[{"bbox": [97, 154, 1133, 240], "category": "Text", "text": "The Government has previously not placed emphasis on this sub-sector, however, in a notable shift in policy, the 8NDP mentions the development of the horticulture value chains along with irrigation and tree crops as priority areas for the Government."}, {"bbox": [97, 269, 1133, 441], "category": "Text", "text": "The Action promotes international Green Deal partnerships (linked to EU's Farm-to-Fork Strategy, Biodiversity Strategy, and Circular Economy Action Plan) and 'an economy that works for the people'. It further supports Zambian agribusinesses to comply with the EU Deforestation-Free Regulation. In addition, it aligns with the upcoming EU Act on Food Content Recycled Plastic. The Action promotes social & economic rights of women, contributing to the objectives of the EU Gender Action Plan III (2021-2025)."}, {"bbox": [97, 472, 1133, 558], "category": "Text", "text": "The Action aligns with the 8NDP, particularly strategic priorities 1) \"Economic Transformation and Job Creation\" and 2) \"Environmental Sustainability\". It provides climate finance for Zambia's NDCs on \"Sustainable Agriculture\" and \"Sustainable Forest Management\"."}, {"bbox": [86, 602, 325, 629], "category": "Section-header", "text": "## 2.2 Problem Analysis"}, {"bbox": [97, 672, 1133, 788], "category": "Text", "text": "In Zambia's agricultural sector, the intertwining issues of low producer incomes, insufficient participation in market-integrated value chains, and the sluggish transformation towards sustainable practices are critical barriers to development. These issues are deeply interconnected, each stemming from a complex web of underlying causes that demand proven approaches to resolution."}, {"bbox": [97, 817, 747, 843], "category": "Section-header", "text": "### Low Incomes and returns to labour for Smallholder Farmers"}, {"bbox": [97, 847, 1133, 1425], "category": "Text", "text": "The root causes of low incomes among smallholder farmers, in particular in the case of women, youth and people with disabilities, are multifaceted. Inability to invest in improving farms and livelihoods, inadequate infrastructure, such as roads, storage facilities access to renewable and affordable energy, availability of efficient low-cost irrigation systems, and a lack of access to quality inputs, alongside knowledge of improved practices or efficient technologies, significantly hinder the ability of small-scale farmers to increase their incomes. These challenges not only limit the economic viability of agricultural activities but also contribute to a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment. The public agricultural extension advisory system, which includes public extension officers and partnerships with NGOs, serves as a primary source of information for small-scale farmers. However, there are notable challenges in the extension services provided, especially concerning the lack of up-to-date information, particularly on emerging crops like soybean. Private operators are however increasingly pivotal in delivering extension services to farmers, driving agricultural innovation and productivity. Companies offer extensive training, farmer visits, and demonstration plots to smallholder farmers, enhancing their agricultural practices. Recent reports¹⁹ highlight the importance of tailored extension services and innovative credit systems, facilitating access to quality inputs and ensuring effective use. Furthermore, the Aquaculture, Groundnuts, and Soy Value Chains Analysis Report²⁰ showcases out grower business models in the soybeans value chain, where companies like Good Nature Agro support farmers with inputs and guidance, promoting improved agricultural techniques. Working with the private sector and increasing its capacity to provide producers with quality, local services (including mechanisation and irrigation) at competitive prices therefore appears to be a worthwhile approach in the Zambian context."}, {"bbox": [97, 1453, 987, 1480], "category": "Section-header", "text": "### Insufficient Smallholder Farmers' Participation in Market-Integrated Value Chains"}, {"bbox": [86, 1525, 1142, 1597], "category": "Footnote", "text": "¹⁹ GIZ. Global Programme Promotion of agricultural finance for agri-based enterprises in rural areas\nPoultry and Horticulture Value Chains Scooping and Business Models Development – Assignment Report. 2018 & Agriculture Finance Diagnostic, Zambia, The World Bank, 2019."}, {"bbox": [86, 1598, 1142, 1646], "category": "Footnote", "text": "²⁰ GIZ. Global Programme Promotion of agricultural finance for agri-based enterprises in rural areas. Soya Beans, Groundnuts and Aquaculture Value Chains Business Models Analysis. Value Chains Assessment and Business Identification Report. 2021."}, {"bbox": [1038, 1682, 1143, 1706], "category": "Page-footer", "text": "Page 9 of 32"}]