Connected Team
Connected Team
Kellie Bocxe
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Kellie Bocxe
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Kellie Bocxe, co-founder and executive director of By Life Connected. As a graduate of the MSc Forest and Nature Conservation in Wageningen and BSc Environmental Science in Utrecht in the Netherlands, she moved to Zambia in 2019 to found the NGO By Life Connected.
Kellie grew up in a village surrounded by big cities. Her love for nature and sense of sustainability was taught to her by her parents. When she was only 10 years old, she already knew her dream job would be with Greenpeace, fighting for nature. Not surprisingly, she followed her dreams and ended up studying about climate change, sustainability and conservation in the years to follow.
During these years she had the opportunity to spend several months doing research and/or studying in Australia, South Africa and the Philippines. These experiences opened her mind to all the different cultures and views on how nature can be protected. Her sense of direction switched from focusing ‘only’ on fighting for nature, to fighting for the people who depend on nature.
“In the Philippines, I saw the impact local people can have on nature, both in a positive and negative sense. It was astonishing to see that the research I contributed to in this area positively changed the future of the local community and the nature. I realised that even though this was just one small step towards a sustainable planet, many small steps will make the world a better place. This experience rooted a belief in me that the solutions to protect and conserve nature can actually be found with the local people.”
Her heart, however, was sold to Africa and its majestic wildlife. After an exploratory trip in 2017 to several southern African countries, and two more years of working in the Netherlands to save up money, Kellie and her partner finally jumped in head-first and moved to Zambia in 2019. Here, the journey of founding a nature conservation and community development NGO in Africa started.
“For the future, both my own and that of By Life Connected, I strongly wish to build on a more sustainable planet. I think we can do this by creating a ripple effect of collaborations and a lot of small steps in the form of local nature and community development projects.”
Kellie grew up in a village surrounded by big cities. Her love for nature and sense of sustainability was taught to her by her parents. When she was only 10 years old, she already knew her dream job would be with Greenpeace, fighting for nature. Not surprisingly, she followed her dreams and ended up studying about climate change, sustainability and conservation in the years to follow.
During these years she had the opportunity to spend several months doing research and/or studying in Australia, South Africa and the Philippines. These experiences opened her mind to all the different cultures and views on how nature can be protected. Her sense of direction switched from focusing ‘only’ on fighting for nature, to fighting for the people who depend on nature.
“In the Philippines, I saw the impact local people can have on nature, both in a positive and negative sense. It was astonishing to see that the research I contributed to in this area positively changed the future of the local community and the nature. I realised that even though this was just one small step towards a sustainable planet, many small steps will make the world a better place. This experience rooted a belief in me that the solutions to protect and conserve nature can actually be found with the local people.”
Her heart, however, was sold to Africa and its majestic wildlife. After an exploratory trip in 2017 to several southern African countries, and two more years of working in the Netherlands to save up money, Kellie and her partner finally jumped in head-first and moved to Zambia in 2019. Here, the journey of founding a nature conservation and community development NGO in Africa started.
“For the future, both my own and that of By Life Connected, I strongly wish to build on a more sustainable planet. I think we can do this by creating a ripple effect of collaborations and a lot of small steps in the form of local nature and community development projects.”
Lars Vermeer
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Lars Vermeer
Co-Founder and Executive Director
Co-Founder and Executive Director, Lars Vermeer. A graduate of the MSc Forest and Nature Conservation and BSc Environmental Science in the Netherlands. He moved to Zambia in 2019 together with Kellie. They followed their passion and as a couple they started the NGO By Life Connected in Zambia.
As a young boy you could often find Lars hidden in the bushes, in search for ladybugs, digging up earthworms or catching locusts. He grew up in a big city in a country were nature is sparse. But with his magnifying glass in his pocket, Lars always managed to find the nature close to him. And he kept doing that while growing up.
During his study years, Lars got the opportunity to travel Australia, New Zealand and Thailand and implement research in both the Philippines and South Africa. All of these countries have an abundance of nature, compared to what he grew up with. While getting to know more of the world, Lars remains very aware of how valuable those little pieces of nature were for him growing up. In many of the countries he visited, he found that the countries with a lot of nature often have a lack of welfare, while the ones with less nature are usually richer in money.
