Incentive-Based Conservation for Sustainable Agriculture in Mkushi District, Zambia

The interlinked tensions between agricultural intensification, deforestation and rural livelihoods have emerged as a central challenge in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Our study examines the potential of incentive-based conservation as a strategy to address these interconnected challenges in Zambia's agro-industrial Mkushi district. Focusing on the North Swaka Trust (NST) as a case study, we use a quantitative approach based on household survey data (n = 294) to compare farming practices, land use patterns, and economic outcomes between NST members and non-participating farmers. The findings reveal that NST participation is attributed with significantly lower input costs, greater adoption of sustainable practices such as no-tillage and crop diversification, and higher net farm incomes. While NST members place less pressure on forest resources, particularly through less charcoal production, they also tend to expand their cultivated land more frequently. This indicates a trade-off between environmental conservation and agricultural growth. The study contributes to ongoing debates on sustainable agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa by demonstrating how market-driven, community-inclusive models can generate both environmental and economic benefits. At the same time, it highlights the need for policy frameworks that address land use dynamics and promote equitable participation.