The Deema Root: A Traditional Solution for Healthy Village Chickens
Across rural Zambia, indigenous knowledge has sustained communities for generations. Women Environs Zambia (WEZ) believes that some of the most effective solutions for sustainable farming can be found within local communities themselves. One such example is the use of the Deema root, a traditional practice that has been passed down through generations and is now being promoted through the WEZ Chicken Clinic.
The Deema root is a naturally occurring root found in local forests. Rural women have long recognised its value in supporting village chicken production. Through the WEZ Chicken Clinic, this indigenous knowledge is being preserved, documented, and shared with more women farmers as a low-cost and environmentally friendly approach to poultry management.
The process begins by carefully digging up a mature Dema root. A hollow is then carved into the centre of the root, creating a natural container. Instead of removing the root completely, it is buried in a corner of the chicken enclosure in such a way that it remains alive and continues to grow. Water is then poured into the hollowed centre of the root, creating a natural drinking point for the chickens.
As chickens drink from the water held within the Deema root, beneficial properties from the root seep into the water. Communities have traditionally used this practice to support chicken health, improve vitality, and enhance egg production. The root is also valued as a natural remedy that contributes to disease prevention and overall flock wellbeing.
What makes the Deema root particularly remarkable is its sustainability. Unlike commercial poultry supplements and medicines, the root is locally available, renewable, and accessible to rural women with limited financial resources. Because the root continues to grow while serving as a water source, it provides a long-term solution that requires minimal maintenance. The promotion of Deema root use reflects WEZ’s broader commitment to agroecology and indigenous knowledge systems. Rather than relying solely on external inputs, WEZ encourages farmers to draw upon local resources and traditional practices that have proven effective over time. This approach strengthens community resilience, reduces production costs, and promotes environmentally responsible farming. Through training sessions, farmer exchanges, seed fairs, and district gatherings, women are learning how to prepare and use the Deema root while sharing their own experiences and innovations. These exchanges help ensure that valuable indigenous knowledge is not lost but instead passed on to future generations.
The Deema root also represents a symbol of the wisdom held by rural communities and the important role women play in preserving and sharing that knowledge. As WEZ continues to support sustainable livelihoods, practices such as the use of the Dema root demonstrate that local solutions can play a powerful role in building healthier communities, stronger food systems, and more resilient rural economies.