The Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) has expressed concern with the recent conflicting pronouncements made by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Food Reserve Agency (FRA), regarding Zambia’s maize export plans.
CTPD Executive Director, Isaac Mwaipopo, says the FRA earlier informed the nation of its intentions to export 1 million metric tonnes of maize to the Democratic Republic of Congo, which was contradicted by the ministry of agricultures announcement that only enquires where made on the exports.
Mr. Mwaipopo said that this policy inconsistencies reflect a lack of coordination between the Ministry of Agriculture, which is the principal policy body, and FRA, which is mandated to implement government directives relating to food reserves and market stability.
“This misalignment reinforces perceptions of policy inconsistency, particularly around maize exports which is a problem that has historically undermined Zambia’s competitiveness in regional markets,” said Mr. Mwaipopo in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today.
He said that the misalignment sends mixed signals to both farmers and private sector players, who rely on policy consistency to make long-term investments in areas such as irrigation, storage, and transport infrastructure.
Mr. Mwaipopo also said that Farmers require certainty and predictability to expand their production and participation in export markets, adding that this development serves to deepen existing anxieties among producers.
He has therefore urged government through the Ministry of Agriculture to work more closely with FRA.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mwaipopo has commended government’s initiative under the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Programme (CATSP), which aims to enhance productivity and market access.
Mr. Mwaipopo however said the progress risks being undermined when there is poor coordination between government ministries and agencies, as demonstrated by the contradicting statements from the ministry and FRA.
RCV News.
