Food & Agriculture businesses in Zambia

Zambia has enormous potential to expand its food and agriculture sector. Challenges include limited rural electrification, lack of capital investment, and inadequate infrastructure for getting inputs into farms and produce out to markets. All these can be overcome with appropriate support from government. From small-scale one-man bands to large commercial agri-businesses, there is opportunity in Zambia for all sizes of farmers.

Farming requires inputs, such as agrochemicals, fertiliser and seeds, and equipment, such as tractors and implements, irrigation and fencing. These lead to efficiencies through speeding up processes and saving on labour. Farm machines vary in complexity, from simple hand-held implements to the complex harvesters of modern mechanised agriculture.

Although Zambia usually enjoys good rains from December to April, many farmers irrigate their crops throughout the year. Different options include sprinkler irrigation, surface irrigation, drip irrigation, sub-irrigation and manual irrigation. Depending on the system used, various parts are needed - pivots, irrigation heads, irrigation pumps, irrigation controllers, drip irrigation filters, irrigation pipes, micro-sprinklers, and more.

Crops may be bought by commodity buyers or marketeers. Other types of farm produce include honey and wax from beekeeping, milk and cheese, meat and poultry, fish, forestry produce, and fruit and vegetables.

Livestock farming is covered in the animal husbandry category. Many farmers in Zambia follow an extensive, free-range farming method, but this can be supplemented by stock feed supplied by milling companies. Quality veterinary services and the supply of animal health products help ensure healthy animals.

Much of the food produced is processed and this has created a food processing industry requiring food-grade chemicals. The Food Safety and Standards body ensures processed food is safe for consumption. Some businesses specialise in processing and distribution, marketing processed farm produce nationwide.

Other services related to food and agriculture in Zambia include agricultural consultants, land surveyors, agriculture insurance agents and estate agents specialised in agricultural land and property.

Whether you're just starting as a farmer and looking for the right property, or are established with agricultural produce to sell, Infobwana can assist you in identifying the most relevant Food and Agriculture businesses in Zambia for your needs. Use the contact details or enquiry form to get in touch.