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JKI advises and researches on climate-adapted farming in Zambia

To mark the BMEL's forthcoming Africa concept, JKI President Frank Ordon accompanied German Agriculture Minister Özdemir on his Africa tour. JKI researchers presented their cooperation with the German-Zambian Agricultural Training Center on site.

Dr. Lukas Beule (left), a consultant soil expert from the JKI, explains the field trial on climate-adapted farming methods to German Agriculture Minister Özdemir, which was set up by the “German-Sambian Agricultural Training Centre” (AKTC).
Dr. Lukas Beule (left), a consultant soil expert from the JKI, explains the field trial on climate-adapted farming methods to German Agriculture Minister Özdemir, which was set up by the “German-Sambian Agricultural Training Centre” (AKTC). (© Cramer/BVL)

(Zambia) The “German-Zambian Agricultural Training and Knowledge Center” (AKTC) excists since summer 2014. The BMEL project is designed as a training center in which Zambian specialists and managers of market-oriented agricultural enterprises as well as multipliers from universities and advisory services are trained in sustainable plant production and agricultural technology. From 2024, agroecological production methods will be added as a new focus: The associated cultivation trials will be accompanied by JKI researchers in an advisory capacity and scientifically - so far, earthworm communities and water infiltration rates have been surveyed. Under the leadership of Dr. Lukas Beule, JKI researchers are personally on site at least once a year.

In early November 2024, Federal Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir visited the AKTC's field trials on conservation tillage. These were set up at the beginning of 2024 in close cooperation with the JKI in order to test climate-adapted cultivation methods. JKI President Prof. Dr. Frank Ordon accompanied the minister - the delegation trip took place against the backdrop of the BMEL's new Africa concept, the collected aspects are intended to help finalize the concept.

Agroecological demonstration farm planned with JKI agroforestry experts

With the start of the RAINES project ( Regenerative Agriculture for Improved Nutrition and Environmental Sustainability), a demonstration farm for agroecology is being established at the AKTC. It will be set up together with Dr. Lukas Beule's working group from the JKI site in Berlin-Dahlem - plans include a complex agroforestry system, mixed crop cultivation and the incorporation of catch crops in crop rotations. On the RAINES demo farm, the JKI is planning soil ecology and entomological field trials to investigate the ecological benefits of the aforementioned management. The AKTC is also currently testing more drought-tolerant plants in response to the current drought in Zambia. To disseminate this knowledge, it is cooperating with the SACAU farmers' association, among others.

In addition to visiting the AKTC field trials, a flagship BMEL project, Federal Minister Özdemir was received by the President of Zambia, Hakainde Hichilema, and met his counterpart Reuben Mtolo Phiri for political talks. There was also an exchange with representatives of civil society and farmers.

Visit to a field trial of the “German-Sambian Agricultural Training and Knowledge Center” (AKTC) with Federal Minister of Agriculture Cem Özdemir. Dr. Lukas Beule from the JKI is active in an advisory capacity at the training center. JKI President Ordon accompanied the delegation.

Background

One of the main objectives of Federal Minister of Agriculture Özdemir's autumn trip to Ethiopia and Zambia was to finalize the BMEL's new Africa concept. The input and views of local partners are important for this, also as a building block for extensive participation. The African Union is involved, as well as science, civil society, business and young people from African countries and Germany. In Ethiopia, Özdemir spoke with the Commissioner for Agriculture of the African Union (AU), Josefa Sacko, and inaugurated the office of the so-called “Agricultural Policy Dialogue” between the BMEL and the African Union. The project is a milestone in the cooperation between Germany and the African continent and the first cooperation of its kind between the AU with its 55 member states and a German ministry.

More information on he BMEL’s commitment to Africa here.

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