These experiences and personal revelations have motivated him to find a middle way between these worlds, in which people and nature can both coexist ánd thrive at the same time. During his studies, he already felt an attraction towards including local communities in this process. Both his master thesis (South Africa) and internship (Philippines) were about how the local communities can be empowered by the natural areas they live in. And so came about one of the core values of By Life Connected, through Lars his passion and belief that the local people are the solution to nature conservation. His life goal is to build on a balanced future between nature and people, together with governments, organizations and rural communities.
As a young boy you could often find Lars hidden in the bushes, in search for ladybugs, digging up earthworms or catching locusts. He grew up in a big city in a country were nature is sparse. But with his magnifying glass in his pocket, Lars always managed to find the nature close to him. And he kept doing that while growing up.
During his study years, Lars got the opportunity to travel Australia, New Zealand and Thailand and implement research in both the Philippines and South Africa. All of these countries have an abundance of nature, compared to what he grew up with. While getting to know more of the world, Lars remains very aware of how valuable those little pieces of nature were for him growing up. In many of the countries he visited, he found that the countries with a lot of nature often have a lack of welfare, while the ones with less nature are usually richer in money.
These experiences and personal revelations have motivated him to find a middle way between these worlds, in which people and nature can both coexist ánd thrive at the same time. During his studies, he already felt an attraction towards including local communities in this process. Both his master thesis (South Africa) and internship (Philippines) were about how the local communities can be empowered by the natural areas they live in. And so came about one of the core values of By Life Connected, through Lars his passion and belief that the local people are the solution to nature conservation. His life goal is to build on a balanced future between nature and people, together with governments, organizations and rural communities.
- Email:lars@bylifeconnected.com
Chomba Chitunga
Area Project Manager Mulendema
Chomba Chitunga
Area Project Manager Mulendema
Chomba Chitunga is a dedicated environmental advocate and community leader, currently serving as the Area Manager of Mulendema Chiefdom in Mumbwa District, Zambia. Coming from a humble background, Chomba became the first member of his family to go to university. His choice to go into environmental science was fueled by a deep-seated passion for conservation and a desire to make a positive impact on the world.
Chomba's academic journey led him to earn a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, where he discovered his calling to protect and preserve nature for future generations. His time as a Livelihood Officer at Musingashi Conservancy further solidified his commitment to sustainable practices and community engagement.
Driven by the belief that wildlife and nature provide invaluable resources for humanity, Chomba is dedicated to safeguarding these ecosystems through education and sustainable farming initiatives. His dynamic leadership style blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills, positioning him as a catalyst for positive change in Mulendema Chiefdom.
With his solid educational background and dedication to conservation, Chomba's on a mission to make a real difference. From community development to wildlife management, he's ready to tackle it all. And he's not just about the here and now—he's envisioning a future where our community becomes a shining example of conservation success.
Looking ahead, Chomba dreams of furthering his knowledge by learning from conservation efforts in Kenya. His aspiration to expand his expertise underscores his commitment to lifelong learning and making a lasting impact on conservation efforts in Zambia and beyond.
Chomba's academic journey led him to earn a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, where he discovered his calling to protect and preserve nature for future generations. His time as a Livelihood Officer at Musingashi Conservancy further solidified his commitment to sustainable practices and community engagement.
Driven by the belief that wildlife and nature provide invaluable resources for humanity, Chomba is dedicated to safeguarding these ecosystems through education and sustainable farming initiatives. His dynamic leadership style blends theoretical knowledge with practical skills, positioning him as a catalyst for positive change in Mulendema Chiefdom.
With his solid educational background and dedication to conservation, Chomba's on a mission to make a real difference. From community development to wildlife management, he's ready to tackle it all. And he's not just about the here and now—he's envisioning a future where our community becomes a shining example of conservation success.
Looking ahead, Chomba dreams of furthering his knowledge by learning from conservation efforts in Kenya. His aspiration to expand his expertise underscores his commitment to lifelong learning and making a lasting impact on conservation efforts in Zambia and beyond.
