Zambia is entering a new era of farming. The Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Programme (CATSP) is the government’s 10-year plan to move from traditional subsistence farming to a high-yield, commercialized industry. For the Zambian farmer, this means a shift in how you access financing, technology, and markets.
Suppose a farmer plants their maize in November like others have done for years, only to watch the seed sit in dry soil for weeks. Are farmers still trusting current rainfall patterns? Do traditional planting dates still work the way they used to? Across Zambia, farmers are adjusting their planting dates because rainfall patterns are… Read More How Climate Change Is Changing Planting Dates in Zambia
Many farmers slow down planting towards the end of March because the rainy season is ending. The assumption is that crops will struggle once temperatures begin to drop. However, this period can actually work in your favor. Cooler weather reduces pest pressure and helps certain crops develop better flavor and structure. By choosing crops that… Read More 5 Crops You Can Plant in March That Will Thrive in The Cold Season
Envision a country producing enough food but still struggling to move it to markets. Without storage, transport, and clear export policies, a country can harvest large amounts of grain and still fail to become a regional supplier. That is the problem behind the grain basket conversation in Zambia. Many people say Zambia could become Southern… Read More Can Zambia Become A Consistent Grain Exporter in Southern Africa?
Imagine this. You approach a Chief. You follow tradition and are shown land. The headman confirms it and you clear it. You then build a house, construct poultry houses and a piggery, and plant fruit trees. Years later, someone informs you that you cannot remain on that land. Is that legally possible in Zambia? Let… Read More Can a Farmer Lose Land Acquired from a Chief After Developing It?
Climate experts are forecasting the possible return of El Niño conditions during the 2026/2027 agricultural season. For farmers in Southern Africa, including Zambia, this raises serious concerns. Early forecasts sometimes do not translate into exact seasonal outcomes, but they remain important indicators of elevated risk.
When the Bank of Zambia reduced its Monetary Policy Rate by 75 basis points, bringing it down from 14.25% to 13.5%, it signaled an interest rate cut. The message is usually positive. It comes with cheaper loans, more investment, and faster economic growth. On paper, this sounds like good news for everyone including farmers. In… Read More Why monetary policy rarely, directly helps smallholders
Are you planning to get in poultry farming this year but still unsure about which type to choose? Or maybe you have been raising one type and are thinking of adding another to your project? Poultry farming in Zambia is one of the easiest ways to start or expand a farming project, but choosing the… Read More Common Types of Poultry You Can Raise in Zambia
Where Our Beans Go, Who Pays More, and What Farmers Should Know
Maize is Zambia’s staple crop, but very few people understand what it truly takes to farm it at scale. Five hectares sounds small on paper, yet it sits at an awkward middle ground, too big for casual farming, too small for full mechanisation, and too expensive to treat lightly. This article breaks down the difference… Read More What You Actually Need to Farm 5 Hectares of Maize -Traditionally vs Commercially
