EU, IFAD and Ministry of Agriculture invest in climate-resilient horticulture in Zambia

Lusaka, Zambia 13 October 2026 – The Ministry of Agriculture, the European Union (EU) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) today launched the Agroecological Transitions for Horticulture in Arid Zones (ATHAZ) programme, a EUR 14 million (around ZMW 314 million) regional initiative that will support 15,000 smallholder farmers in Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Funded by the European Union and implemented by IFAD with partners,  ATHAZ will help farmers use water more efficiently, adopt sustainable farming methods and improve access to markets by supporting water-efficient irrigation systems, improved and drought-tolerant seed varieties, integrated pest management, better soil and nutrient management, crop diversification, and other farming practices that protect natural resources.

The programme will also establish Agroecological Innovation Hubs, bringing together farmers, researchers and extension services to test and scale solutions that respond to local needs.Beyond farm production, ATHAZ will support the development of 30 horticulture value chains across the three countries, helping smallholders gain better access to markets, services and income opportunities.

“ATHAZ supports Zambia’s agricultural transformation by promoting more climate-resilient horticulture, better water use, stronger value chains, and more stable incomes for rural communities. It will turn innovation into opportunity — not only for production, but also for jobs, local business and stronger local economies,” said Ms Lana Žutelija, Team Leader, Environment & Climate, Agriculture, Private Sector & Trade, European Union Delegation to Zambia and COMESA.

“In Zambia, water scarcity and climate variability remain major constraints for smallholder farmers. Through ATHAZ, IFAD and its partners will support locally adapted horticulture solutions, linked to our existing projects, to strengthen farmers’ resilience, incomes and household nutrition,” said Edith Kirumba, IFAD Country Director for Zambia and Botswana.

About ATHAZ

ATHAZ is a EUR 14 million programme funded by the European Union through DeSIRA+ and implemented by IFAD in partnership with icipe, FiBL and BvAT. Operating in Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe, the three-year programme supports farmer-led innovation, climate resilience, sustainable natural resource management and inclusive market development.
 

Media contacts
IFAD: Patrick Ndiwga – p.ndwiga@ifad.org
EU: Press & Information Officer, EU Delegation to Zambia & COMESA: Ms Vanessa Nchimunya Mweemba, Nchimunya.MWEEMBA@eeas.europa.eu , +260 970007092.