Natasha Bule
Area Project Manager Livingstone
Natasha Bule
Area Project Manager Livingstone
Natasha is the Area Project Manager in Livingstone, Zambia. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Adult Education and a postgraduate diploma in Project Management. Natasha finds interest in community development and rural setup that has seen her work in places such as Chiengi, Kawambwa, Mwense, and other parts of Luapula Province. With a passion for community and community development, Natasha has worked in communities that share so much knowledge and skills.
Growing up, her family always taught her the importance of being helpful, relevant, and respectful to people. In fifth grade, she visited an Orphanage for the first time. Being an only child, she found interest in always being around the less privileged. From then, she already had her mind set on changing the rural communities and engaging them in self-sustainable projects.
Natasha has had the opportunity to further her education in the United States of America as the first child in her family to see the States. She acquired a postgraduate diploma in Project management. During her time there, she appreciated different cultures and different personalities of people. For her, this was a lesson on how best to manage communities. Having an opportunity to work while in the States, she managed to find a job that dealt with communities. With the knowledge she had acquired in leadership, community development, and project management, imparting knowledge in Zambian communities became her drive.
Visiting most parts of the United States, she realized the differences in climate change and developed an interest in reading more about climate change in different parts of the world. Natasha has since discovered that not only does she have a heart for people and communities, but she also has one for the environment and its changes.
Starting a career in the Southern Province of Zambia, she finds new challenges thrilling. Joining the team that spearheads Nature conservation, Climate change, and community development for her is a win. She wishes to share her knowledge and skills with the people of her new community while learning so much from them. Communities for Natasha are not just about working but are a story created to be part of a family and a home for peace. Her goal is to be a leader who sees and creates opportunities for people. Ultimately, Natasha wishes to be a voice for the people in rural areas.
Growing up, her family always taught her the importance of being helpful, relevant, and respectful to people. In fifth grade, she visited an Orphanage for the first time. Being an only child, she found interest in always being around the less privileged. From then, she already had her mind set on changing the rural communities and engaging them in self-sustainable projects.
Natasha has had the opportunity to further her education in the United States of America as the first child in her family to see the States. She acquired a postgraduate diploma in Project management. During her time there, she appreciated different cultures and different personalities of people. For her, this was a lesson on how best to manage communities. Having an opportunity to work while in the States, she managed to find a job that dealt with communities. With the knowledge she had acquired in leadership, community development, and project management, imparting knowledge in Zambian communities became her drive.
Visiting most parts of the United States, she realized the differences in climate change and developed an interest in reading more about climate change in different parts of the world. Natasha has since discovered that not only does she have a heart for people and communities, but she also has one for the environment and its changes.
Starting a career in the Southern Province of Zambia, she finds new challenges thrilling. Joining the team that spearheads Nature conservation, Climate change, and community development for her is a win. She wishes to share her knowledge and skills with the people of her new community while learning so much from them. Communities for Natasha are not just about working but are a story created to be part of a family and a home for peace. Her goal is to be a leader who sees and creates opportunities for people. Ultimately, Natasha wishes to be a voice for the people in rural areas.
Sapren Manguwe
Operations Manager Mulendema
Sapren Manguwe
Operations Manager Mulendema
Sapren Manguwe has been with By Life Connected since the start. He is our Operations Manager in Mulendema area next to Kafue National Park. He is basically the one person making sure that every project of BLC can run smoothly. As such, Sapren has been an essential part of our organization.
Sapren’s love for nature started when he was a young boy, growing up in a town on the edge of Kafue National Park. Making his way to school as a kid, he and his brothers and friends used to encounter many wild animals roaming around the park, which taught them to negotiate their way through the bush without alarming the animals.
As he got older, Sapren wanted to stay close to nature and spent over 6 years working in one of the lodges in the national park. “Growing up and working around the park has had a big impact on my life, it has shaped my thoughts on a lot of issues,” he recounts.
“So when the opportunity came to work with By Life Connected, whose work is strongly linked to what happens in and around the park, there was no way I was going to say no. I have been with BLC since operations started in 2019, and I cannot think of a better occupation than this.”
