A consultant has emphasized the need to operationalize the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Program (CATSP) to boost Zambia’s agriculture sector and foster national development.
Speaking during a study tour for senior management staff from the Ministry of Agriculture in Pretoria today, Dr. Alain Onibon explained that for CATSP to succeed, the government must employ a compendium of policy implementation instruments.
Dr. Onibon stressed that CATSP was conceptualized on the premise that any policy implementation requires appropriate measures.
“Any policy implementation instrument consists of the following categories of measures: fiscal incentives, regulatory measures, infrastructure development, process management, and communication capacity building,” he stated.
He further explained that CATSP was designed with key building blocks to ensure effective implementation and national benefits. He highlighted the need for systematic execution of activities and consideration of successful value chains from other countries.
Dr. Onibon reiterated that once fully implemented, the policy would drive job creation, increase exports, boost the gross domestic product, and enhance food and nutrition security, leading to self-sufficiency.
The CATSP commits the government to devising appropriate measures to ensure the sustainability and progress of various agricultural value chains. The agriculture sector remains critical to Zambia’s economic growth and GDP contribution.
Policy and Planning Department Acting Director Paul Mumba noted that some CATSP activities are already underway.
For the program to be effective, Director of Audit Larry Mulombwa emphasized, “We need to embrace collaborative linkages for CATSP to be successfully implemented from 2024 to 2033.”
He also pointed out the importance of engaging with other ministries to ensure they are familiar with CATSP activities.
The CATSP is Zambia’s second National Agriculture Investment Plan (NAIP II). It aligns with continental and international aspirations for the agriculture sector and is integrated into the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) and Vision 2030. Launched in 2024, CATSP will run for ten years, from 2024 to 2033.
