Zambia
Context
Zambia joined the FFF in 2014 during Phase I of the programme and has been a member ever since.
FFF Zambia works in partnership with the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment through the Department of Forestry to support producer organizations to restore forest landscapes in Eastern, Northwestern and Southern Provinces which have previously been degraded by farming and unsustainable charcoal production. In Zambia, over 70% of land is “customary land,” managed by traditional leadership rather than state authority. This includes significant portions of forest landscapes that are not part of formal management systems.
FFF Zambia has a strong track record of strengthening women’s farmer groups, engaging chiefs and promoting inclusion of farmers groups in district and ward development committees. It has given widespread support to the establishment of tree nurseries and community seed banks to boost community-driven restoration and sustainable land rehabilitation, and to promote value chains that incentivize agroforestry to provide sustainable livelihoods
In 2025, FFF Zambia continued to support two main apex-level FFPOs (ZNFCA and CAZ) and 18 district level groups. Together, they represent more than 59 514 households.
Contacts
Coach:
[email protected]
Facilitator:
[email protected]
Products
Key products produced in Zambia include wooden furniture, fruit and vegetable, herbs, cosmetics, cotton, cooking oil, banana chips, groundnut powder, honey, fruit and timber tree seedlings, avocados, woven baskets and green charcoal.
Highlights
- Resilience and restoration
With FFF support, producer organizations secured stewardship of 1 000 hectares of land under community forest management. Their nurseries produced over 500 000 seedlings supplied to partners including CARE International, World Vision and the Plant A Million Programme, and the Rural Electrification Authority. Emerging partnerships with COMACO and the Eastern Province Jurisdiction Project are unlocking climate finance, reinforcing the sustainability of these restoration efforts.
- Influencing policy
Zambia National Forest Commodity Association (ZNFCA) influenced national policy revisions to reflect grassroots priorities, while the Cotton Association of Zambia (CAZ) was recognized as the apex cooperative for cotton producers. FFF also supported charcoal regulation and developed Zambia’s only sustainable charcoal Participatory Guarantee System (PGS).
- Strengthening social services
Through FFF facilitation, partnerships with Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZANACO) enhanced digital financial inclusion. Masopo Women’s Club which makes baskets expanded into operating mobile money booths for ZANACO at the local market. Customers can make cash withdrawals or deposits, and the Club receives profits from the transaction fees. The extra income has transformed livelihoods.
Key documents
- The diversified climate-resilient business model of the Tubeleke Club, IIED case study, 2020