Since 2012, the Swedish government has invested approximately USD $52 million in agricultural projects to improve market conditions for over 430,000 farmers across Zambia. This initiative, implemented through the Musika project under the program “Making Agricultural Markets Work for Zambia,” has focused on enhancing access to inputs, products, services, and financing for smallholder farmers.
Empowering Farmers and Boosting Incomes
Speaking at the Musika Stakeholders Project Evaluation Meeting in Lusaka, Susanna Hughes, Swedish Embassy Head of Development Cooperation, highlighted the transformative impact of the investment. She revealed that over 430,000 farmers have directly benefited, with improved market access generating over USD $45 million in increased incomes for smallholder farmers. Additionally, more than USD $32 million in private capital has been leveraged, resulting in substantial investments in Zambia’s smallholder market and the creation of new businesses.
Ms. Hughes commended Zambia’s government for fostering an environment conducive to private-sector growth, which has been pivotal in ensuring the success of these projects. “The government’s policies and initiatives have facilitated project implementation and ensured that the benefits reach the intended communities,” she stated.
Government Support for Agricultural Development
The Ministry of Agriculture echoed these sentiments, with Permanent Secretary in Charge of Administration, Yvonne Mpundu, emphasizing the government’s strategic focus on agricultural value chains and market linkages as part of the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP).
Delivered by Assistant Director for Agri-Business, Peter Zulu, Ms. Mpundu’s speech acknowledged the critical role of partners like Musika in advancing private sector-led innovations that transform the agriculture sector. “Musika’s work aligns with the national agenda of economic diversification and job creation, which positions agriculture as a key sector for economic growth and poverty alleviation,” she explained.
Musika’s Sustainability Strategy
Musika Board Vice Chairperson, Dr. Chris Muyunda, outlined the organization’s strategic shift to ensure the sustainability of market linkages. By transitioning from a partner-focused approach to addressing market-wide issues, Musika aims to tackle root causes of market failures through collaboration with stakeholders, including government, private sector players, and traditional leaders.
“Conducting market systems analysis and engaging a broad spectrum of stakeholders will ensure that solutions provided benefit the entire market, not just individual partners,” Dr. Muyunda elaborated.
A Path Toward Economic Transformation
The collaboration between Sweden, Musika, and the Zambian government underscores the importance of partnerships in transforming Zambia’s agricultural sector. By enhancing market systems and fostering private sector growth, these efforts contribute to economic diversification, job creation, and improved livelihoods for smallholder farmers.
The success of this initiative highlights the potential for sustainable agricultural development when governments, private sectors, and international partners work together. As Zambia continues to prioritize agriculture within its national development plans, projects like Musika serve as a testament to the power of strategic investments in driving long-term economic transformation.
