The Zambian government and the United Nations have joined forces to transform the country’s food systems, aiming to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). This partnership supports nationally led programmes to accelerate agri-food systems transformations.
Speaking during the meeting with the Permanent Secretary for Administration in the Office of the Vice-President and Vice Chairperson for the Permanent Secretary Committee on Food and Nutrition, Lilian M. Kapusana, UN Resident Coordinator to Zambia Beatrice Muntali has underscored the UN’s commitment to supporting the government and strengthening the overall joint programme systems to help ensure that social protection is delivered effectively.
She emphasised the importance of integrated food systems, highlighting that “food systems are not just about agriculture or food production; they encompass the entire value chain, from production to consumption.”
Dr. Muntali notes that the partnership will focus on several key areas, including ensuring access to safe and nutritious food for all, shifting to sustainable consumption patterns, boosting nature-positive production, advancing equitable livelihoods, and building resilience to vulnerabilities, shocks, and stresses.
These areas are in line with the UN Food Systems Pathways, which aim to transform food systems to make them more sustainable, resilient, inclusive, and nutrition-sensitive.
Receiving the UN delegation, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Vice-President Lilian M. Kapusana highlighted that the government is set to showcase its experience in food systems at the upcoming UN Food Systems Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+4) in Addis, highlighting its efforts to build resilience and promote sustainable agriculture practices.
According to Ms. Kapusana, the government has implemented a whole-of-government approach, engaging various ministries and stakeholders to respond to the crisis.
She emphasised that this approach has enabled the government to build resilience and promote sustainable agriculture practices, which are critical for achieving food security and nutrition.
The government has made significant progress in addressing food security and nutrition challenges, particularly in the wake of the 2023-2024 drought.
Ms. Kapusana emphasised that the government has implemented a whole-of-government approach to respond to the crisis, engaging various ministries and stakeholders.
And Food Systems Convenor Victor Mbumwae added that transforming food systems is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals, stating that there is a need to work together to build resilient food systems that prioritise nutrition, sustainability, and equity.
“This requires a holistic approach that addresses the entire food system, from production to consumption.”
The UN has been actively engaged in supporting Zambia’s development efforts. In February 2023, the UN Resident Coordinator emphasised the importance of stakeholder involvement in achieving the SDGs. The UN has also launched a Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework with the Zambian government, outlining support for the country’s development priorities.
The partnership will utilise advanced geospatial modelling and analytics, as well as a robust partnership-building approach, to accelerate market-based solutions.
The UN’s Hand-in-Hand Initiative will support the implementation of ambitious programmes to achieve the objectives of eradicating poverty, ending hunger and malnutrition, and reducing inequalities.
The upcoming UN Food Systems Stocktaking Moment (UNFSS+4) will provide a critical platform for sharing success stories, challenges, and lessons learnt. This global event will also highlight investment needs and promote mutual accountability among stakeholders.
By working together, the Zambian government and the UN aim to create a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive food system that supports the well-being of the country’s people and the planet.
15th July, 2025