FAO launches $500,000 project to transform Zambia food systems

Filippini said the initiative was aligned with FAO’s four global priorities of Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment and a Better Life.

She said success should ultimately be measured by improvements in the lives of farmers and consumers, including better access to markets and safe, nutritious and diverse food.

Officiating at the launch, Permanent Secretary for Administration in the Office of the Vice-President Lillian Kapusana said Zambia’s food-system challenges required a coordinated, multisectoral response.

Kapusana said Zambia had made progress in reducing child stunting, which declined from 35% in 2019 to 32% in 2026, but more work was required to achieve Sustainable Development Goal Two on ending hunger by 2030.

She said the country continued to rely heavily on maize in both production and consumption, while diversification into nutrient-rich crops, livestock, fisheries and other foods remained limited.

“The country continues to experience production and consumption patterns that are heavily centered on maize, while diversification into nutrient-dense crops, livestock, fisheries, and other nutritious foods remains low,” Kapusana said.

She identified climate variability, post-harvest losses, limited dietary diversity and food safety risks, including aflatoxin contamination, as challenges affecting public health and economic development.

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