The Government of Zambia has officially launched the E-Agriculture Project, a landmark initiative designed to transform the nation's agricultural sector through digital inclusion, technology integration, and data-driven decision-making. The project is a collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Technology and Science, and the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority ZICTA.
The launch, held under the theme "Smart Farming for a Digital Zambia: Empowering Growth Through Technology," underscores the government's commitment to using technology as a catalyst for productivity, food security, and sustainable development. The Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Reuben Mtolo Phiri, MP, officiated as Guest of Honour, highlighting the crucial role of digital infrastructure in improving farming efficiency and supporting Zambia's national production goals.
Hon. Phiri commended ZICTA for its comprehensive support in providing both equipment and training to agricultural extension officers. He emphasized the importance of connectivity for the successful implementation of e-voucher systems and farmer support services. With only 2,620 extension officers serving 3.5 million farmers, he called for increased recruitment and private-sector participation in extension services. He also reaffirmed the government's targets to achieve 10 million metric tons of maize, 1 million metric tons of soybeans, 1 million metric tons of wheat, and full self-sufficiency in rice production.
