WIFE of Zambia Air Force Commander and Air Power Ladies Club Patron Nicolynn Nyoni, has urged spouses of ZAF officers to take farming seriously as a way of empowering themselves and contributing to household income.
Speaking during the harvest of the club’s first-ever winter maize at the ZAF Twin Palm Base yesterday, Nyoni said farming has become a powerful tool not just for feeding families, but for building independence among women especially those who are part of the Air Power Ladies.
“At least the women should also be able to do something for themselves while we appreciate what you [our husbands] give us. We may want more. But when we have a little garden, a small farm, I think it is helping,” Nyoni said.
She explained that the club has adooted the idea of mini farms which has since become a game-changer and is reshaping how the Air Power Ladies Club raises funds for its projects.
In May this year, the club’s first pilot project of a potato mini farm at ZAF Lusaka base earned K150,000 from an investment of K38,000.
She said the move to introduce mini farms across all ZAF bases was inspired by President Hakainde Hichilema’s call for the defence wings to engage in farming to contribute to the national food security.
Beyond the financial returns, Nyoni said the initiative is also empowering women with valuable agricultural skills that they can replicate in their own homes, giving them a safe landing even after their husbands retire.
“Rather than just socializing in the mess, the women are now learning how to grow crops, manage small farms and handle produce. This is changing lives,” she said.
By George Musonda
Kalemba November 12, 2025
