Zambian – German

Agricultural Knowledge & Training Centre

Author: AKTC Zambia

  • AKTC Showcases Mechanized Conservation Agriculture at FAO Africa Conference in Tanzania

    The Agricultural Knowledge and Training Centre (AKTC) participated in the Africa Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization, organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with its partners. The conference was held in Dar es Salaam, United Republic of Tanzania, from 3rd to 6th February 2026.

    The event built on the outcomes of the Global Conference on Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization held in Rome in 2023 and responded to the call to scale up sustainable agricultural mechanization across Africa. It brought together a wide range of stakeholders to enhance regional collaboration, strengthen institutional frameworks, and promote knowledge exchange aimed at meeting the diverse needs of African farmers.

    Aligned with the FAO Strategic Framework 2022–2031 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the conference emphasized the critical role of innovation in transforming African agriculture through sustainable mechanization, digitalization, and inclusive business models.

    AKTC was represented by its Machinery Expert, Mr. Martin Sikanyika, and contributed technically through a presentation on Mechanized Conservation Agriculture delivered by Dr. Simunji, AKTC’s Short-Term Expert. The presentation, supported by funding from the CAFM Project, highlighted key results achieved so far, demonstrating how appropriate mechanization can support conservation agriculture, improve efficiency, and enhance long-term soil health.

    The four-day conference concluded with a field visit, during which participants visited a cooperative located approximately 75 kilometers south of Dar es Salaam. The visit provided practical insights into the application of sustainable mechanization solutions at community level.

    AKTC’s participation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting climate-smart, sustainable, and inclusive agricultural mechanization as a pathway to resilient food systems in Africa.

    Photo credit: FAO

  • New German Ambassador to Zambia Visits the AKTC Project

    New German Ambassador to Zambia Visits the AKTC Project

    On Friday, 8th August 2025, the Zambian-German Agricultural Knowledge and Training Centre (AKTC)had a distinct honor of hosting His Excellency Mr. Sönke Siemon, who is currently serving as Germany’s Ambassador-Designate to Zambia. Mr. Siemon assumed responsibility at the German Embassy in Lusaka Zambia, in July 2025 after taking over from Ambassador Anne Wagner-Mitchell who left the country for a similar assignment in May 2025.

    Upon arrival at the AKTC Project, the ambassador was received by the AKTC team which was led by Mr. Helmut Anschuetz, AKTC’s team leader. He was introduced to the AKTC project through an organized presentation session and interactive tour visit to AKTC’s demonstration fields. During the presentation, Mr. Anschuetz introduced the AKTC team as well as the project implementing partners at national level. He further highlighted the German implementing consortium and private sector partners, where he pointed out their distinctive roles in the operation and implementation of the AKTC project in Zambia. Apart from farming input supply, the private sector partners play a very critical role in providing the project with the necessary farm machinery and/or implements which are being used and tested to local conditions, to foster on-farm field trials and demonstrations. Results from such demonstrations and trials are then documented and publicised to the farming industry through organized training programmes and field day events. The mandate of the AKTC training Centre was also outlined in which it was stated that the AKTC contributes to the sustainable development and modernization of Zambia’s agricultural sector through modern technology dissemination to market oriented farmers.

    Immediately after the presentation, his Excellency the ambassador was then treated to a comprehensive tour of AKTC’s trainee accommodation facility and key initiatives which included the Regenerative Agriculture for Improved Nutrition and Environmental Sustainability (RAINES) and the Climate Adapted Farming Methods (CAFM) Projects. Leveraging on the occasion, the AKTC newly recruited mobile trainers had an opportunity to showcase and explain the various ongoing farming technologies under the RAINES project. Among the key demonstrations introduced to him were the chicken trailer which is commonly used as a method of applying chicken droppings onto the fields as organic manure.

    Fig 2: AKTC Mobile Trainer, Catridah Simwenwa explains to the Ambassador the role of chicken
    manure in maintaining a health soil.

    Other initiatives introduced to his excellency were the ‘family plots’ which compares yield differences based on varying planting
    dates, using the Pfumvudza farming method. The key message
    shared under the Pfumvudza farming method is that the technology addresses the critical issue of climate resilience, food and nutrition security at household level through its adaptive farming techniques that promote maximum water retention using mulch, and minimum soil disturbance among others.

