Zambia Project

Prior to the NZCSA, previous work on livestock GHG emissions in Zambia were limited. Some rapid assessment had been conducted in relation to the MFAT-funded Zambia Dairy Transformation Programme, and inventory improvement options had been investigated but abandoned as part of the World Bank BioCarbon Fund Zambia Integrated Forest Landscape Programme (ZIFL-P). Staff of the Department for Livestock Development (DLD, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (MFL)) had for some years been advocating for livestock GHG inventory improvement, and the agency responsible for GHG inventory compilation (Zambia Environment Management Agency, ZEMA) had also pursued support for inventory improvement with German government climate funds.

Support was provided in two phases. The objectives of the first phase were to:

(1) strengthen capacities of DLD to compile and manage a Tier 2 GHG inventory for cattle;

(2) to strengthen institutional arrangements for stakeholder collaboration in Tier 2 inventory compilation; and

(3) to identify priorities and options for continuous improvement of the GHG inventory.

A second phase aimed to collect priority missing data and continue strengthening institutional capacities.

• GHG inventory improvement: An initial Tier 2 inventory for dairy and non-dairy cattle was compiled and priorities for data improvements were identified. In coordination with German-government funded data collection activities, the second phase collected data on diet composition and wet and dry season feed samples. Support was also provided to University of Zambia (UNZA) feed laboratory by providing essential equipment (i.e., water distiller, spectrophotometer, and Fibrebags systems). Training was provided to ZEMA, MFL, ZAMSTATS and national experts in how to incorporate the newly collected data in the inventory, and how to update the Tier 2 inventory when new population data becomes available. With the trainings conducted, MFL and ZEMA now have the capacity to undertake the updating of the inventory. Refresher trainings would, however, be beneficial. The Tier 2 inventory will be incorporated in the next BTR in 2026.

• Institutional arrangements: Staff changes at MFL and ongoing discussions about ZEMA-MFL relationships continued through most of the project duration. The final project workshops held in 2025 served to bring together key staff from the main relevant agencies (MFL, ZEMA, ZAMSTATS), clarify their respective roles and modes of collaboration in Tier 2 inventory compilation. MFL (due to its access to data and technical knowledge) compiles the inventory, while ZEMA (the official focal point for inventory compilation) is responsible for quality assurance. Discussions have been held among ZEMA, MFL and ZAMSTATS on incorporating inventory data needs in the livestock census and in annual livestock surveys. University of Zambia experts are available to support these processes.

Improved data and institutional basis for taking the CSA agenda forward: Cattle are a major source of emissions in Zambia. Practical mitigation measures have yet to be incorporated in policies and programmes. The Tier 2 GHG inventory for cattle provides a strong basis for identifying mitigation priorities and options. National stakeholders have the experience and capacities required to continue to make inventory improvements. Institutional collaboration between MFL and ZEMA was an issue throughout the project lifetime, but roles and modes of collaboration are now clear, and all parties are now well disposed to collaborating on the inventory as well as further exploration of the mitigation agenda. MFL and UNZA are engaged in developing and seeking further resources to promote low-emission livestock development practices with focus on holistic grazing management and biodigesters.