Overview
The Second National Agricultural Policy (SNAP, 2016–2020) was developed by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock to guide Zambia’s agriculture sector following the 2004–2015 NAP. It addresses gaps in rural incomes, inclusiveness, agricultural financing, marketing, and resilience to climate change.
The policy provides a framework for sustainable diversification, commercialization, private sector participation, and inclusive agricultural growth, with the aim of positioning agriculture as a driver of Zambia’s socio-economic development.
Vision
“An efficient, competitive and sustainable agricultural sector, which assures food and nutrition security, increased employment opportunities and incomes.”
Rationale
Agriculture contributes 10% to GDP, provides livelihoods for over 70% of the population, and employs 67% of Zambia’s labour force. Despite this, poverty reduction and rural income growth remain limited due to:
- Dependence on rain-fed farming.
- Heavy reliance on maize with low diversification.
- Low productivity and weak extension systems.
- Limited access to credit and insurance.
- Overfishing and depletion of natural resources.
- Poor adaptation to climate change.
SNAP responds by promoting agricultural diversification, innovation, and resilience.
Guiding Principles
The policy is anchored on:
- The right to adequate and nutritious food.
- Government as a facilitator of private-sector-led growth.
- Equitable and inclusive development.
- Promotion of agriculture as a business.
- Profitability and competitiveness in markets.
- Recognition of land tenure systems.
- Stakeholder participation in policy implementation.
- Adherence to regional and international treaties.
Policy Objectives & Measures
1. Increase Production & Productivity
- Promote improved crop varieties, irrigation, mechanization, and farm blocks.
- Stocking, disease control, and breeding centres for livestock.
- Expand aquaculture and restocking of natural fisheries.
2. Strengthen Research & Extension
- Invest in research facilities and adaptive research.
- Integrate ICT and mobile-based extension services.
- Improve research–extension–farmer linkages.
3. Enhance Agricultural Training Institutions
- Rehabilitate and expand training centres.
- Update curricula with climate change and nutrition.
- Support income-generating ventures in training institutions.
4. Improve Agricultural Markets
- Promote private-sector participation and warehouse receipt systems.
- Develop climate-resilient marketing infrastructure.
- Strengthen cooperatives and farmer groups in processing and trade.
5. Expand Finance & Insurance
- Promote rural credit cooperatives and savings schemes.
- Strengthen agricultural insurance schemes.
- Encourage payback culture for credit.
6. Private Sector Participation
- Foster agro-processing and value addition.
- Strengthen information systems and planning platforms.
- Promote farm blocks and aqua parks.
7. Food & Nutrition Security
- Support crop diversification and bio-fortified varieties.
- Encourage agro-processing, storage, and preservation.
- Promote nutrition education and indigenous food consumption.
8. Sustainable Natural Resource Management
- Promote conservation agriculture, afforestation, and renewable energy.
- Strengthen co-management of fisheries and pastures.
- Establish biodiversity conservation centres.
9. Climate Change Mainstreaming
- Promote climate-smart agriculture and weather-based insurance.
- Build institutional capacity for early warning systems.
- Raise awareness on adaptation measures.
10. Mainstreaming Gender, HIV/AIDS & Governance
- Ensure equitable access for women and youth.
- Support HIV/AIDS mitigation and access to ART.
- Promote transparency, accountability, and good governance.
Implementation Framework
- Lead Ministries: Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock (MFL).
- Stakeholders: Farmer organisations, cooperatives, CSOs, private sector, development partners, and RECs (SADC, EAC, COMESA).
- Legal Framework: Supported by multiple Acts (e.g., Food Reserve Act 2005, Fisheries Act 2011, Animal Health Act 2010) with reforms underway to strengthen regulation.
- Financing: From government budgets, private sector, and cooperating partners.
- Monitoring & Evaluation: Regular reviews, baseline benchmarks, and quarterly stakeholder meetings.
Expected Outcomes
By implementing SNAP, Zambia expects to achieve:
- Higher agricultural productivity and diversification.
- Increased rural incomes and reduced poverty.
- Food and nutrition security at household and national levels.
- Stronger resilience to climate change.
- Greater private-sector investment and innovation.
- Inclusive agricultural growth that benefits smallholder farmers
