In the 2023/2024 farming season, Zambia’s fields literally felt the burn. A harsh regional drought slashed maize production down to 1.5 million metric tonnes, leaving the country with a heartbreaking deficit of over 2.1 million tonnes. And yet, despite planting more than 2.2 million hectares, the rain just didn’t play along.

The impact was massive. Households felt the pinch, and the government had to act fast, planning to import over 600,000 metric tonnes of white non-GMO maize. But all hope wasn’t lost because Zambian farmers had their eyes on a comeback, did they deliver?

Forecasting a whooping recovery

Fast-forward to the 2024/2025 season, and we’re looking at a recov in full bloom. With an expected harvest of 3.65 million metric tonnes and opening stocks of nearly 385,000, Zambia’s maize supply total now sits at over 4 million tonnes. That’s not just meeting demand, it’s flaunting a 501,621-tonne surplus.

Central and Eastern provinces lead the maize parade, while small- and medium-scale farmers are responsible for a whopping 93% of the yield. Talk about grassroots magic. Curious how the numbers danced year over year? Take a look at this visual:

What caused the change in Zambia’s maize production?

Better rains, strategic planning, and a touch of resilience. The Presidential Delivery Unit’s goal of hitting 10 million tonnes by 2027 suddenly feels less like a dream and more like destiny.

So, while 2023/2024 was a year of survival, 2024/2025 is a year of revival. Zambia’s maize story is proof that even after the driest seasons, growth is just a season of good rain(and a whole lot of patience) away.