Country Profile: Zambia

About 60 percent of Zambia's population depends on agriculture for its livelihood. However, the contribution of agriculture to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has been very low due to over-dependence on mineral resources. But, with the decline in the mineral sector and the liberalization of the economy since 1991, agriculture is increasingly becoming an important sector for economic development.

The low agricultural productivity has been largely due to non-availability of inputs such as fertilizers, improved seeds or planting material and draft power, especially among small scale farmers. These account for about 75 percent of Zambia's farming community and their contribution to agriculture could be significant if these problems could be addressed.

The total arable land available for agriculture is estimated at 42 million hectares but of this 36,000 hectares (0.1%) is currently utilised for cropland and about 6% pastureland.

Geographical Position

Zambia is landlocked, occupying a near central position on the Southern African sub-continent and covering an area of 752,620 square kilometers, which is approximately 2.5 percent of the continent's total area. It shares borders with eight countries; Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly Zaire.

Although Zambia is tropical the relatively high altitude of some of the country (between 900 and 1500 meters above sea level) permits production of temperate crops, such as apples, oranges and grapes and exotic breeds of livestock, such as dairy cattle.

The country is endowed with ample water resources comprising seven big lakes, the Kariba in the south and Bangweulu, Mweru, Tanganyika, Chifunabuli, Walipe and Kampolombo in the north. It is also blessed with four major rivers; the Zambezi, Kafue, Luangwa and the Luapula.

Agro-Ecological Regions

Zambia is divided into three main agro-ecological regions, which are defined on the basis of climatic characteristics of which rainfall is the dominant factor.

Region I

This region (Zambezi and the Luangwa Valleys), covering land that lies between 300 and 900 meters above sea level, receives less than 800mm of rain and temperatures vary from 20° to 25°. It is the driest region, most prone to drought and has limitations in terms of crop production. But, it is endowed with deciduous and acacia woodlands which are used in the timber industry. Acacia trees, for instance, are used in the construction industry and for railway sleepers.

Region II

The region covers the central part of Zambia extending from the east through to the west. It receives medium rainfall of between 800mm and 1000mm, which is evenly distributed throughout the growing season. Temperatures during the rainy season range from 23° to 25° and may rise to about 32° in the hot season. It has moderately leached clayey to loamy soils and is regarded as the most productive area in terms of agricultural production. Important crops that are grown here include the staple food maize, cotton, sugar cane and various other cereals.

Region III

This region receives more than 1000mm of rainfall in a season and covers the northern part of the country. The high rainfall in this region has resulted in the soils becoming leached with a low pH of less than 4.5 and very low reserves of primary minerals. It is suitable for late maturing varieties of crop, such as cassava and pineapples, although about 65 percent of the entire region is yet to be exploited.

Environmental Factors

Since 1991, government authorities have been concerned with environmental issues. This has resulted in the formation of the Ministry of Environment and Natural resources to investigate among other things, how these resources could be utilized sustainably.

The government has instituted an independent body 'The Environmental Council of Zambia' to monitor and access factors that may lead to nature's degradation. Agricultural production is also being undertaken with emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices such as conservation tillage and growing of leguminous crops.

Impact of Liberalisation

The majority of small scale farmers are beginning to appreciate the principles of the market economy. Thus the input supply and buying of produce is no longer dependent on the government but also on the private sector.

Agriculture has been part and parcel of the policy of liberalisation, started with the privatization of major state farms. This has continued with a diversification programme that encourages farmers to diversify from the traditional crops: maize and cash crops such as tobacco, flowers, cotton, coffee and tea to non-traditional crops like paprika and ginger which have higher returns per unit.

Export Potential

Agriculture has tremendous potential on the export market and, over the years, the sector has shown a steady growth rate of 3.4 percent per annum. The major market is the Southern African Development Community which has a total population of about 400 million.

The other sector that Zambia boasts is tourism, which offers many attractions from the Victoria Falls and wild life to parks and the fascinating cultures of its 73 tribes.

Industries

The government has switched from state owned industries to private ownership. The country is therefore, looking for long term investors in the major sectors of the economy; agriculture, tourism and mining.

Currently, the country does not manufacture most of its industrial requirements and thus depends on the outside world to support its major industries.

Imports

Despite the country having favorable weather conditions, it imports a number of agricultural products with the Republic of South Africa taking a leading role. This is a result of trade imbalances that exist among the SADC member states. It is hoped that as the region integrates its economic activity, this trade imbalance will boost local producers. High tax rates and the high costs of buying locally produced inputs (e.g. fertilizers) currently means that it is cheaper to buy imported foodstuffs in Zambia than buying food products that have been produced locally.

Credit: Chris Kakunta, National Agricultural Information Services, Zambia.

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