Amira Kasonde

Zambian environmentalist who pioneered sustainable agriculture in Africa

Amira Kasonde (1918-1968) developed the first integrated farming system combining permaculture principles with traditional African agricultural practices. Her Kasonde Method increased crop yields by 400% while reducing soil erosion in Zambia's Copperbelt region. This approach became the basis for the 1965 African Green Revolution.

Kasonde's 1953 publication <《Soil Keepers: A Farmer's Guide》 was translated into 14 African languages. Her work with the Pan-African Agricultural Network established the first cooperative seed banks across 7 countries. The Amira Award continues to recognize agroecology innovators.