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When Fertilizer Became Too Expensive, Farmer Found Hope in the Soil

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By Favourite Kalando As the sun rises over Serenje District, Gibson Ngoma is already in his field. Instead of opening bags of chemical fertilizer, the 56-year-old farmer walks towards a large heap of maize stalks, dry grass, leaves and cattle manure. To many people, it looks like farm waste. To him, it is the future of farming. "It is all I need," he says with a smile. "Everything for my fertilizer comes from right here." For many years, farmers across Zambia have relied on chemical fertilizers to produce good harvests. But that has become increasingly difficult. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global supply chains, and when the Russia-Ukraine war broke out, fertilizer prices rose sharply. What used to cost about K750 per bag before 2019 climbed to around K1,200 by 2022, making it difficult for many small-scale farmers to afford enough fertilizer. But rising input costs are only part of the problem. Farmers are also battling the growing effects of climate change. Er...
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PRESIDENT HICHILEMA TO UNVEIL THE ZAMBIA MECHANIZATION POLICY DOCUMENT IN FEBRUARY

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  Agriculture Minister, Ruben Mtolo says Agricultural Mechanization is the key enabler to the country’s vision to hit 10-million metric tons of maize production by 2027.   Speaking when he graced the Limani Muwine tractor handover ceremony by  Corteva Agro Science Zambia  today, Mr Mtolo says the attainment of this goal calls for increased productivity and a renewed focus on the adoption of sustainable farming practices. Mr Mtolo has acknowledged that many farmers are unable to access appropriate and affordable mechanization equipment and services.  "Agricultural mechanization has multiple benefits such as proper land preparation, right spacing for the required plant population, proper fertilization and accurate and safe application of Agrochemicals," Mr Mtolo said. "A modern and mechanised agriculture sector is, therefore, a key enabler to improve yields from the current average of 2 metric tonnes per hectare to the desired average of more than 7 metric to...
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REA'S ELECTRIFICATION DRIVE: MOUs FORGE BRIGHTER FUTURES IN RURAL ZAMBIA

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It is a well-known fact that the Rural Electrification Authority-REA whose overall mandate is to provide electricity infrastructure to rural areas using appropriate technologies has since its inception in 2006, implemented a wide range of projects using grid extension, solar home systems and mini-grids.    This was initially aiming to raise rural electricity access from 3-percent to 51-percent by 2030, but the target has now been revised  and is expected to be achieved by 2026.   While questions may arise regarding its achievability, it is crucial to note that REA's mission has received indirect reinforcement through the Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) it has been signing with local authorities nationwide. As of November 16, 2023, the Authority has collectively signed 73 MoUs with various local authorities across the country.  This initiative aligns with the recent government's directive for all Local Authorities to allocate 1 million kwacha from the Constit...
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