800 agricultural extension officers will be employed by the government this year, according to Agriculture Minister REUBEN MTOLO.
According to Mr. MTOLO, the officers would provide smallholder farmers with knowledge that will boost their output.
At a consultative meeting in Lusaka for the creation of the Country Food and Agriculture Delivery Compact Document, the minister made this statement.
The Compact Document will be used by President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA to promote Zambia at a conference later this month in Dakar, Senegal.
Mr. MTOLO meanwhile emphasized the requirement for African nations to collaborate in creating programs that will address issues facing the agricultural sector.
The conflict between Ukraine and Russia, which has caused a substantial rise in the price of food and fertilizer, is one of the difficulties, according to Mr. MTOLO.
He continued by pointing out that as climate change has gotten worse, there have been more floods, droughts, and pest infestations, which has made the majority of African countries food insecure.
He pointed out that if the compact is effective, Zambia will be able to access funding that will increase the output of crops, livestock, and fisheries all across the nation.
THULE LENNEIYE, a consultant with the Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), stated that the group is prepared to work with the government to address the problems smallholder farmers in Zambia are facing.
