Zambian President Urges Citizens, Especially Women and Youth, to Embrace Lucrative Agriculture Ventures

Zambia’s President, Hakainde Hichilema, is encouraging citizens, with a special emphasis on women and young people, to delve into agriculture, hailing it as a “lucrative business.”

In a Facebook post, President Hichilema expressed delight at the increased participation of citizens, particularly in maize production, and emphasized that boosting agricultural production is the key to addressing the country’s food crisis.

“We are extremely happy to note that several of you, our citizens, have this farming season ventured into maize production. As the government, we are extremely impressed because there is no other way out of the food crisis apart from more production,” President Hichilema stated.

Despite acknowledging challenges in the agricultural sector, such as climate change issues, President Hichilema remains optimistic that Zambia can achieve its dream of becoming a “food basket” not only in the southern African region but in Africa as a whole.

President Hichilema extends his encouragement beyond crop farming, urging citizens to explore beef production, citing it as one of the most rewarding enterprises in agriculture. The government is committed to implementing measures to further grow the agricultural sector.

In addition to the Farmer Input Support Program (FISP), which provides subsidized inputs for smallholder farmers, the Zambian government introduced the Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facilities (SAFF) last year.

This credit scheme aims to provide tailor-made financing to the agricultural sector, especially for small- and medium-scale farmers with limited access to affordable financing.

Reuben Mtolo Phiri, the Minister of Agriculture, highlighted SAFF’s role in providing seasonal loans and financial services for maize, soybean, and wheat production. The government is steadfast in promoting the agricultural sector through policies that enhance productivity.

Copperbelt Province Minister Elisha Matambo shared his support for the president’s vision, encouraging people in the province to venture into farming. He emphasized the positive outcomes of farming, emphasizing that they have seen the benefits after farming for more than 15 years.

Maxwell Zulu, a 60-year-old resident of Lusaka, exemplifies the positive shift in sentiment toward agriculture. He resumed farming after a hiatus due to fertilizer costs and low maize prices.

With reduced fertilizer prices and a favorable government offer for maize, Zulu is optimistic about a successful harvest, believing that farming is the pathway to an improved standard of living.

Zambia’s collective effort toward agricultural expansion aligns with President Hichilema’s vision for a prosperous and food-secure nation.