Zambia’s soybean value chain has expanded rapidly, becoming the country’s second most important crop after maize. Production has increased significantly, driven by growing demand from feed, processing and export markets. Smallholder farmers now account for the majority of cultivated area.
Recognized as a priority commodity under the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Programme (CATSP), soybean has a key role in Zambia’s agricultural transformation agenda. Strengthening the value chain through targeted public and private investments can improve productivity, expand market opportunities, enhance food security and create more inclusive livelihood opportunities for rural communities.
First assessment
In May 2021, the Ministry of Agriculture of Zambia and FAO conducted a Multistakeholder Workshop, where soybean was selected as a strategic value chain with the highest feasibility and socioeconomic and environmental potential impact for upgrading.
Analysis and design
Findings from the value chain analysis
The analysis identified key structural constraints limiting the competitiveness, sustainability and inclusiveness of Zambia’s soybean sector.
Low productivity and limited adoption of improved practices. Soybean yields remain below their potential due to limited access to quality seeds, inputs, irrigation, mechanization and climate-smart agricultural practices. Smallholder farmers, who dominate production, face significant productivity gaps compared with commercial producers.
Weak value chain coordination and services. Limited coordination among producers, input suppliers, processors and markets constrains the efficient flow of information, inputs and products. Weak extension, business development services and inadequate storage, trading and processing infrastructure further limit value addition.
Limited access to finance and investment. Smallholders, aggregators and MSMEs face difficulties in accessing the finance needed to expand production, invest in equipment and adopt improved technologies.
Climate and market vulnerabilities. Dependence on rainfed production, climate shocks, price volatility and policy uncertainty, including export restrictions, reduce incentives for long-term investment and affect sector sustainability.
Need for more inclusive growth. Gender disparities persist across the value chain, with women facing barriers to accessing markets and participating in higher-value activities.
📊 Zambia's soybean at a glance
- Soybean has become Zambia’s second most important crop after maize, driven by increasing demand from livestock feed, food processing and export markets.
- ~760 000 tonnes (2024). Production has expanded rapidly, reaching record levels in recent years.
- ~600 000 hectares area harvested (2024). Soybean cultivation has expanded significantly, reflecting growing market demand.
- ~1.3 tonnes/ha average yield (2024). Productivity remains below potential, highlighting opportunities to improve access to quality seeds, inputs, mechanization and good agricultural practices.
- 81 percent share of planted area cultivated by smallholders (2022). Small-scale farmers are central to the sector and will be key partners in its transformation.
- Main production areas📍 Central Province📍 Eastern Province📍 Copperbelt Province (with additional potential in the Southern and Lusaka provinces)
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Vision and upgrading strategies
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The upgrading strategy takes a holistic approach, strengthening production, aggregation, processing, finance and market linkages through coordinated public and private investments.
The transformation focusses on four key areas:
🌱 Improving production and value addition through better access to quality seeds, inputs, climate-smart practices, mechanization and processing opportunities.
🤝 Strengthening value chain coordination and the business environment by fostering partnerships, supportive policies and stronger collaboration among farmers, businesses, government and investors.
💡 Enhancing support services and investment through improved access to finance, research, extension services, digital solutions and post-harvest infrastructure.
🌍 Expanding market opportunities by connecting producers and processors to domestic, regional and international markets and promoting soybean-based products.
Stakeholder-driven planning – translating system solutions into actionable programmes
Building on the soybean value chain strategy, FAO, UNIDO and the Government of Zambia are exploring opportunities with potential donors and international financial institutions to support implementation through a dedicated investment project. Partners interested in contributing to the transformation of Zambia’s soybean sector are invited to contact the ASTA team to explore collaboration opportunities.
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