Under the Czech-UNDP Partnership for Sustainable Development Goals, Czech scientific expertise is helping women farmers in Zambia adapt to drought and build more resilient livelihoods. The project “Women Scientist to Women Farmers: Hydrogel Innovation for Green Future” shows how innovation, science, and community leadership can work together to restore nature and empower women in one of the most climate-affected regions of Southern Africa. The initiative is financially supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic through the Czech Challenge Fund, highlighting the role of international collaboration in supporting local climate solutions.
Tackling Drought with Innovation
In Zambia’s southern province, prolonged droughts have made traditional tree planting nearly impossible. Farmers in Mukuni Village have long relied on native, oil-bearing trees such as Moringa oleifera and Colophospermum mopane for income and nutrition, but recent dry spells have devastated their efforts to replant and restore forest resources.
To address this, Czech researchers from Mendel University in Brno are introducing hydrogel technology– a water-retaining material that slowly releases moisture to the roots, helping trees survive even in arid conditions. One gram of hydrogel can hold up to 0.25 liters of water and remain effective for up to seven years, offering a sustainable and affordable solution for smallholder farmers.
Women at the Heart of Climate Solutions
The project is implemented jointly with the Booma Women Cooperative, a local initiative in Mukuni Village founded by 11 community women who collect wild fruits and produce natural cosmetic products. With support from the project, Booma members are now learning to apply hydrogel in tree planting and manage sustainable production of native trees used for oil extraction and eco-friendly cosmetics.
Kamila Hejlikova Tembo, project manager and co-founder of Booma Women Cooperative, works closely with two women scientists from Mendel University, Jana Tulkova and Natálie Holesova, combining scientific research with local knowledge. Their collaboration bridges Czech innovation and community-led action, empowering women to lead climate-resilient initiatives in their communities.
From Seeds to Sustainable Enterprises
Currently, the Booma Women Cooperative is producing seedlings- the first milestone toward planting 400 native, oil-bearing trees. These trees will not only restore degraded lands but also generate new income streams through oil production and circular-economy practices, including zero-waste cosmetics and livestock feed.
Training sessions will equip women with skills in hydrogel use, pest management, and product diversification. The project also emphasizes recycling and sustainable use of by-products to ensure that nothing goes to waste- turning every tree into a source of opportunity.
Looking Ahead
By combining innovative hydrogel technology, community engagement, and hands-on training, the project empowers women farmers to adapt to climate challenges while promoting environmental sustainability. This initiative highlights how Czech expertise and local knowledge can create practical, long-term solutions for climate adaptation and socio-economic development in Southern Africa.
Through the Challenge Fund and Expertise on Demand, the Czech-UNDP Partnership for SDGs brings innovative solutions from the private sector, NGOs, universities, state institutions, research centres and individuals to tackle specific developmental challenges in the priority countries. The implementation of projects and expertise is financially supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic.
