Tue, 08/30/2011

Zambia has put forth the foundations for a 2-year visionary agricultural investment plan from 2011-2013 that provides a unique opportunity to achieve their vision as a "middle income" country by 2030.  The Zambia CAADP Compact signed this year puts forth a commitment to 10 percent investment of Zambia's annual national budget, it hopes to stimulate private sector investment in agriculture, promote food productivity, technology and production and tackle hunger and malnutrition.  Agriculture contributes 18 to 20 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) and provides for the livelihoods of more than 60 percent of the population, and provides jobs for 70 percent of the Zambian population of 13 million people.  With medium to high rainfall, 75 million hectares of land with most of it classified as medium to high potential for agricultural production and a variety of crops, fish and livestock that can be raised in the country, there is much potential for growth.

Monitoring and evaluation of implementation of this investment plan is proposed to be overseen by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives (MACO) and the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries Development (MLFD) via establishment and operation of a "Zambia SAKSS node" in collaboration with the Regional Strategic Analysis and Knowledge Support System for Southern Africa (ReSAKSS-SA). The main performance coverage under the M&E will include:

• The Enabling Environment of Agriculture Policy and Strategy
• Agricultural Investment Trends and Opportunities
• Agricultural Sector Growth and Performance
• Agricultural Trade Performance
• Poverty, Hunger, Food and Nutritional Security

Zambia has completed its technical analysis work in preparation for its CAADP Roundtable.  Stocktaking of the country’s agricultural growth and investment options for poverty reduction were completed in January 2008, and a stakeholder consultation workshop was held in March 2008.  Zambia signed its country compact on January 18, 2011 and has since been making plans to create and implement an agricultural investment plan.

Background on Progress of Zambia's CAADP Progress and Agricultural Investment

Issue Brief: Six Percent Agricultural Growth Promotes Poverty Reduction in Zambia

Full Report: Agricultural Growth and Investment Options for Poverty Reduction in Zambia

Governmental Support: CAADP to Boost Zambia's Economic Growth

Regional Progress: Agriculture forms 32% of COMESA GDP

Compact Background: Zambia Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme Compact

Zambia Overview: Find Zambia on our Interactive Map