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The SASSCAL 2.0 Climate Change Dialogue is currently taking place in Kabwe, Zambia, bringing together more than 60 researchers, government officials, community representatives, students, and academics involved in the implementation of the SASSCAL 2.0 Programme in Zambia.

The two-day event, running from 4 to 5 June 2026, provides a platform for participants to share experiences and assess how the SASSCAL 2.0 research projects have benefited communities and supported government efforts to address climate change challenges.

Officially opening the dialogue on behalf of the Central Province Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mr. Godfrey Chitambala, was Mr. Justin Kapenda, who highlighted the importance of the province to national and regional food security.

He noted that more than 70 percent of Zambia’s food production comes from Central Province, meaning that droughts in the region have far-reaching effects across the country and the wider Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Mr. Chitambala said the dialogue was more than just an academic gathering, describing it as an important opportunity to connect scientific research with the everyday challenges faced by rural communities.

The event also featured opening remarks from the SASSCAL Executive Director, while SASSCAL Alternate Board Member for Zambia, Mr. John Lukonde Chongo, delivered a statement on behalf of the SASSCAL Governing Board. Statements were also delivered by Prof. Chansa Chomba of Mulungushi University, while Dr. Innocent Chomba, SASSCAL Programme Coordinator for Zambia, welcomed participants.

Since its launch in 2023, the SASSCAL 2.0 Programme has supported several research projects in Zambia, including ELNAC, TIPPECC, ANGSOIL, FoSRECs, FRAMe, and Beekeeping.
The programme was funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space and was implemented until 2025.

Similar climate change dialogues will be held in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa to evaluate the impact of the SASSCAL 2.0 Programme and help shape the future of climate change research and action across the region.

Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt Ministry of Technology and Science - Zambia Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water & Land Reform Ministério do Ensino Superior, Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação Angola Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Botswana @

📢 The day has finally arrived!

The SASSCAL 2.0 Climate Change Dialogue is taking place today in Kabwe, Zambia. 🇿🇲

The dialogue brings together researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to discuss how the SASSCAL 2.0 Research Programme has supported communities and government efforts in addressing climate change challenges and building a more resilient future.

Participants will also share experiences, lessons learned, and recommendations to ensure that research continues to meet the needs of communities and decision-makers.

Stay tuned for updates, key highlights, and insights from the discussions throughout the event! 📸📝

Ministry of Technology and Science - Zambia Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Botswana Ministério do Ensino Superior, Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação Angola Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water & Land Reform Department of Science,Technology and Innovation SA

New Policy Brief Published!

SASSCAL, through its Zambian National Node, is pleased to announce the publication of a new policy brief titled:

📄 “Policy Options to Secure Transboundary Wildlife Corridors in the KAZA-TFCA: Strengthening Community-Based Conservation in Simalaha, Zambia.”

The policy brief highlights practical strategies for safeguarding vital wildlife corridors within the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA-TFCA) while promoting community-driven conservation approaches in Simalaha, Zambia.

Read the full policy brief here:https://sasscal.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Policy-Brief_SASSCAL-Issue-13.pdf

🔔 Notice of Extension: Call for Abstract Submissions for the ICERA 2026 Conference

📄 Call for Abstracts – ICERA 2026 Conference
📍 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

SASSCAL Principal investigators, researchers, students, stakeholders and staff are invited to submit abstracts for presentation at the ICERA 2026 Conference. The abstract submission deadline has been extended to 30 June 2026.

Submit your abstracts to: [email protected]
For abstract templates and more information, visit: http://icerafrica.com/

We are also pleased to announce that the ICERA 2025 Conference Proceedings have been published by Springer Nature https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-032-22861-1

🌍 Building Climate Resilience in Ghanzi, Botswana

From 25–29 May 2026, SASSCAL, in collaboration with the Okavango Research Institute, Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Department of Forestry and Range Resources, Department of Animal Production, and the Ghanzi District Council through the Department of Social and Community Development, hosted a 5-day community engagement workshop in West Hanahai, Ghanzi District, focused on ecosystem mapping and rangeland assessment for sustainable land-use management.

The workshop brought together dikgosi, councillors, farm managers, Village Development Committee members, government officials, and researchers to address key challenges affecting community pastoral farms, including climate change, overgrazing, and bush encroachment.

📍 Highlights:
✅ Training on rangeland assessment and ecosystem mapping
✅ Field visits to Tiisa Farm and West Hanahai Farm
✅ Learning sustainable grazing practices, including split-ranch grazing systems
✅ Documenting indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants
✅ Generating baseline data to support improved rangeland management

Preliminary findings revealed lower forage availability around watering points, providing valuable insights for future management interventions.

📣EXTENSION OF THE CALL FOR APPLICATIONS!
Call for Applications: SASSCAL Doctoral Graduate Studies Programme in Agriculture, Food Security, and Sustainable Land Management – Angola🇦🇴

SASSCAL is inviting applications for its Graduate Studies Programme (SGSP) in Agriculture, Food Security, and Sustainable Land Management (AFSLM) in Angola. This PhD study programme supports SASSCAL’s research goals and responds to the growing need for skilled professionals in the agriculture sector.

The programme is offered in partnership with leading universities, including José Eduardo dos Santos University, Agostinho Neto University (Angola), and the University of Kassel (Germany).
It aims to build skills and knowledge in the following areas:
• Food production
• Food security technologies
• Food preservation and processing
• Sustainable land Management

Prospective students from all SASSCAL member countries—namely Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zambia—are encouraged to apply for this scholarship.

📅 Application Period: 24 April – 31 May 2026

👉 Apply online: https://sgsp-afslm.fca.ujes.ao/

Ministério do Ensino Superior, Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação Angola Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water & Land Reform Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Botswana Ministry of Technology and Science - Zambia Department of Science,Technology and Innovation SA
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