The Zambian government has raised concern that forest degradation driven by charcoal production, land-use change, and climate impacts is threatening Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), which many communities rely on for livelihoods. Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Permanent Secretary, Dr. Douty Chibamba, noted that products such as honey, mushrooms, caterpillars, wildlife fruits, and herbs contributed significantly to food security and local economies.
Speaking at the launch of the “Bush2Business” project in Lusaka on Tuesday at the Southern Sun Hotel, Chibamba said NTFPs were vital for rural communities but that producers often received minimal value due to limited processing, weak market linkages, and inadequate business skills. “For countless rural households, especially women and youth, NTFPs provide a reliable source of income in areas where alternative opportunities are scarce,” Chibamba stated. He added that much of the sector’s potential remained untapped, with value chains remaining informal, seasonal, and fragmented.
The “Bush2Business” project, implemented by Agronomists and Veterinarians Without Borders in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, aims to address these challenges. “It provides a coordinated model for strengthening NTFP value chains, supporting producer groups, and facilitating access to local, regional, and international markets,” Chibamba said. He noted that the project aligned with the ministry’s strategies, particularly its targets on forest conservation and sustainable natural resource management.
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The project also supports the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP), which prioritizes rural development, job creation, climate resilience, and nature-based enterprises. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
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