Farmers in Kapoko Camp, located in the Kasenengwa District of Eastern Province, have raised serious concerns over alleged mismanagement of the Farmer Input Support Program (FISP) by local officials. The farmers claim that, over the last two farming seasons, they have only received 500 bundles of inputs, despite the district being allocated a total of 614 bundles. This discrepancy has left many farmers struggling to secure adequate supplies for their agricultural activities.
Preliminary investigations by Caritas Chipata, a non-governmental organization dedicated to advocating for rural farmers and social justice, have highlighted these allegations of mismanagement. The organization, which has been actively monitoring the distribution of farming inputs in the region, discovered that not only were farmers receiving fewer inputs than promised, but they were also allegedly being charged fees for the bundles and for transportation. These additional costs have further strained farmers’ already tight budgets, hindering their ability to produce and sustain their livelihoods.
Caritas Zambia organized a meeting to provide the farmers a platform to voice their concerns and seek answers from responsible officials. During the meeting, farmers shared how the alleged shortfalls in FISP deliveries have negatively impacted their productivity. Many reported being unable to plant on time due to delayed or insufficient inputs, affecting both their yields and their income. The meeting also revealed a general sense of distrust among the farmers toward the program’s local administrators, with some questioning the transparency and fairness of the distribution process.
The Farmer Input Support Program, established to assist small-scale farmers by providing affordable agricultural inputs like seeds and fertilizer, plays a crucial role in supporting Zambia’s agricultural sector. However, accusations of mismanagement, especially in rural areas like Kapoko Camp, are prompting calls for increased oversight and accountability to ensure that resources reach their intended beneficiaries.
Caritas Chipata has assured the farmers of its continued support, pledging to investigate the matter further and advocate for corrective measures at both the local and national levels. The organization’s intervention comes at a critical time, as many farmers are already preparing for the next planting season and are hoping for timely access to the necessary inputs. As the investigation progresses, both farmers and advocates are urging the Ministry of Agriculture to address these issues transparently and ensure that FISP fulfills its mission of empowering Zambia’s small-scale farmers.
By Samuel Khwawe