For the future, Sapren would love to see a world where people and wild animals can live together in peace and harmony. “I believe the Kafue National Park has a lot to contribute to communities around it, if we understand how the ecosystem works and how we can benefit from it.”
Sapren’s love for nature started when he was a young boy, growing up in a town on the edge of Kafue National Park. Making his way to school as a kid, he and his brothers and friends used to encounter many wild animals roaming around the park, which taught them to negotiate their way through the bush without alarming the animals.
As he got older, Sapren wanted to stay close to nature and spent over 6 years working in one of the lodges in the national park. “Growing up and working around the park has had a big impact on my life, it has shaped my thoughts on a lot of issues,” he recounts.
“So when the opportunity came to work with By Life Connected, whose work is strongly linked to what happens in and around the park, there was no way I was going to say no. I have been with BLC since operations started in 2019, and I cannot think of a better occupation than this.”
For the future, Sapren would love to see a world where people and wild animals can live together in peace and harmony. “I believe the Kafue National Park has a lot to contribute to communities around it, if we understand how the ecosystem works and how we can benefit from it.”
- Email:info@bylifeconnected.com
Getrude Mwiba
Education Officer & CMP Project Assistent
Getrude Mwiba
Education Officer & CMP Project Assistent
Gertrude Mwiba has been with By Life Connected from the start under different projects and roles in Mulendema and Nalusanga area. She currently occupies two roles: the Education Officer and Project Assistant for the Collaborative Management Partnership. Getrude Mwiba has a vast network on a local, as well as a government scale. She is a forester by profession, having obtained a diploma in Forestry from Mwekela Forestry College in Kitwe.
When Getrude was little, her father used to take her into the forests and showed her how to identify the types of trees that were surrounding them. She was fascinated by the exchange of CO2 for O2 and realised that people cannot survive without nature, but that nature could easily survive without us.
Gertrude, with her passion for forestry, loves to carry our field work to a higher level. Before coming to work with BLC, Gertrude has worked with a number of community-based natural resource conserving organizations in Mumbwa district and beyond. With over 10 years of experience in this field, she’s become a very resourceful stakeholder in the Kafue National Park ecosystem amongst many other environmental sectors in Zambia.
Gertrude brings to the table a wealth of knowledge and experiences which include forestry, stakeholder analysis, community mobilization and conservation education. Her knowledge about trees and forests has been of great importance in By Life Connected’s mandate to restore forests and empower communities.
When she’s not busy saving the world, Gertrude loves to dance and play netball. She dreams of a Zambia where natural resource protection will be on top of every agenda in the country.
When Getrude was little, her father used to take her into the forests and showed her how to identify the types of trees that were surrounding them. She was fascinated by the exchange of CO2 for O2 and realised that people cannot survive without nature, but that nature could easily survive without us.
Gertrude, with her passion for forestry, loves to carry our field work to a higher level. Before coming to work with BLC, Gertrude has worked with a number of community-based natural resource conserving organizations in Mumbwa district and beyond. With over 10 years of experience in this field, she’s become a very resourceful stakeholder in the Kafue National Park ecosystem amongst many other environmental sectors in Zambia.
Gertrude brings to the table a wealth of knowledge and experiences which include forestry, stakeholder analysis, community mobilization and conservation education. Her knowledge about trees and forests has been of great importance in By Life Connected’s mandate to restore forests and empower communities.
When she’s not busy saving the world, Gertrude loves to dance and play netball. She dreams of a Zambia where natural resource protection will be on top of every agenda in the country.
Monica Kayafa
Project Manager
Monica Kayafa
Project Manager
Monica Kayafa was born in Zambia and raised in the town of Livingstone. She works for By Life Connected as a Project Manager, a position which entails being responsible for overseeing projects in the local communities of Sinde and Simoonga, both of which are situated in Livingstone. She is passionate about utilizing her knowledge and skills in building a better future for people to thrive.
“I believe in the concept of establishing a Green Economy. Because, the consequences that come as a result of human negligence towards the environment threaten the livelihood of every living thing. I want to do my part in making certain that future generations are not robbed of the privilege, benefits and sustenance we derive from the environment and the natural resources we enjoy at present.”
