Zambia Launches First Comprehensive Food Balance Sheets Report
The Government of Zambia has launched its first Comprehensive Food Balance Sheets Report, covering the period 2019 to 2023. The landmark publication, released by the Ministry of Agriculture, provides the country’s most detailed assessment yet of national food supply and nutrition security.
Speaking at the dissemination meeting in Lusaka, Minister of Agriculture Reuben Mtolo, MP, described the report as historic, noting that it expands beyond cereals and tubers to include a broader range of food commodities.
According to the findings, Zambia remained largely food self-sufficient during the review period, with domestic production meeting citizens’ energy requirements. The country recorded sufficient supplies of cereals, starchy roots, oil crops, pulses, sugar, and animal products such as milk, eggs and offal.
“The self-sufficiency ratios reflect the resilience and hard work of our farmers, the support of our cooperating partners, and the enabling policies of Government,” Hon. Mtolo said.
However, the Minister acknowledged persisting challenges, particularly micronutrient deficiencies among vulnerable groups and the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases linked to poor diets.
He reaffirmed Government’s commitment not only to increasing food quantity but also to improving quality, diversity, and nutritional value.
He pointed to flagship initiatives including the full rollout of the 100 percent e-voucher Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) and the Sustainable Agriculture Finance Facility (SAFF).
These programmes are central to achieving presidential production targets of 10 million metric tonnes of maize, 1 million metric tonnes of wheat, and 1 million metric tonnes of soyabeans by 2031.
Mr Mtolo further called for stronger partnerships between Government, the private sector, academia, farmers, and cooperating partners. He stressed that the report provides a robust evidence base to refine strategies for strengthening Zambia’s food and nutrition security.
