More than 70% of Zambians live in poverty.  With a per capita income of $395, Zambia ranks among the world’s poorest countries.  Crisis-level famine and poverty are compounded by low population density and long distances between settlements, making it difficult for small farmers to access markets.

Before learning about IDE, Peter Chakanyuka, along with his wife and six children, farmed a ½ hectare plot of land.  Depending upon rain for irrigation, his family could only grow maize and peanuts, with yields that were too small to sell. 

After purchasing a treadle pump from a local IDE representative, the Chakanyuka family increased its irrigated land to more than two hectares in a single season, and is now cultivating high value crops such as pumpkins, tomato, okra, onion, cauliflower, and sweet corn.  Not only is the family healthier due to the variety of produce, but IDE’s links with supermarkets and vegetable export companies have helped them sell their surplus crops to increase their standard of living.  Mr. Chakanyuka was able to build and furnish a house for his family in just a year. Recently, the family’s cattle were wiped out by an outbreak of corridor disease.  Before diversifying their crops, this would have been a devastating blow, but their high value crops have enabled the family to thrive.

In a country where the majority of children drop out of school by grade 7 due to insufficient funds, the family’s children are completing their schooling. “From vegetable growing, we have paid school fees of US $138 every three months for our six children,” says Mrs. Chakanyuka.  “Our life is much better and we eat more food variety than before we bought a treadle pump,” adds Mr. Chakanyuka.

CONTACT

IDE
10403 West Colfax, Suite 500
Lakewood, CO  80215