In many rural communities across Zambia, farming is more than a source of income, it is a way of life. It feeds families, supports education, and keeps local markets running. But for years, one challenge has remained constant: unpredictable rainfall.
When the rains delay or stop too early, crops fail. Yields drop. Income becomes uncertain. For small-scale farmers, this cycle can make it hard to plan, save, or grow beyond survival.
At Lupiya, we believe farmers deserve better. With the right tools, practical knowledge, and flexible financial support, farmers can take control of their production, and their future. That belief is why we are working with partners to make solar-powered irrigation financing accessible to rural farmers across Zambia.
Through the Accelerated Innovation Delivery Initiative (AID-1) in partnership with International Water Management Institute (IWMI), Lupiya has been helping small-scale farmers access solar irrigation pumps in an affordable and sustainable way.
Unlike diesel pumps, solar pumps rely on sunlight, a free and reliable resource available almost every day in Zambia. This means farmers no longer have to wait for rain or spend large amounts of money on fuel just to water their crops.
The impact goes beyond technology. Solar irrigation opens new opportunities for farmers to earn more and farm smarter:
At the start of the year, adoption was slow. Good rainfall reduced the sense of urgency for irrigation. But as the season changed, interest grew quickly. Farmers began to see the long-term value of controlling water supply — not just reacting to the weather.
By mid-year, Lupiya had surpassed its pump sales targets, expanded into new farming communities, and trained dozens of farmers eager to produce more and earn more.
Lupiya understands that real impact starts with trust. That’s why we work closely with community leaders, including cooperative heads, village headmen, and indunas, to identify farmers who can benefit most.
Our focus is on farmers already supplying vegetables to:
This community-based approach ensures that support reaches farmers who are ready to grow — while also building confidence in the technology.
Beyond financing, Lupiya provides hands-on training so farmers know how to use solar pumps effectively and sustainably.
So far, over 70 farmers have been trained in:
These skills help farmers farm better today, and make smarter financial decisions tomorrow.
One of the farmers benefiting from this initiative is Martha Malakata from Chibombo.
Martha grows vegetables such as pumpkin leaves, kalembula, cabbage, and onions, which she sells at a roadside stand to support her family. Like many farmers, she previously relied on a diesel-powered pump.
As fuel prices rose, farming became expensive and exhausting. Some days, the money earned from vegetables wasn’t enough to cover fuel costs — leaving no room to expand or save.
Everything changed when Martha received a solar irrigation pump.
With reliable water access:
Today, Martha is not only supplying more vegetables to her stand, she is also planning for her children’s education and future. Her story is a powerful reminder that access to the right tools can change lives.
Lupiya’s work with rural farmers is far from over. In the coming months, we will continue to:
Our commitment is long-term. We are not just supporting one season of farming, we are helping build resilient rural economies that can thrive for generations.
Our mission remains simple:
Empower farmers.
Strengthen communities.
Grow rural Zambia.
Because when a farmer thrives, a family thrives, and when families thrive, Zambia grows.
Ready to take control of your farming future? Start small, plan smart, and remember, Lupiya is here to support you every step of the way.
