Fostering the sustainable transformation of agriculture in Africa through an inclusive green economy: the case of the livestock value chain in Zambia

Abstract

Despite its importance in the socioeconomic transformation and advancement of the region, the agricultural sector of Africa, in general and in Zambia, in particular, is beset with a number of challenges and shortcomings, such as being rain-fed dependent, low productivity, food insecurity and failure to meet demand for the rising population, which must be taken into consideration if the full potential of it is to be exploited. The overall objective of the present study is to foster the mainstreaming of inclusive green economy principles and approaches into the transformation of African agriculture in order to leverage the untapped potential of agriculture for socioeconomic transformation and sustainable development in Africa, and in Zambia, in particular. With a focus on livestock value chains in Zambia (that is, beef, dairy, hides, skins and leather), this study covers how the mainstreaming of inclusive green economy principles and approaches into the transformation of agriculture could contribute to the following: a) Addressing the structural problems in agriculture, and enhancing productivity, food security, value addition and growth, and competitiveness; b) Enhancing and promoting equity, inclusion and social well-being; c) Ensuring ecological and environmental integrity and climate resilience.