ZAMBIA COMMITS TO BOOSTING CROP DIVERSITY THROUGH GLOBAL INITIATIVE

ZAMBIA has officially launched the Power of Diversity Funding Facility, a global initiative that aims to promote neglected and underutilised crops, also known as opportunity crops, to boost climate resilience, improve nutrition, and conserve biodiversity within food systems.

The international multi-donor initiative is managed by the Crop Trust, an international organisation dedicated to conserving and making crop diversity available for use globally, and for the benefit of everyone.

Speaking at the launch, Zambia Agriculture Research Institute (ZARI) Director, Ndashe Kapulu, stated that the initiative seeks to not only preserve genetic diversity but also promote the local cultivation and consumption of these underused crops.

Dr Kapulu explained that by integrating such crops into national diets and economies, the initiative is expected to help expand the food systems agenda while reducing inequalities.

“As the world’s population continues to grow, and the challenges of climate change, pests, and diseases intensify, the importance of crop diversity becomes even more apparent. The Power of Diversity Funding Facility will make a significant contribution to addressing some of these challenges,” he said.

Dr Kapulu highlighted that the initiative focuses on three main components: securing crop diversity in genebanks, developing value chains, and fostering supportive policies and knowledge sharing to ensure sustainable conservation and use.

He also stressed the need for stakeholder participation in the national consultation process, which will help determine Zambia’s priority crops under the programme.

“Crop diversity is a fundamental aspect of agricultural practices. It has sustained societies for generations and is critical as we face growing challenges from climate change, pests, and diseases,” Dr Kapulu added.

He said this in a speech read on his behalf by ZARI’s Assistant Director, Dr Patrick Chikoti.

KfW Country Director, Susanne Guenther, reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to strengthening Zambia’s agricultural resilience through the Funding Facility, calling the initiative a vital step in tackling food insecurity and climate change.

“Germany extends its long-standing partnership with the Crop Trust through this initiative. The conservation and sustainable use of agricultural biodiversity is essential in building food systems that are more adaptive to climate shocks and better aligned with nutrition needs,” Ms Guenther said.

Ms Guenther pointed out that opportunity crops, often more resilient to climate change and richer in nutrients than conventional staples, remain underutilised in Zambia despite their transformative potential.

“Traditional crops like maize are facing increasing vulnerabilities due to shifting weather patterns. This further emphasises the need for resilient alternatives, and opportunity crops offer a viable solution,” she explained.

She also welcomed the recent cooperation agreement between ZARI and the Crop Trust as a key step in operationalising the initiative.

“Together, through such collaboration, we can make a substantial impact on Zambia’s agri-food sector, securing a more sustainable future for farmers, communities, and consumers,” Guenther added.

The Project Coordinator of the Project, Nico Wilms-Posen, highlighted the fundamental role of seeds and genebanks in achieving long-term food and nutrition security.

“Seeds are the foundation of our food system and our cultural heritage. ZARI and other national and international genebanks, with support from the Crop Trust, are doing important work to conserve these crops not only for today’s needs but for future generations,” Mr Wilms-Posen said.

The launch of the Power of Diversity Funding Facility positions Zambia as a key partner in global efforts to revitalise crop diversity and support inclusive, climate-smart food systems. -NAIS