PEOPLE’S PACT PROMISES FARMERS BUDGET BOOST
The newly launched People’s Pact has pledged to allocate 10% of Zambia’s national budget to agriculture, fulfilling the Maputo Declaration.
Speaking during the launch, former Copperbelt University Vice Chancellor Prof. Naison Ngoma, one of the vice presidents of the People’s Pact, emphasised that peasant farmers are not a problem but a force for economic transformation.
Prof. Ngoma stated decades of neglect have trapped farmers in poverty, with agriculture employing most Zambians yet contributing just 4% to GDP.
He noted low yields stem from missing inputs, irrigation, and markets despite fertile land and hard work.
Prof. Ngoma asserted the UPND government failed on promises, with late FISP, minimal irrigation under 5%, and budgets favouring large farmers.
He announced universal inputs would reach all smallholders on time through cooperatives, cutting middlemen.
Prof. Ngoma emphasised a National Irrigation Programme targets 20% arable land coverage in ten years against climate risks.
He indicated 10,000 new extension officers and district centres would rebuild training via tech and farmer mentoring.
He outlined a Marketing Board with district centres would guarantee fair prices, storage, and roads to end exploitation.
Prof. Ngoma explained pillars extend to low-interest credit, agro-processing, diversification, livestock, land rights, and youth grants.
He predicted this would raise agriculture’s GDP to 20–30%, spur rural jobs, food security, and exports beyond copper.
Prof. Ngoma urged that in 2026 voters must choose the People’s Pact for farmer liberation.