Drought Inspires Community Led Climate Action in Zambia´s Kamilambo Village

 

Tree planting activity in Kamilambo Village

By ANNIE ZULU

Amidst the challenges posed by the El Niño- induced drought which has affected 9. 8 million people across Zambia, a community- led initiative to preserve trees and restore those that have been lost has emerged in Kamilambo Village, Chief Kaindu´s area in Mumbwa district.

Situated about 140km from the Zambia´s Capital City Lusaka, Mumbwa district is one of the drought-stricken areas and has been a hotspot for tree cutting and charcoal production over the years.

The district is now grappling with the impact of the drought, which has posed significant threats to agricultural productivity and livelihoods. The drought has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, particularly for communities reliant on traditional farming practices.

In April, the Zambian government banned charcoal production permits in Mumbwa,  Itezhi-tezhi and Shibuyunji districts in an effort to address the escalating climate crisis and curb deforestation.

The ban prohibits the issuance of Cord Wood Permits for charcoal production in the designated districts. Stricter enforcement measures, including enhanced patrols and penalties for non-compliance, are being implemented to ensure adherence to the directive.

According to then Minister of Green Economy and Environment Engineer Collins Nzovu,  his Ministry had recorded increased levels of deforestation and land degradation due to illegal and massive cutting down of trees for charcoal production, in the three districts.

It takes a community

The traditional leadership and community members of  Kamilambo Village in Mumbwa  have since taken a proactive stance towards climate change and forest preservation in the area.

The community has recognised the detrimental impacts of massive tree cutting, particularly for charcoal production on the local environment and the severe drought affecting the country and has mobilized to implement effective measures.

Senior Village Headman Moses Mulamfu ,78, told this reporter that the community has established a customary law that punishes individuals found cutting trees, stressing the community's commitment to preserving their natural resources.

 “Cutting down of trees is now a very serious offense in this chiefdom and if anyone is found doing it, we charge them with goats according to how many trees they have cut,” Headman Chama said.

He added that the law has proved to be effective, as there has been a reduction in charcoal burning activities in the area and for three people have seen charged so far.

“Charcoal kilns were everywhere, but we no longer see that anymore, because we have come together as a community to try and put this to an end,” he explained.

The Community has also taken a proactive approach to diversifying local economies and reducing dependency on charcoal production by promoting alternative livelihood activities such as beekeeping, organic tomato growing, and poultry among others.

Another Senior Headman, Lawrence Kabalakasha ,56, said the community is not only aiming to address environmental concerns but also create sustainable income-generating opportunities.

However, Headman Kabalakasha, appealed to the government and other stakeholders for support for the success and scalability of these alternative livelihood programs.

“Support in terms of funding, training, and infrastructure development, can help strengthen these initiatives and ensure their long-term sustainability,” he said.

From An Ex-Charcoal Burner's Perspective

Oliver Sondashi ,34, is one of the youths in Kamilambo village involved in the charcoal burning business five years ago and cut down hundreds of trees yearly in the area.

Oliver, who is now an advocate for climate change and one of the frontliners of the community-led initiative, decided to abandon the charcoal business after realising he wasn´t making enough money from it to feed his family and the effects it had on his health.

 “I was in the business for five years and I never made good profit, the people who benefit more were those that bought charcoal from us to go and resale in the city. I was also constantly experiencing serious chest pains,” he said.

As an advocate for climate change, Oliver plays a crucial role in raising awareness and mobilizing his community to address environmental issues.

“Trees play a critical role in mitigating climate change because they have the ability to absorb and store carbon emissions. Most people in this community including children are now aware of the effects of cutting trees because we have community meetings where we discuss these things, we also do door-to-door campaigns and target schools,” he said.

Women Taking the Lead                  

The women in Kamilambo village are also actively participating in shaping the future of their community as far as ending deforestation is concerned and Jacqueline Chiyema ,40, is among them.

Jacqueline who has lived her entire life in the Village is leading tree plantation across the community.

According to her, charcoal burning has done more harm than good to the community, pointing out the decline in biodiversity, evidenced by the disappearance of birds, butterflies and other animals.

“Nowadays, we don’t see birds, butterflies and many other animals like back in the days. We don’t also get to have wild fruits because most of the trees have been cut, we need to restore the trees,” she said.

She observed the urgent need restoration of the local environment and the importance of preserving it for future generations.

“Restoring trees will not only help to mitigate climate change but also promote ecosystem health and resilience, providing essential recourses for both wildlife and our community," she said.

Another woman Eunice Mulamfu ,53, noted the exploitation of children in charcoal burning, saying it does not only deprive them of their right to education but also exposes them to hazardous working conditions and undermines their overall well-being.

 Eunice, called for a permanent end to charcoal burning in the village, as this will protect children in the community and the promotion of their access to education and a safe environment.

These narratives paint a picture of resilience, collaboration and determination in the face of climate change challenges. By harnessing community-driven solutions and support, initiatives like those in Kamilambo village offer hope for a more sustainable future in Zambia and beyond.

The Hidden Health Crises of the Charcoal Trade Affecting Mothers and Children

 

Charcoal business is not only hurting Zambia’s environment but also causing serious health challenges.

A glimpse into the charcoal trade at Lupili Market

Various quantities of charcoal ready for sale at Lupili Market.

 By Annie Zulu

At 3 PM (15:00hrs) Zambian time, Lupili Market in Mandevu Compound, one of Lusaka's largest hubs for the charcoal trade, is alive with the sounds of women energetically negotiating deals and selling charcoal in various quantities.

