• How is vegetable oil produced in Zambia?
  • In Zambia, the production of vegetable oil primarily relies on crushing soybeans and refining the crude oil produced. This means that oilcake/meal for animal feed and vegetable oil are essentially co-products derived from soybeans. Examining trade data for refined vegetable oil unveils a notable trend.
  • Why is Zambia a key production source for regional markets?
  • The growing regional demand for poultry feed inputs, coupled with global supply, climate, and economic challenges, underscores the immense opportunities for Zambia to serve as a key production source for regional markets while still meeting local feed and vegetable oil demands.
  • What are the key markets and value chains of fertilizer in Zambia?
  • 3. Key Markets and Value Chains: Fertilizer Zambia’s fertilizer application rates have shown improvement, reaching approximately 40-50kg per hectare of cropland since 2015. This marks a significant increase compared to the preceding decade from 1980 to 2010 when rates were half7.
  • Does South Africa produce more soybeans than Zambia?
  • Over the past decade, South Africa has nearly quadrupled its soybean output. Surprisingly, Malawi, with significantly less arable land than Zambia, has reached production levels similar to Zambia’s in recent times such as in 2020. Notably, soybeans account for less than 10% of Zambia’s total agricultural output.
  • Are export restrictions harming Zambia’s agricultural productivity?
  • Restrictions on exports and high transport and related costs are harming Zambian producers and undermining investments, which could help improve agricultural productivity. Zambia’s reputation as a reliable supplier could further be compromised by ad hoc export restrictions, prompting potential buyers to seek alternative sources of supply.
  • Where do Zambia’s fertiliser imports come from?
  • Zambia’s fertiliser imports are primarily facilitated through ports in Mozambique, namely Beira and Nacala, as well as from South Africa, particularly through Durban port. Some imports also occur through Dar es Salaam. These fertilisers are imported as final products and for blending in local plants10.