Twenty-three year-old Nyuma is passionate about growing food naturally and responsibly. A student at Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre, Nyuma is also a young farmer, wife, and mother who is committed to producing nutritious food while caring for the environment. Nyuma is an agroecology student at Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre.
On her farm, she grows a variety of crops using natural farming practices. She keeps rabbits, whose manure is used as organic fertilizer to enrich her garden. Part of her garden produce is fed to the rabbits, creating a simple but effective circular farming system that reduces feed costs and minimizes waste.
Circular farming for sustainability
For Nyuma, agriculture is more than a livelihood. It is a commitment to changing the local food system and demonstrating that environmentally friendly choices can create lasting impact within and beyond Kanakantapa, a vast resettlement area in the city of Chongwe, Zambia.
“Every element of my farm is interconnected, functioning as a living system rather than isolated activities. This lets me produce food in a way that is environmentally friendly, affordable, and resilient to climate-related shocks.’’
Nyuma’s chickens play a vital role in this system. They are not kept solely for eggs or meat, but to help maintain soil health and productivity. Nyuma exclusively uses manure from chickens, goats, and cattle to nourish her crops.
These organic inputs improve soil structure, increase moisture retention, and support long-term soil fertility, which reduces dependence on costly chemical inputs. Animal health is managed using locally available, plant-based solutions.
“Instead of buying drugs, I use what I call a ‘local pharmacy’ – locally sourced plants and natural ingredients, like aloe vera that boosts chickens’ immune systems and helps heal wounds. Or chili, which acts as a powerful antimicrobial and supports digestion. And moringa, with essential nutrients that strengthen overall animal health.”
Growing benefits for people and planet
The heart of Nyuma’s work is her backyard garden, which provides her family with fresh, nutritious produce throughout the year, significantly reducing household food expenses.
Knowing exactly where her food comes from gives Nyuma confidence in its safety and quality, while tending the garden brings her a sense of peace and wellbeing. Farming, for Nyuma, is also a way to reduce stress and reconnect with the earth.
Nyuma’s farming practices also contribute to broader community and environmental benefits. Her garden attracts beneficial insects and serves as an example for other young people interested in sustainable farming. By sharing her knowledge and experience, Nyuma supports local biodiversity and helps to inspire a shift toward more inclusive, climate-adapted food systems in Chongwe.
Sustainable farming for Urban Futures
Projects like this represent the spirit of the Urban Futures program. Sustainable farming is a deliberate choice, one that prioritizes health, environmental protection, and long-term resilience over short-term gains.
Nyuma’s experiences show her community that they don’t need large-scale investments to transform food systems, just commitment, creativity, and respect for nature. “This goes beyond farming,” Nyuma says. “It is a choice for our health, for our environment, and for our future.”
