Zambia Launches World Bank-Supported Programme to Improve Soil Health
The Ministry of Agriculture has officially launched the World Bank-supported Knowledge Impact Programme for Repurposing Agricultural Support for Improved Soil Health at Ciela Resort in Lusaka.
The high-level event was officiated by the Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Reuben P. Mtolo, MP, and brought together senior officials from the World Bank Group, the African Union Commission, and delegations from Ghana, Malawi, Senegal, Tanzania, Kenya, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Mtolo described the programme as a strategic and timely intervention designed to help Zambia and participating countries shift from consumption-oriented agricultural expenditure to productive and sustainable investments that strengthen soil health and long-term resilience.
“Healthy soils are the foundation of sustainable agriculture, improved productivity, enhanced food and nutrition security, and climate resilience,” the Minister said. “Repurposing agricultural support ensures that public resources generate higher returns through investments in soil restoration, regenerative agriculture, research, innovation, and climate-smart farming practices.”
The Impact Programme will serve as a platform for knowledge sharing, regional collaboration, and evidence-based policymaking. It aims to help countries address structural challenges such as soil degradation, inefficient fertiliser use, limited access to quality inputs, and weak soil information systems.
Hon. Mtolo expressed sincere gratitude to the World Bank Group for its continued partnership and technical support for Zambia’s agricultural transformation agenda.
He commended the institution for championing innovative, evidence-based approaches that strengthen soil health, promote sustainability, and enhance long-term economic resilience across participating countries.
The Minister also praised cooperating partners for their commitment to supporting Zambia’s efforts to reform agricultural financing in ways that deliver lasting benefits to farmers and future generations.
Reaffirming Government’s commitment to achieving ambitious production targets, Hon. Mtolo stated Zambia aims to reach 10 million metric tonnes of maize, 1 million metric tonnes of wheat, and 1 million metric tonnes of soybeans annually by 2031.
He described these targets as a structured pathway towards agricultural sustainability, increased farmer incomes, job creation, and global competitiveness.
The Ministry of Agriculture reiterated its readiness to fully leverage the programme to deliver tangible outcomes for farmers and build a legacy of fertile soils for future generations.
