The departure of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) from Zambia marks a turning point for the country’s agricultural development, prompting calls for innovation and resilience from stakeholders. Dr. Oliver Bulaya, a renowned authority in Climate Smart Agriculture, has described the withdrawal as a “significant shift” with far-reaching implications for food security and rural livelihoods.
For decades, USAID has played a central role in strengthening Zambia’s agricultural value chains. Its support included training farmers in sustainable practices, enhancing access to markets, and promoting nutrition-sensitive agriculture. Through its programs, smallholder farmers gained access to credit, improved their yields, and adopted business skills that allowed them to scale operations and increase household incomes.
“USAID enabled smallholder farmers to access financial services that transformed subsistence farming into viable commercial ventures,” Dr. Bulaya explained. “These interventions not only improved agricultural output but also strengthened community health and economic participation.”
The agency also invested in research and infrastructure that connected farmers to regional and national markets, while promoting technologies tailored to Zambia’s climatic and ecological realities. These advancements laid the groundwork for improved food systems and job creation, with added benefits to the national economy through increased tax revenue.
With USAID now exiting the country, Dr. Bulaya warned that Zambia must swiftly recalibrate its approach. He urged NGOs and other development actors to reduce their dependence on external donors and instead build innovative, homegrown partnerships.
“Local NGOs must rethink their operational models,” he advised. “Diversifying income streams and forging alliances with Zambian businesses can ensure financial sustainability and community impact.”
Dr. Bulaya believes that while the withdrawal poses undeniable challenges, it also presents an opportunity for Zambia’s agricultural ecosystem to mature. He called on all stakeholders—government, private sector, civil society, and farmers themselves—to collaborate in charting a new course.
“This moment demands bold thinking and coordinated action. By embracing strategic adaptation, Zambia can not only safeguard recent agricultural gains but also unlock its full potential for growth and food security,” he said.
As the country enters this new phase, attention will turn to how quickly and effectively stakeholders can come together to fill the void left by USAID and sustain the momentum toward a resilient, self-reliant agricultural future.
That’s nice please help us
End of USAID dependency is a good thing .Zambia is a 60yr old adult and should therefore have learned by age 30 to fend for itself and stand on its own.
Comment:A good move by the u s.zambia is old enough we have to stand on our own.
Proper order and i agree with the other comments that it’s about time Zambia was weaned from the free milking breast. Numerous courses, workshops, grants were provided in rural communities for the purposes of sustainable agriculture, a complete waste of money. When the program ended these lads sat on their butts until the next workshop came along and they attended that and drank the free water and snacks. there was no implementation of knowledge gained. No USAID program or any international aid group need to teach a Zambian how to farm in their own country. Wake up and stop relying on the freebies and handouts, learn to feed yourself and produce enough for sale.
Success is weaning yourself away from aid dependence. This is what Mauritius achieved. Waiting for donors to offload you is not correct. My proposal is to remain on donor support for some ore time. Meanwhile, start preparing abominable exit strategy. For instance, donors are gays but Zambia is attacking days left, right and center. Stop it, Mind yours business. Pride comes before a fall. Think before you leap
Success is weaning yourself away from aid dependence. This is what Mauritius achieved. Waiting for donors to off load you is not correct. My proposal is to remain on donor support for some more time. Meanwhile, start preparing a formidable exit strategy. For instance, donors are gays but Zambia is attacking gays left, right and center. Stop it, Mind yours business. Pride comes before a fall. Think before you leap
Success is weaning yourself away from aid dependence. This is what Mauritius achieved. Waiting for donors to off load you is not correct. My proposal is to remain on donor support for some more time. Meanwhile, start preparing a formidable exit strategy. For instance, donors are gays but Zambia is attacking gays left, right and center. Stop it, Mind your business. Pride comes before a fall. Think before you leap