Agri Business News

21/08/2025

Enhancing Queen Bees productivity

The Zambia Forestry College (ZFC) under the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment is implementing a beekeeping and queen bee breeding programme to address critical gaps in Zambia's apiculture sector.

The programme, being funded under the Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL) seeks to establish a structured approach to queen bee breeding and colony performance improvement that have remained underdeveloped in the country.

This is according to a write-up from the Zambia Forestry College prepared by Benious Ikacana, Head of Department - Biological Sciences.

"The project is currently being implemented in the Zambia's Copperbelt Province, currently only covering Kitwe, specifically Mwekera.

"The overarching goal is to enhance honeybee genetics, improve colony productivity and strengthen colony resilience through science-based interventions and institutional collaboration," reads the write-up in part.

Mr Ikacana says Zambia's beekeeping sector has continued to face significant constraints that include low

19/08/2025

Did you know that Agriculture is the hub for job creation?
Apart from ourselves, we create jobs for 👇;
1. Accountants
2. Engineers
3. Purchasing and supply
4. Business Administrators
5. Communication specialists/ journalists
6. Lawyers
7. Doctors
8. Teachers
9. Architectures
10. Agricultural specialists
11. Builders, Electricians & plumbers
12. General workers

-Ackibu Saudi Zambia

19/08/2025

The Conservation Farming Unit has been actively promoting smart farming strategies that empower farmers to prepare their land well in advance of the rainy season. In the face of climate variability, being proactive is essential!

For farmers who have embraced climate-smart agriculture, we invite you to share your experiences. What benefits have you seen from implementing minimum tillage systems and preparing your land early?

Let’s discuss how these practices enhance soil health, reduce erosion, conserve moisture, and ultimately lead to more resilient farming operations. Your insights could inspire others to adopt these vital strategies!

Who will be the first one?

CFU Communications

19/08/2025

Enhancing Queen Bees productivity

The Zambia Forestry College (ZFC) under the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment is implementing a beekeeping and queen bee breeding programme to address critical gaps in Zambia's apiculture sector.

The programme, being funded under the Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL) seeks to establish a structured approach to queen bee breeding and colony performance improvement that have remained underdeveloped in the country.

This is according to a write-up from the Zambia Forestry College prepared by Benious Ikacana, Head of Department - Biological Sciences.

"The project is currently being implemented in the Zambia's Copperbelt Province, currently only covering Kitwe, specifically Mwekera.

"The overarching goal is to enhance honeybee genetics, improve colony productivity and strengthen colony resilience through science-based interventions and institutional collaboration," reads the write-up in part.

Mr Ikacana says Zambia's beekeeping sector has continued to face significant constraints that include low colony occupancy rate, low colony productivity, high absconding rate and inconsistent honey yields.

He said the challenges were largely driven by the unsuitable beehives for queen breeding, poor genetic quality of queen bees, the absence of structured breeding systems and the limited adoption of performance-based selection practices.

"These challenges have led to the underperformance of the beekeeping sector i.e., currently only producing about 10 percent (3,000 to 4,000 metric tonnes of liquid honey) of its estimated potential (30,000 metric tonnes of liquid honey) per annum.

"ZFC's programme through the support of the SASSCAL.2.0 initiative was designed to respond to these challenges by establishing a national network for queen bee genetic improvement, colony performance monitoring and beekeeper-oriented capacity building," he said.

19/08/2025

NGO TRAINS FARMERS IN CLIMATE SMART AGRICULTURE
By Mabvuto Banda

People’s Process on Housing and Poverty in Zambia, a Non-Governmental Organization -NGO- has embarked on training farmers in Climate Smart Agriculture through production of beneficial insects like Black Soldier flies.

Speaking to National Agricultural Information Services -NAIS- People’s Process on Housing and Poverty in Zambia Executive Director, NELSON NCUBE, says the trainings are aimed at equipping farmers with knowledge on climate smart agriculture for the benefit of their livestock.

Mr. NCUBE says the black soldier fly maggots are a good source of feed for livestock, especially chicken and fish, as they have so far proven to be a good source of protein in livestock when given as feed.

He emphasized that through maggot farming, farmers reduce or completely do away with purchasing of synthetic feed for their livestock which are currently fetching higher prices.

Meanwhile, the organization’s Communications and Advocacy officer SHIKANDA KAWANGA says the training is taking place in all parts of the country.

"The vision of the organization is to see a society where the poor have equal access to decent, affordable housing and sustainable livelihoods and means to build resilient communities," Kawanga said.

