Zambia and Iowa State University Explore Strategic Agriculture Partnership
The Minister of Agriculture, Mr Reuben Mtolo, has held high-level talks with a visiting delegation from the Iowa State University of Science and Technology, led by Professor Curt Youngs, aimed at fostering agricultural collaboration and partnerships.
The discussions centred on knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and joint initiatives to enhance Zambia’s agricultural productivity, with a particular focus on supporting farmers, who form the backbone of the national economy.
Highlighting Zambia’s vast but underutilised agricultural potential, Mr Mtolo noted that of the country’s 75 million hectares of land, 45 million is arable, yet only about 7 million hectares are currently in use. He stressed that partnerships of this nature could help unlock large-scale production, mechanisation, and improved market access.
“Over 85 percent of Zambians are engaged in farming, mostly at smallholder level, producing staples such as maize, rice, and cassava,” Mr Mtolo said. “Through research-driven solutions, climate-smart agriculture, and farmer training, we can significantly increase productivity and improve livelihoods.”
Professor Youngs commended Zambia’s peaceful environment and hospitality, calling the country an ideal partner for agricultural development. He also highlighted the work of Shoulder to Shoulder, an NGO he co-founded, which supports communities facing food deficits.
“Our university has a long history of working with farmers globally. We are impressed by Zambia’s commitment to food security and its readiness to adopt innovative farming approaches,” Professor Youngs said.
The meeting also explored opportunities for exchange programmes between Zambian agricultural institutions and Iowa State University, as well as avenues for private sector investment in Zambia’s agro-value chain.
Mr Mtolo reiterated the Government’s call for increased investment in agriculture, emphasising that technology transfer and capital injection are critical to transforming Zambia into a regional breadbasket.
