SIFAZ Driving Agricultural Transformation and Agribusiness Growth Among Smallholder Farmers in Eastern Province

Eastern Province, Zambia – 31 March 2026

For many years, smallholder farmers in Eastern Province faced persistent challenges—low productivity, limited access to quality inputs, weak market linkages and increasing vulnerability to climate change. Poor soil fertility and erratic rainfall constrained agricultural production, leaving many farmers reliant on subsistence farming with limited income opportunities.

Today, this reality is changing.

Through the Sustainable Intensification of Smallholder Farming Systems (SIFAZ) programme, farmers across the province are experiencing significant improvements in productivity, resilience and incomes. Funded by the European Union with a total investment of over EUR 32 million and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in partnership with the Government of Zambia and the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), the programme has evolved over the past six years into a scalable model for agricultural transformation.

Currently, the programme is reaching over 54,000 smallholder farmers across 27 districts in Zambia, with more than 18,000 hectares under Sustainable Intensification Practices, contributing to improved yields, food security and climate resilience. In addition, SIFAZ has brokered partnerships with 20 private sector companies and facilitated more than ZMW 78 million in cooperative-led agribusiness investments. These collaborations have expanded access to mechanisation services, significantly improving farm efficiency and reducing labour bottlenecks for smallholder farmers, especially women. The programme is also expanding access to knowledge and extension through digital platforms, reaching over 285,000 farmers, while strengthening farmer organisations and cooperative systems for sustainable market integration.

These results are driven by an integrated approach that begins with research and extends through farmer adoption, agribusiness development and system-level scaling.

Research Driving Practical Innovation

The transformation begins with research that responds directly to farmer realities based on their ecology and socio-economic status. In Eastern Province, where agro-ecological conditions require tailored solutions, SIFAZ applies a research-for-development approach that combines adaptive research with farmer participation.

Through mother and baby trials, farmers test technologies in real farming conditions, ensuring that solutions are practical and locally adapted. As a CIMMYT representative explained, “our work ensures that research is translated into practical solutions for farmers. By co-developing technologies with farmers, we are promoting innovations that are relevant, scalable and climate-resilient.”

Across the programme, hundreds of trials are enabling farmers to adopt improved practices that address soil fertility challenges, increase productivity and strengthen resilience.

Farmer Adoption Driving Productivity Gains

Building on research, the next stage focuses on farmer adoption of Sustainable Intensification Practices. Through structured training, extension services and demonstration plots, farmers are adopting improved agronomic practices that enhance yields and resilience.

For many farmers, the results are immediate and visible. One female farmer Chitundu Zulu of Chinjala Camp extension in Chipata noted, “before this programme, we struggled with low yields. Now, with the training and improved practices, my harvest has increased, and I can provide better for my family,” while another emphasized how the programme is strengthening resilience, explaining that “the technologies we are using now are helping us adapt to climate change. Even when the rains are not good, we are still able to produce and sustain our households.”

These experiences reflect broader productivity gains across participating communities, where farmers are achieving improved and more stable yields under changing climate conditions.

Agribusiness Development and Private Sector Linkages

Beyond production, SIFAZ is enabling farmers to transition into agribusiness by strengthening value chains and private sector linkages. Historically, many farmers in Eastern Province produced mainly for subsistence, with limited engagement in markets. This is now changing.

Through partnerships with private sector actors, the programme is strengthening cooperatives, improving access to inputs and services, and enabling farmers to participate more effectively in markets.

At cooperative level, the impact is equally evident. Adamson Daka, Chairperson of Chipili Multipurpose Cooperative Society,  Chadiza district explained, “through SIFAZ, our cooperative has become stronger. We are now able to access inputs collectively, engage with private sector partners and market our produce more effectively. This has improved incomes for our members.”

At the same time, investments in mechanization are helping farmers improve efficiency and reduce labour constraints, further strengthening productivity and profitability.

Scaling Through Systems and Knowledge

The final stage of the SIFAZ model focuses on scaling impact through systems, knowledge and policy integration. Digital agriculture and structured extension systems are expanding reach and ensuring sustainability.

Thousands of farmers are being reached through digital platforms, while structured knowledge transfer systems are enabling farmers to share skills within their communities.

Importantly, lessons from SIFAZ are being integrated into national programmes such as the Farmer Input Support Programme and the Food Security Pack. As Minister of Agriculture Hon. Reuben Mtolo Phiri observed, “The SIFAZ project has supported improvements in sustainable production, expanded access to mechanization, strengthened agronomic skills, and increased participation of women and youth in agricultural value chains. These achievements demonstrate that strategic investment, paired with farmer dedication, leads to measurable progress.”

Partnerships Enabling Transformation

At every stage of this transformation pathway, partnerships remain central. The European Union Ambassador to Zambia and COMESA Karolina Stasiak emphasized that “The European Union remains a reliable partner for Zambia in building a more productive, inclusive and climate resilient agricultural sector. We are proud to stand with you – farmers, private sector, authorities and development partners – as you turn these opportunities into lasting change on the ground,” underscoring the importance of collaboration in driving sustainable agricultural development.

FAO Representative Ms. Suze Percy-Filippini further highlighted the broader significance of the programme, noting that “what we are witnessing is not just a project, but a complete transformation pathway—from research to farmer adoption, to agribusiness development, and now to scaling through national systems,” while also emphasizing that “through SIFAZ, we are seeing concrete results in improved productivity, stronger value chains and increased resilience among smallholder farmers.”

Transforming Lives on the Ground

For farmers like Alick Banda in Chadiza District, the impact of SIFAZ is both practical and transformative. Through participation in seed production and improved practices, he has been able to turn farming into a viable business, noting that “through this programme, I have been able to produce high-quality seed and increase my income significantly. This has changed my life and given me confidence to invest more in farming.”

His experience reflects a broader shift across Eastern Province, where farmers are moving beyond subsistence farming towards market-oriented agribusiness.

Looking Ahead

A high-level delegation comprising the European Union, Government, FAO and CIMMYT visited SIFAZ project sites, witnessing first-hand the transformation taking place across the province in terms of improved productivity, stronger value chains and increased resilience among smallholder farmers.

SIFAZ demonstrates that sustainable agricultural transformation requires integrated systems that connect research, farmers, markets and policy. By addressing long-standing challenges and building resilient, market-oriented farming systems, the programme is contributing to a more productive, inclusive and sustainable agrifood future for Zambia.