Zambia’s President Hichilema Meets with National Farmers Union to Address Agricultural Challenges 

President Hakainde Hichilema convened a crucial meeting with the Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) Board, led by its President, Mr. Jervis Zimba, in the aftermath of the recent Mkushi Early Maize Harvest. 

The gathering was organized with the objective of addressing the myriad challenges confronting the agricultural sector and delving into possible interventions that the government could undertake.

During the meeting, the ZNFU presented a comprehensive overview of the difficulties encountered by its members, ranging from erratic weather patterns to limited access to resources and markets. 

President Hichilema urged the union to articulate these challenges with precision, emphasizing the importance of clear definitions in problem-solving.

Highlighting agriculture’s significance as the largest employer and contributor to the country’s economy, President Hichilema underscored the need for strategic interventions to support farmers and enhance productivity. 

In a proactive approach, he encouraged the inclusion of small-scale farmers in discussions and initiatives, emphasizing the importance of skill adaptation and knowledge sharing among different agricultural stakeholders.

Addressing the current drought conditions affecting parts of the country, President Hichilema stressed the necessity of reevaluating traditional agricultural practices. 

He emphasized that the prevailing challenge presents an opportunity to transition towards more sustainable methods, including precision irrigation, which would enable year-round cultivation and mitigate the impact of climate variability.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from both the government and the ZNFU to work collaboratively in addressing the identified challenges and implementing innovative solutions to improve agricultural productivity and resilience. 

President Hichilema reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to supporting the agricultural sector and ensuring the prosperity of Zambian farmers.