The long-term impact of Agriterra in Zambia

From 2015 to 2021, Agriterra supported more than 15 major cooperatives and farmers' organisations in Zambia, aiming to strengthen them and make them more self-reliant. Although the office closed in 2021, the impact of these five years of support remains visible. The cooperatives assisted by Agriterra have not only retained the lessons learned but have successfully expanded upon them. “What started as a development programme grew into a foundation for lasting change. The cooperatives have achieved a great deal under their own steam,” emphasises Marnix Sanderse, former business advisor at Agriterra.

A striking example is the Nyimba District Farmers' Association (NDFA), which, under Agriterra’s guidance, developed into Zambia’s largest regional farmers' organisation, now boasting 5,700 members. The current manager, Titus Mwale, initially joined as an intern with Agriterra’s support. Today, he leads the organisation alongside chairman Jeremiah Nyendwa. NDFA secured a $150,000 fertiliser loan for its members, 95% of which has been repaid. This demonstrates not only strong financial management but also the trust and commitment of the farmers. Moreover, NDFA has developed a professional governance model with a supervisory board that critically oversees the management. This focus on good governance and transparency has been a key factor in the organisation’s growth.

Self-reliance

According to Sanderse, Agriterra’s strength lay in changing the mindset of both leaders and farmers. “We taught farmers how to keep track of their finances, which gave them insight into their profits and losses. This is essential for business success,” he explains. “Farmers saw their confidence grow. They realised they could take control of their own future.
Additionally, youth participation and female leadership were key areas of focus, ensuring that new generations became actively involved in the cooperatives. Young members of the NAJK from the Netherlands visited Zambia, providing a huge boost for the young people there. These exchanges gave them fresh energy and inspiration.”


Marnix Sanderse in conversation with a Zambian farmer

“What makes Agriterra unique is the combination of training, advice, and exchange,” says Sanderse. “This approach focuses on building long-term relationships and strengthening the internal capacity of cooperatives. Our mission was not just to help cooperatives grow but to equip them with the tools to continue independently.”
Working with a local team and involving Agripoolers—experts from the Netherlands as well as countries like Kenya and Uganda—proved highly successful. Sanderse notes: “Agripoolers come from the field and understand the challenges farmers face daily.”

Lasting impact

Sanderse, who still lives in Zambia, remains committed to supporting farmers and cooperatives through various projects. He is proud of what he and his team have achieved.
“Even after Agriterra’s departure from Zambia, the cooperatives we worked with continue to grow. They secure loans independently, adapt their services to changing conditions such as droughts or seed shortages, and build new partnerships. This demonstrates that our training sessions not only transferred knowledge but also fostered self-reliance and entrepreneurship among farmers. The impact did not end when the project concluded. In fact, the real growth only began afterwards.”