    Still under the RAINES project, the ambassador was engaged into discussion on the significance of mixed cover crops, such as sorghum, pearl millet, sunflower, and sun hemp, in improving soil health and productivity. Another important feature was syntropic farming, a sustainable approach integrating biodiversity and ecosystem restoration to enhance agricultural resilience. Comprehensive insights on cropping systems such as intercropping, crop rotation and monocropping were also showcased to him, illustrating their benefits for soil fertility and long-term sustainability.

    Under the CAFM project, Mechanised Conservation Agricultural (MCA) practices were introduced to his excellency, as an important
    technology in achieving climate change resilience. The key
    message emphasized here was the economic and agronomic
    benefits achieved through MCA as higher return on crop yield, time and fuel consumption is optimized compared to conventional practices. The aspect of minimum soil tillage and use of crop residue was also outlined as a good practice that promotes soil health and prevents soil erosion.

    Three individuals, including a man in a white shirt, another man in casual attire, and a woman in a checked blazer, stand in a barn-like setting with red farming tractors in the background.

    Fig 3: Mr. Helmut Anschuetz introduces to the Ambassador the machinery used under the
    AKTC Climate Adapted Farming Methods-CAFM project.

    Another key area brought to the attention of his excellency was the commercial farmer technologies being implemented under the AKTC 10 and 62 hectares of irrigated fields. One such technology is the use of Variable Rain irrigation advise which is supplied to the AKTC project by one of its private sector partner vista. During the discussion, it was outlined that Variable Rain irrigation advise gives
    recommendation for water output based on soil moisture content and crop leaf area index. With the adoption of such technology, water resource use and crop yields are enhanced as a farmer is able to optimize his/her irrigation programme by providing the required amount of water per irrigated area. This technology guarantees efficient use of available water resource bodies which are already becoming scarce across many farms in Zambia, due to effects of climate change.

    During the round of his tour visits, ambassador Siemon shared his insights and appreciated the importance of promoting such initiatives and farmer engagements in enhancing agricultural development in Zambia through knowledge dissemination and adoption of agricultural technologies.

    As a bilateral cooperation project, it is always a great honor and privilege to host such high-ranking diplomatic representation onsite as we get the opportunity to share our milestones and vision together. Further, as a new diplomat in Zambia, we hope that his excellency’s visit to AKTC gives an impression of Zambia’s agriculture practices among the small-scale, emerging and commercial farmers. We further hope that such visits continue to strengthen the longstanding partnership between Zambia and Germany in advancing sustainable agriculture practices.

    Two men and two women standing next to a newly planted tree in a rural setting, with dry grass and sparse trees in the background.
    Fig 4: Photo pose next to a tree planted by former BMEL Minister Cem Özdemir within the RAINES project fields.

  • AKTC TRAINS TRACTOR OPERATORS FOR MUSHINGASHI CONSERVACY.

    Fig1 Tractor maintenance practical demonstrations led by AKTC’ machinery expert, Mr Martin Sikanyika

    The demand for AKTC training services outside of AKTC has been steadily increasing, therefore shining a bright light to the positive impact the training may have on those having access to them. This demand not only increases AKTC’s knowledge spread and visibility but also enhances AKTC’s understanding of the prevailing trends and practices in various places therefore providing opportunities for acquiring new knowledge and experiences

    This demand also points to the trust and confidence that organizations have exhibited in our services, and nothing confirms this assertion than being re-called to provide further services by an organization. This is a case of AKTC’s tractor operator’s training conducted at Mushingashi Conservancy for the first time in 2023 and secondly in the year 2025.

    On 12th to 16th May 2025, The AKTC team led by Mr. Martin Sikanyika, AKTC’s machinery expert and accompanied by Mr. Genius Chabinga, AKTC’s training Coordinator and Mr. Loyd Sakala, AKTC’s tractor operator, conducted a comprehensive Tractor Safety, Maintenance and Operations training with an additional focus on reverse tractor driving with a self-articulated trailer. The training was organized following a request from Mushingashi conservancy management to have their tractor operators trained by AKTC

    The trained group comprised of 6 males from various departments of Mushingashi conservancy, 3 of the 6 were operators and the other 3 were new to tractor operations. During the introduction session of the training, the group highlighted various expectations from the training which included daily maintenance checkups, knowing tractor parts & function, how and when to engage 4 wheel and diff lock, as well as speeds election during operations to mention a few.

