Zambia’s food systems present a challenging paradox. Despite abundant natural resources, including arable land, water, and diverse food options, the country struggles with food insecurity and malnutrition. Ranked in the “severe hunger” category by the 2024 Global Hunger Index, Zambia faces a malnutrition crisis where 35% of children under five are stunted, 28% of children (6-59 months) suffer from anaemia, and 21% of women of reproductive age are similarly affected. Furthermore, poor diets have contributed to the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which accounted for 35% of deaths in 2019.
Economically, agriculture employs 85% of the workforce but contributes only 9.2% to GDP, reflecting low productivity and high vulnerability among rural populations. Poverty remains widespread, with 60% of Zambians living below the poverty line. Social inequities, highlighted by a Gini index of 51.5, exacerbate challenges in accessing diverse and nutritious diets. Environmentally, deforestation, land degradation, and heavy reliance on charcoal and firewood for cooking have led to significant biodiversity loss, undermining the long-term sustainability of the food system.
Zambians’ diets are heavily maize-centric, limiting dietary diversity and nutrition. Only one-third of children aged 6-23 months and pregnant or lactating women meet the minimum dietary diversity. Protein sources are often restricted to grains and fish, with insufficient fruit and vegetable intake affecting over 90% of adults. Urbanization and rising incomes have introduced more Westernized diets, increasing rates of overweight, obesity, and diet-related NCDs. Food safety remains a critical issue due to poor handling practices and pesticide contamination, particularly for fruits and vegetables.
Consumer behavior is shaped by economic and geographic divides. Nshima, a maize-based staple, dominates diets across Zambia, with rural households spending more than half their income on food. Urban households, by contrast, allocate more to protein-rich foods like meat, milk, and eggs. Limited nutritional knowledge perpetuates poor dietary practices, affecting overall health outcomes. Most Zambians rely on informal markets, such as street vendors and small shops, which often lack proper food safety measures.
To address these challenges, Zambia’s food systems require transformative policies and practices. Crop diversification should be incentivized to reduce reliance on maize and promote nutrient-rich foods. Supporting smallholder farmers through improved productivity and market access can enhance economic stability. Environmental sustainability must also be prioritized, with investments in renewable energy and sustainable farming practices to reduce deforestation and mitigate land degradation. Consumer education campaigns can bridge knowledge gaps, promoting better dietary choices and food safety practices. Collaborative action among stakeholders is essential to transform Zambia’s food systems into equitable, sustainable, and nutrition-sensitive systems.