Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 23rd April, 2025.
Lusaka, Zambia.
Zambia has reaffirmed its commitment to revolutionizing the agriculture sector through sustainable, climate-smart practices aimed at building resilience, increasing productivity, and promoting inclusive economic growth.
During the official launch of the National Technical Symposium organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Zambia Country Office, Hon. Reuben Phiri Mtolo, MP and Minister of Agriculture—represented by the Permanent Secretary (Technical), Mr. John A. Mulongoti—presented the government’s progressive vision to reshape Zambia’s agriculture sector into a commercially competitive, environmentally sustainable, and nutrition-driven industry.
The symposium, hosted at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, brings together key players from government, private sector, development partners, and farmer organisations. Hon. Mtolo praised FAO for convening the platform, which he said is instrumental in fostering dialogue, tracking progress, and refining implementation strategies in Zambia’s agricultural transformation.
Key discussion areas include the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Programme (CATSP), the Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility (SAFF), the National Agriculture Extension Strategy, and plant health systems.
“This forum provides an invaluable opportunity to reflect on our journey, share experiences, and align on actionable pathways that will drive Zambia’s agriculture into a new era of resilience and innovation,” the Minister said.
In his keynote address, Hon. Mtolo underscored that sustainable agricultural practices are not merely an option but a cornerstone of the New Dawn Government’s national development strategy. He highlighted a range of strategic interventions being implemented in partnership with various stakeholders to advance climate-smart agriculture across the country.
AMONG THE NOTABLE FOUR INITIATIVE’S:
- The Zambia Integrated Forest Landscape Project in Eastern Province, promoting forest restoration, soil health, and carbon emission reductions.
- Organic farming and conservation agriculture techniques, such as crop rotation, use of nitrogen-fixing plants, rip-line farming, and moisture-retention sowing methods.
3.Partnerships with Musika and the EU, advancing renewable energy in agriculture and forest-friendly production systems.
- FAO-supported projects expanding advisory services and post-harvest practices for vulnerable populations, especially women and children.
“We are embedding sustainability at every level—from production and post-harvest handling to market access and farmer education,” Hon. Mtolo added.
The Agency.