The Ministry of Green Economy and Environment, in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), has launched the “Scaling-Up Public-Private Co-Investments for Climate Action in Agrifood Systems” readiness project.
The initiative is aimed at equipping stakeholders from both the public and private sectors with the methodologies and tools needed to foster climate-resilient agricultural systems.
Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Permanent secretary, Douty Chibamba, says the Green Climate Fund backed project will run over a three-year period, with a total funding of $2.47 million allocated across six participating countries, with Zambia being allocated $400,000 to support local implementation efforts.
Speaking through a speech read on his behalf by National Designated Authority Coordinator, Billy Katotonka, Mr. Chibamba said the project marks a shift from planning to implementation in Zambia’s efforts to scale up climate-resilient solutions within the agrifood system.
“This initiative is a strategic tool for delivering Zambia’s national climate development and investment priorities,” said Mr. Chibamba.
He also said that it comes at a critical time, as the country works to mitigate the effects of the 2023-2024 drought crisis, which impacted over 6.5 million Zambians.
Meanwhile, FAO representative, Suze Filippini, noted that the project lays a strong foundation for attracting investment into critical sectors such as smallholder agriculture, agribusiness, and broader food systems and value chains.
Ms. Filippini further said the project will enhance institutional capacities, close knowledge gaps, and identify financing opportunities.
Cynthia Lupiya.
