USAID Commits $67 Million to Zambia Amidst Severe Drought Crisis
….”Coleman says that the funding is aimed at supporting food security and water conservation efforts.”
By Francis Maingaila ♥️
Lusaka. Zambia24 (27-06-2024) – The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has announced a significant commitment of $67 million to bolster humanitarian aid and long-term food security initiatives in Zambia, addressing the country’s worst drought in four decades. This investment is part of USAID’s ongoing efforts to support Zambia’s development and resilience.
Speaking at the launch of the USAID Africa Trade and Investment Activity’s Feed the Future Accelerate Country Plan at ETG Fertilizer Blending in Lusaka, USAID Deputy Administrator Isobel Coleman announced a significant commitment of $67 million to support Zambia’s food security and humanitarian efforts, emphasizing USAID’s collaborative efforts with the Zambian government and local producers to mitigate the dire impacts of the ongoing crisis.
“USAID stands shoulder to shoulder with Zambia during this critical time and beyond,” stated Coleman, emphasizing the importance of partnership in tackling the unfolding humanitarian challenge.
The current drought has severely impacted agricultural productivity, leaving over 6.5 million Zambians in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, with more than 1.5 million facing acute food insecurity. To address this, $20 million will be immediately allocated to provide life-saving food aid and agricultural support.
An additional $14.5 million will be directed towards long-term recovery efforts, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices and resilience-building initiatives.
Underpinning these efforts is USAID’s newly developed Global Food Security Strategy, crafted in collaboration with Zambian authorities.
The strategy emphasizes investment in technologies such as drought-tolerant seeds, enhanced water management, and advanced weather forecasting to strengthen the country’s agricultural resilience against future shocks.
Moreover, Zambia has been selected as a launch country for USAID’s Feed the Future Accelerator initiative, aimed at enhancing food security, boosting agricultural productivity, and combating hunger, poverty, and malnutrition.
This initiative seeks to mobilize private sector investments and support the development of small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises across Zambia.
Looking ahead, USAID’s initiatives aim not only to increase the productivity of smallholder farmers but also to foster regional trade and market linkages through projects like the Lobito Corridor, thereby contributing to Zambia’s economic growth and stability.
“The resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of the Zambian people are central to achieving sustainable agricultural transformation,” remarked Coleman, emphasizing the pivotal role of local communities in driving the country’s agricultural development.
She also said the USAID plans to collaborate closely with other donor countries, including Ireland, to leverage expertise and share best practices in nutrition, gender equality, and food security, further enhancing Zambia’s resilience against future humanitarian crises.
The $67 million commitment underscores USAID’s steadfast support for Zambia’s journey towards long-term food security and sustainable development, reaffirming its commitment to stand by the Zambian people during these challenging times..
Speaking at the same event, Minister of Agriculture, Ruben Mtolo Phiri, has announced plans to transition from a direct supply model to an e-voucher system for the transportation of fertilizers.
This transformation expands coverage from 17 districts last year to 74 districts currently, with a goal to encompass all 160 districts by next year.
The e-voucher system represents a strategic shift aimed at addressing concerns about fertilizer suitability while empowering farmers with greater choice and autonomy.
Phiri emphasized that this initiative is part of broader efforts to foster market development and increase participation in Zambia’s agricultural sector.
Aligned with the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Program (CATS), Phiri said the government’s overarching strategy focuses on promoting sustainable production practices, enhancing market resilience, and ensuring nutritional security.
“Key components of CATS include initiatives to boost productivity, facilitate market access, and strengthen resilience against climate variability and associated risks,” he explained.
In tandem with these efforts, Phiri observed Zambia has launched the Global Food Security initiative, designed to attract both public and private sector investments aimed at bolstering agricultural systems.
“This initiative seeks to enhance food security, elevate production levels, and fortify Zambia’s agricultural sector against local and international challenges,” he expressed.
Phiri reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing essential policy reforms and structural adjustments within the agricultural sector.
“These reforms encompass improvements in marketing strategies, expansion of credit facilities, and the advancement of critical initiatives crucial for sustainable agricultural development,”.
Furthermore, Phiri suggested the government remains dedicated to supporting small-scale farmers through targeted interventions such as improved irrigation systems, mechanization of farming processes, and enhanced access to vital inputs like fertilizers and seeds.
He said these measures are intended to stimulate private sector-driven initiatives that directly benefit small-scale farmers nationwide.
Phiri articulated the government’s vision for comprehensive agricultural transformation as pivotal to Zambia’s economic advancement and the well-being of its populace.
He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and partnerships to achieve sustainable agriculture, increased production, job creation, and robust food and nutrition security across Zambia.
He said the introduction of the e-voucher system marks a significant milestone in Zambia’s agricultural development agenda, heralding a new era of enhanced productivity and resilience amidst evolving global agricultural landscapes.
The Duncan Payne Export Trade Group (ETG) Commercial Sales and Marketing manager emphasized the critical role of organic fertilizers in promoting sustainable agricultural practices tailored to the specific needs of soil and crops.
Highlighting the commitment to advancing agricultural efficiency while reducing environmental impact, Payne said ETG introduced advanced nitrogen products that outperform traditional urea.
“ETG operates a network of 44 agro-dealerships across Zambia, each staffed with trained personnel dedicated to providing farmers with expert advice on selecting the right fertilizer products,” he said.
“The mission is clear and is to revolutionize African agriculture by integrating innovative practices and state-of-the-art facilities, aiming to significantly improve farmers’ productivity and sustainability across the continent,” he added.
Judo General Dealers Limited, a leading agricultural inputs supplier, announced significant milestones and initiatives aimed at bolstering agricultural productivity and food security across Zambia’s Eastern Province.
Founded 14 years ago, the company has expanded its reach to encompass all 14 districts of the province, operating through a network of 150 outlets.
Addressing the challenges faced by smallholder farmers, Justine Tembo, CEO of Judo General Dealers Limited, highlighted issues such as limited access to capitalization inputs and fluctuating market prices, which hinder productivity.
In response, Tembo said Judo General Dealers partnered with the USA and the African Fertilizer and Agribusiness Partnership to implement the Fertiraza Transport Cost Rebate Project.
According to Tembo, this initiative has already benefited over 30,000 farmers by significantly reducing transport costs and enabling the provision of high-quality fertilizers at reduced prices.
“We are committed to sustainable farming practices,” Tembo emphasized, stressing the cultivation of drought-resistant crops to enhance soil health and ensure food security,” explained.
He said this advocacy aligns with the broader mission to promote environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
Tembo called for continued support from the government and stakeholders to advance Zambia’s agriculture sector.
“Our goal is to ensure food security, improve nutrition, and foster sustainable farming practices,” she affirmed.
He said Judo General Dealers remains steadfast in its commitment to transforming Zambia’s agricultural landscape through innovation and strategic partnerships.
He underscore their pivotal role in driving economic growth and rural development within Eastern Zambia, signaling a promising trajectory for the region’s agricultural future
