Mainstreaming through 3-Year Action Plan (3YAP) and COBSI Dissemination Guideline (Output 1)
COBSI is embedded in Zambia’s agricultural system by revising the 3-Year Action Plan (3YAP) and strengthening the PDCA cycle. The project addresses key budget challenges by securing funds from MOA, donors, and private partners, while clarifying responsibilities and improving transparency in budget execution. Continuous capacity development for CPU members and district officers will sustain field-level dissemination. In parallel, the COBSI Dissemination Guideline will be developed and refined, covering institutional frameworks, technical standards, administrative and financial procedures, and monitoring and evaluation.

 Local Training Complementing the JICA KCCP (Output 2)
Local, field-based training courses complement JICA’s Knowledge Co-Creation Program (KCCP) by turning theory into practice. CPU members act as instructors, guiding participants through site visits, construction of simple weirs, and canal alignment exercises. These courses strengthen Zambia’s capacity to lead regional dissemination and expand participation to new provinces and selected African countries, establishing Zambia as a COBSI training hub in Africa.

Developing the Next Generation of COBSI Human Resources (Output 2)
The project works with Agricultural Training Institutes (ATIs) to integrate COBSI into formal agricultural education. At NRDC, the curriculum will be reviewed and enhanced with support from CPU (COBSI Promotion Unit) members and Japanese experts to ensure students can apply their skills in the field. SHEP and nutrition elements will be added to make the program more holistic. Gradual adoption at other ATIs will create a sustainable, nationwide system for training future extension officers in COBSI principles.

Target-Specific Messaging and Public Relations (Output 3)

A focused PR strategy will strengthen budget mobilization and collaboration. Within the MOA, regular briefings will be provided to higher officials, while advocacy with other ministries and organizations will promote funding through national and community budgets. The project has collaborated with donors and private partners through promotional materials, agricultural shows, and demonstration sites, showcasing COBSI’s achievements and encouraging collaboration. Participation in agriculture shows has attracted wide attention from farmers, donors, and NGOs, while nationwide awareness has been further expanded through NAIS television and radio broadcasts that have effectively promoted farmer-to-farmer extension of COBSI practices.

Evidence-Based Policy and Technical Advice for Senior Government Leadership (Output 3)

Effective mainstreaming of COBSI requires strong policy commitment and leadership at the national level. The project provides evidence-based technical advice to senior government officials through regular, data-driven consultations supported by on-site experts acting as “Irrigation Advisors.” Close communication is maintained through continuous dialogue and timely coordination, particularly during the budget period, while participation of high-level officials in trainings and study visits are encouraged to strengthen policy ownership and alignment with national priorities.