Although agriculture in Zambia only contributes 9.2% to the GDP, it provides jobs to almost 85% of the country’s labor force. It is estimated that there are 5.1 million poor livestock keepers in Zambia. Raising the contribution of agriculture to GDP has the potential to improve food security, create employment and reduce poverty. The productivity of the agriculture sectors has remained low due to lack of investments in infrastructure and technology as well as the adverse impacts of climate change.

The combination of high poverty rates, food insecurity, relatively low agricultural yields, high deforestation and land degradation leave Zambia particularly vulnerable to climate change. Recent climate projections suggest that the country will face higher temperatures, which will affect the growing seasons and increase the frequency of severe climate events.

EPIC research activities

1. Agricultural policy and framework support
2. Identify priority areas for CSA and Save and Grow
3. Agricultural production and productivity.         
4. Market access and sanitary measures.
5. Natural resources management.      
6. Maize-based systems
7. Policy dialogue across governmental representatives
8. Evaluate the usage of fertilizers and identify more efficient fertilizers techniques
9. Agroforestry/perennials
10. Legume crop rotation
11. Adoption of High Yielding Varieties
12. Dairy farming/Livestock
13. Conservation Agriculture