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The Young Emerging Farmers Initiative (YEFI) has urged government to develop youth-friendly credit facilities to address the persistent challenge of limited access to finance among young people.
YEFI Executive Director, Richard Kachungu, said targeted investments in young farmers could transform Zambia’s agriculture sector into a pathway for wealth creation, decent employment, and inclusive economic growth.
Kachungu told Zambia Monitor in an interview that government should consider increasing annual budget allocations to agriculture while creating financing facilities tailored for youths.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of Zambia’s economy, and with over 70 percent of the population under the age of 35, targeted investments in young farmers can transform agriculture for a pathway for wealth creation, decent employment and inclusive economic growth,” he stated.
He noted that prioritising youth-friendly credit facilities would enable young farmers to adopt sustainable agriculture practices, regenerate degraded land, and boost productivity while conserving natural resources.
Kachungu stressed that such facilities should offer “decent, adequate, responsive financing” with features such as flexible collateral requirements, low interest rates, and timely disbursements to allow young farmers to invest in inputs, mechanisation, and modern technology.
He added that complementary measures like input subsidies and crop insurance would help de-risk agriculture for youths and encourage them to scale up production in the long term.
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Kachungu also called for greater investment in rural infrastructure such as irrigation systems, feeder roads, and storage facilities to reduce post-harvest losses and stabilise food supply in markets.
He urged government to invest in digital platforms to provide real-time market data and electronic extension services, making farming more appealing to young people.
“Furthermore, deliberate policy frameworks are needed to incentivise and support youth-led businesses through tax breaks, startup incubation hubs, and skills development programmes that enhance young people’s knowledge,” Kachungu said.
He emphasised that such initiatives would nurture innovation and entrepreneurship within the food system and position young farmers as key drivers of Zambia’s agricultural transformation.
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