Kascol, took a significant step toward environmental preservation by hosting a momentous tree planting ceremony along the Kaleya perennial riverbank. Spanning an impressive area of 32,000 square meters (4 meters x 8 kilometers), the initiative aims to mitigate erosion and enhance water retention. The event saw the participation of esteemed stakeholders, including representatives from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the Water Management Resources Authority (WARMA), as well as honored guests such as Mazabuka District Commissioner, Oliver Mulomba, and Solidaridad Country Manager for Zambia, Sheila Garakara.

The tree planting ceremony served as a remarkable testament to Kascol’s commitment to environmental sustainability and ecological conservation. Recognizing the critical role of trees in preventing soil erosion and preserving water resources, the company partnered with WWF and WARMA to carry out this transformative initiative.

The Kaleya perennial riverbank, a vital ecosystem, was identified as an area in urgent need of restoration and protection. The planting of trees over the vast 32,000 square meters was carefully strategized to create a natural buffer, preventing erosion and safeguarding the riverbank’s stability. Additionally, the newly planted trees will enhance water retention, promoting a healthy water cycle and supporting the local ecosystem.

The presence of esteemed guests added significance to the ceremony. Mazabuka District Commissioner, Oliver Mulomba, graced the event, emphasizing the district’s commitment to environmental sustainability and the importance of collaborative efforts in tackling ecological challenges. The participation of Sheila Garakara, Solidaridad Country Manager for Zambia, highlighted the significance of public-private partnerships in driving impactful change.

In his address, Mazabuka District Commissioner Oliver Mulomba expressed his gratitude to Kascol, WWF, and WARMA for their collective efforts. He stated, “This tree planting ceremony signifies a crucial step toward environmental preservation in our district. I commend Kascol, WWF, and WARMA for their dedication to combatting erosion and enhancing water retention. Let us continue working together to create a sustainable and resilient environment for future generations.”

Sheila Garakara, representing Solidaridad, emphasized the significance of sustainable land management practices, stating, “We recognize the importance of responsible land use and environmental stewardship. This tree planting ceremony aligns with our mission to promote sustainable agricultural practices. By investing in nature-based solutions, we can create a greener and more prosperous future for Zambia.”

In conclusion, Kascol’s tree planting ceremony along the Kaleya perennial riverbank symbolizes a major stride toward combating erosion and enhancing water retention. This collaborative effort, supported by WWF and WARMA, showcases the power of partnerships in achieving environmental sustainability. The presence of esteemed guests, including the Mazabuka District Commissioner and Solidaridad Country Manager for Zambia, further underscores the significance of this initiative. Together, let us continue to prioritize the protection and restoration of our natural resources, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future for all.

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The Dutch Fund for Climate and Development (DFCD) has approved a €180,000 grant for KASCOL to conduct the environmental, social and technical assessments to install drip irrigation.

The project has been put forward by the World Wide Fund for Nature Netherlands, which manages together with SNV Netherlands Development Organisation the DFCD’s Origination Facility to develop new projects for the investment fund.

KASCOL is located in the Kafue Flats, a 6,500 km² floodplain located in the southern region of Zambia. The DFCD identified this region as one of its ten focus landscapes, which is a unique aspect of the fund’s strategy.

It means that in this area the DFCD consortium adopts a ‘landscape’ strategy for deal origination and execution. This allows consortium parties to actively source and develop private sector investment opportunities in-and-around, in the vicinity of, as well as downstream from, their own investment activities.

The World Wide Fund for Nature Zambia has been working in the region for many years to ensure a sustainable development of the area for the people and nature. KASCOL, which has been part of WWF’s Kafue Flats Joint Action Group for years, has committed itself to work in line with the landscape approach for the region.

Nachilala Nkombo, Country Director WWF Zambia

“Given the water pressures in the Kafue flats, WWF Zambia has been working closely with KASCOL to explore ways in which the business can reduce water risks through sustainable agriculture and water conservation practices.”

Kafue Flats powers Zambian economy

The densely-populated region is of major, industrial, ecological and socio-economic significance for Zambia. In all, the Kafue Flats wetland is estimated to directly support the livelihoods of more than 2 million people. The Kafue river also supports and sustains vital environmental systems like wetlands, national parks and bird sanctuaries. But over-abstraction of water and more severe droughts as a result of climate change are threatening this important economic region and ecosystem.

The Kafue Flats generate 50% of the country’s national hydroelectricity supply through the Kafue Gorge Dam and Itezhi-Tezhi Dam, and 44% of water used in Lusaka, the capital, is drawn from the Kafue river. The region is home to the country’s most productive fisheries and it has the highest concentration of cattle in the country with an estimated 20% of the national herd (290,000 cattle) grazing on the flats in the dry season.

World-leading producer of sugarcane

The floodplain is also the most efficient place in the world to grow sugar cane, Zambia’s most important cash crop generating 4% of its Gross Domestic Product. With yields averaging more than 120 tons of sugar cane per hectare, the country achieves the highest yields worldwide. Zambian producers are very competitive thanks to relatively low production costs even though transportation costs are high. Transport is expensive because of the long distance to the nearest port, but most demand for the sugar is local (40%) and regional. KASKOL sells its sugar cane to Zambia Sugar, which has a processing facility nearby.

KASCOL invests in drip irrigation to become climate-resilient

KASCOL is seeking to replace its current irrigation system of furrows by drip irrigation to make its sugar cane fields as resilient to climate change as possible. With the same amount of water, the company can water many more hectares. The cost/benefit of installing drip irrigation is high. The investment pays itself back in two years.

KASCOL wants to convert 300 hectares of its commercial fields in the next two years to drip irrigation. This requires a loan of up to €5 million from the DFCD. KASCOL starts with its commercial fields because they generate a higher yield. The smallholder farmers benefit through their shareholding in the Kaleya Smallholders Trust and the Mazabuka Sugar Cane Growers Trust.

To be eligible for a DFCD loan, KASCOL first has to conduct the necessary environmental, social and technical assessments. These studies are essential to understand the water availability in the region and how it can be best allocated. It also needs to develop the tender to select the installation company for the drip irrigation. The current DFCD origination grant will help co-fund these steps.

Keiron Brand, Regional Lead WWF DFCD Africa

“KASCOL has shown time and again that it provides a really good farmers outgrower model. The farmers earn more and have more economic security. Through this project, the farmers will become more resilient to the effect of climate change and unpredictable water availability. The company is a great partner to work with. It has a strong willingness to work with us and make decisions based on the environment and the benefits to farmers.”

Muimui Mufana, Estate Manager & CEO of KASCOL

“Engaging in sustainable agricultural practices has been a key driver in KASCOL’s business model. Our participation in the WWF’s Kafue Flats Joint Action Group is a privilege and an opportunity for our farmers to participate in the preservation efforts of the wetlands. KASCOL is happy to partner with WWF DFCD in the environmental, social and technical assessment of our drip irrigation project proposal.” This is an example of how WWF partners with business to stop the degradation of the natural environment through green bankable projects that are financially, socially and environmentally sound.

Key impact metrics per year

• 70% reduction in water use per hectare through drip irrigation compared with furrows
• 10% increase in crop yield

Nachilala Nkombo, Country Director WWF Zambia

“Our work with KASCOL is an example of how WWF partners with business to stop the degradation of the natural environment through green bankable projects that are financially, socially and environmentally sound.”

Credit

https://www.wwf.nl/wat-we-doen/aanpak/internationaal/Dutch-Fund-for-Climate-and-Development/zambian-cane-sugar-grower

The post The DFCD partners with Kascol, July 2021 first appeared on Kaleya Smallholders Company Ltd.