By Misheck Nyirongo

In the sunlit fields overlooking the rolling hills of Chipata City in Zambia’s Eastern Province, Doreen Chulu stands out as a symbol of hope and innovation. A passionate young advocate for organic agriculture, she has reshaped her community’s farming practices by promoting sustainability that strengthens food security while safeguarding the environment. Her story is a powerful reminder of how
youth can lead the way in driving meaningful social change.

“At 25 years old, I am the seventh in a family of eight”, Doreen narrates, “My journey in farming has taught me that with hard work and determination, anyone can succeed in this industry.”

The spark of inspiration
Doreen’s passion for organic agriculture was ignited when she realised that conventional farming methods were degrading the soil and threatening the livelihoods of local farmers. She began experimenting with organic techniques on her family’s farm, practicing composting, crop rotation and natural pest control. Her efforts soon bore fruit. “In 2020, my parents gave me a bucket full of soybeans which I planted and harvested into four 50-kilogram bags, selling them for $174. This sparked my passion for farming,” Doreen recalls.

Today, she grows a variety of crops including onions, green peppers, tomatoes and cabbage, and has even diversified into poultry farming. “I’m excited to see my business thriving and proud to know that I’m setting myself apart from those who don’t take farming seriously,” she says. Her journey took a significant turn when she joined the Social Change Agent’s training programme that deepened her understanding of organic agriculture, agroecology and sustainable food systems. During a field visit to a successful agro-
preneur’s farm, she learned firsthand about preserving natural resources, protecting biodiversity and practising climate-resilient farming. With technical support and capacity building from ActionAid Zambia, Doreen is now extending her knowledge to local communities, promoting ecology, climate justice and food sovereignty.

“ActionAid Zambia’s motivation and support has encouraged me to embrace organic farming fully, and to empower women and youths by sharing my journey, experiences, and practical skills,” she says.

Overcoming challenges
Despite limited financial resources, uncertainty of climate conditions and negative perceptions about sustainable agriculture by community members, Doreen continues to innovate and adapt, discovering creative solutions to obstacles. “I remain determined, despite facing challenges like climate change, expensive farming inputs, crop and livestock diseases and poor access to markets. I see a lot of opportunities in agroecology, such as increasing income by reducing reliance on expensive inputs, promoting local food systems and creating jobs in farming,” she says. Her resilience and determination have earned her the respect and admiration of her community.

Changing narratives
Doreen is changing the narrative about agriculture among Zambian youth. “Youth in Zambia have diverse views on agriculture, ranging from seeing it as a lucrative business opportunity to viewing it as a tedious occupation for the poor and old,” she observes.
With her acquired skills as a social change agent, Doreen is promoting agriculture as a profitable venture that offers employment prospects and a means of sustenance.

Doreen champions an influential word-of-mouth campaign with local farmers, particularly youth and women through demonstrations on the benefits of organic farming including improved soil health to increased crop yields, and also empowers her peers to adopt sustainable practices. Her efforts have enhanced her household food security, fostered a sense of community and promoted cooperation in her community. Doreen’s promotion of sustainable agriculture extends far beyond her farm. She inspires young people to pursue careers in agriculture and environmental
conservation. Her advocacy for sustainable agriculture has caught the attention of local leaders, who are incorporating sustainable farming practices into their development plans.

Empowering communities, one seed at a time
Doreen’s journey is a story of the transformative power of youth participation in sustainable agriculture. Through her dedication and passion, she has become a social change agent, inspiring others to adopt sustainable practices and build resilient food systems. Her story serves as a proof of the impact young people can have in shaping a more sustainable and equitable food future.

Image caption: Doreen Chulu, youth organic farmer in her fields, Chipata, Zambia
Credit: Misheck Nyirongo