Monica is well versed in several aspects of Environmental Law and Economics. In 2015, she embarked for China and obtained 2 academic qualifications from Zhejiang Agricultural and Forestry University. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Economics and Trade in 2019. After that, she furthered her studies and in 2022 graduated with a Master’s of Science in Environmental and Natural Resources Protection Law. Her academic background gives her a unique perspective into seeing how economics, laws, policies and climate issues are interwoven.
While in University, she took part in numerous extracurricular activities. For starters, she was Secretary of the International Students Economics Association. She also served under the International Students Union as Vice President of the Academics Department and later on as Vice President of the Publicity Department. These positions enabled her to develop the skills necessary for interacting with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Additionally, these roles allowed her the opportunity to hone her communication skills, thereby helping her learn how to help individuals find common ground. During the 7 years she spent in China, Monica also learnt Mandarin (Chinese) as a second language.
As the saying goes, ‘‘All work and no play makes Jack a very dull boy.’’ Thus, Monica believes having a balanced life is vital for one’s emotional and mental wellbeing. Therefore, she purposefully sets time aside for enjoying her favourite hobbies. This includes watching movies with friends and family, watching documentaries, being in solitude with nature and learning about different cultures.
“I believe in the concept of establishing a Green Economy. Because, the consequences that come as a result of human negligence towards the environment threaten the livelihood of every living thing. I want to do my part in making certain that future generations are not robbed of the privilege, benefits and sustenance we derive from the environment and the natural resources we enjoy at present.”
Monica is well versed in several aspects of Environmental Law and Economics. In 2015, she embarked for China and obtained 2 academic qualifications from Zhejiang Agricultural and Forestry University. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Economics and Trade in 2019. After that, she furthered her studies and in 2022 graduated with a Master’s of Science in Environmental and Natural Resources Protection Law. Her academic background gives her a unique perspective into seeing how economics, laws, policies and climate issues are interwoven.
While in University, she took part in numerous extracurricular activities. For starters, she was Secretary of the International Students Economics Association. She also served under the International Students Union as Vice President of the Academics Department and later on as Vice President of the Publicity Department. These positions enabled her to develop the skills necessary for interacting with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds. Additionally, these roles allowed her the opportunity to hone her communication skills, thereby helping her learn how to help individuals find common ground. During the 7 years she spent in China, Monica also learnt Mandarin (Chinese) as a second language.
As the saying goes, ‘‘All work and no play makes Jack a very dull boy.’’ Thus, Monica believes having a balanced life is vital for one’s emotional and mental wellbeing. Therefore, she purposefully sets time aside for enjoying her favourite hobbies. This includes watching movies with friends and family, watching documentaries, being in solitude with nature and learning about different cultures.
Mulela Kayaya
Mukuni Farm Foreman
Mulela Kayaya
Mukuni Farm Foreman
Introducing Mulela Kayaya, a passionate advocate for sustainable agriculture and Mukuni Community Farm’s Foreman. Born in November 1996 in Chipata City, Zambia, Mulela spent his formative years in Mumbwa District. From nursery school to his first year at Mulungushi University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Land and Water Resources Management, Mulela's educational journey has been deeply rooted in his homeland.
Mulela's passion for sustainable agriculture ignited around three years ago when his uncle introduced him to the practice of making liquid fertilizer and using manure in crop cultivation. Inspired by his uncle's methods and eager to implement them himself, Mulela found the perfect opportunity when his grandfather offered him land in Malawi. There, he embarked on his farming journey, driven by a desire to create a better world for future generations. However, he immediately faced the stark reality of the climate's influence on farming during a particularly harsh rainfall year. In addition to the impacts of global climate change, Malawi's extensive agricultural use and deforestation worsened the situation, significantly affecting local rainfall patterns. The reliance of both Zambia and Malawi's populations on subsistence farming makes such droughts especially devastating.
This event has driven Mulela’s passion. With a vision for a future where food security and environmental sustainability go hand in hand, Mulela is determined to make a positive impact. He dreams of a world where his children and grandchildren can thrive amidst the challenges of adverse weather conditions.
Inspired by the innovative agricultural practices of Israel, Mulela aspires to visit the country someday to learn from their expertise in transforming deserts into fertile farmland. He hopes to contribute to the global knowledge pool on smart agriculture and play a role in shaping a more sustainable future for all.
