Solidaridad, a global non-profit organisation focused on advancing social justice and sustainability in supply chains, has launched the Climate-Smart Horticulture Production Manual for Small-Scale Farmers. This practical, field-tested guide is aimed at helping farmers adapt to climate change while producing nutritious, market-ready vegetables.
By Lebogang Mashala, editor at African Farming
According to the organisation, small-scale farmers across Southern Africa are facing escalating climate-related risks, including erratic rainfall, recurring droughts, declining soil fertility and rising pest pressure. The manual has been developed in response to these challenges, providing accessible, locally applicable solutions to improve productivity and resilience.
The publication aligns with Solidaridad’s broader regional objective of strengthening sustainable agriculture and building resilient smallholder farming systems across Southern Africa, where agriculture plays a critical role in food security and rural economies.
From Cotton to Year-round Vegetable Production
One of the farmers already benefiting from the initiative is Brian Mbale, a lead farmer in Magoye, Zambia. Mbale expressed his appreciation to Solidaridad, and thanked the Zambian Ministry of Agriculture for technical support and the Zukunft säen: Gemüsegärten für Kleinbäuerinnen in Sambia (Plant the Future: Vegetable Gardens for Small-Scale Farmers in Zambia) project, funded by the German Postcode Lottery.
“Traditionally, our only source of income was cotton, which is produced once after the rainy season. This meant our income was limited and uncertain,” said Mbale. “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.”
Mbale described the manual as a constant source of support for farmers. “The Climate-Smart Horticulture Production Manual [for Small-Scale Farmers] acts as a silent extension officer for us. Even when government extension officers or project staff are not available, the manual provides step-by-step guidance to improve our farming practices.”
Also read: Regenerative agriculture project empowers smallholder farmers in Mozambique
Working with Nature for Climate Resilience
Rather than relying on costly or inaccessible inputs, the manual promotes farming systems that work with natural processes. These include crop diversification, intercropping, companion planting and increased on-farm biodiversity to naturally reduce pest pressure and improve productivity.
“Climate-smart horticulture is about restoring balance and building sustainable livelihoods,” said Daniel Kalala, one of the authors of the manual. “When farmers diversify crops and recycle nutrients on-farm, they reduce production costs while strengthening resilience to climate change.”
Also read: Eskom and the Netherlands launch Grootvlei Climate Smart Horticulture Centre
Water and Soil at the Core of Production
Water scarcity remains one of the most significant constraints facing smallholder farmers. The manual highlights practical, low-cost water-saving techniques such as mulching, sunken and raised beds, drip irrigation systems and traditional clay pot irrigation.
“These are affordable, farmer-friendly solutions that can be implemented using locally available resources,” said Vincent Mofya, senior project manager at Solidaridad. “The focus is on efficiency, ensuring that every drop of water counts.”
The guide also emphasises soil health as the foundation of productive farming systems, promoting composting, bokashi, biochar and liquid organic inputs to improve soil structure, nutrient availability and water retention.
“Soil health is the foundation of sustainable agriculture,” said Sheila Garakara, Solidaridad country manager for Zambia. “When farmers invest in organic matter and soil life, they build resilient systems that protect both livelihoods and the environment.”
Safer Food and Market Opportunities
Garakara added that the manual supports the objectives of Zambia’s recently launched LOCAL ZAMGAP by integrating climate-smart agriculture with safe crop production, food safety and environmentally responsible practices.
The manual also guides farmers on natural pest and disease management practices that reduce dependence on chemical pesticides, contributing to safer food for households and consumers. As demand for chemical-free vegetables continues to grow, farmers applying climate-smart practices are better positioned to access emerging market opportunities.
“When farmers produce diverse, safe vegetables, they improve household nutrition while accessing better markets,” Garakara said. “The Climate-Smart Horticulture Production Manual supports Solidaridad’s broader mandate to scale up sustainable agriculture and strengthen rural livelihoods across Southern Africa.”
Also read: SA’s new generation of farmers: How training, technology and smart markets are driving real profits
