PEPZ TARGETS 1500 SMALLHODLER GOAT FARMERS By Natasha Mhango

 The formalization of markets remains to be an obstacle to the growth of agribusiness in Zambia. In the goat sub-sector in particular, small holder farmers trade in an environment where middle men who have a loose network link farmers to potential markets.

Goats are more affordable to rear and more resistant to disease than cattle and hence are one preferred livestock for small holder farmers more especially in view of climate change. However, like any other agricultural venture, access to markets and

ACHIEVING ZERO HUNGER IN ZAMBIA

A small scale farmer displays some of her produce during the 2019 World Food Day commemorations held in Mwembeshi

“It’s not just about getting enough to eat, it’s about having the right food to eat.” These words were part of a speech by the UNICEF Zambia Country representative, Noalar Skinner, during the recent World Food Day commemorations that were held in Mwembeshi.

The 2019 theme – Our Actions are Our Future, Healthy Diets for a Zero Hunger World - intended to bring awareness on the continued strides needed towards realizing the Zero Hunger Vision that was launched by the United Nations in 2012.

World Food day is a day of action against hunger. Hunger manifests itself in different ways namely: undernourishment, malnutrition and wasting. The 2018 report by the African Regional Overview of Food Security and Nutrition reveals that 257 million people in Africa are undernourished. Put differently, 257 million people in Africa are hungry and furthermore,

THE POLITICS OF SEED By Natasha Mhango

Farmer Input Supply Program(FISP) beneficiaries collecting their inputs

It has been said that a country’s agricultural sector is as strong as its seed system. Zambia is one of the largest seed exporters in Africa with its maize seed industry being regarded as the strongest in the SADC region. The country has enjoyed a longstanding reputation of original genetic research and certified seed production.

The private sector plays a major role in this seed production and export. Commercial farmers who are specialized, take the lead role in breeding and improving seed varieties and selling of varieties that are certified by the Seed Control and Certification Institute (SCCI).However, this formal seed sector is designed for commercial agriculture. Small scale farmers who are the majority of farmers and who are not as technologically able, are not fully

CULTURAL FOOD HABITS ARE HINDERING CROP DIVERSIFICATION By Natasha Mhango

Girls in Zambezi district, North Western province, preparing cassava for processing 

Southern Province has been known to be the bread basket of Zambia. The province that fed the country.But during the last farming season, the Province was among the hardest hit by drought and disturbing testimonies of hunger were being reported through various media.

 “All crops on my farm failed – not only maize. So we are buying maize from the government sheds – that is what is helping me feed my family,” said Nathan Mubambasu  - a farmer from Magoye area in Mazubuka.

RICE DISSEMINATION PROJECT LAUNCHES EXTENSION MANUAL PACKAGE FOR FARMERS AND EXTENSION WORKERS By Natasha Mhango

In Zambia, rice is grown mostly by small scale farmers

As urbanization is constantly changing people’s food preferences, rice is a favorite alternative to nhsima in some Zambian homes. The aromatic varieties such as Nakonde, Chama and Mongu rice are the most popular among consumers. With expected population growth and per capita consumption, the increase in the demand for rice is inevitable.

According to the Second National Rice Development Strategy (2016 – 2020), Zambia has been producing about 44,500MT of paddy rice annually, (ie about  29,000MT in milled rice).But consumption stands at 60,000MT – indicative of a large deficit.

The Strategy further states that in recent years, Zambia has been importing between 5,000 – 20,000MT of milled rice mostly from East Asia.

However, the country has the potential for large scale rice production if deliberate efforts are made to address the challenges that many rice farmers – most of who are small scale – are facing.

Among some of the significant challenges these farmers confront is limited access to high quality seed, poor post-harvest practices and insufficient infrastructure.

Elly Siakasasa is the CEO of the Zambia Rice Federation, an organization that was formed to be the voice of active players in the rice value chain.