    Fig 2 Photo of training expectations from the operators

    The training was done in two parts. Day 1and 2 handled the theory part of Tractor Safety, Maintenance and Operations. Notable discussion points centered around human safety, machinery safety as well as the environment.  On safety it was highly advised that every operator should be safety conscious at each point in the operation, by being aware of the possible hazards that may occur, what would cause it and taking the necessary steps to prevent those occurrences.

    On the maintenance, it was largely emphasized that it plays a major role in achieving safety for the operator, the machine and the environment. Mr. Sikanyika also stressed that maintenance is not the same as repairing, therefore it should be every operator’s duty to ensure that the machinery under his/her custody is maintained and not to rely entirely on the workshop personnel.  He further highlighted some of the advantages of maintenance, which included key to extending tractor life span, leading to fewer breakdowns, therefore increases productivity, lower operating costs (by saving time and money) and boosts resale value.

    Fig 3. Photo of Mr. Sikanyika giving a theory presentation to tractor maintenance

    The tractor systems that included Cooling, Oil – Engine, Transmission, Hydraulic, Steering, Brake Fluid, Electrics, Air, Fuel, Belts were discussed in the theory presentations. On the morning of the third day, the practical demonstration of tractor maintenance and each system were discussed in detail. On the cooling systems, radiator maintenance and function of coolant were discussed, on the oil system; the trainer highlighted oil types (engine, hydraulic, diff & power steering) and functions. The electrics focused on battery maintenance and the use of battery water. The air system on the other hand focused on the looked at function and maintenance of filters while on the fuel system, the trainer emphasized the importance of refueling from a proper source, servicing the fuel filters and constantly checking the fuel/water separator to ensure that only clean fuel is entering the engine.

    Fig 4 Photo of Mr. Sikanyika during the practical demonstration of tractor maintenance

    The remaining time was dedicated to practical tractor driving with a focus on reverse driving with a self-articulated Trailer (a trailer with a turning table). Ample time was allocated to each operator so that they can get full familiarization and develop adequate tractor and trailer sense. With AKTC’s operator, Mr. Loyd Sakala demonstrating on the reversing practice, it was impressive to note that by the time we were coming to end of day 2 of tractor driving; each of the operator had enough basic skill in reversing. Despite facing some challenges to get it right Mr. Sikanyika emphasized that driving skill is only perfected through practice and that for the team to get to expert level, they will need to continue practicing even after the training.

    Fig 5. Photo of an operator during the reversing exercise

    Conclusion.

    The training ended on the morning of the fifth day with an evaluation of the expectations established at the start of the training. It was great to note that the training sessions both theory/practicals met the trainees -expectations. The AKTC team thanked the Mushingashi operators for their dedication to learning and encouraged them to put the new acquired knowledge & experience to beneficial use.

    Fig 6. Photo of AKTC Team and Mushingashi conservancy operators after successfully concluding the training.

  • Tractors and training for better harvests

    Tractors and training for better harvests

    Success thanks to modern agriculture: farmers receive further training at the German-Zambian Agricultural Knowledge and Training Centre.

    Just a few years ago, Grey Njhovu’s farm in the Zambian town of Mumbwa was very different to the way it looks today: he used to work little more than two hectares – the lion’s share of his 50 hectares of land lay fallow and unused. These days, Njhovu farms 15 hectares, growing for the most part soya and corn. He explains that the change came about thanks above all to the training he received at the German-Zambian Agricultural Knowledge and Training Centre (AKTC). 

    Boosting local agriculture

    The training centre is situated around 65 kilometres to the north of the capital Lusaka, on one of Zambia’s most important roads. The project is a collaborative venture between the German and Zambian agricultural ministries. Since it opened in 2014, more than 18,000 farmers have received training at Chaloshi Farm, which is run by the Golden Valley Agricultural Research Trust (GART). 43 percent of participants are women.

