Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture and climate-smart farming practices aimed at enhancing resilience, improving yields, and reducing poverty among farmers. This was highlighted during the official opening of the National Technical Symposium at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka. The event was attended by various stakeholders, with the Ministry of Agriculture’s Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, John Mulongoti, representing the Minister of Agriculture, Reuben Mtolo.
Mulongoti emphasized the government’s determination to transform the agricultural sector by adopting practices such as crop rotation, agroforestry, precision farming, and irrigation. He highlighted the importance of these interventions in helping farmers adapt to climate change, ensuring long-term sustainability, and improving the productivity of the agricultural sector.
The Permanent Secretary also underscored several key government and partner-led initiatives that have already made a positive impact. One notable example is the Zambia Integrated Forest Landscape Project in Eastern Province, which focuses on enhancing the sustainable management of forest resources while supporting the livelihoods of local communities. Another significant initiative is the Zambia Growth Opportunities Programme, which targets 600,000 farmers as part of efforts to drive inclusive agricultural development and foster economic growth.
Mulongoti further pointed to the ongoing collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as a vital component of the government’s strategy to improve agricultural advisory services and promote sustainable farming practices, particularly for women and vulnerable households. These initiatives are aimed at providing farmers with the tools and knowledge they need to adopt practices that improve productivity while also being mindful of environmental sustainability.
In addition, Mulongoti discussed a coalition between the United Nations and the Zambian government that targets 3 million beneficiaries across 16 climate-vulnerable districts in Zambia. The focus of this initiative is to transform smallholder farming, improve soil health, and boost productivity. By promoting climate-smart practices, these efforts are intended to enhance the resilience of local communities and ensure that agricultural activities remain viable even in the face of changing weather patterns.
The symposium, organized by the FAO, covered several critical areas related to sustainable agriculture. One of the main topics of discussion was the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Programme (CATSP), which aims to increase agricultural productivity and promote food security. The Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility (SAFF) was also a key area of focus, as it seeks to provide financial support to farmers and agricultural enterprises, ensuring that they have the necessary resources to implement climate-smart practices. Additionally, strengthening agricultural extension and plant health services was emphasized as a means to improve the quality and quantity of crops produced, while also reducing the risks posed by pests and diseases.
Mulongoti commended the FAO for its continued partnership with Zambia and emphasized the importance of utilizing the knowledge shared during the symposium to help shape the future of the country’s agricultural sector. He urged all stakeholders to collaborate effectively and use the insights gained to drive positive change in the agricultural industry.
In conclusion, Mulongoti stressed that through collective efforts and a shared commitment to sustainable practices, Zambia can build a resilient, productive, and sustainable agricultural system. Such a system would not only support nutrition and income growth but also contribute significantly to poverty reduction. With the right strategies in place, Zambia has the potential to transform its agricultural sector into a model for resilience and sustainability, benefiting both farmers and the broader economy.
