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.
Business Tips
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.
2025 FISP Registration: Zambia’s e-Voucher System Explained
Smallholder farmers across Zambia can now access subsidized seeds, fertilizer, and livestock inputs more efficiently than ever through Zambia’s e-Voucher system. This is the government’s flagship digital solution under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP). With the full nationwide rollout in all 116 districts this season, this guide breaks down exactly how to register, redeem your benefits, and avoid common mistakes. (Includes a free downloadable checklist to aid your application process!)
Two ways to build your reputation so your clients can keep coming back
I’ve been buying chickens from one supplier for a couple of years now and I can proudly say I’m one of their best clients. However, I’ve noticed that my supplier is starting to slack. My chickens are not properly dressed most times or they are extremely small. This has made me consider changing suppliers but then again, I plan on having a word with them. You see, your best customers are those who keep coming back. Your business will not grow if you don’t retain customers. So, if you find yourself wondering why it’s easy for others to sell their produce or why your competitors manage to maintain client relationships, then you need to follow these two rules I’m about to give you today.
50 Tips for Successful Farming
You wake up at the crack of dawn to work on your farm, the fall of dusk, every day. The weather also has its own plans and seems to be against you. Sometimes you feel like your buyers have made you their prisoner, and you’re working for nothing. Well, you’re not alone! Even though most … Read more