'BEYOND MAIZE' THROUGH WOMEN EMPOWERMENT By Natasha Mhango

"Women are key actors within the food system," (Kirk, et al.,September 2018)

Zambia’s agricultural sector is dominated by maize. About two thirds of cropped area is covered by the crop.Furthermore, maize production is largely dependent on rainfall making it vulnerable to changes in the weather patterns.

“Of the 1.5 million smallholders in Zambia, an estimated 89% grew maize in 2015 (CSO, et al.2016). Fewer than 80% of smallholder farmers cultivate three or fewer crops. The practice of crop diversification is still significantly low regardless of the visible effects of climate change and existing poor nutrition levels.

On August 22^nd, Hivos People Limited launched a discussion paper entitled Beyond Maize: Exploring agricultural diversification in Zambia from different perspectives.

'WOMEN FEED THIS COUNTRY' - PROF. LUO By Natasha Mhango

Fisheries & Livestock Minister, Nkandu Luo and; Chilanga MP Maria Langa undertaking a tour of the Department of Fisheries in Chilanga,Lusaka

Every year on Farmers’ Day - August 8th, the Ministry of Agriculture holds an award-giving ceremony to recognize and honor outstanding farmers from the all the provinces of Zambia. Attending the even in her new capacity as Fisheries and Livestock Minister, Nkandu Luo, made it clear tat women and youth were the key to agricultural transformation.

“Women are the people that feed this country,” Professor Luo said.

Her statement is made credible when one takes into consideration that “In Zambia, women constitute 64 percent of the rural population and approximately 80 percent of food producers,”