    Njhovu has already completed two training programmes at the AKTC: a course in Farming as a Business and one that trains participants to work with tractors. Practical courses such as these are particularly popular with farmers. Not only do they learn to run their farms as businesses and increase their profits by planning better, the AKTC also teaches them about farm machinery – both how to operate and properly maintain it. Njhovu is also benefiting from this: “The knowledge that I gained at the AKTC helped me to grow and expand my business,” he says. [CK1]These days, he farms not only soya and corn, but also tomatoes, cabbages and potatoes. In addition, he keeps cattle, goats and hens.

    Grey Njhovu (left) is now able to farm much more land thanks to the AKTC.© AKTC

    Responses to the global climate crisis

    The AKTC is part of the bilateral cooperation programme run by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL). Germany is committed to sustainable and fair agriculture worldwide – and thereby contributes to  food security. This is more urgently needed than ever in Zambia: increasingly frequent droughts caused by the climate crisis are having a serious impact on farmers, leading to crop failures, hardship and hunger. Modern, climate-resilient and resource-efficient agriculture is seen as offering a way out of this crisis. At the AKTC, farmers learn how this works. 

    Farmers who want to expand their business are the AKTC’s main focus.© AKTC

    One of those who passes on his knowledge to others is Helmut Anschütz. He works for the German company GOPA AFC, which runs the project in Zambia, and is the centre’s team leader. Before Anschütz took over at the AKTC, he worked as a farm manager in various African countries – as did many members of his team, who have practical experience of agriculture. “Our background means that we work with the farmers on an equal footing,” stresses Anschütz.

    Access to modern agricultural equipment

    Alongside the research institution GART, the Zambian National Farmers Union is one of the AKTC’s important partners. The AKTC also receives support from numerous international companies – such as seed, irrigation and agricultural equipment firms. “Thanks to these partnerships, our participants can be introduced to the very latest agricultural equipment and try it out for themselves,” explains Helmut Anschütz. The courses are also very popular with students of Zambian universities, with which the AKTC collaborates closely.

    Tractor licence in twelve days

    It is above all farmers like Grey Njhovu, who want to expand their business, that are the AKTC’s main focus, however: people who supply produce for markets and are already working with modern equipment. Depending on the topic, the courses last between one day and one week. Anyone wishing to acquire their tractor’s licence can do so in a twelve-day intensive course. 

    Since 2014, numerous farmers have taken part in the courses run by the AKTC.© AKTC

    The AKTC has more than 72 hectares of land on which participants can conduct practical experiments in cultivation: soya beans are grown here during Zambia’s rainy season, while irrigation systems ensure that potatoes and wheat thrive in the dry months. “We have excellent soil here and a stable water supply,” stresses team leader Helmut Anschütz. Part of the land is reserved for research projects – to test how sustainable growing methods will work under real conditions. 

    Post-course learning continues via chat

    According to the BMEL, 58 percent of the land in Zambia is suitable for agriculture, yet only 15 percent is actually farmed at present. Machines could help increase production. “A tractor is a big investment for a farmer,” says Anschütz. Thanks to a loan, Njhovu was able to purchase a tractor a few years ago. “Initially I used ox draught power, which was of course limited,” he explains. The tractor now enables Njhovu to farm a larger area. The machine not only makes his work easier, however – Njhovu even rents the tractor out to other farmers. Taking part in a course at the AKTC helped him diversify his business, says Njhovu. “I am able to acquire additional income.”

    Njhovu can also imagine doing some other courses at the AKTC. “Learning never ends,” he says. This is also clear from the chats that participants use to keep in touch and share ideas once the courses are over. The last day of the course doesn’t mark the end of the AKTC’s support: the centre’s experts continue to be on hand to provide advice and active support when farmers are putting their new knowledge into practice in their own fields.

    Detailed follow-up reviews are conducted to discover whether the training actually pays off for the farmers in question. Independent experts visit their farms and document their progress. The feedback to date has been overwhelmingly positive, reports AKTC team leader Helmut Anschütz. In future, even more farmers will be able to benefit from the courses. A mobile team that is currently being trained up will soon travel around the country to offer courses at the local level.

