184
Agriculture
of the sugar industry, and K3.4 billion has already
been provided for preliminary development work.
The recently completed Nansanga farm block, the
construction of new roads and bridges, and the
government’s commitment to dam construction has
set a dramatic precedent for further development
of the sector.
Irrig
ation and w
ater conserv
ation
technol
og
y
Zambia’s crop production is largely rainfall de-
pendent, and is at its highest from November to
April. Rainfall is the major determinant of crop
performance in any given year, and with chang-
ing weather conditions more likely in the face of
global warming, the government is emphasizing
decreased dependence on rain-dependent agricul-
ture. There is, therefore, a growing emphasis on
developing water conservation and irrigation tech-
nologies.
The scaling up of more efficient conservation-
oriented agricultural practices can serve the dual
purposes of increasing food production by increas-
ing efficiency and mitigating the effects of climate
change.
Furthermore, a number of initiatives have begun
to investigate means of conserving water. The
Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU) is helping
farmers dig water-harvesting basins—a simple and
inexpensive technique for collecting excess water
for drinking or irrigation. The water is usually re-
tained in small dams, manually dug basins, or huge
underground storage tanks.
Liv
estock
and fisheries initiativ
es
The livestock and fisheries subsectors play an im-
portant role in improving the livelihoods of not only
small-scale farmers but also the greater population
at large. The recent creation of a specialized Minis-
try of Livestock and Fisheries Development will en-
sure that this vital subsector receives the focused
attention it deserves.
The potential of the livestock subsector is great,
and it is being supported through targeted inter-
ventions aimed at controlling the spread of animal
disease and improving veterinary services. The
tackling of livestock diseases is of utmost impor-
tance for Zambian meat products to meet demand
in local markets and to satisfy the stringent require-
ments of export markets.
In regards to fisheries development, the key strat-
egy is to ensure compliance with regulations to
properly avoid the depletion of fish in Zambia’s
main water arteries and lakes. Aquaculture cen-
ters are being constructed for the breeding of fin-
gerlings that will be used to replenish fish stocks in
vulnerable areas. Aquaculture development is be-
ing encouraged throughout the country to provide
meaningful employment opportunities.
To support the livestock subsector, government
will continue with the creation of disease-free
zones to facilitate livestock exports. The first zone
is expected to cover the Central Province, Lusaka
Province, and parts of the Copperbelt. The burden
of disease around these zones is also being ad-
dressed through the establishment of extension
service centers in the disease-prone areas of the
Western, Southern, and Eastern provinces.
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Of all of Zambia’s economic sectors, agriculture is
thought to hold the most promise for growth and
development. There is, however, much to be done
for the sector to live up to its full potential. Produc-
tion must increase to meet the growing demand
in expanding local, regional, and international
markets. This calls for substantial private sector
investment to transform uncultivated arable land,
privatized state land, and traditionally cultivated
farmlands into successful agricultural ventures.
Assets
One of Zambia’s most important natural resources
is its arable land. Over half of the country’s land is
classified as medium to high in potential for agri-
cultural production, and a substantial percentage
of such land is situated near urban areas. Rural ar-
eas, of course, also possess much arable land for
cultivation as well as pastures for livestock grazing
and farming.
Another important resource in Zambia is water.
Zambia’s mean annual rainfall is around 1,400
millimeters in the northern region and 700 millime-
ters in the southern, eastern, and western areas.
In addition to an abundance of rivers and lakes,
many groundwater resources also exist. Untapped
potential exists in the irrigation of farmland, and
generous tax incentives are available for produc-
ers who invest in such equipment.
