SANDRA CHUUNGU 
Farmers from across Zambia have gathered in Lusaka for the Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) annual general meeting at the Mulungushi International Conference Center. The AGM, also known as the congress, is ZNFU’s supreme decision-making body.
This year’s AGM follows a dismal farming season, where farmers and agribusinesses incurred losses due to drought caused by El Niño and climate change.
As a result, farmers expect tangible changes in how their issues are addressed and how farming is conducted in Zambia.
Any plan that protects farming from drought and enables farmers to adapt to varying weather patterns will be welcome.
Leading up to the AGM, questions arose about when new leadership would be introduced at the board and secretariat levels to inject fresh ideas.
Jervis Zimba has led ZNFU for over two terms.Key issues on the agenda include lessons learned from the drought and how to address water harvesting, alternative energy sources, and farmer support.
The recently introduced Ulimi Starter Pack aims to support the government-run Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP). However, controversy surrounds current ZNFU president Jervis Zimba’s plans to cancel the congress, sparking outrage among members.
Zimba’s first term (2018-2021) and second term (2022-2024) have expired.Mungandi stated, “Having been elected following the ZNFU Constitutional amendment of 2018, the current ZNFU President served and held office for his first three-year term between 2018 and 2021 Annual Congress and served his second and last term between 2022 and 2024.” Zimba claims his first term was invalid due to COVID-19, but members reject this argument, citing no constitutional provisions for such maneuvers.
Today, the union may usher in new office bearers with innovative solutions for Zambia’s agricultural sector.
