In Zambia’s Central Province, a young farmer in Mumbwa District has harvested 100 bags of local white maize on a small piece of land, without a single bag of chemical fertilizer or hybrid seed.
Gilbert Naife, 24, attributes his breakthrough to agroecological methods including Bokashi composting, water conservation, crop rotation, and natural pest control which he learned through training facilitated by FIAN International Zambia and the Zambia Alliance for Agroecology and Biodiversity (ZAAB).
“Last year I harvested 36 bags from this same small plot,” Gilbert said in an interview. “This year, using only organic methods, I have harvested 100. Even those who used to laugh at me are now coming to learn.”
Gilbert’s achievement, which comes amid a national debate over food security and farming inputs, is fueling fresh pressure on lawmakers to fulfill promises made earlier this year to support agroecology and indigenous seed systems.
Gilbert’s story first gained attention in March 2025, when he hosted a field visit for the Parliamentary Committee on Food Security and Nutrition.
The visit, organized by FIAN Zambia and ZAAB, showcased his thriving maize crop despite regional drought conditions and widespread input shortages among neighboring farmers.
“We’ll table a motion to support agroecology and help the public distinguish organic food in markets,” said Hon. Michelo Kasauta, committee chairperson, during the visit.
The MPs pledged to promote organic farming practices and support policies that empower local farmers especially youth to reduce dependency on government-subsidized hybrid seeds and imported chemical fertilizers.
Gilbert spent only K2,000 (approximately $80) on natural farm inputs this season a fraction of what most farmers spend under Zambia’s Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP). His results demonstrate that sustainable practices are both cost-effective and climate-resilient.
“He fed his family and produced a surplus using a method that works with nature,” said Vladimir Chilinya, FIAN Zambia’s Country Coordinator. “Gilbert’s farm is a living case for what Zambia’s agricultural future could be.”
ZAAB Programs Officer, Omali Phiri added that agroecology offers long-term benefits for both farmers and ecosystems. “Forests grow without anyone fertilizing them. That’s the principle we follow- farming that respects nature’s balance.” Phiri said.
With Gilbert’s 100-bag harvest now complete, questions are growing about whether the lawmakers’ March pledges will translate into tangible policy change.
MPs including Hon. Yotam Mtayachalo (Chama North), Hon. Edgar Sing’ombe (Dundumwezi), and Hon. Mweemba Malambo (Magoye) vowed to promote agroecology in their constituencies, engage traditional leaders, and introduce public training programs.
“We’ve drifted too far from traditional farming. It’s expensive and unsustainable,” said Hon. Sing’ombe. “We must revive practices that are ours, that work, and that feed people without destroying the land.”
The MPs also backed efforts to Protect indigenous seed varieties, Promote organic food labeling, Reduce national reliance on chemically intensive monoculture, and Integrate agroecology into extension services and school agriculture programs.
What began as ridicule turned into respect. Gilbert says the same farmers who once mocked his approach now seek his advice and training.
“They called me mad,” he recalled. “But now they’ve seen what organic farming can do, and they’re ready to change.”
Gilbert’s journey highlights the growing relevance of youth-led agroecology in Africa, especially as nations grapple with climate shocks, rising food prices, and eroding seed sovereignty.
For Gilbert, the goal remains simple: grow healthy food, restore the soil, and help other farmers achieve the same.
“Agroecology is not just for me. It’s the future of farming in Zambia and the future is already here.”
