Govt commits to strengthening food security, improving livelihood of smallholder farmers

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing food security and improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across the country.

In response to challenges such as climate change and limited access to resources, the Ministry of Agriculture continues to implement key interventions aimed at strengthening agricultural resilience and boosting productivity across the country.

This is according to a statement issued in Lusaka by the Ministry of Agriculture Principal and Public Relations Officer, Balewa Zyuulu, on Saturday.

Zyuulu said Kambilombilo Resettlement Scheme in Lufwanyama District, Copperbelt Province, was one of the areas receiving direct government support to enhance food production and improve the livelihoods of farmers.

He stated that through the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP), over 200 farmers in Kambilombilo Camp benefited from subsidized agricultural inputs for the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 farming seasons.

“Under the Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility (SAFF), farmers in Kambilombilo have also been given an opportunity to access agricultural loans. During the 2023/2024 farming season, 85 farmers benefited from SAFF loans,” Zyuulu said.

He stated that the government, through other government institutions and stakeholders had been supporting Kambilombilo Resettlement Scheme through food security programs, including cash-for-work and food-for-work initiatives.

Zyuulu said in the 2023/2024 farming season, the area received 12 x 50kg bags of cassava cuttings, with two bags specifically allocated to persons living with disabilities.

“The Food Security Pack (FSP) program is also benefiting farmers in Kambilombilo. In the 2024/2025 farming season, 89 farmers received input packs consisting of four 50kg bags of fertiliser.This intervention is aimed at improving household food security and increasing crop production among vulnerable farmers,” he said.

Zyuulu assured that the Ministry of Agriculture remains dedicated to ensuring that smallholder farmers across the country received the necessary support to thrive.

He added that recognizing the impact of climate change, the Ministry was prioritizing climate-smart agricultural practices, irrigation expansion, and improved access to financial resources for farmers.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.