Zambia to domesticate SADC soil, fertilizer action plan to enhance agric productivity

The Zambian government has reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Soil Health and Fertilizer Action Plan to enhance agricultural productivity.

Ministry of Agriculture Director Dr. Chizumba Shepande said the plan would align with Zambia’s National Agricultural Policy and Climate-Smart Agriculture Investment Plan.

He made the remarks at the just-ended Validation Workshop for the Southern Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Programme (SAFSHP) in South Africa.

According to a statement from First Secretary Press and Public Relations at the Zambian High Commission in Pretoria, Tamara Nyirenda, Shepande emphasized the role of SADC, in collaboration with the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in improving smallholder farmers’ access to quality fertilizers.

He highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships, evidence-based policy-making, and inclusive stakeholder engagement in building farmers’ capacity.

Shepande also noted Zambia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen extension services and deploy digital tools to help farmers optimize input use and mitigate climate risks.

“This will contribute to Zambia achieving its agricultural targets, including producing 10 million metric tonnes of maize, one million metric tonnes of wheat, and soybeans annually by 2027, as directed by President Hakainde Hichilema,” he stated.

The workshop brought together government representatives, researchers, policymakers, development partners, and private sector actors from across SADC to align regional priorities and refine strategies for soil health, fertilizer efficiency, and agroecological innovations.

The event was organized by the Centre for Coordination of Agricultural Research and Development for Southern Africa in partnership with FAO and SADC.

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