The UK’s International Climate Finance (ICF) is backing efforts in Zambia to promote sustainable farming and eco-tourism as a way to reduce emissions and create new economic opportunities.

Since 2018, the UK has been supporting the Zambia Integrated Forest Landscapes Project (ZIFL Programme), which aims to uplift rural communities in Zambia’s Eastern Province—one of the poorest regions in Africa.

In a major milestone, Zambia signed an Emission Reductions Purchase Agreement (ERPA) in June 2024. This agreement ensures that local communities will receive financial rewards in exchange for lowering carbon emissions.

The initiative targets a reduction of 30 million tonnes of carbon emissions—roughly equivalent to the UK's annual emissions from livestock farming. So far, more than 100,000 farmers have been trained in sustainable practices such as crop rotation and agroforestry.

Beyond agriculture, the project also supports eco-tourism. In partnership with Luambe and Lukusuzi National Parks, efforts are underway to build roads and campsites. These developments are creating jobs in rural areas while promoting wildlife conservation.