Diagnostic study of the maize-based system in South and East Africa: pathways to sustainable intensification and diversification - a case study of Chipata and Monze districts in Zambia

Mwale, M. 2024. Diagnostic study of the maize-based system in South and East Africa: pathways to sustainable intensification and diversification - a case study of Chipata and Monze districts in Zambia. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). CGIAR Initiative on Diversification in East and Southern Africa. 42p.

Efficient agricultural water management is key to improving crop-water productivity. Very few smallholder farmers in Zambia use irrigation as it is largely informal and applied to fruits and vegetables grown close to the water sources. Only 1% of the small holder farmers use irrigation for field crops and about 16% of them use it for fruits and vegetables (Ngoma, et.al, 2017).

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) conducted a household survey to understand agricultural water management practices used by smallholder farmers. The survey forms part of a larger initiative, Ukama Ustawi (UU), which seeks to support climate-resilient agricultural livelihoods and agribusiness ecosystems in 12 East and Southern African countries, Zambia inclusive to help millions of vulnerable smallholders’ transition from maize-mixed systems to sustainably intensified, diversified, and de-risked agrifood systems with a strong maize base. In Zambia, the survey was conducted in two districts, Chipata District of Eastern Province and Monze District of Southern Province. The study’s main objectives were to understand the sustainability of the maize-based rainfed and irrigation systems and to identify areas of intervention in the context of the key problems, opportunities, and farmers’ preferences.