Agricultural Services in Germany: Development and Implementation of District Agriculture Plans

Zambia is facing significant challenges related to food insecurity, poverty, and climate vulnerability, with over 60% of its population living below the poverty line. The rural population, especially women smallholder farmers, encounter numerous barriers to socio-economic inclusion. These challenges are exacerbated by climate change, unsustainable farming practices, and gender disparities in access to land and resources. The Zambian government has initiated the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Programme (CATSP) as part of its 8th National Development Plan (8NDP), which aims to promote climate resilience, agricultural diversification, and inclusive rural development. However, the implementation of these reforms is hindered by weak institutional capacity and a lack of resources at the local level. This project seeks to provide guidance to key decision-makers and technical experts in agricultural authorities at both national and sub-national levels. The goal is to enhance the formulation and execution of policies and strategies that support climate resilience, food security, and business development. Agricultural extension advisors from various sectors will be trained to adopt innovative, evidence-based approaches to agriculture that are sensitive to nutrition and gender issues. The target beneficiaries are smallholder farmers in three regions of Zambia (Luapula, Southern, and Eastern Province), who primarily grow food for their families and sell any surplus. The project aims to strengthen the capacities of agricultural administrations for evidence-based policy-making and improve the dissemination of effective, locally relevant solutions for climate resilience and food security. By focusing on gender-responsive practices and empowering local communities, the project aims to foster sustainable agricultural development.