The National Union for SmallScale Farmers of Zambia (NUSFAZ) has attributed the sharp decline in wheat production to the low engagement of smallholder farmers in wheat cultivation.
Wheat production has plummeted by 35% in the 2024/2025 farming season, with yields dropping from 198,886 metric tons to 129,523.51 metric tons, according to the latest crop survey released by the Zambia Statistics Agency (ZamStats).
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times_ZBT, NUSFAZ President Frank Kayula revealed that despite years of promotion, participation in wheat farming remains alarmingly – low especially among smallholder farmers. He said fewer than 50 farmers are currently involved in rain-fed wheat cultivation in areas such as Mpika. “Only a few farmers are growing rain-fed wheat,” said Dr. Kayula. “However, government has now initiated plans to revamp smallholder engagement through the introduction of two locally developed wheat varieties that are suitable for rain-fed farming.”
Kayula further noted that the drop in wheat production has already triggered a rise in prices for wheat-based products, particularly bread and buns, which have become staple foods in many urban households. This situation, he said, is putting additional pressure on consumers. “In shanty compounds, we are seeing bakeries being set up just to meet the rising demand for bread and buns. But the reduced wheat production poses a serious threat to this supply chain,” he explained.
To cushion the shortfall, government has given a green light to grain traders and the Millers Association of Zambia to begin importing wheat. Kayula estimated that the country may need to import over 200,000 metric tons of wheat to meet current consumption levels. “No wheat is being exported at the moment. Instead, we are importing. Government is keen to ensure that all wheat imports are properly accounted for and only used to fill the actual production gap,” he stated.
Dr. Kayula also stressed that smallholder farmers, if well-supported, have the capacity to surpass commercial producers due to their sheer numbers and flexibility. “The market for wheat is readily available. Products like bread, buns, and biscuits have become part of our everyday consumption. If government continues to support smallholder farmers, Zambia can become self-sufficient in wheat,” he said.
As Zambia braces for rising wheat-based product prices and increasing import dependence, Kayula said the call for greater smallholder involvement is more urgent than ever. He expressed optimism that with improved seed availability and enabling policies, the country could see a turnaround in the coming farming seasons.