Mulela's passion for sustainable agriculture ignited around three years ago when his uncle introduced him to the practice of making liquid fertilizer and using manure in crop cultivation. Inspired by his uncle's methods and eager to implement them himself, Mulela found the perfect opportunity when his grandfather offered him land in Malawi. There, he embarked on his farming journey, driven by a desire to create a better world for future generations. However, he immediately faced the stark reality of the climate's influence on farming during a particularly harsh rainfall year. In addition to the impacts of global climate change, Malawi's extensive agricultural use and deforestation worsened the situation, significantly affecting local rainfall patterns. The reliance of both Zambia and Malawi's populations on subsistence farming makes such droughts especially devastating.
This event has driven Mulela’s passion. With a vision for a future where food security and environmental sustainability go hand in hand, Mulela is determined to make a positive impact. He dreams of a world where his children and grandchildren can thrive amidst the challenges of adverse weather conditions.
Inspired by the innovative agricultural practices of Israel, Mulela aspires to visit the country someday to learn from their expertise in transforming deserts into fertile farmland. He hopes to contribute to the global knowledge pool on smart agriculture and play a role in shaping a more sustainable future for all.
Kachana Kamushi
Poultry Supervisor
Kachana Kamushi
Poultry Supervisor
Kachana Kamushi is our poultry specialist. Kachana has been with By Life Connected since the start of the pandemic, after he lost his previous job in security. He got retrained and is now a dedicated manager of the chicken coop projects. He likes the fact that the chicken coop allows him to sustain himself in a more reliable way than the tourism sector: “At least now, I have learned something that allows me to run my own business, with the knowledge I got from this project.”
Kachana was born and bred in Livingstone, and has worked in tourism for over a decade, mostly in the security department at Green Safaris’ Tongabezi Lodge. He sees nature conservation as an essential part of tourism, as it’s a means of teaching visitors to preserve the nature they come to see. He teaches his three girls this lesson as well.
With that in mind, Kachana is also active in planting trees for conservation purposes. He has planted a big chunk of the trees at the Mukuni Organic Community Farm. He’s gathered a tremendous amount of knowledge on trees, and his favorite are the citrus trees, as they provide healthy foods to the community.
Kachana loves taking care of nature, to make sure others also take care of their surroundings. He’s noticed the effects of climate change himself: “When we were still young, we had very good rains, but now that people have been cutting down trees, nature is disturbed and rain patterns have become inconsistent.” In his current role, he is able to have a positive effect on nature, while still having a link with tourism as the chicken coop is funded by the Green Safaris Conservation Foundation.
Kachana states his dreams for the future as follows: “If all us could work together to prevent
Kachana was born and bred in Livingstone, and has worked in tourism for over a decade, mostly in the security department at Green Safaris’ Tongabezi Lodge. He sees nature conservation as an essential part of tourism, as it’s a means of teaching visitors to preserve the nature they come to see. He teaches his three girls this lesson as well.
With that in mind, Kachana is also active in planting trees for conservation purposes. He has planted a big chunk of the trees at the Mukuni Organic Community Farm. He’s gathered a tremendous amount of knowledge on trees, and his favorite are the citrus trees, as they provide healthy foods to the community.
Kachana loves taking care of nature, to make sure others also take care of their surroundings. He’s noticed the effects of climate change himself: “When we were still young, we had very good rains, but now that people have been cutting down trees, nature is disturbed and rain patterns have become inconsistent.” In his current role, he is able to have a positive effect on nature, while still having a link with tourism as the chicken coop is funded by the Green Safaris Conservation Foundation.
Kachana states his dreams for the future as follows: “If all us could work together to prevent
- Email:info@bylifeconnected.com
Barad Chuni
Mulendema Farm Foreman
Barad Chuni
Mulendema Farm Foreman
Barad Chuni is the farm manager of our organic farm in Mulendema chiefdom, on the edge of Kafue National Park. He has created an organic garden with the help of three local women, where he teaches local community members about the benefits of organic farming.
