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South African delegate highlights dignity and nutrition in school feeding programmes

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South African delegate Kefiloe Mokoena has commended Zambia’s commitment to school feeding, saying the programme is helping improve access to nutritious meals while supporting children’s participation in education. Mr Mokoena, a representative of the Tiger Brands Foundation, says Zambia’s School Feeding Programme, which provides meals to approximately 5.6 million learners, demonstrates the importance Government attaches to child nutrition. Speaking on the sidelines of the Global Child Nutrition Forum in Lusaka, Mr Mokoena says school feeding programmes should go beyond providing meals and also uphold the dignity and rights of every child. He says all learners, regardless of their social or economic backgrounds, deserve equal treatment and nutritious food served in a dignified environment. Mr Mokoena points to South Africa’s National School Nutrition Programme, which provides breakfast and lunch to nearly 10 million learners daily, as an example of how governments and partners c...

CSOs call for increased funding to nutrition, agriculture and wash

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As Finance and National Planning Minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane prepares to present the 2027 National Budget to Parliament on Friday, November 6, 2026, civil society organisations have called for increased funding towards nutrition, climate-resilient agriculture and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). The organisations say investment in the three sectors is critical to improving public health, strengthening food security and advancing Zambia’s development agenda. They have urged Government to go beyond budget announcements and ensure that allocations translate into actual funding and effective implementation of programmes that directly benefit communities. Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition Alliance Country Coordinator Daniel Kalala says Zambia needs to increase investment in nutrition, noting that the current allocation falls far below the recommended global ambition of between 30 and 40 United States dollars per child under the age of five. Mr Kalala says the country...

Agroecology gains ground as farmers seeks climate-resilient farming

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Farmers in different parts of Zambia are increasingly adopting agroecological farming practices, citing reduced production costs, improved soil fertility and the use of traditional seeds that are better adapted to local climatic conditions. The approach, which combines traditional farming knowledge with sustainable agricultural practices, is helping farmers reduce reliance on expensive chemical fertilisers and commercial seed varieties while improving their ability to cope with changing weather patterns. Organic farmer Gilbert Naifi of Mumbwa District in Central Province says agroecology has significantly reduced his farming expenses through the use of locally available materials to make organic manure . Mr Naifi, who has received training from FIAN International Zambia , says farmers are being taught how to prepare and apply organic manure as an alternative to conventional fertilisers. He explains that preparing organic manure costs him less than K500, compared to more than ...

FIAN Zambia develops App to help users report human rights violations

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FIAN International Zambia has developed a Right to Food mobile application aimed at helping people understand their economic, social and cultural rights and report violations. FIAN International Zambia Country Coordinator Vladimir Chilinya says the application, which is available to Android and iPhone users, provides information on human rights and the government institutions and regulatory agencies responsible for addressing violations. Mr Chilinya says the platform also enables users to report human rights violations , which the organisation can refer to relevant authorities for action. He says the application is part of FIAN Zambia’s efforts to promote awareness of the right to food and strengthen accountability in the protection of human rights. Speaking on Zambia’s election to the United Nations Human Rights Council, Mr Chilinya has called on Government to use its membership to ensure that economic, social and cultural rights are enshrined in the Bill of Rights . He s...

Kapeya urges UCZ to embrace holistic ministry

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Lusaka businessman Robert Kapeya has urged the United Church of Zambia (UCZ) to embrace a holistic approach to ministry by encouraging church members to participate in agricultural activities and other initiatives that improve their livelihoods. Mr Kapeya said the church should go beyond worship and preaching to address the spiritual, social and economic needs of its members through initiatives such as agriculture, education and healthcare. Speaking during the induction of Reverend Mulenga Mulumbwa as UCZ Music Evangelism and Discipleship Coordinator at St Margaret’s Church in Kaunda Square Township, Lusaka, Mr Kapeya said music, evangelism and discipleship were interconnected and essential to the church’s mission. He said music was a powerful tool for spreading the gospel, touching hearts and reaching more people with the message of salvation. “Leadership in church is not merely about holding a position or occupying an office, but it is about serving God’s people, nurturing sp...

Kasambo Urges ZESCO to Ease Power Purchase Agreements for Local Investors

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Mpongwe West Member of Parliament Emmanuel Kasambo has urged ZESCO to simplify access to power purchase agreements (PPAs), particularly for Zambian-owned businesses, to accelerate investment in electricity generation and support the country’s target of producing 10,000 megawatts under the Grow Zambia agenda. Speaking during his maiden speech in Parliament, Mr Kasambo has warned that bureaucratic delays in approving power purchase agreements could discourage investors and undermine efforts to increase electricity generation. He said reliable power was critical to achieving national production targets in agriculture, manufacturing, livestock and tourism, noting that irrigation, beef and sugar processing, and hotel operations all depended on adequate electricity supplies. Mr Kasambo said ZESCO should make it easier for qualified local companies to secure PPAs, particularly those that had acquired land, obtained title deeds and conducted feasibility studies for electricity generation...

Mulwanda pledges to boost fisheries, mining and infrastructure in Mweru

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UPND Mweru Member of Parliament Lesley Mulwanda has pledged to prioritise fisheries, agriculture, healthcare and infrastructure development while pushing for investment in the constituency’s untapped mineral potential. Delivering his maiden speech in the National Assembly, Mr Mulwanda identified overfishing, poor road networks and limited access to healthcare, electricity and clean water as key challenges requiring urgent attention. He pledged to promote sustainable fishing methods, fish farming and fish restocking on Lake Mweru to address pressure on fish stocks caused by overfishing and the use of undersized nets. Mr Mulwanda also committed to helping farmers access inputs and markets, promote value addition to cassava and diversify into crops such as maize, soya beans and wheat, as well as cattle rearing. And Mr. Mulwanda has also committed to improving school infrastructure, keeping girls in school and expanding skills training opportunities, including lobbying for a skills...