Building resilience in the Zambian food system Constraints and opportunities in the sorghum and cowpea value chains

This report investigates how two opportunity crops, cowpea and sorghum, could transform Zambia's food system. While these crops offer significant potential to strengthen agro-ecological resilience and improve nutrition and health outcomes, their growth is constrained by maize-focused policies, limited access to quality seeds, and a lack of mechanised equipment. The research highlights how gender and age influence agricultural roles, noting that women and youth often face greater barriers to land ownership and market control. Findings from urban consumer surveys reveal that while taste and health benefits drive demand, seasonal price spikes and social stigmas associated with poverty limit consistent intake. To address these systemic bottlenecks, we propose interventions that focus on strengthening community seed banks, enhancing processing technology, and establishing direct market linkages. Ultimately, the document advocates for a holistic policy shift that integrates opportunity crops into national food security strategies and ensures the country's food and seed sovereignty.