Resource information
Agriculture and agroprocessing are
important in Zambia's economy, representing more than
40 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) and contributing
about 12 percent of national export earnings. Agriculture
employs some 67 percent of the labor force and supplies raw
materials to agricultural industries, which account for some
84 percent of manufacturing value-added in the country.
Smallholder agriculture dominates the rural economy. It
provides livelihoods for the overwhelming majority of rural
households. The commercialization of smallholder agriculture
is an important element of Zambia's strategy to
increase economic growth in an equitable manner and
diversify smallholder agriculture. This study therefore
asks: 'do Zambian smallholders benefit from greater
participation in value chains?' It provides an
evidence-based analysis of the benefits and constraints
associated with smallholders' integration into specific
commercial value chains. The study also investigates whether
the benefits of participating in these value chains can be
increased for smallholders and provides corresponding policy
and investment recommendations.
