We are implementing this program in Gwembe district as well as Kazungula District all of Southern Province.

In Gwembe,we are working on alternatives to charcoal burning. During our baseline,it was discovered that the major source of income was through charcoal burning. This made us strategize on what alternatives are available to shift the focus from charcoal burning to something beneficial without destroying the environment. That is how we started our sensitization meetings on the increased Constituency Development Fund and how citizens can access it through grants and loans. Zambian Governance Foundation under Shift the power to the people also supported this program. This is community-led development where people themselves determine what level of development comes in their area and what role they play to achieve that. They are now accessing the CDF and venturing into village banking and savings, goat rearing, irrigation farming and many other positive practices.

Under Kazungula, we are implementing a climate program that looks at the role played by households to combat further effects of climate change. Daily human activities have negatively contributed to further these effects. One of them is the disposing off used pads. They are thrown anywhere and mostly burnt which causes air pollution and health respiratory related diseases. We have introduced and trained more than 500 women and girls in making reusable pads as opposed to the disposable ones. This helps combat menstrual poverty especially in rural areas where most women and girls cannot afford to buy each month. We trained them how to use simple needles and locally available materials to make on their own at almost no cost. Burning of bushes has caused animals not to have enough food hence feeding on the already failed crop fields.

Climate Adaptation: Climate adaptation refers to the actions taken to manage the risks and impacts of climate change. It involves adjusting human and natural systems to better cope with the changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and other climate-related phenomena. Some key aspects of climate adaptation includes but not limited to:

1. Building resilience: We are training our small-scale farmers and households on crop diversification and early planting of crops to reduce crop failure. Adaptation measures focus on building resilience in communities and ecosystems. This may include strengthening infrastructure against extreme weather events, implementing early warning systems, and diversifying livelihoods to reduce vulnerability.
2. Protecting vulnerable populations: Adaptation efforts prioritize protecting vulnerable populations, including low-income communities. Skills sharpening through our entrepreneurship training has been very crucial. We discovered that rural communities of Gwembe such as Hakazembwe Village, our women, children and me are so talented with skills that they never thought would bring income to their pockets. They are able to make various items to the highest standard using locally available materials. Despite these efforts, exposure to technology has been an issue because market has been a challenge to sell these products.
3. Ecosystem-based approaches: Adaptation strategies often incorporate ecosystem-based approaches, such as restoring wetlands, mangroves, and forests, which provide natural buffers against climate impacts, regulate water flow, and support biodiversity.
4. Integrated planning: Effective adaptation requires integrated planning across sectors and levels of governance. This includes incorporating climate considerations into urban planning, land use management, disaster risk reduction, and development policies.
   Knowledge sharing and capacity building: Adaptation efforts involve sharing knowledge, best practices, and tools for assessing and managing climate risks. Capacity building initiatives help communities, governments, and organizations develop the skills and resources needed to adapt to climate change.

Climate Mitigation: Climate mitigation refers to the actions taken to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere, thereby slowing down the pace of climate change. Mitigation measures aim to address the root causes of climate change by transitioning to low-carbon energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and reducing emissions from various sectors.
We are planting trees (afforestation) in bare places and rural homes. The indigenous trees like moringa,mango,guava etc are being planted.This is because,it is very easy to protect edible and medicinal trees as opposed to mere trees.

Transition to renewable energy: Mitigation efforts focus on transitioning away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal power. This involves investing in renewable energy infrastructure, incentivizing renewable energy adoption, and phasing out subsidies for fossil fuels.
Sustainable land use and forestry: Mitigation efforts involve promoting sustainable land use practices, such as afforestation, reforestation, and forest conservation, which sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and help mitigate climate change.