Community Markets for Conservation

Community Markets for Conservation Community Markets for Conservation, COMACO a conservation organization based in Zambia that incentivizes conservation by promoting agriculture.

Learn more about our model here: www.itswild.org/about-us/ COMACO targets poor, food insecure families - the people who are most likely to poach wildlife or burn forests for charcoal. COMACO member farmers are then organized into producer groups to promote a traditionally Zambian group committment to better agricultural practices. Regional trade centers provide reliable transfer of commodities to

high paying urban markets, and act as training centers for ongoing learning. Finally, a formalized agreement with producer groups to adhere to sustainable land use practices qualifies the farmer for conservation dividends that reward the farmer for taking a chance on this new approach. The skills they learn are liberating, giving them the knowledge to make organic fertilizer, diversify food crops, establish their own seed bank, and maintain a balance between farmland, forests and other natural resources. To support the full adoption of these skills, COMACO buys any surplus crops grown from member farmers at fair market prices and resells them as processed, value-added products branded under the name IT'S WILD!. Critical to achieving food security, COMACO buys ONLY surpluses of those crops that are consumed as food and by increasing their market value, farmers commit more time to learn how to be more productive and thus more food secure. Once a family has harvested and stored their crops, farmers are then able to determine how much surplus they have to sell to COMACO. Having enough to eat, plus cash raised from improved harvests, reduces the need to go into the forest to hunt for meat and make charcoal for cash, preserving the ecosystem for tomorrow!

Yesterday, the COMACO team engaged with pupils at Regcos Christian Academy under the theme, “Be a World Keeper Through C...
10/06/2026

Yesterday, the COMACO team engaged with pupils at Regcos Christian Academy under the theme, “Be a World Keeper Through COMACO.”

The session created an opportunity to teach learners about environmental conservation, sustainable farming, and the role communities play in protecting the land for future generations.

Through storytelling, discussions, and shared experiences, the learners were introduced to how COMACO is working with local communities to conserve natural resources while improving livelihoods. The pupils actively engaged with the team, showing curiosity and enthusiasm about protecting the environment.

Conservation begins at home. When young people understand the value of caring for the land, they grow into responsible citizens who can champion sustainable practices in their homes and communities.

At COMACO, we believe building a better future starts with empowering the next generation with knowledge, values, and practical understanding of environmental stewardship.

Together, we are raising a generation of World Keepers.

COMACO participated in the 2026 World Environment Day Exhibition held at Lusaka National Park under the theme, “Accelera...
05/06/2026

COMACO participated in the 2026 World Environment Day Exhibition held at Lusaka National Park under the theme, “Accelerating Zambia’s Climate Action for Green Growth and Sustainability.”

Among the visitors to the COMACO stand was the guest of honor Joe Kalusa, Permanent Secretary for Lusaka Province. During his visit, the team highlighted how COMACO’s work aligns with this year’s theme through support for tree planting, sustainable agriculture, land management initiatives, and livelihood transformation for former poachers.

COMACO also showcased its It’s Wild! product range at the exhibition, demonstrating how locally sourced, sustainably produced, wildlife friendly and forest friendly products help mitigate the impacts of climate change.

#2026

This is what climate-smart farming looks like: healthier soils, stronger crops, and farming methods that work with natur...
03/06/2026

This is what climate-smart farming looks like: healthier soils, stronger crops, and farming methods that work with nature, not against it.

Through COMACO’s agroforestry approach, small-scale farmers are integrating Gliricidia trees into their fields to naturally restore soil fertility, reduce dependence on expensive chemical fertilisers, and improve crop productivity over time. As the trees shed their leaves, the organic matter decomposes and releases valuable nutrients, especially nitrogen, enriching the soil and supporting healthier crop growth.

Beyond improving yields, Gliricidia plays a critical role in helping farmers adapt to climate change. The trees help retain soil moisture, reduce erosion, and provide organic mulch that protects the land from harsh weather conditions while improving overall soil structure.

What makes this approach sustainable is that it transforms the farm itself into a long-term source of fertility. Instead of relying heavily on external inputs, farmers are building resilient farming systems that continue to improve season after season.

Meet Christopher Chisi, the voice behind the Farm Talk radio program across COMACO West, covering parts of Central and M...
28/05/2026

Meet Christopher Chisi, the voice behind the Farm Talk radio program across COMACO West, covering parts of Central and Muchinga Provinces.