Having grown up around Mumbwa, Barad has spent a lot of time in the Mulendema Chiefdom, where his family had a farm. “For me, farming is inborn,” Barad explains. As Barad had to finish school early due to financial constraints, he decided to gather more experience in farming. With farming, this mostly requires intensive training rather than academia. Barad has worked with the ZAAB, the Zambian Alliance for Agroecology and Biodiversity for three years, where he gathered a lot of professional experience in farming. He likes to farm ground nut and maize, as he feels these foods are a fundamental part of Zambian culture.
Barad thinks the best way to farm is without chemical fertilizers and be completely organic, which he does at his own farm at home too — this keeps the soil rich, and ensures good harvests, he says. For his community, Barad would love to see more trees being planted, and less trees being cut.
Having grown up around Mumbwa, Barad has spent a lot of time in the Mulendema Chiefdom, where his family had a farm. “For me, farming is inborn,” Barad explains. As Barad had to finish school early due to financial constraints, he decided to gather more experience in farming. With farming, this mostly requires intensive training rather than academia. Barad has worked with the ZAAB, the Zambian Alliance for Agroecology and Biodiversity for three years, where he gathered a lot of professional experience in farming. He likes to farm ground nut and maize, as he feels these foods are a fundamental part of Zambian culture.
Barad thinks the best way to farm is without chemical fertilizers and be completely organic, which he does at his own farm at home too — this keeps the soil rich, and ensures good harvests, he says. For his community, Barad would love to see more trees being planted, and less trees being cut.
- Email:info@bylifeconnected.com
Natasha Zulu
Accountant
Natasha Zulu
Accountant
Natasha Zulu Profile
Natasha Zulu is a dedicated and detail-oriented accountant at By Life Connected, holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting, bringing her expertise in financial management to support the organization's mission. Natasha's passion for accounting stems from her desire to make a positive impact on people's lives through responsible financial management. She believes that effective accounting practices can empower organizations to achieve their goals and create a lasting difference in the world.
Growing up next to the farmlands in Chongwe, Natasha developed a deep appreciation for the natural world and a strong desire to protect it. She is passionate about working with organizations like By Life Connected, which strive to improve the environment and livelihoods of people. Natasha believes that her accounting skills can contribute to the success of these initiatives, ultimately making a positive impact on the planet and its inhabitants.
“ I envision a world where my children and grandchildren can thrive in harmony with nature. A world where sustainable practices and environmental stewardship are the norm, and where everyone has access to clean air, water, and resources. I hope for a future where communities are empowered to take care of their environments and livelihoods, and where organizations like By Life Connected continue to make a positive impact. I want my children and grandchildren to inherit a world that is healthier, more equitable, and more resilient than the one we have today.”
One of Natasha’s dreams is to visit Tanzania: “I've always been drawn to Tanzania's incredible natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.” For her, Tanzania really embodies the beauty and wonder of Africa, from the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti National Park's endless plains. It would also give her the opportunity to learn about the country's conservation efforts and sustainable tourism initiatives.
Growing up next to the farmlands in Chongwe, Natasha developed a deep appreciation for the natural world and a strong desire to protect it. She is passionate about working with organizations like By Life Connected, which strive to improve the environment and livelihoods of people. Natasha believes that her accounting skills can contribute to the success of these initiatives, ultimately making a positive impact on the planet and its inhabitants.
“ I envision a world where my children and grandchildren can thrive in harmony with nature. A world where sustainable practices and environmental stewardship are the norm, and where everyone has access to clean air, water, and resources. I hope for a future where communities are empowered to take care of their environments and livelihoods, and where organizations like By Life Connected continue to make a positive impact. I want my children and grandchildren to inherit a world that is healthier, more equitable, and more resilient than the one we have today.”
One of Natasha’s dreams is to visit Tanzania: “I've always been drawn to Tanzania's incredible natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.” For her, Tanzania really embodies the beauty and wonder of Africa, from the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti National Park's endless plains. It would also give her the opportunity to learn about the country's conservation efforts and sustainable tourism initiatives.
