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Government has reaffirmed its commitment to continue investing in climate-smart agriculture, research and development, farmer training, and rural infrastructure to mitigate the effects of climate change such as droughts.
Agriculture Minister, Reuben Mtolo, noted that climate change was no longer a distant threat but a present reality disrupting food systems and reversing development gains.
He said this in a speech read on his behalf by Ministry Permanent Secretary Lemmy Kamfwamfwa during the Agriculture Institute of Zambia (AIZ) first annual Scientific Conference and Annual General Meeting at Radisson Blu Hotel in Lusaka on Wednesday.
Mtolo stressed the need for innovative, science-backed approaches to provide practical solutions to challenges such as droughts, pest outbreaks, and soil degradation.
“Droughts, floods, pest outbreaks and soil degradation are affecting farmers across the country. To respond effectively, we must adopt innovative, science-backed approaches that provide practical solutions to these challenges,” Mtolo said.
He emphasised that transforming the agricultural sector required a collective effort, not just government intervention.
The minister said agronomists, soil scientists, livestock and aquaculture specialists, extension officers, and researchers all had a crucial role to play as the link between national policy and smallholder farmers.
Mtolo added that agricultural policy must be informed by scientific evidence and practical experience rather than assumptions or traditional practices.
The Minister said government had prioritised climate-smart agriculture through conservation farming, crop diversification, agroforestry, improved soil fertility management, and the promotion of drought-resilient and early-maturing crop varieties.
He further disclosed that government was investing in small-scale and solar-powered irrigation infrastructure to reduce reliance on rainfall and strengthen resilience to climate change.
Meanwhile, AIZ President Professor Kavwanga Yambayamba urged scientists and researchers to ensure that knowledge generated through research went beyond journals and shelves, and is applied in farms, policies, and classrooms.
“Let us commit ourselves to professional excellence, to innovation, to continuous improvement and above all, to serving the government, industry and the entire sector with integrity, professionalism and vision,” Yambayamba said.
He commended researchers for their work but challenged animal science experts to contribute more, noting that no papers had been presented in the area of animal production.
“Where are our nutritionists, animal breeders and geneticists, animal reproduction experts, fisheries and aquaculture specialists? This is a challenge to all of you—let us check ourselves. What is our contribution to the livestock sector in this country? What is our contribution to industry?” he asked.
In a related contribution, Technical Education, Vocational and Entrepreneurship Training Authority (TEVETA) Director General, Cleophas Takaiza highlighted agriculture’s role in supporting livelihoods, food security, and the economy.
He noted that traditional farming methods alone could not deliver the transformation Zambia aspires to, stressing the need for skills, innovation, and scientific thinking in the sector.
“This is why TEVETA is fully committed to advancing skills development in agriculture by fostering demand-driven vocational training, practical learning pathways, and entrepreneurship for the modern farmer, agri-technician, and agro-entrepreneur,” Takaiza said.
He explained that TEVETA, under the Ministry of Technology and Science, had taken decisive steps in reviewing and aligning curricula to meet the evolving needs of the agricultural sector.
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