Reported by: The Agency Media
Date: 21st July, 2025.
Mazabuka, Zambia.
Farmers in Mazabuka have overwhelmingly endorsed the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) Electronic Voucher (e-Voucher) system, highlighting its flexibility and timely delivery of inputs, as the Ministry of Agriculture concludes its review ahead of the 2025/26 nationwide rollout.
The Mazabuka Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) part of a wider evaluation across 20 districts in 10 provinces, revealed that farmers appreciate the system’s ability to let them choose their preferred crop inputs, plant on time and manage their farming decisions independently. Many farmers reported making savings for additional investments, while well-stocked agro-dealer shops providing quality service were commended.
Farmers noted that the shift from the Direct Input Supply model to a market-based e-Voucher system is fostering healthy competition among agro-dealers, resulting in improved services and competitive pricing, while also reducing the government’s direct procurement role and empowering farmers.
Despite strong support for the system, farmers highlighted operational challenges, including occasional system downtimes, limited access to early-maturing seed varieties, transport costs for remote areas and mid-season price increases.
To address these, farmers recommended:
1. Increasing local agro-dealer presence for easier access.
2. Enhancing system speed and reliability.
3. Allowing redemption of inputs from multiple dealers.
4. Strengthening communication between program officers and farmers.
Commenting on the findings, Ministry of Agriculture Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Mr. John Mulongoti, expressed optimism about the feedback, noting that the insights are instrumental in refining the system for a seamless nationwide rollout.
“We are encouraged by the positive feedback from our farmers in Mazabuka. They have confirmed that the e-Voucher system is empowering them by providing timely access to inputs and contributing to better harvests,” Mr. Mulongoti said.
He added that the Ministry is committed to addressing the challenges raised, including faster code activation and expanding agro-dealer networks, in line with the government’s promise of a transparent and responsive FISP rollout announced by the Minister earlier this year.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the e-Voucher system remains a transparent, accountable and efficient support mechanism that enhances national food security while supporting Zambia’s economic growth.
#ZambiaAgriculture #EVoucher #FISP
#FarmersEmpowerment #FoodSecurity
