A prototype methodological framework for the analysis of the post-production sector has recently been developed by the Post-Harvest Management Group, Agricultural Industries Service (AGSI), FAO. The framework is intended as a guide to assist in the collection, choice and use of relevant information; problem identification and prioritisation; and assessment of opportunities for improvement. The framework requires further elaboration and refinement through practical application in the field and Zambia was selected for the first exercise in field-testing.
For some time now the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) has been implementing a structural adjustment and reform programme aimed at stabilising the economy. The movement from a centralised to a liberalised, market-driven economy has entailed, amongst other measures: privatisation of parastatal organisations, removal of agricultural credit subsidies and restructuring of some lending institutions. As a consequence, farmers are currently in a transitory situation, and are facing serious constraints, particularly with respect to the provision of inputs and the handling and marketing of produce.
Zambia is one of the countries participating in the FAO’s Special Programme for Food Security (SPFS), which aims to make the most of agricultural production, especially in the present transitory and precarious economic situation. The Programme has been operating for just over a year in five districts: Kalomo District in Southern Province (where a maize based farming system is being practised in a drought prone area); Kaoma District in Western Province (where a cassava based farming system prevails); and in Kafue, Chibombo and Mkushi Districts, where horticulture and irrigation development projects have been established. The SPFS had identified various post-production aspects as in need of immediate attention including: better storage facilities for improved varieties at on-farm level; feeder roads; alternative crop markets; and provision of market information to farmers. However, it was felt that the programme could benefit from more systematic provision of information about the post-production system of grains, roots and tubers and food legumes. It was therefore proposed that the first exercise in field-testing the prototype framework for analysis should be undertaken within the SPFS Districts. During a project preparation mission to Zambia in April 1997 it was agreed that the study would address the post-production systems for two major crops namely, maize and cassava.
Among the many grain and root crop staples consumed in Zambia, maize is by far the most important and it is the most favoured staple among the urban community. In rural areas, it is the main staple food in the central, southern and eastern parts of the country. Maize production was previously encouraged in other parts of the country through various public policy measures but cassava and grains, such as millet and sorghum, remain the dominant staples in northern, western and north-western parts of Zambia.
Maize is well represented in all five of the SPFS districts but cassava is found in only one (Kaoma). In order to improve the representation of cassava in the study it was agreed that one district be substituted by a non-SPFS district where cassava is more important. Kafue District, where farming systems are similar to those in Kalomo District, was substituted by the major cassava-producing district of Mansa in Luapula Province.