World Vision Zambia Launches a 10-year FMNR Scale-Up Business Plan aimed at restoring 2 million hectares of land

World Vision Zambia, in partnership with the Zambian Government and other stakeholders, has launched an ambitious Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) Scale-Up Business Plan with a bold vision to restore 2 million hectares of degraded land by scaling FMNR for the benefit of current and future generations of children.

This is part of the global World Vision initiative to restore One Billion hectares of land by 2033, and Zambia will contribute 2 million to the target.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Green Economy and Environment, Hon. Collins Nzovu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Douty Chibamba, said the Zambian government is committed to supporting this strategy and ensuring that the set targets are achieved.

“With this FMNR Scale-Up business plan, Zambia and its people will gain more from this strategy,” said Dr. Chibamba. “Land and forest degradation have impacted communities negatively, with many subsistence farmers being rendered less productive and their livelihoods being affected. Therefore, we are grateful to partners like World Vision Zambia for setting the pace and leading the way in curbing the impact of climate change.”

He further stated the government remains committed to ensuring that policy reforms are in place to enhance environmental management.

World Vision Zambia Acting National Director Ngoza Kabaso said the organization will support the government’s vision to restore 2 million hectares of degraded land, led by scaling FMNR in Zambia, for the benefit of current and future generations.

“This launch is in line with the government of Zambia's aspirations in sustainable land management and climate change mitigation, both at national and grassroots levels,” said Ms. Ngoza.

She said that through the FMNR Scale-UP Business Plan, World Vision would directly restore 600,000 hectares of degraded land by scaling FMNR.

“Working with communities, World Vision Zambia seeks to restore 600,000 hectares of land directly using community-based programmes,” said Ms. Kabaso. To catalyse this FMNR Business Plan, World Vision Zambia will work to identify and respond to systematic barriers and opportunities to adopting and spreading FMNR. There are many targets and tactics to support scaling FMNR, and these shall be done at different levels by working with like-minded partners.”

The Acting National Director pointed out that World Vision was already working with partners (including government line ministries and other NGOs to embed FMNR in their programming) to ensure the sustainability and widespread adoption and practice of FMNR as a restoration concept.

World Vision Zambia Associate Director for Grants Management Mercy Ngoma said this business plan is an initiative that was born in response to the escalating challenge of land degradation.

“The business plan was developed through intensive collaboration with various stakeholders and partners in the sector and involved numerous engagement meetings with World Vision Australia and World Vision Zambia,” said Ms. Ngoma.