Every season, thousands of farmers celebrate record bag counts, only to find their bank accounts empty by the time land preparation starts again. That is because farming does not end when the crop is successfully produced. Production risk is only the first layer of agricultural management.
Business Tips
The Businesses Worth Starting Before Your Village Gets a Mini-Grid
Most rural entrepreneurs wait for electricity before they plan around it. That is usually the wrong order. The gap between power arriving and demand catching up is where the early money sits.
Common Mistakes Beginner Farmers Make and How to Avoid Them
Farming attracts people for good reasons. It offers income, independence, and the chance to build something long term. It is also one of the easiest businesses to enter without a plan, and one of the hardest to succeed in without good management.
How Much Money Do You Need to Start Farming?
One of the first questions new farmers ask is how much money they need to start farming. The honest answer is that it depends. It depends on what you want to produce, the size of your operation, the resources you already have, and whether you are farming for household consumption or building a business. There is no single figure that guarantees success.
How to Start Farming in Zambia: A Beginner’s Guide
Starting a farm is a dream for many people in Zambia. Some want to grow crops for income, others want to produce food for their families, while some see agriculture as a business opportunity. However, successful farming requires more than just finding land and planting seeds. A farm is a business that requires planning, investment, management, and patience. Before starting, a beginner farmer needs to understand what they want to produce, who will buy it, and whether the numbers make sense.
Your highest yield might be your least profitable crop
When farmers compare seasons, the first question is usually, “How many bags did you harvest?” It’s an important question, but it’s not the most important one. A high yield doesn’t automatically mean a profitable season.
How Farmers Can Get Paid for Carbon Emissions Reductions in Zambia (Preparation Stage)
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.
Is Zambia’s $77 Million Maize Export Deal with Malawi a Smart Move or a Risky Gamble?
Zambia has signed a $77 million maize export deal with Malawi for 200,000 metric tonnes of grain. The agreement between Zambia’s Food Reserve Agency (FRA) and Malawi’s National Food Reserve Agency is being praised as a sign of strong regional cooperation. Is this the right move right now?
Making Eco-Friendly Charcoal from Maize Cobs and Cow Dung
Charcoal is a great fuel to fire up your braii stand or mbaula, with a reliable burn and a low smoke output. However, every time you use charcoal or firewood for cooking, you are contributing heavily to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. As climate change becomes a more urgent concern, finding eco-friendly fuel alternatives is essential. One surprisingly effective solution lies in agricultural waste, especially maize cobs and cow dung which are abundant, renewable, and often discarded.