Foundations for Farming Training Report August 2026

Venue: GLO Zambia Training Centre
Dates: 30 31 July 2026
By: Edwin Chama, Agriculture Officer

Recent Events

Activities

GLO Zambia successfully conducted a two-day foundation for farming (organic farming) training from 30 to 31 July 2026. The purpose of the training was to equip farmers and community members with practical knowledge and skills in sustainable organic farming practices that promote food security, environmental conservation, and income generation.

The training combined classroom sessions with practical demonstrations, enabling participants to gain both theoretical understanding and hands on experience. 

Participants

A total of 45 participants attended the training from Northwestern, Central, and the Copperbelt Provinces. Out of the 45, males were 24, and females 21. The total number included youths, 2 males and 1 female. 

Topics Covered

The following key topics were covered:
- Organic Onion Production
- Preparation and Application of Effective Organic Fertilizers
- Preparation and Use of Organic Pesticides
- Soil Management for Organic Farming
- Organic Garden Management
- Food Security versus Agribusiness

Each topic was presented through interactive discussions, practical demonstrations, and question and answer sessions to ensure participants understood both the principles and practical application of organic farming techniques.

Practical Demonstrations

Practical sessions formed an important component of the training. Participants actively participated in demonstrations that included:
- Preparation of organic fertilizers (making Bokashi fertilizer, and the practical use of Tithonia, chicken manure soup, Gliricidia spp. pigeon peas leaves and others..)
- Preparation of organic pesticides using locally available materials like compost tea, Garlic Chilli spray, snake beans among others.
- Proper soil management techniques such as no burning, no ploughing, and avoid use of synthetic chemicals in the field
- Organic onion production practices...nursery management, planting demos, good organic fertilizers, diseases and pests.
- Organic garden establishment and management.

The practical approach enabled participants to develop confidence in applying the techniques within their own farming enterprises.

Training Outcomes

The training achieved its intended objectives as observed by participants demonstration of a clear understanding of sustainable organic farming practices and expressed confidence in implementing the technologies in their respective communities

Key outcomes included:
- Increased knowledge of organic onion production.
- Improved understanding of soil fertility management using organic methods.
- Enhanced skills in preparing low-cost organic fertilizers and pesticides.
- Increased awareness of the relationship between food security and agribusiness opportunities.
- Strengthened capacity to manage productive organic gardens using environmentally sustainable practices.

Participant Feedback

Overall feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. They appreciated the practical nature of the training, the relevance of the topics, and the opportunity to learn affordable farming methods that can improve household livelihoods.

The main recommendation from participants was that the training duration should be increased from two days to three days to allow more time for practical demonstrations, discussions, and field exercises.

Conclusion

The foundation for farming (Organic Farming) training was successfully implemented and met its objectives. The combination of theoretical instruction and practical demonstrations provided participants with valuable knowledge and skills that can contribute to improved agricultural productivity, food security, environmental sustainability, and income generation.

Given the positive response from participants, future training should consider extending the programme to three days to provide additional practical learning opportunities and allow for more in depth coverage of organic farming technologies.