Ubuntu in Action

The women of Kapyanga are more than farmers—they are educators, innovators, and advocates. Through practical training sessions, they teach agroecology techniques such as composting, mulching, and seed saving. These sessions emphasise the importance of Indigenous seeds, which are adapted to local conditions and also carry cultural and nutritional significance.

The association has established a community-managed seed bank, preserving local seed varieties and ensuring food sovereignty for 50 households. The seeds include ten varieties of maize, eight varieties of groundnuts, four varieties of cowpeas, and beans. There are currently 13 seed savers in the area, growing and preserving 35 indigenous food crop varieties. These are stored at the homesteads, contributing to food sovereignty for over 60 households in the Chipako area of the Kapyanga community.

These figures may seem modest at first glance, but they highlight a broader challenge faced by many Global South countries: the lack of timely, effective, and gender-responsive financial support necessary to develop agroecological practices. Such practices are essential for creating productive, economically viable, sustainable, and culturally appropriate agroecosystems.

By recognising the intrinsic relationship between forest-dependent communities and ecological processes, agroecology has the potential to enhance sustainable food production, boost productive capacity, improve ecosystem health, and increase biological efficiency. Women food producers, through their acts of resistance and holistic approaches embedded in their daily practices, must be acknowledged as the primary pillars of food sovereignty. This is particularly significant given that small-scale producers, relying predominantly on their own agricultural resources, generate up to 80 percent of Africa’s food.

Seed saving is a technical process and a sacred act. In traditional Zambian culture, women are seen as the "keepers of the seed," responsible for protecting biodiversity and ensuring the continuity of life. In the past, when a girl was married, she would be given a variety of native seed crops to plant at her new home. This was a way of ensuring household food security. By reviving these practices, the women are reclaiming their role as custodians of the land and transmitters of ecological knowledge.

Their advocacy extends beyond the fields. Through community awareness campaigns, the women share knowledge with farmers, youth, and traditional leaders about the dangers of synthetic inputs and the benefits of agroecology. Using storytelling, proverbs, and lived experiences, they inspire others to embrace sustainable farming practices that restore soil health, protect water, and ensure long-term food sovereignty.

For the women of Kapyanga, agroecology is more than just a farming system, it is a way of life. Their practices are deeply rooted in cultural values that emphasise collective responsibility, respect for the land, and intergenerational learning. The spirit of "Ubuntu"—the belief in shared humanity—guides their work, fostering a sense of unity and purpose.

This commitment to cultural preservation is evident in every aspect of their work, from the hand-planting of indigenous seeds to the cultivation of medicinal plants like Moringa and Aloe Vera. These herbs, grown alongside food crops, are used to treat common ailments and reduce dependency on expensive pharmaceuticals. The association's herbal medicine initiative now supplies over 30 households, combining ecological conservation with health autonomy.

Their efforts have also revitalised local biodiversity, creating environments where birds, butterflies, and native trees thrive once again. By restoring ecosystems and protecting pollinator populations, the women are ensuring community resilience and long-term sustainability for their farms.

Sowing Seeds of Hope

The story of the Kapyanga Women Association is a testament to the power of women-led, community-driven solutions. Through their dedication to agroecology, traditional knowledge, and cultural heritage, the women are addressing the challenges of today, laying the foundation for a more just and sustainable future.

Their resilience is even more remarkable given the layers of oppression they navigate daily—inhumane labour demands in fields, households, and wage work; systemic barriers rooted in patriarchy, religion, and culturally imposed norms; and the plight of widows, child brides, and survivors of gender-based violence. These challenges are compounded by the loss of natural resources essential for survival, as well as issues of waste, pollution, and energy scarcity. Despite these obstacles, the women of Kapyanga have emerged as leaders in restoring forests, reviving indigenous seeds, and promoting food sovereignty. Their work is a profound declaration of resistance, resilience, and hope, demonstrating how grassroots leadership can transform communities and inspire global movements for justice and equity.

As Margaret stands in her field, watching the seeds she planted by hand take root, she knows she is part of something much larger than herself. Each seed represents a story, a legacy, and a promise to future generations, a promise that the land will continue to provide, the culture will continue to thrive, and the community will continue to grow.

The women of Kapyanga are cultivating crops, but more than that, they are cultivating change. Their work serves as a powerful reminder of the profound wisdom and resilience that lies in the hands of those who care for Mother Earth.