Zambia-Iowa Agricultural Partners

10/16/2026

Petuake Farmers Participate in a Seed Count Lesson!

Does seed size matter?

In the United States, corn seed is sold by seed count, while in Zambia, maize seed is sold by weight. But here’s something every farmer should know: one maize kernel produces one maize plant, regardless of its size!

Larger kernels weigh more, but they don’t produce more plants. This means that 10 kg bags of maize seed can vary in seed count by as much as 40%!

Why does this matter? If two bags cost the same but contain different numbers of seeds, one farmer could end up with significantly fewer seeds for the same price.

That’s why understanding seed count is so important! Through ZIAP lessons, farmers like those in Petuake are gaining practical knowledge to make informed decisions and get the most value from their investment.

🇺🇸 In the U.S., we say, “Make every penny count.”

🇿🇲 At ZIAP, we say, “Make every kwacha count!”

10/10/2026

ZIAP Agricultural Training in Chongwe

During the wrap-up session of ZIAP’s agricultural training in Chongwe, one participant shared words of gratitude that truly stood out.

Speaking to Tracy Blackmer, ZIAP Director of Agriculture, he expressed his appreciation and hope for the future:

“Your labor is not in vain.... Don’t give up on us..... Very soon, we will be able to stand up and walk on our own.”

At ZIAP, we remain committed to walking alongside farmers as they grow in knowledge, strengthen their skills, and work toward a more sustainable future.

10/10/2026

Participants review training materials provided during ZIAP sessions in Solwezi, Zambia.

10/08/2026

Training begins in Solwezi

Eighty political, church, and government leaders, along with new trainers, gathered for agricultural training in northern Zambia.

With last year’s successful harvest fresh in mind, excitement is high for what’s ahead!

Dr. Tracy Blackmer will lead six training sessions across four provinces, equipping communities with practical agricultural skills.

09/29/2026

ZIAP Plans Open-Pollinated Seed Production

Low-resource farmers in Zambia often rely on saved hybrid or open-pollinated variety (OPV) seed, which often result in reduced germination, lower grain quality, and decreased yields.

ZIAP plans to help address this challenge by producing locally grown, quality OPV seed that farmers can purchase at a fraction of the cost of hybrid seed, and at a lower cost than commercially produced seed.

Access to affordable, quality seed can help farmers improve crop production, strengthen household food availability, and increase their economic opportunities. With improved purchasing power, farmers have more options to invest in their families and farms in the future.

Quality seed. Affordable options. Stronger farming communities.

09/25/2026

Double your impact in Zambia!

A generous donor has pledged $20,000 in matching funds to help launch a new season of agricultural training through ZIAP. Your gift can go twice as far toward equipping new trainers and helping more smallholder farmers build stronger, more sustainable livelihoods.

The results are already encouraging: farmers who had completed just one year of training averaged more than twice the yield of Zambia’s national smallholder-farmer average.

More productive farms mean more food, greater economic stability, and stronger futures for families across Zambia.

Become a ZIAP partner today and help unlock the full $20,000 match.

09/17/2026

Fall 2026 Agricultural Training Begins!

Dr. Tracy Blackmer is scheduled to travel to Zambia during the first two weeks of October, where he will lead agricultural training in seven locations for both experienced and new trainers.

Our Zambian partners are eagerly anticipating his arrival. Pastor Tembo shared:

“People want to learn and are ready to shift from the old farming system to the new system.”

We’re grateful for the opportunity to see lives and communities transformed through improved agricultural practices and faithful service.

Following God’s call is an adventure!

We welcome you to join us in praying for Dr. Blackmer, our Zambian partners, the trainers, and the farmers they will serve. Together, we can be part of what God is doing in Zambia.

09/05/2026

Monthly Newsletter

September, 2026

07/04/2026

Dr Tracy Blackmer and Dr Steve Johnson inspired guests at ZIAP's Annual Fundraiser with stories of farming success in Zambia and gratitude to the One who makes it possible.

06/23/2026

This is one of the stories behind the work. Next week, Zambia Iowa Agricultural Partners is hosting a dinner fundraiser to support our work in Zambia through agriculture, education, and partnership.

It will be an evening to gather for dinner, hear more about the work, and support the partnerships making stories like this possible. Tickets available at www.ziap.org/events/annual-fundraiser-2026 or call 515-216-3006 to reserve your seat today