FOOD SECURITY
GOAL: Produce one million tonnes of wheat and soybeans and 10 million tonnes of maize annually by 2027.
PROGRESS SO FAR: Wheat production rebounded with a 14% increase in 2022, and maize yields rose by 23% from 2022 to 2023, reaching 3.26 million tonnes. The introduction of the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Programme (CATSP) is expected to further enhance crop yields over time.
Zambia’s wheat yields have climbed steadily since a slump in production in 2019 down to 114,000 tonnes.
In 2022 wheat production reached 235,000 tonnes, climbing 14% from the previous year.
Already this year, half-way through Zambia’s wheat harvest months (Oct – Nov), wheat production has reached 200,000 tonnes.
Maize yields have increased by 23% from 2022 to 2023, reaching 3.26 million tonnes.
Implementation of the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Programme (CATSP), which was announced in June 2023, is expected to improve productivity as farmers will be empowered to purchase the crops and equipment that best suit their needs.
97,000 tonnes of maize is being harvested under the 2024 early maize initiative, ensuring a steady supply during the extended lean season and helping to curb the impact of drought on mealie meal availability.
10,347 farmers have so far been supported with K257 million in disbursements under SAFF. This provides an average of US$100 per smallholder to purchase agricultural inputs and equipment.
K184 million worth of mechanised farming equipment has been distributed to 10 farm training institutes and 40 farmer training centres.
