Supporting green recovery in Zambia through sustainable energy interventions
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Supporting green recovery in Zambia through sustainable energy interventions
Renewable energy could transform Zambia’s agrifood systems, new FAO report says
An FAO study evaluates six major agrifood value chains in Zambia and outlines renewable energy interventions to reduce fossil fuel dependence, improve energy efficiency and enhance climate resilience.
Despite its rich natural resources, Zambia faces persistent energy challenges that impact the agrifood sector. Energy access remains low, with only 31 percent of the population connected to the grid. Rural areas are especially underserved, with only 4 percent of households having access to electricity. This lack of electrification, the overreliance on hydropower, outdated infrastructure and high dependence on fossil fuels pose significant risks to both Zambia’s energy security and its agrifood systems.
Zambia has set ambitious targets in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to address both climate and energy challenges. The country has committed to expanding its renewable energy share in the electricity mix to 33 percent by 2030. To achieve this, investing in solar, wind and bioenergy, while also improving energy efficiency and promoting low-carbon transport have been identified as priorities.
Agriculture employs 75 percent of the population, making it a key part of the national economy. However, limited energy access affects the sector’s efficiency and leads to food loss and waste. Integrating renewable energy into agrifood systems can help address these challenges and improve productivity and sustainability.
A new report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Green Recovery in Agrifood Chains through Sustainable Energy Interventions in Zambia, examines how sustainable energy solutions can strengthen the country’s agrifood value chains, enhance food security and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
The FAO study assesses six key agrifood value chains, including cereals, horticulture, dairy, roots and tubers, tobacco and fisheries, to identify high-potential opportunities for renewable energy interventions in areas like milling, storage, irrigation and processing, showing how these interventions can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and transition to energy-smart agrifood systems.
Among the most promising solutions identified are solar-powered milling systems for maize, one of Zambia's staple crops. These systems could reduce GHG emissions by up to 11,000 tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2eq) annually when compared to grid electricity.
In the dairy sector, solar-powered milk collection centres and cooling systems could significantly lower energy costs and reduce emissions by up to 350 tonnes CO2eq per year.
In the tomato value chain, solar-powered cold storage systems could prevent post-harvest losses and reduce emissions by up to 30 tonnes CO2eq annually compared to diesel-powered systems.
Investing in solar-powered irrigation systems in the tobacco industry, a major export crop for Zambia, could result in GHG savings of up to 674 tonnes CO2eq per year (vs diesel) and 75 tonnes CO2eq/year (vs grid electricity).
In fisheries, solar-powered ice machines could improve market access, prevent spoilage and avoid up to 600 tonnes CO2eq/year (vs diesel) and 96 tonnes CO2eq/year (vs grid electricity).
Solar-powered drying and cold storage systems could improve the shelf life of cassava, reduce food waste and avoid emissions by up to 280,000 kg CO2eq per year (vs diesel) and 35,000 kg CO2eq/year (vs grid electricity).
The study also includes a baseline energy survey of the Meheba refugee camp carried out by the Zambian Ministry of Energy (MoE), FAO and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), with over 500 households and five institutions, including schools and hospitals, which reveals that most households lack electricity and refrigeration, and rely on wood and charcoal for cooking and heating.
Scaling up solar-based systems for both lighting and electricity could help address the significant energy gaps in the Meheba refugee camp and promoting improved cookstoves could reduce fuelwood and charcoal consumption.
While renewable energy solutions show strong potential in Zambia’s agrifood sector, they require substantial capital investments. The study underscores the need for strategic financing, public-private partnerships and policy incentives to drive the adoption of renewable energy. With these interventions, Zambia could make significant strides toward creating a low-carbon, energy-smart agrifood systems that enhance food security and climate resilience.