Department of Agriculture plays a key role in contributing to the country’s economic growth by producing required raw materials, producing exportable agricultural goods, generating employment particularly in rural areas, as well as providing food stuffs essential for the sustenance of acceptable nutrition standards and levels.

Vision

A Smart and Value-Centered Ministry of Agriculture.

The vision is to promote and facilitate a conducive environment for agricultural development encouraging the adoption of smart and innovative ways to improve production and productivity in the Agriculture Sector.

Mission Statement

To facilitate the development of a sustainable and diversified agricultural sector for enhanced income generation, and food and nutrition security.

Statutory Mandate

Ministry of Agriculture derives its mandate from the Government Gazette Notice No. 836 of 2016. Accordingly, its portfolio functions are:
i. Agricultural Credit
ii. Agricultural Development
iii. Agricultural Marketing Policy
iv. Agricultural Research and Specialist Services
v. Agricultural Training
vi. Agricultural Policy
vii. Agriculture Extension Field Services
viii. Food Security
ix. Irrigation Development
x. Seeds, Standards and Grades.

The main objective for the Ministry of Agriculture is to facilitate the development of sustainable, diversified and competitive Agricultural sector to ensure food, nutrition and income security for the Zambian citizens. The objective is achieved through policy formulation, monitoring and evaluation, promoting agricultural diversification and improved infrastructure, strengthening regulatory frameworks and fostering income and employment generation within the sector. The following is a breakdown of the objectives

• FOOD AND NUTRITION SECURITY          

To ensure a dependable annual production of basic food supplies at competitive prices, maintaining acceptable nutritional standards and levels.   

• INCOME AND EMPOWERMENT GENERATION

To create employment opportunities particularly in rural areas and maximize income generation for farmers through the full utilization of agricultural potential.

• SECTOR SUSTAINABILITY

To promote sustainable agricultural practices and maintain and improve the existing agricultural resource base.

• SECTOR COMPETITIVENESS

To enhance the competitiveness of the agricultural sector through efficiency improvements, cost –effective strategies and the adoption of new technologies.

• POLICY AND PLANNING

To develop and implement appropriate policies, provide policy guidelines and effectively plan, monitor and evaluate agricultural programs.

• INFORMATION AND AWARENESS

To effectively provide agricultural information to increase awareness among stakeholders within the sector.