CIMMYT VACS Activity
The CIMMYT VACS (Vitamin A Cassava and Sorghum) Activity is a research-to-market initiative that connects Kagezi Seeds with international plant science expertise. Through this partnership, we access the latest drought-tolerant and biofortified variety pipelines, ensuring that the seeds we produce reflect the best available genetic material for Zambia's conditions.
Our role in the VACS Activity includes participating in multi-location field trials across Zambia's provinces, providing market intelligence on farmer preferences, and distributing validated varieties to smallholder producers through our existing outgrower network.
Farmers Outgrower Programme
The Outgrower Programme addresses a core challenge for smallholder farmers: the financial risk of investing in improved seeds without certainty of a market. Through this programme, Kagezi Seeds contracts farmers to grow certified seed varieties, providing inputs on credit, technical supervision, and a guaranteed purchase price at harvest.
Contracted farmers benefit from agronomic training, regular field visits from our extension team, and access to improved seed at subsidised rates. At harvest, we purchase their output at pre-agreed prices — eliminating market risk and ensuring a reliable income for the season.
Green Solutions Initiative
The Green Solutions Initiative is our flagship sustainability programme, designed to shift farming practices in participating communities toward more climate-resilient, environmentally responsible systems. The initiative focuses on conservation agriculture principles — minimum tillage, crop rotation, and the integration of legumes into smallholder cropping systems.
Working in partnership with NGOs and local extension offices, we deliver training workshops, field demonstrations, and follow-up support to help farmers implement practices that reduce soil degradation, improve water retention, and maintain yields even in seasons with erratic rainfall.
