Agriculture

Zambia’s population of 13.3 million is expected to double by 2030. Increased agricultural production in the country is therefore fundamental to meet the growing demands for food. 70% of the population depends on subsistence farming, but only 25% of these are food secure. Although the agricultural sector is the second largest contributor after mining to Zambia’s Gross Domestic Product, the sector's growth is at less than 1% per year with little value addition. 

It is in this context that SNV focuses on the development of agriculture sector to foster economic development and poverty reduction through a value chain development approach. Our current focus is on rice, bee products and livestock. Within these sub-sectors, we aim to improve the positioning of small scale farmers and processors, including women and youth, in the value chain.  We support these small scale farmers and processors to increase their production and productivity, facilitate their access to local and international markets, and support partners to dialogue with government on agricultural policies.