The government, in collaboration with the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and the European Union (EU), has launched Zambia for Agroforestry, Biodiversity and Climate project (Z4ABC).

Speaking during the launch of the project in Lusaka yesterday, Ministry of Green Economic and Environment Permanent Secretary, John Msimuko, said the four-year project which the EU is funding with 4.1 million Euro is aimed at supporting sustainable value chains in the lower Zambezi, Luangwa and Nyika corridor.

Mr. Msimuko explained that the project’s range of value chains and the associated production systems include value chains products produced in climate-smart systems and practices that spare land from further deforestation and forest degradation thus supporting reforestation among others.

He stated that the Z4ABC project is a move that complements the efforts which promote development of climate-relevant, productive and sustainable food systems since rural communities depend on the natural resources as their main source of livelihood.

“During the past decade, droughts and increased floods due to climate change have threatened many livelihoods thereby negatively affecting their food and water security and water quality, therefore this project will assist in improving the livelihood of the rural communities,’’ he said.