17–18 September 2025, Lusaka, Zambia
On 17–18 September 2025, Zambia convened a National Stakeholders’ Policy Dialogue on Food Systems Transformation towards One Health at Ndozo Lodge in Chilanga. Convened under the Food Systems Transformation in Southern Africa for One Health (FoSTA-Health) project, the Dialogue came at a critical moment as Zambia advances its Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Programme (CATP), reaffirming the country’s commitment to building healthier, more sustainable, and resilient food systems.
The event brought together policymakers, researchers, farmers, civil society, and international partners to deliberate on how Zambia’s food systems can deliver on food security, nutrition, and sustainability. FoSTA-Health is a regional initiative led by a consortium of global and African partners, including Wageningen University, the University of Leeds, Czech Globe, FANRPAN, Kulima, and national universities in the implementing countries. In Zambia, the Agriculture Consultative Forum (ACF) led policy engagement, while the University of Zambia guided the research component.
Deliberations explored dietary transitions, agroecology, pest and pesticide management, and food safety. Research highlighted opportunities to reduce pesticide dependency through biocontrol, enhance biodiversity through agroecological practices, and strengthen food safety systems across both formal and informal markets. The Dialogue emphasized the need to translate these research insights into actionable policies and ensure that findings on dietary change, aflatoxin management, and ecological preservation inform Zambia’s agricultural and health strategies.
By validating research, generating practical recommendations, and aligning with Zambia’s development priorities, the Dialogue strengthened partnerships across government, academia, civil society, and the private sector. Importantly, it underscored the value of linking science with policy to drive innovation, resilience, and equity in Zambia’s food systems, ensuring they meet both immediate needs and long-term sustainability goals.