DIY fertilizer is a blessing as farmers face steep prices due to the Iran war

In Zambia, farmer Kanangwa Newlove has successfully navigated the global fertilizer crisis by using bokashi, a homemade, fermented compost with roots in ancient Korean and Japanese farming traditions. On her 12-acre farm near Lusaka, Newlove grows a variety of organic vegetables and has become a supplier to local supermarkets. The Iran war in 2026 disrupted international trade, causing fertilizer prices to soar, but Newlove remained unaffected due to her reliance on bokashi. This method has gained popularity among Zambian farmers, who now sell it at markets and share tips online. Bokashi is made from readily available farm materials like leaves, animal dung, and ash, combined with yeast and sugar to ferment. The Kasisi Agricultural Training Centre even sends students to learn from Newlove’s practices. This story highlights the importance of sustainable farming solutions in times of global uncertainty. QUESTION: How might the adoption of sustainable farming practices like bokashi impact the future of agriculture in your community?