Zambia has reached out to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for aid in dealing with the agricultural challenges triggered by climate change, which have led to severe food shortages in eight Southern African countries.
President Hakainde Hichilema conveyed Zambia’s concerns about the looming threat to its own food sufficiency during discussions with FAO Director General Qu Dongyu in Rome, Italy’s capital.
Expressing worries about the food scarcity in neighboring nations affecting Zambia’s self-reliance, Hichilema highlighted the nation’s potential for two cycles of cereal crop production per year, leveraging its favorable hydrological and water conditions.
He underscored the importance of maximizing per-acre yields to address the crisis.
Zambia, encircled by eight Southern African countries, grapples with heightened food demand caused by climate change-induced challenges like drought and famine, necessitating urgent support.
President Hichilema emphasized his country’s desire for advanced technology in water harvesting, precision irrigation, mechanization, and animal husbandry. He also outlined plans for FAO assistance to empower emerging farmers through an agriculture credit program, aiming to boost productivity for local and regional markets.
Acknowledging the longstanding collaboration between Zambia and FAO since 1965, Hichilema highlighted their joint efforts in food and nutrition security, natural resource management, and climate change mitigation.
He stressed the government’s commitment to augmenting production and productivity to enhance food security, not just for Zambia but also for the wider region.
