Mizu Eco-Care

Strengthening climate-resilient livelihoods and food security among small-scale farming households.

Mfuwe, in eastern Zambia’s Mambwe District, sits on the edge of the South Luangwa National Park. As a popular tourist destination, the population has grown rapidly in recent years, putting increased pressure on already fragile livelihoods, based around subsistence farming and informal mining. Additionally, many households face persistent food insecurity caused by drought, flooding and destruction by wildlife.

With limited opportunities to generate reliable income, young people and women are particularly vulnerable to exploitation. As a result, HIV prevalence in the district stands at 6.5% among adults, rising to 8.3% among women.

With support from Egmont, Mizu Eco-Care is delivering an integrated livelihoods model that responds directly to these challenges. The programme works with 405 small-scale farmers to strengthen food security, diversify incomes and build climate resilience.

Farmers are supported to adopt organic and sustainable farming practices, alongside access to a wider range of indigenous seeds and crops to improve diets and restore soil health. To strengthen household incomes, the project introduces complementary livelihood streams, including poultry rearing, beekeeping and small-scale enterprise development such as groundnut processing for peanut butter production. Training in practical solutions, including beehive and chilli fence construction, help to reduce crop losses from wildlife while also creating opportunities for additional income.

Together, these interventions enable households to move beyond subsistence, strengthening resilience, improving nutrition and reducing vulnerability to economic and health-related risks.