Govt, Food and Agriculture Organization confer on strengthening Zambia’s agricultural sector

The Zambian government has conferred with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to explore ways of strengthening the country’s agricultural sector and deepening cooperation with the UN agency.

Minister of Fisheries and Livestock, Peter Kapala, represented the Zambian government during a meeting with FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu at the organization’s headquarters in Rome, Italy.

According to a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday, Kapala reaffirmed the government’s commitment to driving agricultural growth through increased investment in maize, aquaculture, soyabeans, and honey production.

He said Zambia’s strategic focus on climate-smart agriculture aims to enhance maize productivity, strengthen food security, and improve the livelihoods of rural communities.

“Soybeans interventions are focused on seed multiplication, processing facilities, and improved market linkages to enhance production and value addition,” Kapala said.

He added that in aquaculture, initiatives were being implemented to expand hatcheries, nurseries, and post-harvest facilities to boost production and exports.

Kapala further highlighted Zambia’s efforts to diversify agricultural exports through the honey sector, emphasizing hive productivity, queen bee breeding, and sustainable forest management as key areas of focus.

FAO Director-General, Qu Dongyu, expressed confidence in Zambia’s agricultural growth prospects, commending the government’s clear policy direction and commitment to sustainable food systems.

“FAO is ready to render technical support towards Zambia’s agricultural transformation agenda through innovation, capacity building, and technical cooperation,” Qu said.

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