Zambia Launches Smart Farming and Onion Value Chain Initiatives to Boost Rural Livelihoods
The Zambian Government has officially launched two transformative agricultural initiatives; the Smart Farming for Sustainable Livelihoods Project and the One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) Initiative, marking a bold step toward food security, climate resilience, and rural economic growth.
Officiating at the launch in Lusaka, Minister of Agriculture Hon. Reuben Mtolo, MP, described the projects as critical to Zambia’s climate-smart agriculture drive and key pillars in the nation’s Crop Diversification Strategy and Comprehensive Agricultural Transformation Support Programme (CATSP).
The Smart Farming Project, a four-year initiative funded by the Republic of Korea and supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, will focus on improving vegetable production in Lusaka and Chongwe. The program will establish Centres of Excellence and introduce climate-smart technologies to enhance productivity and sustainability.
Korean Ambassador to Zambia, H.E. Mr. Jae Park, underscored Korea’s commitment to supporting Zambia’s agricultural transformation, saying innovation and sustainability are essential for resilient rural economies.
FAO Country Representative Mr. Mtendere Mphatso reiterated FAO’s support for strengthening Zambia’s food systems and advancing farmer incomes through targeted horticultural value chain development.
The OCOP Initiative, backed by FAO’s Flexible Voluntary Contributions (FVC), prioritizes the development of the onion value chain. It aims to increase productivity, minimize post-harvest losses, and improve smallholder farmers’ access to markets.
“These initiatives are a testament to the power of collaboration and strategic investment in agriculture,” said Minister Mtolo. “They will address longstanding bottlenecks, improve nutrition, and boost household food and income security.”
The Ministry expressed gratitude to the Government of Korea and FAO for their unwavering support in advancing Zambia’s agricultural development agenda.
