By Maina Malaya 

WCP Zambia’s Protect the Pangolins campaign took centre stage at the 2026 St. Francis Agricultural Block Show in Solwezi on 18 June. Drawing enthusiastic participation from farmers, community members, and local leaders, the agricultural show was held under the theme “Fostering Trade and Investment”,  it forms an important part of Zambia’s agricultural exhibition calendar, serving as a qualifying event through which outstanding farmers progress to district, provincial, and ultimately the 98^th Zambia  Agricultural Commercial Show to be held from 29 July to 3 August 2026 in Lusaka

The campaign’s presence at the event was particularly significant given the unique ecological importance of North-Western Province. The province is considered a significant conservation area for the White-bellied (tree) pangolin in Zambia. Many of the farmers and community members attending the show live and work close to the dense forests that provide habitat for this elusive and highly threatened species. As a result, they are likely to be the first to encounter wandering pangolins and therefore play a critical role in their protection.

A comedic highlight of the day was a community theatre performance of a play called “Mwinemushi ne Nkaka” by the celebrated local drama group “Mwine Mushi”, whose production was co-designed with traditional leaders and traditional healers from Solwezi, St. Francis inclusive. The performance took place following the official opening speeches and exhibition tours led by the Guest of Honour, the Provincial Agricultural Coordinator from the Ministry of Agriculture, Mr Muyobo Shimabale.

As soon as the unmistakable voice and commanding presence of the famous character Pezulo echoed across the grounds, the atmosphere transformed. Crowds gathered quickly, eager to watch the performance. Known for its loud, firm and highly comedic style, the group immediately captured the audience’s attention.

Set in a traditional village court presided over by Headman Mwine Mushi (In mention), the play cleverly involved the audience as members of the village community. Proceedings began when a village crier called everyone to order, announcing that an Evangelist had been sent by the Headman to address growing moral decay among the villagers. The case before the court had been brought by a village elder, a farmer who claimed to have found a pangolin, and it presented a dilemma for the farmer on what to do after.

After much deliberation, the performance concluded with the evangelist reinforcing a message, affirming the importance of protecting wildlife and reminding villagers of their responsibility to care for the natural environment. While the case against the farmers was eventually dismissed, the message remained clear: pangolin trafficking carries serious legal consequences and can have devastating effects on individuals and their families.

Beyond the entertainment, the performance demonstrated the power of locally driven storytelling in conservation awareness. By using familiar characters, humour and community voices, the Mweni Mushi team successfully transformed a complex wildlife crime issue into a message that resonated with everyday people. For many in attendance, the play was not only memorable but also a reminder that protecting pangolins begins with the choices made by the communities living closest to their habitats.

As farmers, forest-edge communities, traditional leaders and healers continue to serve as the first line of defence against wildlife trafficking, initiatives such as the Protect the Pangolins campaign remain vital in building awareness and inspiring collective action to safeguard one of Zambia’s most unique and threatened species.