Minister of Tourism, Rodney Sikumba, graced us with a visit to Mukuni Community Farm. His purpose? To witness firsthand how tourism can transcend beyond being a source of job opportunities and become a catalyst for holistic community development. Sponsored by the Green Safaris Conservation Foundation, this farm stands as a testament to the transformative power of sustainable agriculture and eco-conscious tourism.
At Mukuni Community Farm, the ethos of sustainability permeates every aspect of its operations. Here, the soil is not just dirt, but a precious resource to be nurtured and replenished. Through innovative techniques such as holistic grazing and the establishment of a food forest, the farm aims to recover natural water and nutrient cycles, safeguarding farming land against depletion while fostering biodiversity.
During the Minister’s visit, the Mukuni community proudly showcased the fruits of their labor and the skills imparted to them through the project. Organic farming, composting, natural pesticides, intercropping – these are not just buzzwords, but integral components of a holistic approach to agriculture that ensures the health of the land and the well-being of its inhabitants.
The Mukuni Community Farm is not merely a place of cultivation; it is a center of learning and empowerment. Eighteen dedicated villagers work tirelessly on the farm, gaining invaluable knowledge and hands-on experience in sustainable organic agriculture, poultry farming, rotational grazing, and even mushroom cultivation. But the impact doesn’t end there. Regular workshops hosted by the farm attract scores of other farmers, eager to learn these skills and embrace a more sustainable approach to farming.
Beyond self-sufficiency, the Mukuni Community Farm is forging pathways to economic resilience and market integration for local communities. By linking produce directly to the tourism market, the farm not only ensures a sustainable income for its farmers but also reduces overdependence on natural resources and mitigates the exploitation of wildlife. It’s a model of development where prosperity is not at the expense of the environment but intricately woven into its preservation.
As the Minister of Tourism walked through the fields of Mukuni Community Farm, he witnessed not just rows of crops, but a vision of hope and possibility. Here, the convergence of tourism and community development is not a distant dream but a tangible reality, where the rhythms of nature and the aspirations of people harmonize to create a sustainable future for all.
In the embrace of Livingstone’s natural beauty, Mukuni Community Farm stands as a testament to what is possible when communities, conservationists, and policymakers join hands in pursuit of a common goal – a future where growth is not measured solely in economic terms but in the flourishing of land, livelihoods, and the human spirit.