Strong Harvest, Weak Systems



Zambia records 4.9 million tonnes maize output, but CSPR warns of climate, storage, and market risks

The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) says Zambia’s projected maize harvest of about 4.9 million metric tonnes for the 2025/2026 farming season reflects a strong recovery in the agriculture sector, but warns that structural weaknesses could undermine the gains.

Isabel Mukelabeli, Executive Director of CSPR, said the estimate from the shows an improvement from last season’s 3.6 million metric tonnes, driven by better production following recent climate shocks.

Mukelabeli said the harvest is above Government’s 2026 target of 4.5 million metric tonnes and supports progress toward the 10 million metric tonnes goal by 2030, but stressed that the gains remain fragile.

She said Zambia’s continued reliance on rain-fed agriculture leaves production highly exposed to droughts and climate variability, calling for increased investment in irrigation and water harvesting systems.

Mukelabeli also raised concern over post-harvest losses, citing weak storage infrastructure and limited access to modern grain handling technologies that reduce the value of production.

She urged Government to expand storage facilities, improve preservation tools, and strengthen farmer training to reduce losses.

Mukelabeli further warned that market absorption capacity remains uncertain, especially whether the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) can purchase surplus maize at fair prices across all regions.

She called for stronger export access through the and the to avoid oversupply and falling farm-gate prices.

Mukelabeli also noted that Zambia faces competition from cheaper GMO maize in regional markets, urging a clearer trade strategy and stronger support for grain traders.

She said agricultural diversification remains essential, with increased investment needed in livestock, fisheries, and climate-resilient crops such as millet, sorghum, cassava, and legumes.

Mukelabeli concluded that sustained agricultural gains will depend on addressing irrigation gaps, reducing post-harvest losses, and strengthening market systems across the value chain.

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