Seed Bundle Training Report: Soybean Seed Production and Agribusiness Management Training in Kaoma & Kalumwange, Western Province, Zambia

Chikoye, D., Consent, S. 2024. Seed Bundle Training Report: Soybean Seed Production and Agribusiness Management Training in Kaoma & Kalumwange, Western Province, Zambia. AICCRA Report. Accelerating Impacts of CGIAR Climate Research for Africa (AICCRA).

In partnership with the National Smallholder Farmers Association of Zambia (NASFA), the Seed Bundle initiative of AICCRA has trained 609 youth (51% female youth) in soybean seed production and agribusiness management. This exceeds the initial target of 200 youth. The training spanned across nine (9) districts of Zambia: Lusaka, Chongwe, Chisamba, Chibombo, Monze, Chikankata, Kapiri Mposhi, Mkushi, and Kaoma. The training combined technical knowledge and business management to equip participants with the skills needed to succeed in soybean farming. The technical session emphasized Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) specific to soybean seed production, including early planting, inoculant application, seed selection, land preparation, crop management, harvesting, and marketing. It highlighted the importance of high-quality, climate-smart seed varieties in addressing climate change challenges. The training on soybean seed production aligns well with IITA's Pass-it-On Seed Initiative, which engages youth annually in producing resilient seed varieties. The business management component introduced participants to essential farm management practices designed to make their farming operations more profitable and sustainable. Topics included farm planning, budgeting, understanding financial flows, analyzing profitability, and managing risks in agriculture. By integrating technical skills with business acumen, the training empowered young farmers to treat agriculture as a viable business, thereby enhancing their profitability and strengthening resilience to climate shocks.