The Conservation Farming Unit (CFU) has over 28 years of experience in promoting Conservation Farming (CF) practices in Zambia, focusing on small and medium-scale farmers. Agriculture plays a vital role in the livelihoods of marginalised communities, especially women, who represent 78% of small-scale farmers and provide 55% of agricultural labour. Despite their significant contributions, women face substantial barriers in decision-making regarding land use and income from farming.
CFU recognises these challenges and emphasises the importance of gender equality and disability responsiveness in its strategic initiatives. The organisation aims to promote women’s empowerment and ensure that its programs are accessible to all, including differently abled people. By formalising its gender and disability policy, CFU seeks to create an inclusive culture that values diversity, enhances participation, and strengthens leadership roles for women and individuals who are differently abled.
The policy aligns with Zambia’s National Gender Policy of 2023, focusing on:
1. Monitoring and evaluating the impact of CFU’s activities to enhance inclusion and equity.
2. Promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in agriculture.
3. Ensuring interventions are responsive to the needs of both genders and people who are differently abled.
4. Fostering an inclusive organisational culture with equal opportunities.
