Zambia Urged to Expedite Farming Input Distribution Ahead of Planting Season
As Zambia gears up for the imminent farming season, local economic analyst, Kelvin Chisanga, has raised concerns over the timely distribution of essential agricultural inputs, urging the Ministry of Agriculture to expedite the process.
The call comes just days before farmers are set to begin their planting activities, following seasons marked by delays that led to reduced crop yields.
“Farming inputs need to reach distribution points promptly this year, especially given the favorable weather predictions,” Mr. Chisanga noted. “Past years of delayed distributions have compromised the nation’s harvests. With climate change already challenging the sector, late supplies could further jeopardize output and food security.”
Mr. Chisanga underscored the necessity of strong coordination between the government and private entities to streamline logistics.
He pointed out that agriculture, a fundamental part of Zambia’s economy, has yet to fully benefit from a collaborative approach, despite active contributions from organizations such as Musika, African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership (AFAP), and USAID’s EDGE project.
“The sector must be depoliticized to unlock its potential,” he emphasized. “Effective partnerships could foster greater resilience, creating a robust framework for agriculture to thrive and ultimately support Zambia’s food security.”
With the onset of rains signaling the start of the season, the analyst believes it’s crucial to avoid repeating past oversights. He advocated for strategic stockpiling of surplus yields to safeguard against future shortages, a measure that would require detailed policy planning and alignment.
