The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) says shortages and price increments in fertilizer on the global market threaten the agriculture sector in Zambia.
JCTR Representative Ntusuwila Nachilono said government needs to put in place safety nets to protect the country from the adverse effects of the fertilizer shortages and price increments.
In an interview with the Zambian Business Times-ZBT, Nachilono said agriculture plays an important role in the Zambian economy as it contributes significantly to economic growth, export earnings and employs approximately more than half of the labour force.
She further added that the sector has great potential to enhance economic growth but has remained not fully exploited despite government’s efforts.
Nachilono stated that for the 2022/2023 farming season, fertilizer prices and shortages are threatening the agricultural sector in the country adding that weather irregularities also threaten the agriculture sector as Zambia’s climate has been highly variable over the last few years.
She mentioned that in the 2018/2019 farming season, the country experienced drought, in the 2020/2021 season, Zambia experienced floods in certain parts of the country and in the 2021/2022 season the country experienced delayed rainfall.
The JCTR Representative noted that fertilizer prices have continued to rise on the global market as they have risen by nearly 30% since the start of 2022.
Nachilono attributed the soaring prices of fertilizer to a number of factors which include the rising input costs and supply disruptions caused by sanctions adding that concerns around fertilizer affordability and availability have been amplified by the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
