The recent departure of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) from Zambia marks a pivotal moment for the nation’s agricultural sector, ushering in a new era that demands robust innovation and strategic resilience from all stakeholders. Dr. Oliver Bulaya, a leading authority in Climate Smart Agriculture, has characterized this withdrawal as a “significant shift,” anticipating far-reaching implications for both national food security and the livelihoods of rural communities.
For decades, USAID served as a cornerstone in bolstering Zambia’s agricultural value chains. Its extensive support encompassed crucial initiatives such as training farmers in sustainable practices, enhancing critical access to markets, and championing nutrition-sensitive agricultural techniques. Through its comprehensive programs, countless smallholder farmers gained access to essential credit facilities, significantly improved their yields, and acquired invaluable business skills, enabling them to scale operations and substantially increase household incomes.
“USAID was instrumental in empowering smallholder farmers to access financial services that effectively transformed subsistence farming into viable commercial ventures,” Dr. Bulaya explained. “These targeted interventions not only elevated agricultural output but also contributed significantly to community health and broader economic participation.”
Beyond direct farmer support, the agency strategically invested in vital research and infrastructure projects designed to seamlessly connect farmers to both regional and national markets. Concurrently, it actively promoted the adoption of technologies meticulously tailored to Zambia’s unique climatic and ecological realities. These foundational advancements laid crucial groundwork for improved food systems and robust job creation, with additional benefits to the national economy through augmented tax revenue streams.
With USAID’s operational exit, Dr. Bulaya issued a clear warning that Zambia must swiftly and decisively recalibrate its approach to agricultural development. He strongly urged local Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and other development actors to proactively reduce their reliance on external donors, advocating instead for the cultivation of innovative, homegrown partnerships.
“Local NGOs must critically rethink their operational models,” he advised. “Diversifying income streams and actively forging alliances with Zambian businesses are paramount to ensuring long-term financial sustainability and maximizing community impact.”
While acknowledging the undeniable challenges posed by the withdrawal, Dr. Bulaya firmly believes this moment also presents a unique opportunity for Zambia’s agricultural ecosystem to achieve greater maturity and self-reliance. He issued a compelling call to action for all stakeholders—including the government, private sector, civil society, and farmers themselves—to engage in collaborative efforts to chart a new and independent course.
“This juncture demands bold thinking and exceptionally coordinated action,” he affirmed. “By strategically embracing adaptation, Zambia possesses the inherent capacity to not only safeguard its recent agricultural gains but also to unlock its full potential for sustainable growth and comprehensive food security.”
As the nation navigates this transformative phase, critical attention will be focused on the speed and effectiveness with which stakeholders can converge to fill the void left by USAID, thereby sustaining the momentum toward a resilient, self-reliant agricultural future for Zambia.