Zambia Urged to Tackle Post-Harvest Losses Amidst Climate Challenges
Economic expert Kelvin Chisanga has called for urgent national action to curb post-harvest losses, warning that Zambia risks undermining agricultural gains if immediate solutions are not implemented.
Speaking in the wake of the recent drought that affected the 2024/2025 farming season, Mr. Chisanga emphasized that while Zambia has historically recorded bumper harvests, poor post-harvest handling continues to erode farmer incomes and national food security.
“The time to act is now,” Chisanga said. “When farmers lose produce after harvest, it’s not just food that’s wasted—it’s income, opportunity, and economic value.”
Mr. Chisanga praised the recent launch of the Scaling Solutions for Food Loss in Africa initiative by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), describing it as a timely and strategic intervention. The initiative will channel approximately $15 million into financial and technical support across key areas such as storage, food processing, preservation techniques, and capacity building throughout the food value chain.
“These measures are critical in helping Zambia recover from climate shocks while safeguarding productivity,” he noted. “Post-harvest loss reduction is more than just improving efficiency—it’s a cornerstone of sustainable agriculture and economic resilience.”
With agriculture remaining a backbone of Zambia’s economy, stakeholders are being urged to collaborate more closely to ensure that the country’s agricultural output is not lost between the field and the market.
