Zambia faces high deforestation rates due to the clearing of forests for agricultural expansion and charcoal production. Agriculture is the main livelihood for most Zambians, and about 80% of producers are smallholder farmers. However, low productivity hampers the agricultural sector, contributing only 5.8% to the GDP.
To combat deforestation, the government prioritises environmental sustainability and the protection of biodiversity. It aims to minimise forest clearing for agriculture and promote agricultural productivity through private sector involvement. This will involve the implementation of favourable trade policies and the reduction of export restrictions on agricultural commodities, according to the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP).
The formalisation of value chains in line with international market requirements, such as sustainability and traceability, therefore become more important for the Zambian agricultural sector. Additionally, Zambia is among the few countries to sign a memorandum of understanding for the EU Forest Partnerships with producer countries during the COP27 UN Climate Change Conference. Through the SAFE project, Zambia aims to contribute to the EU’s holistic approach to jointly protect, restore, and sustainably use forests by ensuring that forests are managed sustainably and deforestation is minimised. The Forest Partnerships encompass the EU’s holistic approach to jointly work on forests and are a means to reverse deforestation in the supported countries and consequently enhance climate and biodiversity protection.