Small-scale farmers across Southern Africa are facing mounting climate risks from unpredictable rainfall and droughts, to declining soil health and pest pressures, says Solidaridad Southern Africa, a branch of the global Solidaridad network.

As part of the organisation’s efforts to promotes environmentally sustainable practices, Solidaridad has launched the ‘Climate-Smart Horticulture Production Manual for Small-Scale Farmers’, a practical field-tested guide designed to help farmers adapt to climate change while producing nutritious, marketable vegetables.

The manual aligns with the organisation’s broader objective in the region to strengthen sustainable agriculture and build resilient smallholder farming systems across Southern Africa, where agricultural livelihoods are central to food security and rural economies.

Lead farmer for the group Brian Mbale explains the impact of the organisation’s initiative: “Traditionally, our only source of income was cotton, which is produced once after the rains. This meant our income was limited and uncertain. Through this vegetable project, we are now able to grow a variety of vegetables that can be produced and marketed throughout the year. As a result, our household income has improved, and we are now able to meet our daily needs. As vegetable farmers, we are very grateful for the manual provided.”

The manual promotes farming systems that mimic natural ecosystems, and includes methods such as crop diversification, intercropping, companion planting, and enhanced biodiversity to naturally reduce pest pressure and improve productivity.

“Climate-smart horticulture is about restoring balance and building sustainable livelihoods in our farming systems. When farmers diversify crops and recycle nutrients on-farm, they reduce production costs while strengthening resilience to climate change,” says one of the authors of the manual Daniel Kalala.

Water scarcity is recognised as one of the most pressing limits for smallholder farmers and the manual addresses this issue by highlighting accessible water-saving techniques such as mulching, sunken and raised beds, drip systems and traditional clay pot irrigation.

“These are affordable, farmer-friendly solutions that can be implemented using local resources. The manual focuses on efficiency to make sure every drop of water counts,” explains Solidaridad senior project manager Vincent Mofya.

The manual also promotes composting, Bokashi, biochar, and liquid organic inputs to improve soil structure, nutrient availability, water retention and cost-effective agricultural practices, as part of the organisation’s work in promoting regenerative agriculture and climate adaptation.  

Natural pest and disease management practices are also outlined in the manual, helping farmers reduce dependence on chemical pesticides, contributing to safer food for families and consumers. As demand grows for chemical-free vegetables, farmers applying climate-smart practices are better positioned to tap emerging market opportunities.

“When farmers produce diverse, safe vegetables, they improve household nutrition while accessing better markets. The Climate-Smart Horticulture Production Manual for Small-Scale Farmers supports Solidaridad’s broader mandate to improve agricultural production, scale up sustainable practices and strengthen rural livelihoods across the Southern African region,” concludes Solidaridad country manager: Zambia Sheila Garakara.