Government Launches ATHAZ Project
Government has launched the Agroecological Transitions for Horticulture in Arid Zones (ATHAZ) Project in Zambia, an initiative aimed at helping smallholder farmers adapt to climate change while improving horticultural production and livelihoods.
The launch took place on Tuesday, 13th October 2026, during the project’s inception workshop at the InterContinental Hotel in Lusaka.
Speaking at the event, Ministry of Agriculture Acting Permanent Secretary – Administration, Dr Chizumba Shepande, said the project aligned with the Grow Zambia Agenda and the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Programme (CATSP).
Dr Shepande said the initiative would support farmers in adapting to changing climatic conditions through efficient water use, irrigation, sustainable land management and improved agricultural technologies.
He also highlighted the importance of strengthening agricultural resilience against droughts and the anticipated effects of El Niño, while creating opportunities for women and young people in the horticultural sector.
European Union Team Leader for Environment and Climate, Agriculture, Private Sector and Trade, Ms Lana Žutelija, emphasised the importance of partnerships in advancing sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation.
She said supporting farmers in arid areas with appropriate technologies and sustainable production practices could strengthen food security, protect natural resources and improve their ability to withstand climate-related shocks.
Meanwhile, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Agricultural Research for Development Lead, Dr Fenton Beed, highlighted the role of research and innovation in developing sustainable horticultural production systems in water-stressed environments.
Dr Beed stressed the importance of agroecological approaches, appropriate technologies and evidence-based interventions in helping farmers adapt to changing weather patterns and improve productivity.
The ATHAZ Project is a regional initiative supported by the European Union and IFAD, covering Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. The €14 million programme seeks to strengthen smallholder horticultural production, improve water-use efficiency and promote sustainable, market-oriented agricultural practices.
The initiative also complements Zambia’s 10:3:1:1 Vision for 2031, which targets annual production of 10 million metric tonnes of maize, three million metric tonnes of soyabeans, one million metric tonnes of wheat and one million metric tonnes of sugar.
The project is expected to contribute to efforts to build a more climate-resilient agricultural sector while supporting sustainable production and improved livelihoods for smallholder farmers.