Official government statistics reveal a significant 43% decline in cowpea production, raising concerns over the future of one of Zambia’s most climate-resilient food crops. Traditionally cultivated by smallholder farmers for both household consumption and commercial purposes, cowpea has become an increasingly strategic crop for food security. The projected reduction in output underscores the urgency of addressing challenges in the sector. In an interview with Zambian Business Times (ZBT), Danny Kabwe, Production Manager at Farmers Outgrowers Foundation Limited (FOFL), highlighted persistent barriers preventing smallholder farmers from fully capitalizing on cowpea’s profitability and climate resilience. Kabwe identified insect infestations during the growing...
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