Sustainable food practices in Zambia: Farm to table at Victoria Falls

The onsite vegetable garden represents more than agricultural innovation, but it embodies sustainable food practices in Zambia that honour local crops and community. Where bare soil once stretched, rows of Zambian vegetables now flourish, cultivated by local farmers using time-tested methods enhanced by modern infrastructure.

The hotel provided land, irrigation systems, and technical support, whilst Ebenezer's farmers and caregivers tend the crops with traditional knowledge passed down through generations. This collaboration creates a reliable income stream that funds education, healthcare, and meals for 568 vulnerable children in the orphanage's care.

Sustainable food practices and initiatives in Zambia shine through the garden's carefully selected crops, each chosen for both cultural significance and environmental resilience. These traditional varieties have adapted to local conditions, requiring minimal intervention whilst delivering maximum flavour and nutrition that have served the Zambian people for generations.

Okra stands as a testament to natural sustainability. This flowering plant thrives in Zambian soil with minimal water and care, releasing natural thickening properties that enhance traditional stews and soups like delele yakusashila, where fresh okra combines with groundnut powder to create protein-rich ifisashi, and the classic delele stew prepared with tomatoes, onions and bicarbonate of soda. Its short growing season and low maintenance requirements make it particularly valuable for small-scale farmers, especially women who depend on market sales for household income.

Mundambi, known as Roselle, is beloved across Northern and Northwestern Zambia. This hardy hibiscus flower requires few resources whilst providing exceptional nutritional value, making it accessible to families across economic levels. Traditionally prepared as lumanda stew with groundnuts for its distinctive sour flavour, this humble ingredient can also be transformed into a refreshing iced tea that welcomes guests with authentic Zambian flavours.

Green leafy rape - known internationally as kale - demonstrates how traditional crops can meet modern nutritional demands. This fast-growing, nutrient-dense vegetable thrives in local conditions, typically prepared by sautéing with onions and tomatoes before serving alongside nshima, Zambia's beloved maize porridge, or incorporated into rape ifisashi where pounded peanuts create a creamy, protein-rich vegetable stew.

Chibwabwa, the tender pumpkin leaves reserved for special occasions, connects sustainable farming to cultural preservation. These leaves, carefully prepared as traditional ceremonial chibwabwa with groundnuts, tomatoes and onions, or served as part of mixed vegetable ifisashi during traditional ceremonies, or special family meals.

Instead of waiting for donations, Ebenezer now harvests opportunity directly from the soil. The orphanage sells its produce straight to the hotel at fair-market prices, transforming every guest's meal into meaningful support whilst delivering the most authentic Zambian flavours.

This partnership creates a new model for sustainable dining. Vegetables journey mere metres from farm to table, eliminating carbon-heavy transport and arriving fresh. The regenerative farming practices nourish both guests and the land, enriching soil health and supporting local biodiversity. The garden also complements Ebenezer's existing farm operations, where staple crops flourish alongside livestock. Fresh vegetable sales provide steady income that allows the orphanage to expand farming activities, employ more community members, and reduce reliance on short-term donations.

Here, traditional wisdom meets modern technique. Children from the orphanage learn sustainable agriculture methods passed down through generations, ensuring this knowledge and sustainable food practices in Zambia continue. It's practical education with genuine purpose.

As golden Zambezi light bathes the flourishing garden beds, the vision shared by The Royal Livingstone Hotel and Ebenezer Child Care Trust becomes clear: conscious travel and community development can grow together, creating lasting impact through something as simple as sharing a meal.