HARNESSING UNDERUTILISED CROPS TO STRENGTHEN FOOD SECURITY

ZAMBIA is stepping up efforts to unlock the potential of underutilised crops in a bid to enhance food security, support rural livelihoods, and strengthen resilience against climate change.

This came to the fore during a stakeholder meeting focused on promoting indigenous dryland crops.

Zambia Agricultural Research Institute (ZARI) Director, Kapulu Ndashe, said crops such as sorghum, cowpeas, pigeon peas, finger millet, and pearl millet offer immense promise due to their adaptability, nutritional value, and economic potential.

Despite this, he noted, these crops remain largely underexploited.

“These crops are more than just food, they are key to the future of our agriculture, our farmers, and our nation’s resilience to climate change,” Dr Kapulu said.

He attributed their low uptake to limited market access, low consumer awareness, and inadequate research.

Dr Kapulu highlighted government efforts to support the sector through policies such as the Crop Diversification Strategy and the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Programme (CASTP).

However, he stressed that implementing these policies remains critical.

“Let us work together to create an enabling environment that supports the growth and development of these crops. Ensuring farmers have access to seeds, markets, and essential services will be critical,” he said.

Dr Kapulu added that with the right investments, Zambia could become a regional leader in the production and utilisation of these resilient crops.

Earlier, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) Cropping Systems Agronomist, Tijjani Kamaluddin, said the importance of dryland crops continues to grow as climate-related shocks intensify.

Dr Kamaluddin underscored the need for collaborative and science-driven approaches to support farmers in dryland areas.

“Farmers in these regions need inclusive solutions that help them not only survive but thrive,” he said, calling for more innovation and partnerships to strengthen sustainable farming systems.

Meanwhile, Professor Kayula urged stakeholders to build stronger partnerships, strengthen policy support, and enhance market linkages for underutilised crops, describing them as key to addressing Zambia’s food and nutrition security challenges.

He cited global food insecurity statistics, noting that in 2022 more than 368 million people worldwide experienced food insecurity, while six million Zambians were affected between late 2024 and early 2025 due to an El Niño-induced drought.

Professor Kayula emphasised the need to recognise food security through its four pillars availability, access, utilisation, and stability saying all must be addressed to make underutilised crops viable.

“If these crops do not reach consumers, producers will stop growing them because they need to recover their investment. A farmer will always produce what has a market,” he said.

He urged stakeholders to strengthen value chains by connecting seed suppliers, growers, processors, distributors, and financiers, stressing that responsive national policies remain crucial.

“Policies have played a major role in improving crops like rice and cassava in Zambia. Researchers must continue developing varieties that respond better to climate change and have higher yields,” he said.

Professor Kayula expressed concern that many farmers still grow sorghum, millet, cowpeas, and pigeon peas without knowing where to sell them, while processors struggle to find reliable suppliers.

“To develop viable value chains, every player must get value for money. Let’s connect, share ideas, and popularise these crops. Together, we can build markets that work for everyone,” he said. - NAIS