Cotton made in Africa (CmiA), a sustainable cotton standard, partnered with the Zambia Agriculture Research Institute to survey small-scale cotton farmers in Zambia on how climate change is affecting agriculture and biodiversity. The results show that biodiversity loss, driven by deforestation, poaching, and settlement expansion, is taking a toll on cotton cultivation, with species disappearing and soil quality declining.

Farmers report seeing the impact through soil degradation, diminished yields, and water shortages. Biodiversity indicators like fungi loss and the proliferation of weeds reflect these changes, which are further compounded by extreme weather patterns.

To combat this, farmers are employing sustainable practices such as crop rotation, composting, and integrated pest management. By minimizing the use of chemicals and focusing on organic methods, they aim to preserve soil health and biodiversity.

CmiA has long promoted environmental sustainability, conducting regular training for farmers to enhance resilience against climate change. The survey involved 46 percent men and 54 percent women across six focus groups, with a majority of participants living in the area for over 10 years.