And SHADRECK SICHALWE one of the beneficiaries says the knowledge which he has so far gained of maggot and black soldier fly farming has helped him in his livestock production.

"I have reduced the cost of buying feed and my chickens are now growing larger in size which translates into higher market prices when selling," Sichalwe said.

People’s Process on Housing and Poverty in Zambia is a non-governmental organization which aims at improving access to decent housing, land as well as promotion of sustainable livelihoods for urban and rural communities.

-NAIS-

19/08/2025

YOUTHS CHALLENGED TO CHAMPION GROWTH IN ZAMBIA'S AGRO SECTOR
By Nicholas Mwale

Minster of Youth, Sport and Arts Elvis Nkandu has called on the youth to take center stage and champion the growth of Zambia’s agriculture sector.

Speaking during the International Youth Day 2025 commemoration hosted by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) in collaboration with the government and other cooperating partners under the theme; ‘Local Youth Actions for the ADGS and Beyond,’ Mr. Nkandu urged the youth to take advantage of agricultural programmes government has created for them to actively participate farming.

Mr. Nkandu says government remains deeply committed to empowering young people so that they get involved in the agri-food systems.

He says government has opted to focus on youth involvement in the agriculture eco-system because their innovativeness and creativity, if well channeled, can be very useful in the agriculture sector.

And Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo has urged youths across the country to apply and access flexible and affordable soft loans under the Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility (SAFF) under the Ministry of Agriculture.

Mr. Mtolo explains that SAFF loans are tilted to irrigation and mechanization as a deliberate measure to attract young people into farming.

Mr. MTOLO says the majority of citizens in Zambia are youth hence the need for them to get involved in agriculture and not leave farming to the elderly.

Meanwhile AGRA President ALICE RUHWEZA has reaffirmed the organization's commitment to working closely with the government, to align efforts with national priorities, including those in the Eighth National Development Plan and National Youth Policy and Zambia's agricultural transformation agenda.

Ms. RUHWEZA says AGRA stands ready to deepen its partnership with the Zambian government to co-create policies, mobilize resources and scale innovations that place Zambian youth at the forefront of the sector.

16/08/2025

GOVT. HANDS OVER K1.3 MILLION FSP FARMING EQUIPMENT IN ISOKA

Government has handed over agricultural equipment and livestock worth K1.3 million to Food Security Pack (FSP) programme beneficiaries in Isoka district.

Speaking during the handover ceremony in Isoka, Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Doreen Mwamba, said the equipment was procured using payback funds contributed by FSP beneficiary households from previous farming inputs.

Ms Mwamba explained that the payback model allows communities to receive seed and fertiliser, after which they contribute a portion of their harvests to fund future community-driven projects.

“This model is inclusive, people-centered, and promotes self-reliance,” she said.

The minister added that the equipment reflects the government’s commitment to rural mechanisation, poverty reduction, and sustainable livelihoods.

And Isoka District Commissioner Jairo Simbeye called for continued collaboration between government and the community.

12/08/2025

Growing sweet potatoes in bags is a cool way to get a harvest even if you've got limited space . Here's how you can do it:

Getting Started
1. Get a bag: Use a grow bag or a sturdy plastic bag with good drainage holes. A 20-30 gallon bag works well.
2. Potting mix: Fill the bag with a mix of compost, soil, and maybe some perlite for better drainage.
3. Sweet potato slips: Get sweet potato slips (these are the sprouts from a sweet potato). You can grow your own slips by placing a sweet potato in water or buying them.

Planting
1. Plant slips: Plant 1-2 slips in the bag, about 2-3 inches deep. Space them a bit apart if you're planting more than one.
2. Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Care
1. Sunlight: Sweet potatoes love sunlight Put the bag in a sunny spot.
2. Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
3. Fertilizer: You can add some balanced fertilizer if you want to boost growth.

Harvest
1. Wait: Sweet potatoes are ready in about 3-4 months.
2. Dig in the bag: Carefully empty the bag to find your sweet potatoes .

12/08/2025

SOLWEZI FRA SATELLITE DEPOTS OVERWHELMED WITH BUMPER HARVEST

Some farmers selling their maize at Solwezi Central Food Reserve Agency (FRA) depot have bemoaned the slow pace at which the agency is buying maize.

One of the farmers Maybin Sapezo has told ZANIS in an interview that the situation is costly on their part as there are expenses attached to their prolonged stay at the depot.

He said farmers are spending nights at the depot due to less manpower, as they are being attended to by two FRA officers using only two scales.

