P. O. BOX KZ065, Kazungula
info.Kazungula@grz.gov.zm
kazungulatowncouncil@gmail.com
AGRICULTURE

Department Of Agriculture

Dr/Mr/Mrs/Ms

Director – Agriculture

The Agricultural Department is considered the primary provider of the extension agricultural extension service .The overall focus for the department is to enable the farmers make informed decisions so as to increase their production and productivity. 

The Department of Agriculture and Livestock Services is responsible for advancing sustainable agricultural development, improving food security, and boosting livelihoods across Kazungula District. Guided by the Ministry of Agriculture’s objectives, the department provides:

OBJECTIVES

Crop production and agronomic support: Offering training, extension services, and input provision (quality seed, fertilizers), aligned with national aims to help farmers make more informed decisions and increase productivity agriculture.gov.zm+1agriculture.gov.zm+1.

Veterinary and livestock management: Focusing on animal health, disease prevention, and improved breeds to support smallholder pastoralists rearing cattle, goats, sheep, donkeys, poultry, and pigs—reflecting local livestock presence .

Agribusiness and market facilitation: Linking farmers to value chains, supporting market access and post-harvest handling in line with the Ministry’s agribusiness & marketing strategy .

Climate-smart and conservation farming: Promoting sustainable practices and resilience through techniques such as conservation farming and green/efficient production .

Fisheries and irrigation support: Leveraging local water bodies like the Zambezi and Chobe rivers to bolster fishing and small-scale irrigation activities .

KEY SUB-UNITS AND FUNCTIONS

These sections are staffed by extension officers, agronomists, veterinary personnel, and administrative support, all dedicated to supporting both peri-urban and rural farming communities within Kazungula.

This division focuses primarily on crop production, food security, market linkages, and sustainable farming practices. It is responsible for coordinating government agriculture programmes and providing technical advice to farmers. Key functions include:

  • Extension Services Unit

    • Provides hands-on training and technical support to farmers on best agronomic practices.

    • Demonstrates climate-smart and conservation farming methods.

    • Promotes diversification into high-value crops and horticulture.

  • Crop Production Unit

    • Facilitates access to certified seeds and appropriate fertilizers.

    • Guides farmers on pest and disease management, including early warning systems.

    • Supports post-harvest management to reduce losses and improve quality.

  • Agribusiness and Marketing Unit

    • Links farmers to markets, value chains, and agro-processing opportunities.

    • Promotes the formation of cooperatives and farmer associations for collective bargaining.

    • Assists in organizing agricultural shows and exhibitions to showcase local produce.

  • Irrigation Development & Fisheries Unit

    • Promotes smallholder irrigation schemes to enhance production throughout the year.

    • Supports aquaculture development and sustainable fishing practices in the district’s rivers and water bodies.

This division focuses on animal health, livestock production, and disease control to improve the livelihoods of livestock keepers and safeguard public health. Its activities are aligned with both national veterinary policies and local needs. Key functions include:

  • Veterinary Public Health Unit

    • Conducts vaccination campaigns against diseases such as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), East Coast Fever (ECF), Newcastle Disease, and rabies.

    • Oversees abattoir inspections and meat hygiene to ensure safe meat supply.

  • Livestock Development Unit

    • Promotes improved livestock breeds through artificial insemination and livestock restocking programs.

    • Provides technical advice on animal husbandry, feeding, housing, and pasture management.

    • Supports the establishment of livestock infrastructure such as dip tanks, spray races, and kraals.

  • Animal Health Surveillance & Disease Control Unit

    • Monitors and reports on animal disease outbreaks.

    • Implements quarantine measures and movement controls where necessary.

    • Coordinates with national veterinary services on disease eradication programmes.

To ensure services reach all corners of Kazungula District, the department operates through a network of agricultural camps and veterinary zones. These are manned by trained Agriculture Extension Officers (AEOs) and Veterinary Assistants, who are the first point of contact for farmers in both rural and peri-urban areas.

  • Agriculture Extension Camps: Cover specific geographical areas and provide direct technical support to farmers through field visits, demonstrations, and farmer training days.

  • Veterinary Zones: Oversee livestock health, provide outreach vaccination, and offer animal husbandry support in the local communities.