The Context

Zambia's economy is expected to grow over the next years, yet poverty still remains a challenge, particularly in rural areas where 55 per cent of the population lives. Four in five rural people experience poverty, compared to one in three people in urban areas, while households led by females are more susceptible to poverty.

Seventeen per cent of Zambians are experiencing food insecurity at the crisis level or worse. This is largely due to a series of shocks, including pest infestations, disease, and significant increases in input and food prices. The adverse effects of climate change, including droughts, have further impacted on livelihood conditions of farmers.

With more than seven in ten Zambians relying on agriculture for food, employment and income, the sector remains pivotal for economic diversification, poverty alleviation and for achieving middle-income status by 2030.

The Strategy

IFAD contributes towards sustainable rural development and increases the incomes of poor rural people in Zambia by focusing on small-scale farmers and extremely vulnerable households with limited livelihood options.

IFAD works with the Zambian Government to sustainably enhances the productivity of key livestock systems for smallholder producers and develops institutional arrangements to control livestock diseases.

Furthermore, IFAD improves access to financial services for rural people and promotes policies and institutional frameworks for rural financial services.