The transformation towards more sustainable agrifood systems calls for innovative policy and institutional coordination mechanisms. In this context, the exchange of experiences among countries becomes essential.

A new brief entitled Policymaking for agrifood systems transformation in Zambia provides an overview of the country’s advances in agrifood policy coordination, governance mechanisms and multistakeholder engagement, as well as the importance of investments for more sustainable agrifood systems. The brief also highlights key socioeconomic, food security and nutrition, and environmental indicators, along with the pivotal policies guiding Zambia’s vision to become a regional breadbasket.

“This brief is an important document produced by FAO which provides an overview of the policies, institutional frameworks, and initiatives aimed at fostering the transition toward more sustainable agrifood systems”
Ms Suze Percy-Filippini, FAO Representative in Zambia.

Key policy frameworks highlighted in the brief are the Zambia Food Systems Transformation Pathways and the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Programme (CATSP). The Transformation Pathways document was developed under the aegis of the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit, articulating the country’s priorities and holistic approach to realize the transformation of its agrifood systems. The priorities and measures set out in the Transformation Pathways document could be operationalized via the implementation of the recently adopted CATSP, which is Zambia’s Second National Agriculture Investment Plan (NAIP II).

Both the National Pathways and CATSP documents are aligned with Zambia’s Eighth National Development Plan 2022 – 2026, and require of coordinated actions across institutions and actors for a successful implementation. The brief provides an overview of the inter-institutional and multistakeholder coordination mechanisms in place.

Finally, the brief underscores the essential role of monitoring and evaluation for the successful implementation of the CATSP and National Pathways. Operationalizing the envisaged feedback mechanisms within the CATSP will be instrumental in monitoring progress and on-the-ground impact and, ultimately, support policy and programme reforms across the national agrifood systems.

“This easy-to-read brief holds significance for policymakers and stakeholders alike, providing the summary of the key policy elements that are supporting Zambia’s transformation towards more sustainable agrifood systems”
Dr. Chizumba Shepande, Director of Agriculture, Ministry of Agriculture

For those keen on understanding the intricacies of agrifood systems policymaking to drive transformation in Zambia, the full brief can be accessed HERE.