Zambia Looks to Vietnam’s Farming Technology to Boost Year-Round Food Production
The Government of Zambia is seeking to adopt agricultural technologies and farming systems from Vietnam to strengthen year-round food production and improve national food security.
Speaking after a field visit to Can Tho during a high-level study tour, Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo said Vietnam’s agricultural transformation offers valuable lessons that could support Zambia’s efforts to modernise its farming sector.
Mtolo noted that Vietnam’s success has been driven by coordinated policies, adoption of modern technologies and strong support systems for farmers.
“One of the key reforms implemented by the Vietnamese government involved transitioning land management from cooperative ownership to individual farmers, while maintaining cooperative collaboration,” he said.
Under this system, farmers manage individual plots while benefiting from shared services within cooperatives, a model that has improved efficiency, accountability and productivity.
The minister also highlighted Vietnam’s strategic allocation of manageable land parcels, which allows farmers to adopt modern farming technologies, manage crops effectively and control pests and diseases.
Mtolo pointed to significant gains in rice production in Vietnam. While farmers in Zambia currently produce an average of about 1.5 tonnes of rice per hectare, Vietnamese farmers are able to achieve yields of up to eight tonnes per hectare, supported by improved seed varieties, modern farming techniques and strong extension services.
He further praised Vietnam’s extensive irrigation systems, which enable farmers to cultivate crops up to three times a year on the same land.
“This approach demonstrates the importance of investing in irrigation systems, improved seed varieties and modern technologies if Zambia is to achieve consistent food production throughout the year,” Mtolo said.
The minister also commended Vietnam’s efficient use of agricultural by-products. Rice straw is used for mushroom cultivation and organic fertiliser production, while rice husks are processed into livestock feed, ensuring minimal waste in agricultural production.
The Zambian delegation, led by Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane, included scientists, technical experts and senior government officials who participated in both theoretical and practical engagements to understand the policies and systems behind Vietnam’s agricultural success.
Meanwhile, Kusobile Kamwambi, Head of the Presidential Delivery Unit, said the government remains committed to implementing reforms aimed at transforming the agricultural sector.
She said the lessons from Vietnam highlight the need to strengthen implementation systems that support Zambia’s agricultural transformation agenda.
Kamwambi added that the Presidential Delivery Unit will continue working closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and other government departments to improve coordination, monitoring and accountability in agricultural programmes.
The government believes the insights gained from the study tour will help enhance irrigation development, strengthen smallholder farming systems and accelerate Zambia’s goal of achieving sustainable year-round food production.
