How CDF Is Transforming Agriculture Across Zambia
Communities across Zambia are increasingly driving agricultural development through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), translating local priorities into productive investments. Between 2022 and 2025, communities implemented 68 agricultural projects worth ZMW 32 million, covering crop production, livestock, irrigation, agro-processing, and essential agricultural infrastructure.
Investment in agriculture under CDF has grown steadily. Funding rose from ZMW 1.8 million in 2022 and ZMW 1.2 million in 2023 to ZMW 7.5 million in 2024, before surging to ZMW 21.2 million in 2025. These investments reached all ten provinces, with Central Province recording the highest number of projects at 21, followed by Southern Province (13) and Eastern Province (9).
Funding patterns reflect community needs. Crop production received the largest allocation of ZMW 9 million, supporting tractors, implements, seed production, and storage facilities. Livestock development received ZMW 6.6 million, irrigation projects about ZMW 6 million, and agro-processing approximately ZMW 2.6 million, enabling communities to improve productivity, extend farming seasons, and retain more value locally.
At the community level, the impact is tangible. In Mumbezhi, Kabompo District, Muvambo Cooperative Society used a K40,000 CDF empowerment grant received at the end of 2024 to start a fish-farming project. From one pond, the cooperative expanded to six ponds within months, supplying communities that previously depended on fish transported from Solwezi, about 16 kilometres away.
In October alone, fish sales from two ponds totalled K12,000, with proceeds reinvested into groundnut production to support local fish feed manufacturing. According to the cooperative’s Chairperson, Mr. Kakinga Chivunda, “CDF gave us the chance to start small but think bigger. From the first sales, we saw that fish farming can sustain our households and supply our communities. We are now preparing to harvest from more ponds and grow this into a reliable business.”
Looking ahead, the impact of CDF agriculture projects can be strengthened by aligning them with the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Programme (CATSP), particularly its aggregation model, which enables smallholder farmers to pool their produce, reduce losses, and access structured markets. The Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) continues to coordinate with line ministries to ensure CDF investments align with national priorities and translate into sustainable gains for food security, rural incomes, and community livelihoods.