According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the production of cereal in Zambia is expected to increase to more than 20% by the end of the year as a result of the implementation of improved regional policies by the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
Zambia will join six other countries where cereal growth is expected with statistics posted by the FAO indicating that the highest yield of cereal will be recorded by Zimbabwe at 77%, followed by Sudan at 74.2%, Zambia at 24.5%, Kenya at 8.1%, Malawi at 5.4%, Uganda at 4.5%, and Madagascar at 1.6%.
The statistical report, which was presented last week as a part of the 6th joint COMESA Technical Committee on Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, estimated that agriculture contributes more than 32% of the GDP for the COMESA region and also employs nearly 80% of the regional work force.
Improved policies to various harmonization programs and initiatives within the national policy frameworks contributed to the increased production and sustained growth.
“The programs are aimed at addressing the regional challenges facing the COMESA region in ensuring food security and how to stimulate strong and dynamic agriculture-industry link through sustainable increases in overall agricultural production,” reads the report.
