ZAF Commander Reaffirms Commitment to Agricultural Diversification and Food Security
Zambia Air Force (ZAF) Commander Lieutenant General Oscar Nyoni has reiterated the military’s unwavering commitment to supporting national food security and economic diversification through active involvement in the agriculture sector.
Speaking during a courtesy call on Zambia’s Ambassador to Italy, Mrs. Patricia Chisanga Kondolo, on May 6, Lt. Gen. Nyoni said ZAF is transitioning from maize production to cattle rearing as part of broader diversification efforts. The move is in line with President Hakainde Hichilema’s directive aimed at addressing food insecurity and strengthening the country’s economic resilience.
He noted that the Defence Forces, alongside other security wings, are now key players in Zambia’s food basket strategy and are contributing meaningfully to national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth through agricultural ventures.
“With determination and hard work, we believe the national target to cultivate between 1,000 and 5,000 hectares toward the 10 million-tonne maize production goal is achievable,” he said.
Lt. Gen. Nyoni highlighted President Hichilema’s leadership in steering Zambia towards economic recovery, praising policies that promote macroeconomic stability, boost investor confidence, and sustain debt management as critical in resolving social-economic challenges.
“In support of the President’s expanded role for the Defence Force, ZAF has actively ventured into agriculture to help strengthen national food security,” he emphasized.
He added that ZAF has already established farms in Lufwanyama and Chisamba, where personnel have embraced agriculture, predicting a bumper harvest for the 2024/2025 season due to favorable weather conditions.
In response, Ambassador Kondolo welcomed the efforts and shared that Zambia and Italy are currently exploring joint projects in agri-business and agro-processing, which are key to reviving development cooperation between the two nations.
The ZAF Commander encouraged the Zambian Mission in Rome to facilitate partnerships with Italian companies to provide technical support for irrigation, farm mechanization, and agro-entrepreneurship training for ZAF personnel.
“We welcome collaboration in other economic and entrepreneurial areas that could help us maximize the value of our human capital and infrastructure,” he said.
Lt. Gen. Nyoni is in Rome leading a ZAF delegation at the Aerospace Power Conference hosted by the Italian Air Force from May 8–9, where discussions focus on aerospace security, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
