_edited.png)
the gift guide
Zambia-Iowa Agricultural Partners
2026 Gift Guide
Building Self Reliance Through Better Farming
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another
1 Peter 4:10a
Hunger is a way of life in many rural communities in Zambia where maize is the staple food at nearly every meal. When drought strikes or harvests fall short, families have few safety nets to rely on. ZIAP equips Zambian smallholder farmers with practical agronomy training, improved seed, soil health strategies, and tools that strengthen long-term food security. In 2025, 2000 farmers were trained; in 2026 over 10,000 farmers attended lessons in maize production.
Share the gift of knowledge through hands on agronomy education to help ensure that families in Zambia no longer go to bed hungry. These giving opportunities illustrate ways your gift may be used to serve others. In keeping with our mission, all donations are prayerfully and thoughtfully
directed to the areas of greatest priority.
TRAINING RESOURCES
Train the Trainer Manual
$55 • 200 needed
A full-color, practical field manual covering soil preparation, nutrient management, pest identification, and timely interventions. Each manual becomes a lasting resource that a trainer uses with dozens of farmers year after year.
Train the Trainer Camp
$80 • 100 needed
Supports the 2026 intensive training camp for 33 seasoned trainers and 50 new trainers. The program covers crop management, training methods, soil fertility challenges, and new modules designed for experienced educators.
Engaging Government Agricultural Leaders
$200 • 20 needed
Supports District Agricultural Officers and selected Extension Agents to attend Trainer Camp, building key partnerships and equipping them with training materials to expand impact in their communities.
Engaging Tribal Leaders
$300 • 10 needed
Supports tribal leaders from ten chiefdoms to attend Trainer Camp, building strong partnerships and equipping them with training and a walking hoe to expand impact in their communities.
DEMONSTRATION & FIELD WORK
Trainer Demonstration Plot
$500 • 50 needed
Provides seed, fertilizer, pest management, and a walk-behind ripper that reduces labor and protects soil health. Each demonstration plot becomes a “living classroom” where farmers see improved practices in action.
Crop Rotation Trials
$250 • ($1,000 per field) × 4 locations planned
Helps determine which crop rotations deliver the best yields, economic returns, and soil-health benefits for smallholder farmers.
OPV Seed Production
$200 • ($2,000 per field) × 4 locations planned
Supports low-resource farmers by producing high-quality, open-pollinated (OPV) seed—a crucial alternative to recycled hybrid seed used by many families. With a one-time investment to establish each site, the program is designed to become self-sustaining. Focused on the most vulnerable communities, each site will benefit an estimated 100–200 farmers annually, strengthening yields and long-term food security.
Hybrid Seed Trials
$250 • ($1,000 per field) × 4 locations planned
Supports testing of five hybrid seeds—including vitamin-A-rich orange maize—and one OPV seed to compare yield, economic viability, and disease tolerance.
LEADERSHIP & OUTREACH
Borlaug Dialogue Sponsorship
$650 • 3 needed
Tuition for ZIAP’s agronomy team to attend the World Food Prize Borlaug Dialogue in Des Moines. This global event connects our team with researchers, innovators, and stakeholders working toward food security and economic stability across Africa.
Agronomy Program Team Support
$25 to $5,000 • suggested
Supports core program needs: travel to and within Zambia, visas, training material development, and the operational costs required to deliver agronomy education across multiple regions. This is the backbone that keeps the work moving.
Area of Greatest Need
$25+
A flexible gift that allows ZIAP to meet urgent training needs and respond quickly to field challenges.
Thank you for investing in long-term, community driven agricultural change. Your generosity strengthens food security and economic viability for families and communities in Zambia. These examples demonstrate how ZIAP may put your generous gifts to work. Each opportunity reflects the impact your support can make, while all donations are ultimately directed to the areas of greatest priority.