Some explorations into Zambia's post-independence policies for food security and poverty reduction

Sub-Saharan Africa is burdened with poverty and food security. Eradication of extreme poverty and hunger is a key Millennium Development Goal. Many African governments have pursued economic reforms and agricultural policy interventions in a quest to accelerate economic growth that contributes to poverty reduction. Taking Zambia as a case example the agricultural policy interventions are examined for the period 1964-2008, to better understand their likely impacts on food security and poverty. The analysis shows that past interventions created perverse incentives for farmers and had mixed effects on enhancing the production of stable foods such as maize. The potential of agriculture to generate a more pro-poor growth process depends on the creation of new market opportunities that benefit the poor the most. The state should encourage private sector activity and investments for addressing infrastructure constraints to improve market access and accelerate more pro-poor growth through renewed investments in agricultural research and extension.