 

After spending just 20 minutes in the market, I already looked like I had been dipped in charcoal dust from head to toe. I suddenly developed a cough, and my eyes became teary from the charcoal dust particles that filled the air. Instinctively, I reached for my scarf to cover my mouth and nose.

 

"This is what we normally deal with here every day," 62-year-old Mervis Kunda, a charcoal trader, teasingly tells me as she repackages a 90kg bag of charcoal into smaller quantities in readiness for sale.

 

Kunda has been in the charcoal trade business for over two decades. She buys pre-produced charcoal in 90kg bags from rural producers, mainly in Mpongwe and Kapiri Mposhi districts. At Lupili Market, a charcoal trading hub adjacent to Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, she repackages the charcoal into smaller quantities to cater to various customer needs, ensuring flexibility in pricing to match market demand.

 

According to her, a 90kg bag normally costs between K150 (US$6) and K250 (US$10). However, due to the recent charcoal production permit ban in some districts by the government, the cost of charcoal has doubled, pushing prices significantly higher than usual.

 

Charcoal trading has been the only source of livelihood for Kunda, a widow, mother, and grandmother. Through this business, she has managed to build a home and provide for her family.

 

Despite the financial profits, Kunda acknowledges that engaging in the charcoal trade business poses significant risks, not only to the environment but also to one's health. For years, she has experienced persistent chest pains and coughing due to prolonged exposure to charcoal dust.

 

Charcoal Traders’ Reliance on Kachasu: A Costly and Dangerous Remedy

Kunda said she takes a shot of locally-brewed spirit, commonly known as Kachasu, every day. She believes it helps clear the inhaled charcoal dust from her system and is cheaper than other remedies.

 

Kachasu is an illegal, highly intoxicating spirit, distilled in drums through a homemade system. It is consumed mainly in rural areas and poor urban suburbs of Zambia.

 

"Before, we used to take milk, but not anymore. It's expensive and not that effective. Kachasu has proved to be very effective; it was even used as a preventive substance against contracting COVID-19 during the outbreak," she added.

 

Next to Kunda's trading space is Elizabeth Phiri's, a 32-year-old single mother of two who sells charcoal in small, flimsy plastic packets.

 

Phiri appeared unconcerned as black charcoal dust adorned her skin, hair, and clothes, even reaching her exposed pot of food nearby. She has been in the business for four years now, and like Mervis, she also takes Kachasu to cope with the health risks of breathing charcoal-contaminated air at the market.

 

"Charcoal hurts our chests when we breathe, but there's nothing we can do because we need to survive and put food on the table. A shot of Kachasu daily helps us clear the charcoal dust from our bodies," Phiri said.

Elizabeth Phiri after having a meal at the charcoal dust polluted Lupili market

Another trader, who wished to remain anonymous, often brings her toddler daughter to the market due to a lack of childcare options. She disclosed that she sometimes gives her daughter Kachasu to protect her from the effects of charcoal dust.

 

"I normally feed her milk to neutralize the dust, but if milk is not available, I let her have a sip of Kachasu instead," she said.

 

Warning from health expert

 

Medical practitioners warn that relying on alcohol as a solution can lead to its own health problems, such as addiction, liver damage, and exacerbation of respiratory issues.

 

Dr. Joseph Banda, a General Practitioner advised against this practice as it can cause other serious health challenges.

 

"There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that alcohol can mitigate the effects of charcoal dust inhalation. Using it as a coping mechanism can only lead to serious health problems," Dr. Banda said.

 

Hidden health crises

The stories of Lupili Market charcoal traders highlight the significant health risks that many women, who are often the primary traders in this industry, face in order to survive economically.

 

Recent findings from the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) show that women's involvement in charcoal production and trade has increased across the country, especially in packaging and trading already processed charcoal.

 

While charcoal traders believe that drinking locally-brewed spirits helps them cope with the effects of charcoal dust, medical experts say it is not a medically recognised treatment or preventive measure.

 

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 4.2 million people die prematurely every year from illnesses attributed to ambient air pollution worldwide. Many of these people live in underdeveloped countries like Zambia, where air pollution levels exceed WHO air quality guidelines.

 

Dr. Banda also stressed that prolonged exposure to charcoal dust inhalation has several health effects, including respiratory irritation, pulmonary issues, and carbon monoxide poisoning, among others.

 

"Particles of charcoal dust can reach deep into the lungs, potentially causing inflammation and damage to lung tissue. Charcoal can also produce carbon monoxide, which can be harmful when inhaled in high concentrations. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, and even death in severe cases," he added.

 

Climate Change Activist Rachael Nyambe stressed the need for more alternative income-generating opportunities, adding that such initiatives would not only alleviate the health risks faced by people involved in the charcoal trade but also tackle the pressing issue of deforestation in the country.

 

According to United Nations (UN) statistics, Zambia’s deforestation rate is a staggering 250,000 to 300,000 hectares per year, one of the highest in the world. Charcoal and wood fuel production is listed as one of the primary reasons behind this.

 

“By diversifying livelihoods away from activities like charcoal production, communities can reduce their impact on forests, thereby mitigating adverse effects such as droughts linked to deforestation,” Ms. Nyambe said.

 

Resignation to the situation

Back at Lupili Market, when asked if she has ever sought medical help for her condition, Kunda dismissed the idea, saying it would be a waste of money and time.

 

“Even if I go to the hospital, I will still come back here and be covered in charcoal dust again because this is my work, so I don’t see the point,” she said.

 

This story was published under the Wildlife Crime Prevention (WCP) Zamba Environmental Crime Journalism Fellowship.