Indaba Agricultural Policy Research Institute (IAPRI) with Support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), Ministry of Agriculture among other stakeholders launched an Innovative programme yesterday at IAPRI offices in Kabulonga, Lusaka. The programme, ‘’Sustainable Food Systems Transformation: From Evidence to Action,’’ seeks to contribute towards increased production and productivity of the agricultural sector in Zambia by enhanced evidence-based policy making through generation of knowledge and evidence.
IAPRI’s Executive Director Mr. Chance Kabaghe in his remarks said that SIDA’s support and relationship with IAPRI has enabled the Institute to heighten critical policy issues required to sustainably transform the agricultural sector through the provision of timely quality policy research evidence, outreach and capacity building of both public and private sector players.
Mr. Kabaghe added that APRI aims through this project to enhance its work in the climate change and natural resources thematic area as well as continuing with its core mandate of evidence generation to inform policy decision making. It is noted that climate change, unsustainable farming practices and natural resource use hinder the agricultural sector and its ability to feed Zambia’s growing population. Further, sustained use of fertilizer without the consideration of soil health creates challenges for small holder farmers specifically women and youth engaged in agriculture who are already marginalized.
Speaking during the same event, Swedish Ambassador to Zambia, His Excellency. Mr. John Hallenborg said the project was well aligned with Zambia’s Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) which focuses on the strategic development area of economic transformation and job creation.
The ambassador expressed gratitue on the good relationship Sweden shares with Zambia which was currently centered on equal partnership based on mutual interest, trade as well as economic, social, and cultural relations. His Excellency stated that he was confident in the project that it would inspire many stakeholders and provide an opportunity to real changes in the agriculture sector based on evidence-based policy decisions that would benefit the people of Zambia.
