Zambia Small Scale Farmers congratulate President – Elect Hichilema

The Zambian Small Scale Farmers Network (ZSSFAN) has joined a chorus of stakeholders in extending its warm congratulations to President-elect Hakainde Hichilema following his decisive victory in the August 13 general elections. Describing the outcome as a clear testimony of the electorate's trust, the network emphasized the critical role that small-scale farmers play in the nation's food security and economic landscape. In a statement released in Lusaka, ZSSFAN highlighted the administration's stated commitments to transforming the agricultural sector, improving access to farming inputs, and stabilizing macroeconomic fundamentals. Agriculture remains a vital pillar of Zambia's economy, employing a significant portion of the rural population and serving as the backbone for sustainable poverty reduction and rural development. The network noted that the electoral mandate provides a strong platform for the government to accelerate ongoing reforms, particularly those targeted at enhancing productivity, expanding irrigation infrastructure, and opening up reliable market access for smallholders. As the country transitions into a new political term, stakeholders across the agricultural value chain are looking forward to enhanced public-private dialogue and increased budgetary support to address historical bottlenecks in crop marketing and input distribution. President-elect Hichilema's victory, secured with a substantial majority, sets the stage for continuity in economic policy implementation following years of rigorous debt restructuring and fiscal stabilization. For the agricultural community, the immediate priority remains ensuring timely delivery of farming inputs ahead of the upcoming planting season, a crucial factor that will determine harvest yields and national food security. As the nation moves past the electoral phase, ZSSFAN has urged all political actors and citizens to maintain peace and unity, emphasizing that national development requires collective eff