In 2023, with the generous support of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), Youth4Climate Justice (Y4CJ) implemented a grassroots training initiative aimed at strengthening the resilience of small-scale farmers in Choma District, Southern Province. This region was among the hardest hit by the prolonged drought that severely disrupted farming activities, threatening food security and livelihoods. 

The training focused on equipping local farmers with the knowledge and practical skills needed to adapt to climate-induced shocks, particularly droughts, which have become more frequent and intense due to climate change. Farmers were trained on disaster preparedness, enabling them to anticipate, plan for, and respond effectively to climate-related emergencies in ways that safeguard both lives and livelihoods. 

A core component of the program was the promotion of alternative livelihoods—strategies that diversify income sources and reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture. Through participatory sessions, the farmers explored options such as climate-smart agriculture, small-scale Agro-processing, beekeeping, and sustainable water harvesting techniques. These alternatives were tailored to local realities and built 

on indigenous knowledge, ensuring that the solutions were not only effective but also contextually appropriate. 

Beyond technical training, the program fostered community dialogue around resilience building, encouraging collaboration among farmers, local leaders, and youth. It also created a space for knowledge sharing, where participants could exchange experiences and innovative ideas for surviving and thriving in an increasingly unpredictable climate. This initiative reaffirmed Youth4Climate Justice’s commitment to inclusive, locally led climate adaptation. By placing communities at the centre of the response and focusing on practical, forward-looking solutions, the project helped build long-term resilience in Choma and offered a model for similar interventions in other climate-vulnerable regions of Zambia.