    Written by Ana Maria März, 30.04.2025

  • AKTC Hosts the Bayer Field Day Event

    AKTC Hosts the Bayer Field Day Event

    Transferring modern agricultural knowledge and farming techniques to Zambia’s farming community remains at the topmost agenda of the Zambian-German Agricultural Knowledge and Training Centre (AKTC). On March 18, 2025, AKTC was delighted to host Bayer’s field day which aimed at providing farmers and stakeholders with insights into Bayer’s agricultural innovations while fostering knowledge exchange among industry experts, AKTC representatives, and local farmers. The event, organized by Bayer Crop Science, served as a platform to showcase agricultural innovations and sustainable farming practices.

    Despite being primarily organized for Bayer’s purposes, AKTC, as a key partner, took the opportunity to highlight some of its ongoing projects, demonstrating its commitment to advancing regenerative agriculture through its newly established RAINES (Regenerative Agriculture for Improved Nutrition and Environmental Sustainability) project

    The event was graced by several distinguished guests, including Bayer CEO Mr. Bill Anderson, Bayer Africa Head Ms. Debra Mallowah, AKTC Team Leader Mr. Helmut Anschuetz, Golden Valley Agricultural Research Trust (GART) Executive Director Dr. Martin Muyunda, and representatives from the Provincial Agricultural Coordinating Office. Their presence
    Fig 1: Farmers gather on designated exhibition points during the field day event.
    underscored the significance of the event in fostering partnerships and promoting sustainable agricultural advancements in Zambia.
    Apart

    Fig 2: From left to right; John Kanyingi-Customer Facing Squad Lead-Southern African Countries, Bill Anderson-Bayer CEO, Max Mueller- Bayer Global Public Affairs Lead, Debra Mallowah-Bayer Africa Head, Anna Rainer-Bayer Global Public Policy and Positioning Lead, Helmut Anschuetz-AKTC team Leader

    Apart from creating favourable platform for farmer and stakeholder engagements, Bayer utilized the event to introduce advanced hybrid maize seed varieties, promote climate-smart agricultural solutions and emphasize its commitment to improving food security in Zambia and Sub-Saharan Africa. Throughout the event, Bayer engaged with farmers, offering practical demonstrations on best agronomic practices aimed at enhancing production and productivity thereby promoting resilience in unpredictable climatic conditions.

    AKTC, leveraging the occasion, showcased several of its initiatives aligned with regenerative and sustainable agriculture. Among the key demonstrations were family plots comparing yield differences based on varying planting dates, using the Pfumvudza farming method. Additionally, AKTC highlighted the significance of cover crops, such as sorghum, pearl millet, sunflower, and sun hemp, in improving soil health and productivity.

    Fig 3: Natasha Kanungo, AKTC Mobile Training Trainer (MTT) explaining the Pfumvuza farming technique to the farmers at AKTC’s RAINES project.

    Another important feature was syntropic farming, a sustainable approach integrating biodiversity and ecosystem restoration to enhance agricultural resilience.
    The event also provided a platform to demonstrate different cropping systems, including intercropping, crop rotation, and monocropping, illustrating their benefits for soil fertility and long-term sustainability. AKTC further took the opportunity to present its extensive training programs designed to equip farmers with practical knowledge and skills necessary for improving their farming techniques.

    Fig 4: Catridah Simwenwa & Elijah Malowa, AKTC Mobile Training Trainers (MTT) explaining the benefits of syntropic farming technique.

    The field day event proved to be a success, reinforcing the strong collaboration between AKTC and Bayer. The event not only increased farmer awareness of regenerative agricultural principles but also facilitated discussions on innovative solutions for sustainable farming. The engagement between industry experts and farmers encouraged valuable knowledge-sharing, strengthening AKTC’s role as a centre for agricultural knowledge exchange, training and research.
    In conclusion, the Bayer Field Day at AKTC was an important event that highlighted the synergy between industry and research institutions in advancing agricultural development. While Bayer led the event, AKTC effectively used the platform to showcase its contributions under the RAINES initiative, reinforcing its commitment to promoting environmental sustainability and agricultural innovations.

    Fig 5: Impression of the field day event site.