Every week, he produces Farm Talk, a COMACO radio program that shares practical tips on conservation farming, soil health, and sustainable practices. This helps small-scale farmers improve yields while protecting the environment.

Through Farm Talk, he also conveys COMACO’s messaging on crop purchasing, weather updates, and other essential information, acting as COMACO’s voice to the communities.

Christopher’s work goes beyond broadcasting. He visits farmers in the field, learning about their challenges and successes. He interviews and records them, giving farmers a platform to share their knowledge and experiences. When their voices are heard on Farm Talk, communities learn from each other, and real stories from the field inspire meaningful change.

“My work is directly linked to other departments within the organisation because we operate as a team, working together to reach more farmers and educate them on conservation practices and agroforestry.”

27/05/2026

After joining COMACO, James was trained in conservation farming, chilli blasting, carpentry, and other practical life skills that now provide him with sustainable alternative livelihoods.
Today, he is protecting the wildlife he once hunted and building a better future for himself and his community.
Watch the full documentary about his journey here: https://youtu.be/RFE7KYqYrOc?si=lDxJ5ZKcHaWEhzJF

22/05/2026

Part 2: From field visits to farmer training, see how COMACO extension officers use the Better Life Book to share practical knowledge that helps small-scale farmers improve their farming practices.

21/05/2026

PART 1: Ever wondered what a COMACO extension officer does? Follow his day from planning at the office to heading into the field to meet small-scale farmers.

Solar radios are helping farmers in Serenje learn and apply new farming skills through COMACO Farm Talk radio programs, ...
15/05/2026

Solar radios are helping farmers in Serenje learn and apply new farming skills through COMACO Farm Talk radio programs, turning radio learning into real action in the field.

Read the full story and more updates in our latest newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/itswild/may2026?e=a87b015c92

In Lumika Cooperative, located in Chief Kabamba’s chiefdom in Serenje District, COMACO is helping farmers access the kno...
08/05/2026

In Lumika Cooperative, located in Chief Kabamba’s chiefdom in Serenje District, COMACO is helping farmers access the knowledge they need to improve their livelihoods by empowering them with two key tools, the Better Life Book and Solar Radios. These resources offer guidance on the farming calendar and conservation farming practices that improve soil fertility, protect the environment and increase productivity.

One farmer bringing this knowledge to life is 51-year-old Rodgers Bangwa, a dedicated Producer Group Trainer. Rodgers gathers members of his producer group under the shade of trees to listen together to Farm Talk, a radio program based on COMACO’s Better Life Book. The program covers essential conservation practices, such as Gliricidia transplanting and compost making, which help improve soil fertility and support sustainable farming.

“We do not just listen and go home,” Rodgers explains. “After the program, we discuss what we have learned so that everyone understands how to apply the practices in their fields.”

In the fields where groundnuts and soybeans grow, farmers are doing more than planting crops, they are restoring the soi...
23/04/2026

In the fields where groundnuts and soybeans grow, farmers are doing more than planting crops, they are restoring the soil beneath their feet.

For 67-year-old Simon Zimba of Kapatamoyo Chiefdom in Chipata District, soil improvement skills that he has gained from COMACO have transformed his life. “What is working for me as a farmer should work for everyone because knowledge is power,” Zimba says.

Since joining COMACO in 2020, he and his wife, Iwase Tembo, have improved soil fertility on their farm, increased harvests, and use their farm as a demonstration site where other farmers come to learn. Every season, their harvests support school fees, food, and household needs by avoiding costly farming input costs with the skills she’s learned that COMACO has taught that now give her higher yields and better markets that COMACO provides.

“I teach conservation everywhere I go: funerals, church meetings, and community gatherings,” Iwase says. “It is my purpose to help every household in my village learn the same skills that keep me food secure, and with the right farming practices, we can stay out of poverty and keep our forests.”

Across COMACO’s farmer network, restored soils are producing the legumes that go into It’s Wild! peanut butter, Yummy Soy, and Jumbo Combo porridge. Every jar and every packet reflects the care of farmers who are rebuilding their soils, protecting their forests, and strengthening their communities, showing that conservation and livelihoods go hand in hand.

Address

Plot 7223 Kachidza Road
Lusaka
10101

Opening Hours

Monday 07:30 - 16:30
Tuesday 07:30 - 16:30
Wednesday 07:30 - 16:30
Thursday 07:30 - 16:30
Friday 07:30 - 16:30
Saturday 08:00 - 13:00

Telephone

+260971583282

Website

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