Agriculture in Zambia

Zambia Launches $3.6 Million Climate Monitoring Initiative to Strengthen Early Warning Systems

Zambia’s $3.6M Climate Monitoring Initiative The Zambian government has launched a $3.6 million climate monitoring initiative, a move that carries significant implications for the country’s agricultural sector, which remains the primary livelihood for the majority of Zambians. Announced in Lusaka, the initiative is designed to overhaul Zambia’s meteorological infrastructure, strengthen early warning systems, and improve … Read more

How Farmers Can Get Paid for Carbon Emissions Reductions in Zambia (Preparation Stage)

by Shimanga Mubitana

The government and Norway signed a Mitigation Outcome Purchase Agreement (MOPA). There is currently a funded window open until May 31, 2026, for project proposals.

What Maize Market Reform Means for Farmers Under CATSP

by Shimanga Mubitana

Zambia is entering a new era of farming. The Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Programme (CATSP) is the government’s 10-year plan to move from traditional subsistence farming to a high-yield, commercialized industry. For the Zambian farmer, this means a shift in how you access financing, technology, and markets.

How Climate Change Is Changing Planting Dates in Zambia

by Shimanga Mubitana

Suppose a farmer plants their maize in November like others have done for years, only to watch the seed sit in dry soil for weeks. Are farmers still trusting current rainfall patterns? Do traditional planting dates still work the way they used to? Across Zambia, farmers are adjusting their planting dates because rainfall patterns are becoming less predictable. Here’s a detailed analysis of how rainfall patterns have changed over the years.

5 Crops You Can Plant in March That Will Thrive in The Cold Season

by Shimanga Mubitana

Many farmers slow down planting towards the end of March because the rainy season is ending. The assumption is that crops will struggle once temperatures begin to drop. However, this period can actually work in your favor. Cooler weather reduces pest pressure and helps certain crops develop better flavor and structure. By choosing crops that … Read more

Can Zambia Become A Consistent Grain Exporter in Southern Africa?

by Shimanga Mubitana

Envision a country producing enough food but still struggling to move it to markets. Without storage, transport, and clear export policies, a country can harvest large amounts of grain and still fail to become a regional supplier. That is the problem behind the grain basket conversation in Zambia. Many people say Zambia could become Southern … Read more

Can a Farmer Lose Land Acquired from a Chief After Developing It?

by Shimanga Mubitana

Imagine this. You approach a Chief. You follow tradition and are shown land. The headman confirms it and you clear it. You then build a house, construct poultry houses and a piggery, and plant fruit trees. Years later, someone informs you that you cannot remain on that land. Is that legally possible in Zambia? Let us look at what the law actually says.

High Drought Risk Forecasted in the 2026/2027 Farming Season

by Shimanga Mubitana

Climate experts are forecasting the possible return of El Niño conditions during the 2026/2027 agricultural season. For farmers in Southern Africa, including Zambia, this raises serious concerns. Early forecasts sometimes do not translate into exact seasonal outcomes, but they remain important indicators of elevated risk.

Why monetary policy rarely, directly helps smallholders

by Shimanga Mubitana

When the Bank of Zambia reduced its Monetary Policy Rate by 75 basis points, bringing it down from 14.25% to 13.5%, it signaled an interest rate cut. The message is usually positive. It comes with cheaper loans, more investment, and faster economic growth. On paper, this sounds like good news for everyone including farmers. In reality, smallholder farmers rarely feel the benefit.

Common Types of Poultry You Can Raise in Zambia

by Shimanga Mubitana

Are you planning to get in poultry farming this year but still unsure about which type to choose? Or maybe you have been raising one type and are thinking of adding another to your project? Poultry farming in Zambia is one of the easiest ways to start or expand a farming project, but choosing the right type of birds matters more than most people think.