Zambia's Path to Food Sovereignty: The Agroecology Entrepreneurship Journey

By Misheck Nyirongo

In the heart of Zambia, a transformative movement is unfolding. Farmers, entrepreneurs, and communities are coming together to redefine the country's food systems through agroecology, a framework that prioritizes ecological integrity, social justice, and community resilience.

The recent African Agroecology Entrepreneurship and Territorial Market Convening, hosted by the Zambian Governance Foundation (ZGF) in partnership with the Zambia Alliance for Agroecology and Biodiversity (ZAAB) and the Alliance for Food Sovereignty in Africa (AFSA), marked a pivotal moment in Zambia's journey toward food sovereignty.

Agroecology: A Framework for Transformation

Agroecology is more than just an alternative to conventional farming; it's a framework for transforming economies and communities. By linking environmental restoration with economic empowerment, agroecological entrepreneurship is proving that sustainability and profitability can coexist. Small and medium enterprises in Zambia are innovating ways to produce organic foods, herbal products, and eco-friendly crafts while regenerating local ecosystems.

The Lusaka District Marketing Development Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture, Ms. Bridget Kasumba said that, the Ministry recognises the importance of such markets in driving rural development and reducing post-harvest losses while ensuring food remains affordable and nutritious.

The Zambian Governance Foundation (ZGF) Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Engwase Mwale said, “Agroecological enterprises are more than economic ventures; they are living systems that connect our heritage, our health and our humanity. Whether led by women’s cooperatives, youth innovators, or community markets, they are building a Zambia that grows food with dignity, fairness and ecological balance.”

The Challenges Ahead

Despite the enthusiasm for agroecology, the ecosystem that sustains it remains fragile. The absence of a clear policy framework on agroecology in Zambia limits access to funding, technical support, and market incentives. Farmers face challenges competing with subsidized conventional products, and knowledge gaps persist due to the lack of integration of agroecology into mainstream agricultural education.

“There is knowledge and education deficits among the farmers practicing agroecology; and insufficient education on agroecology in the educational sector; and need for more comprehensive teaching in high schools and schools; while the extension officers do not include agroecological training teachings in the communities, ”the farmers bemoaned.

It was also noted that, there’s insufficiency of gender inclusivity on agroecology and inadequate of land ownership, especially for the women farmers, coupled with few seedbanks, yet establishing village seed banks, will definitely be able to also have that ownership at local level.

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Building Power from the Ground Up

The convening highlighted the importance of movement building and collective action in sustaining agroecological growth. A national platform for agroecological entrepreneurs and territorial markets could unify fragmented efforts and create a stronger national voice capable of influencing markets and policy. Leadership and community ownership are crucial to the movement's success.

Ruth Nabangala representative from AFSA reaffirmed, “At AFSA we see agroecology as more than farming practice. It is a movement for justice, dignity, and resilience. It speaks to our right to nutritious food, our responsibility to care for the earth and our vision for thriving rural economies that work for people and the environment alike.”

The work being done here in Zambia through the Zambian Governance Foundation and the Zambia Alliance for Agroecology and Biodiversity is part of that broader African story. “You are helping to shape a new narrative, one where farmers are innovators, markets are local and inclusive and food systems are built on shared knowledge and collective strength,” Ruth said.

And Zambia Alliance for Agroecology and Biodiversity (ZAAB) Vice Board Chairperson Newlove Kanangwa said that agroecological enterprises can create jobs, reduce rural poverty, and provide markets for healthy, locally produced food. “When farmers are supported to innovate, add value, and connect directly to markets, they become drivers of change and custodians of biodiversity,” she noted.

Reframing Value and Success

Agroecology redefines value and success, prioritizing soil fertility, biodiversity, community resilience, and intergenerational knowledge transfer. This shift in thinking challenges conventional economics but also opens space for innovation. Branding ecological products, developing local markets, and integrating agroecology into education are practical steps toward reclaiming agency over food systems.

The representative of the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises, Ms. Pamela Chitulangoma  said, “At the Ministry, we recognise that Agroecological enterprises, in particular, represent a new and transformative frontier for our economy. They not only create income opportunities for rural communities but also protect the environment and strengthen food security, which are key pillars for long-term resilience.”

A Path Forward

The path forward requires persistence, creativity, and collaboration. Agroecological entrepreneurs need access to finance, technical training, and certification programs to strengthen their competitiveness. Policymakers must recognize agroecology as a legitimate pillar of national development and allocate resources accordingly. The private sector and civil society have a shared responsibility to create spaces for innovation, dialogue, and market linkages.

As Zambia continues to nurture its Agroecology Entrepreneurship and Territorial Market movement, the future of sustainable food systems looks bright. With collective action, supportive policies, and a commitment to ecological integrity, Zambia can become a beacon of hope for Africa's food sovereignty. The journey is ongoing, but the seeds of change have been sown.

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