Collaboratively create and iteratively test the E-PICSA digital application alongside smallholder farmers, extension staff, and other stakeholders to ensure it meets real-world farming needs.
Digital Climate Services for Smallholder Farmers in Zambia and Malawi
Digital Climate Services for Smallholder Farmers in Zambia and Malawi
Empowering smallholder farmers in making better decisions for farms and households; improving yields, food security, incomes and resilience
Digital Climate Services for Smallholder Farmers in Zambia and Malawi
The Digital Climate Services for Smallholder Farmers in Zambia and Malawi project is designed to empower farmers with timely climate information and decision-support tools that improve agricultural productivity, food security, household incomes, and resilience to climate change. The project enables smallholder farmers to identify and plan the most effective farming strategies for their specific contexts through increasing access to relevant climate information and transparent decision-making tools. A key innovation of the project is the development and implementation of E-PICSA, a digital support tool for agricultural extension and climate services that helps farmers make informed choices for better yields and livelihoods.
The project directly contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Gender Equality, and Climate Action. It is funded by the Fund for the Promotion of Innovation in Agriculture (i4Ag) and commissioned by the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH serves as the executing agency, with implementation in Zambia’s Eastern Province, in partnership with the University of Reading, IDEMS, the Zambia Meteorological Department (ZMD), the Ministry of Agriculture, and Community Markets for Conservation (COMACO).
Our Areas of Work
Design & Co-Development of the E-PICSA Tool
Automated Climate Data System
Deploy an automated system within National Meteorological Services (ZMD and DCCMS) to supply quality-checked, locally-specific historical and forecast climate data (rainfall, temperature).
Deployment of the E-PICSA App
Roll out the free E-PICSA app, designed for and with farmers and field staff, enabling fast access to climate data, budgeting tools, adaptation options, and record-keeping to support decision-making.
Capacity Building & Sustainability
Train public and private-sector personnel, including extension workers and IT staff, to maintain and scale the tool. Ownership of the app and data systems is transferred to local institutions (e.g., DAES in Malawi, ZMD in Zambia).
Training & Scaling Strategy
Roll out a cascade training model:
- Train expert trainers (Ministry, universities, meteorological services) in digital skills and PICSA methodology.
- These trainers then train frontline extension workers, who in turn support smallholder farmers, with targets like training 100 extension workers (35% women) and reaching 10,000 farmers (50% women).
- Train expert trainers (Ministry, universities, meteorological services) in digital skills and PICSA methodology.
Monitoring, Feedback & Adaptation
Organize planning and review (P&R) workshops before, during, and after the agricultural seasons to track progress, gather farmer feedback, and refine tools and practices.
Direct-to-Farmer (D2F) App Development
Pilot a D2F app with learning videos in local languages, particularly for groups where individual smartphone ownership is limited, enhancing inclusivity and access.
Learning Events & Policy Outreach
Host learning events in Zambia and Malawi to share findings with government officials, partners, academia, and NGOs. Prepare policy briefs to support national-scale deployment, e.g. integration into Malawi’s extension strategy.
Use of CRISP for Climate Risk Alignment
Apply the CRISP (Climate Risk Planning & Managing) tool to validate the project's approach, inform additional adaptation measures (like irrigation strategies), and align with national climate planning.
Collaborators
Our Partners
Working alongside leading institutions to advance climate science and resilience.