Meanwhile, North-western Province FRA Coordinator Dickson Musema says the satellite depots have received overwhelming bags of maize which he says is an opportunity as opposed to looking at it as a limitation.

Mr Musema says although the Province approved 14 additional depots to the 150, making it 164, the number is still not enough to cater for all farmers.

He adds that as a way to decongest depots, the agency is in the process of opening new additional ones as well as employing more officers and increasing the number of equipment such as scales and sieves as soon as the procurement processes are concluded.

According to the progressive report available to ZANIS, the Agency has so far purchased 33,315.65 metric tonnes of maize across the province.

04/08/2025

🇿🇲🌾 Happy Farmers’ Day to All Zambian Farmers! 🌾🇿🇲

Today, we salute the hands that feed the nation.
To every farmer—whether you grow maize in the valleys of Eastern Province, raise livestock in the plains of Southern, or cultivate vegetables in Lusaka's outskirts—you are the backbone of Zambia’s economy and the heart of our communities.

Your resilience through droughts, floods, and shifting markets is nothing short of heroic. Your dedication keeps families nourished, businesses thriving, and our nation moving forward.

As we celebrate this special day, may you be reminded that your work matters—not just today, but every day.
Thank you for your sweat, your strength, and your spirit.

Happy Farmers’ Day, Zambia! 🇿🇲

03/08/2025

Food For Thought

*Africa Buys What It Already Has — Just Not From Each Other*

Welcome to SADC — the Southern African Development Community, a 16-nation bloc built to promote regional integration, trade, and prosperity.

And yet… we’re bleeding billions every year for goods that are already here.

Let’s break it down:

a) Zambia imports 360 million liters of fuel from Saudi Arabia.
⛽ Angola, next door, offers fuel 25–40% cheaper.
But the trade rarely happens.

b) Angola spends $500 million on Brazilian beef.
🥩 Yet Namibia, right there, supplies EU-grade beef for less.

c) Mozambique pays $312 million for coal.
🪨 Zimbabwe could meet that demand domestically and affordably.

d) Malawi imports $48 million in grain from the UAE.
🌾 Tanzania sells maize at nearly half the price.

e) Angola buys $57 million in fish from Argentina.
🐟 Namibia exports fish across the world… but not next door.

These aren’t just inefficiencies—they’re failures.
Failures to coordinate.
Failures to trust.
Failures to prioritize ourselves.

SADC could rotate $32 BILLION annually in regional trade.
But we don’t.
Because even though it seems simple—it’s not.

So why can’t we fix it?
• Policy Misalignment — Different tariffs, standards, and customs rules slow or block cross-border trade.
• Infrastructure Gaps — Broken roads, poor rail links, and port bottlenecks make it easier to import from overseas than a neighbor.
• Trade Bureaucracy — Complex approvals, currency conversions, and outdated systems keep deals stuck in paperwork.
• Elite Capture — Some benefit from the foreign deals. Local sourcing disrupts the status quo.
• And yes… lack of trust.

It’s not a supply problem.
It’s not just a logistics problem.
It’s a leadership problem.

Until we fix that—Africa will keep buying what it already has… from someone else.

03/08/2025

MULIMI CORNER

My reflection on my small-scale farming journey.

Embracing Small-Scale Mixed Farming
As I reflect on sustainable income generation, I'm drawn to small-scale mixed farming. This approach combines crop production, livestock rearing, and sometimes forestry, offering a holistic solution.

Benefits of Small-Scale Mixed Farming
- Diversified income streams: Multiple crops and livestock reduce dependence on a single product.
Environmental sustainability: Crop rotation, organic amendments, and efficient water use promote soil health and biodiversity.
- Resilience: Mixed farming systems are better equipped to withstand climate shocks, pests, and diseases.
Food security: Growing diverse crops ensures a steady food supply for the family and potential surpluses for sale.

Income Generation Opportunities
- Selling fresh produce, livestock products, or value-added goods
- Agro-tourism and farm visits
- Supplying local markets or restaurants
- Creating artisanal products (e.g., jams, honey, yoghurt)

Challenges and Opportunities
While small-scale mixed farming offers many benefits, it also presents challenges like limited access to markets, finance, and technical expertise. However, with the right support and resources, small-scale farmers can overcome these hurdles and thrive.

Conclusion
Small-scale mixed farming offers a sustainable and resilient approach to income generation. By embracing this model, individuals can create a thriving business while promoting environmental stewardship and community well-being.

Muna Mweemba