Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture and climate-smart farming practices aimed at enhancing resilience, improving yields, and reducing poverty among farmers.
Speaking at the official opening of the National Technical Symposium at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, Ministry of Agriculture Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, John Mulongoti, who represented Minister of Agriculture Reuben Mtolo, emphasized the government’s determination to transform the agricultural sector through practices such as crop rotation, agroforestry, precision farming, and irrigation.
Mulongoti stressed that these interventions are crucial in helping farmers adapt to climate change and ensure long-term sustainability in the sector.
He highlighted several key government and partner-led initiatives that are already making a positive impact, including the Zambia Integrated Forest Landscape Project in Eastern Province. He also pointed to the Zambia Growth Opportunities Programme, which targets 600,000 farmers as a significant step toward inclusive agricultural development.
Additionally, Mulongoti mentioned ongoing collaborative efforts with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) aimed at improving advisory services and promoting sustainable practices, especially for women and vulnerable households.
Furthermore, he discussed a UN-Government coalition targeting 3 million beneficiaries in 16 climate-vulnerable districts across Zambia. According to Mulongoti, these initiatives are transforming smallholder farming, improving soil health, boosting productivity, and strengthening the resilience of local communities.
The symposium, organized by the FAO, is focusing on several critical areas, including the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Programme (CATSP), the Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility (SAFF), and strengthening agricultural extension and plant health services.
Mulongoti commended the FAO for its continued partnership with Zambia and urged all stakeholders to take full advantage of the knowledge shared during the symposium to help shape the future of the agricultural sector.
He concluded by stressing that through collective efforts, Zambia can build a resilient, productive, and sustainable agricultural system that supports nutrition, income growth, and poverty reduction.