New approaches an example from Zambia

The Kenyan experience in establishing a successful national soil conservation programme led to the creation of the SIDA (Swedish International Development Authority) funded Regional Soil Conservation Unit (RSCU) based in Nairobi. The aim of the RSCU at its inception in 1982 was to 'export' elements of the Kenyan experience to neighbouring countries, beginning with the training of soil conservation staff. Zambia became an RSCU collaborative country in the mid-1980s, and a link was forged with Zambia's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries. Although there is much less visible evidence of land degradation in Zambia than in Kenya and Tanzania, for example, it is clear that sheet and splash erosion are instrumental in reducing the fertility of smallholders fields. After the training of agricultural field officers, a pilot project was set up in Eastern Province - the Soil Conservation and Agroforestry Extension Programme (SCAFE) - with SIDA finance and support through the RSCU. This pilot project rapidly became assimilated into a new national programme of the same name, run through a Soil Conservation Section in MAFF. Currently the programme has extended its activities into three provinces. The national programme makes use of general frontline agricultural extension workers, who are appropriately trained. Though achievements on the ground are modest as yet, it is apparent that the frame. work is in place to help farmers look after their land.The Kenyan experience in establishing a successful national soil conservation programme led to the creation of the SIDA (Swedish International Development Authority) funded Regional Soil Conservation Unit (RSCU) based in Nairobi. The aim of the..