+260 977 804 687 dshss@nkrumah.edu.zm
Research Grant Milestone

Project AstroG2025

"Indigenous Astronomy in Climate Change Adaptation among the People of Gwembe Valley in Southern Zambia"

"Harnessing the stars to secure Gwembe Valley's future."

About the Project

Kwame Nkrumah University is excited to announce that the International Astronomical Union's Office of Astronomy for Development (IAU OAD) has concluded its 14th annual call for proposals, and 18 projects have been selected to receive funding in 2026 to advance sustainable development through astronomy. The project, AstroG2025, titled Indigenous Astronomy in Climate Change Adaptation among the People of Gwembe Valley in Southern Zambia led by Dr. Jive Lubbungu, is one of the five projects that will receive funding amounting to 5000 Euros from the Development in Africa through Radio Astronomy (DARA) project under the UK Science and Technology Facilities Council. The research team's project proposal was selected from 154 applications submitted from all around the world. The project will be joining a select cohort of 250 projects funded and supported through the IAU OAD call since 2012. Through the research team led by Dr. Jive Lubbungu as principal Investigator, Kwame Nkrumah University is highly excited about this milestone and will add value to the livelihood of the farming community of Gwembe district through Astronomy and climate change adaptation research in the target district. The research team comprises 5 researchers from Kwame Nkrumah University, 1 from The Copperbelt University (Third Party), 1 from the University of Lusaka, 1 from the Zambia Climate Change Network, and 2 from Gwembe District, where the research will be conducted. The team brings a strong background in inclusive climate adaptation, cultural preservation, astronomy, and participatory research methodologies. The team reflects a commitment to diversity and inclusion, with representation across gender, cultural background, and technical expertise. Particular attention has been paid to ensuring equal gender representation among team members and balanced participation in both research and community engagement roles.

This project is rooted in the lived experiences of the Gwembe Valley's Tonga communities, where Indigenous Astronomical Knowledge (IAK) has guided agricultural and cultural practices for generations. Mbewe et al. (2019), Risiro et al. (2012), and Briggs (2005) opine that before modern meteorological instruments, many traditional societies in Africa and elsewhere relied on indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) to forecast the weather. In this project, we aim to directly engage over 70 community members through a targeted approach that will include: 40 farmers who depend on celestial cues to navigate increasingly unpredictable growing seasons, and 20 elders who serve as living libraries of oral traditions that risk fading without proper documentation. The project will also engage 10 local leaders to serve as critical bridges, ensuring IAK integration into policy. By centering these groups, we create a self-sustaining cycle: knowledge is preserved, validated, and applied to directly address climate vulnerability while strengthening cultural identity.

Target Community Engagement

Directly engaging over 70 critical community actors to establish a self-sustaining knowledge ecosystem

40 Smallholder Farmers

who depend on celestial cues to navigate increasingly unpredictable growing seasons.

20 Community Elders

who serve as living libraries of oral traditions that risk fading without proper documentation.

10 Local Leaders

local leaders to serve as critical bridges, ensuring IAK integration into policy.

Intended Outcomes of the Project

  • Increased Awareness and Appreciation of Indigenous Astronomy for Climate Adaptation.
  • Improved Decision-Making Capacity Among Farmers and Local Leaders.
  • Preservation and Revitalization of Indigenous Cultural Knowledge.
  • Establishment of a Community-Based Indigenous Astronomy Hub.
  • Strengthened Community Ownership and Participation in Climate Resilience Strategies.
  • Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Expected Impact

Short-Term Impact

Improved seasonal forecasting accuracy and agricultural planning for smallholder farmers. It is expected that at least 25 farmers will use the Almanac within the first growing season, leading to improved planting decisions.

Long-Term Impact

Sustainable integration of Indigenous Astronomy into climate science, and national adaptation frameworks preserving culture while enhancing resilience that contributes to timely early warning systems.

Inter-Institutional Research Alliance

Leveraging deep multi-sector expertise across cultural tracking, physics, and climate advocacy

  • Kwame Nkrumah University (5 Researchers)
  • The Copperbelt University (1 Researcher)
  • University of Lusaka (1 Researcher)
  • Zambia Climate Change Network (1 Researcher)
  • Gwembe Local Area Representatives (2 Researchers)