On September 26, 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture, in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and USAID, launched the National Crop Diversification Program at the IITA campus in Ngwerere, marking a bold step toward sustainable agriculture and resilience in the face of climate change. This initiative, driven by the urgency to address food security amidst recent droughts, seeks to shift Zambia’s agricultural reliance from maize to more drought-resistant crops, such as cassava and sorghum, ensuring a stable, diversified food supply.
The launch event underscored the essential role of crop diversity in achieving long-term food security and reducing the vulnerabilities associated with climate variability. Maize, a staple crop, remains highly susceptible to drought, making diversification an essential strategy for safeguarding livelihoods and food supplies across Zambia. The new strategy promotes crops that can thrive in drier conditions, helping farmers protect their yields and communities maintain access to nutritious food even under challenging weather conditions.
Youth innovation took center stage at the event, with the Zambia Youth Agripreneurs (ZYA) showcasing a variety of creative, cassava-based products that demonstrate the versatility of this climate-resilient crop. Attendees had the chance to sample cassava-groundnut burgers, cassava chips, cassava custard porridge, and even Congolese chinchins. These unique products highlighted the potential of cassava not only as a resilient food source but as an opportunity for agripreneurs to create value-added goods that drive economic growth. The excitement at the ZYA booth was palpable, as visitors engaged with young agripreneurs, learned about the cassava processing techniques, and tasted the possibilities that crop diversification can bring to the table.
The product showcase was the result of intensive training on High-Quality Cassava Flour (HQCF) utilization, held at the IITA Campus in Ngwerere just days before the launch. This training empowered 25 young participants, along with local bakers and restaurant owners, to harness the versatility of cassava in creating marketable products. By equipping them with these skills, the initiative fosters new business opportunities within the community and contributes to the diversification strategy’s broader goal of economic empowerment and sustainable food production.
The National Crop Diversification Program signifies a major shift toward resilience in Zambia’s agriculture. It is an investment in the future of farming, encouraging communities to embrace crops that withstand harsh climates while enriching diets and local markets. Through collaborative training and initiatives like this, ENABLE TAAT remains dedicated to supporting Africa’s farmers and agripreneurs, driving sustainable change and resilience in the face of climate uncertainty. With the commitment of partners, farmers, and innovators alike, Zambia’s agricultural landscape is set to become more diverse, sustainable, and resilient for generations to come.