Analysis of the Second National Agricultural Policy 2016-2020

Introduction

The Agriculture sector is one of Zambia most important economic sectors. The sector supports the livelihood of approximately 70% of Zambians and accounts  for around 10% of  Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Activities in the sector are guided by a sectorial policy, the First being the 2004 – 2015 National Agricultural Policy (NAP).  The First NAP 2004 – 2015 focused on improving production in the Agriculture sector. During the first NAP period, production increased significantly in all the agricultural sub-sectors as revealed in Situational Analysis, however, there was minimal improvement in productivity. The lack of investment in Research and Development (R&D), technology and weak extension services have been identified as key factors affecting productivity.

The launch of the Second National Agricultural Policy (NAP) 2016 -2020 seeks to address the challenges faced during the implementation of the First NAP.  The Second NAP has shorter duration of 5 years compared to the First NAP that ran for 12 years. The shorter duration conforms to standard policy durations of 5 years, further, the reduced time periods provides for better monitoring and evaluation (M&E).  The Second NAP focuses on ten strategic objectives that include objectives promoting productivity, promoting R&D, strengthening training, promoting markets (inputs and outputs), private sector participation, nutrition and food security.

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National Policy on Climate Change

On the 3rd of  March 2017, Zambia finally launched the long-awaited National Climate Change Policy aimed at stemming the impact of climate change and subsequent reduction of the country’s annual economic growth due to crop failure and the impact of climate change on energy production.

The National Climate Change Policy is an important policy development that introduces a well-structured and coordinated national strategy to effectively tackle the adverse effects of climate change. The policy is driven by the Ministry of  National Development and Planning, represents a document that was developed through a broad based consultative process involving all key stakeholders to ensure stronger collaboration among the ministries that have a role to play in climate change mitigation and adaptation, and special consideration towards vulnerable groups such as poor rural women, children and the youth in Zambia.

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2018 National Budget Analysis

 

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PMRC Understanding the Blue Economy Series

The preparation of the “Rio+20” United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (UNCSD) was held in Rio de Janeiro, for the period 20-22 June 2012  on development and refinement of the institutional framework for Sustainable Development and Advancement of the “Green  Economy1” concept it was during this conference that strong opposition was presented to the Rio+20 preparatory process by coastal and island developing countries who felt the Green Economy approach did not apply to their economic situations and development agenda. This led to the advocacy and proposition of the concept of the “Blue Economy” approach which has a focus on the relevance of the oceans and seas. The coastal and island developing countries have advocated for the recognition of the Blue Economy and the relevance it plays in development. These countries argue the fact that the Blue Economy offers an approach to sustainable development better suited for their circumstances, constraints and challenges. The Blue Economy encompasses various sectors including Transport, Fisheries and Aquaculture, as well as Tourism. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization FAO, fish provides more than 4.2 billion people with more than 15% of their animal protein intake (FAO, 2014) and about 90% of International trade transportation is done by sea, thus oceans, seas, lakes and rivers play an important role in economic and social development.2

 

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PMRC Energy Reform Policy Brief – The Impact of Removal of Electricity Subsidies on Small, Medium Sized Enterprises and Poor Households

 

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Energy Reform Lessons and Implications: Learning from International Experience of Electricity Tariff Reform

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Understanding Zambia’s Economic Recovery Programme – Analysis

On the 11th of November 2016, the Minister of Finance, Hon. Felix Mutati MP, delivered the 2017 Budget Address to parliament and the rest of the country. The theme of the 2017 National Budget is “Restoring Fiscal Fitness for Sustained Inclusive Growth and Development”. In order to restore economic stability, the Government has designed an Economic Recovery Programme dubbed “Zambia Plus”. This Programme is aimed at ensuring sustained and inclusive growth. Zambia’s economic recovery programme ‘Zambia Plus’ is a home grown plan designed with the objective of attaining inclusive and sustained growth by Zambians and complimented by cooperating partners.

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2017 Citizens Budget

The Minister of Finance on 11th November, 2016 presented the National Budget to the National Assembly. The National Budget contains the plans that Government is proposing to carry out in 2017. These plans include key changes in the way Government will raise and spend money. Citizens are, therefore, encouraged to read this booklet, which has been produced to make it easier for them to understand the proposed 2017 National Budget. All citizens should tell their area Member of Parliament of any concerns that they may have with regard to the Budget. This will help their Member of Parliament to discuss the citizens’ ideas on the proposed Budget during the Parliamentary debates. Citizens are also encouraged to listen to Parliament Radio in order to follow the debates by Members of Parliament on the proposed National Budget.

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PMRC Survey on Chinese Nationals Living in Zambia

This Survey Report provides a brief background of China and its contribution to Africa and Zambia in particular. This provides a rich background to generate an appreciation of the rich history that China has and how other countries can learn from this to advance their economic interests. This report provides empirical evidence on the integration of Chinese nationals in Zambia.  The report documents socio-economic and demographic trends that influence the integration of Chinese nationals into the local Zambian society. This report also discusses the factors that influence the contribution of the Chinese communities to social, cultural and economic fundamentals of Zambia.

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2017 Budget Analysis

The 2017 budget is anchored on equitable growth and development across the entire country. The government of the republic of Zambia is cognizant of the challenges involved in its economic recovery programme and has instituted measures to scale up social safety nets to protect the poor in line with the Patriotic Front’s commitment as a pro poor government. Most of the studies of the optimum size of government made by reputable scholars in recent decades have indicated that total government spending should be no lower than 17% and no larger than about 30% of GDP. The 2017 national budget for Zambia stands at K64.5 billion or 27.7% of GDP which is close to the optimal government spending.

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