Economic Expert Urges Govt and Millers to Engage in Collaborative Dialogue for Food Security
Economic expert Kelvin Chisanga has called on the Zambian government and private millers to engage in constructive dialogue to address the country’s food security challenges.
Amid rising concerns over maize stocks and the quality of mealie meal, Mr. Chisanga emphasized the need for collaboration rather than conflict between the government and private sector.
“The current economic situation demands a synergetic approach, not a competitive one,” Mr. Chisanga stated. He urged the government to avoid confrontation with private millers, who have been integral to the country’s food supply, especially during this period of economic difficulty.
He pointed out that instead of attacking private millers, the government should focus on advising them to improve health and safety measures in their storage practices to prevent the contamination of food products.
Mr. Chisanga highlighted that the presence of harmful components in mealie meal is often due to poor storage conditions, which can lead to the degradation of both feedstock and finished products.
He stressed that this issue is particularly concerning given the limited maize stocks in Zambia and other countries in the region, a situation exacerbated by reduced production in the last farming season due to drought and climate change impacts.
Mr. Chisanga called for a stabilization of discussions on food and energy security, noting that these are critical to maintaining the country’s economic stability.
He urged the government and key stakeholders to focus on planning for next year’s agricultural outputs, particularly by addressing input supply processes and ensuring adequate water levels for irrigation.
Mr. Chisanga also emphasized the importance of supporting private sector projects in agriculture through meaningful dialogue rather than public criticism. He cautioned against undermining key stakeholders in the food industry, particularly those who have made significant investments in Zambia’s economy.
“As a going concern, the government should regulate the food industry with a balanced approach, including government-owned entities, to ensure that the sector remains productive and competitive,” Mr. Chisanga concluded.