Kaluba Chitunga
Agricultural Extension Officer
Kaluba Chitunga
Agricultural Extension Officer
Introducing Kaluba Chitunga, a proud Zambian grown up in Lusaka Province, where he spent his formative years surrounded by family. From childhood through secondary education, Kaluba's roots run deep in his hometown on the outskirts of Lusaka, shaping his upbringing and values.
In 2021, Kaluba embarked on a new chapter of his journey, securing a TEVET bursary to study general agriculture at Mansa Trades Training Institute in Luapula Province. Over the course of two years, he pursued a craft certificate in general agriculture, immersing himself in the intricacies of farming practices.
“While studying in Mansa, I met people from rural areas who struggled to access things like good education, healthcare, and jobs. This got me thinking about how I could help improve their lives and contribute to the development of rural communities. ,”
In 2024, Kaluba joined By Life Connected as an intern, eager to deepen his understanding of organic farming, beekeeping, and rural sociology. Raised in a middle-class family with a strong agricultural background, Kaluba's passion for farming grew steadily, fueled by his desire to contribute to rural community development.
With a vision for a better world for future generations, Kaluba dreams of a future where every child has access to essential services like healthcare, education, and nutrition, regardless of their background. His aspirations extend beyond borders, with a desire to experience the lifestyle and culture of the United Arab Emirates, among other countries.
Kaluba's journey is a testament to his commitment to making a positive impact on his community and the world at large.
In 2021, Kaluba embarked on a new chapter of his journey, securing a TEVET bursary to study general agriculture at Mansa Trades Training Institute in Luapula Province. Over the course of two years, he pursued a craft certificate in general agriculture, immersing himself in the intricacies of farming practices.
“While studying in Mansa, I met people from rural areas who struggled to access things like good education, healthcare, and jobs. This got me thinking about how I could help improve their lives and contribute to the development of rural communities. ,”
In 2024, Kaluba joined By Life Connected as an intern, eager to deepen his understanding of organic farming, beekeeping, and rural sociology. Raised in a middle-class family with a strong agricultural background, Kaluba's passion for farming grew steadily, fueled by his desire to contribute to rural community development.
With a vision for a better world for future generations, Kaluba dreams of a future where every child has access to essential services like healthcare, education, and nutrition, regardless of their background. His aspirations extend beyond borders, with a desire to experience the lifestyle and culture of the United Arab Emirates, among other countries.
Kaluba's journey is a testament to his commitment to making a positive impact on his community and the world at large.
Joseph Kapitango
Content Creator
Joseph Kapitango
Content Creator
Meet Joseph Kapitango, a passionate Content Creator with a knack for storytelling. Originally from Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Joseph's love for creating content blossomed from a young age. He was lucky and of course talented enough to get a 4-year scholarship for film and theatre production at Nhimbe Trust Academy, thanks to the Children in Theatre and Television program.
But life had other plans for Joseph. Unexpectedly, he found himself on his parents' farm in Mulendema, Zambia, to take care of his mother. Surprisingly, he discovered a newfound love for agriculture while tending to his small garden and experimenting with different crops during the rainy season. It was like art, but with plants!
Joseph's journey took an exciting turn when he performed during the Youth Day Celebrations hosted by By Life Connected in 2023. His performance caught the attention of Lars and Kellie, who were captivated by his talent. And just like that, Joseph found himself part of the By Life Connected family.
Embracing his role as a content creator, Joseph has found a way to blend his passion for storytelling with his newfound love for agriculture and community development. Through his work, he gives a voice to the locals, sharing their stories with the world and shining a light on important issues.
But life had other plans for Joseph. Unexpectedly, he found himself on his parents' farm in Mulendema, Zambia, to take care of his mother. Surprisingly, he discovered a newfound love for agriculture while tending to his small garden and experimenting with different crops during the rainy season. It was like art, but with plants!
Joseph's journey took an exciting turn when he performed during the Youth Day Celebrations hosted by By Life Connected in 2023. His performance caught the attention of Lars and Kellie, who were captivated by his talent. And just like that, Joseph found himself part of the By Life Connected family.
Embracing his role as a content creator, Joseph has found a way to blend his passion for storytelling with his newfound love for agriculture and community development. Through his work, he gives a voice to the locals, sharing their stories with the world and shining a light on important issues.