Update from BHW Zambia Partnership Facilitator

Key Person: Amos Judas Chomba

Over the past few months, we have been in contact with Amos (who is the nephew of Peter and son of Judas). This report is based on those conversations.

Recent Events

Peter Chomba

Sadly Peter Chomba, who headed up the partnership and programs, suffered a “turn”. In his role as lecturer at Samfya Bible School he was at the graduation ceremony in October 2024 and collapsed. It was very sad as he was also retiring from the bible school at the year end and was about to start an agricultural supplies and training shop in Samfya.

Since then, he has been in various places for medical care and currently is in Lusaka where he can receive help. Anthony Chitembala has visited both him and the remaining team in Chaba to give us some updates on his health and the state of the partnership. Peter's health currently means he is not able to head the partnership at his stage.

Currently the partnership is engaged in the following activities:
• Farming trainings for maize, cassava, soyabeans, with a loan program.
• Business loans
• Rice mill
• Rice trading programs
• Church discipleship programs

The account for funds to be sent is in Samyfa (at the bottom of the 70km lake) where Peter lived. Judas is a signatory for the account with another local lady in Samfya who Peter trusted, so they are working on getting access to this account.

We have made contact with Amos to see what they have capacity to continue in Peter's absence. Currently they are requesting to continue with all the programs, but we are in discussions over who will deliver the farming trainings, and the church discipleship programs. The loan programs have in the past been mostly run by Judas.

Trainings

Comments from Amos:
In October 2024 we trained 80 people in cassava growing, 55 rice farmers, 40 maize farmers and 30 soya beans farmers. Like always we invited the previously trained maize and rice farmers for a refresher seminar for one day. In February 2025 we went around to check how the farming is progressing, but due to the drought that we are experiencing in Zambia, most of the fields are not doing well. But we encouraged them not to relent but they should forge ahead and fight hunger.

Partnership's Influence within the Community

Over the years the influence has been massive as the trained farmers have been increasing yields by following the Foundations for Farming practices. 

Current Issues and Challenges

The farmers are experiencing another year of drought in the area, that is affecting the crops. Although they have had some rain, many crops are suffering in their area.

Prayer and Praise Points

1) Pray for Peter's health to improve, so he can move back to his home in Samfya.
2) Pray for Peter's family who are now deciding what to do in regard to supporting the family and the new business venture.
3) Pray for Amos and the team on the ground in Chaba, for wisdom as to how to progress the partnership.

Comments

We are still in discussion as to what aspects of this partnership will continue in the immediate future so deciding the 2025 budget is on hold until the plans and proposals are completed and considered.