The dusty M12 road, snaking its way through the Eastern Province of Zambia, is a testament to the challenges facing the country’s agricultural sector. Overloaded trucks navigate treacherous potholes, while pedestrians, motorcyclists, and cyclists share the road, kicking up clouds of dust. This arduous journey, a daily reality for many Zambians, exemplifies the critical need for improved infrastructure to unlock the country’s agricultural potential.

Recognizing this urgent need, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) has launched a $491 million compact with the Government of Zambia, aimed at transforming the country’s agricultural landscape. The centerpiece of this initiative is the Roads and Access Project, a $315 million investment focused on improving critical road infrastructure, facilitating market access, and boosting agricultural productivity.

“This compact makes it easier for Zambia’s farmers and agriculture processors to sell their products and grow their businesses,” emphasizes Alice Albright, CEO of MCC. “Zambia has the potential to not only become food secure but also a leading supplier of agricultural goods to the region and the world.”

The Roads and Access Project will prioritize the improvement of approximately 210 miles of key roads, including the M12, connecting farmers to markets and reducing transportation costs. This will be complemented by crucial policy reforms and capacity building within the road sector, ensuring the long-term sustainability of these infrastructure improvements.

The impact of poor road infrastructure is acutely felt by farmers like Handros Zimba from Lundazi district. “The main problem we have is taking the farm produce to markets,” he laments. “The road is always a hindrance.”

Mercy Ngandu, a farmer in Mumbwa district, echoes these sentiments. “Our road, it actually adds a lot to our cost of production,” she explains. “If I have a lot of products that need a whole truckload, I will need to call someone from Lusaka. For someone to reach this place, with the condition of this road, it costs a lot.”

Women farmers face additional challenges. Limited access to larger vehicles forces them to rely on more expensive and less efficient modes of transport, such as motorcycles or even carrying produce by hand. This not only increases transportation costs but also exposes them to safety risks.

The Zambia Farm-to-Market Compact, however, goes beyond road infrastructure. It encompasses a multi-pronged approach, including:

  • Agriculture Policy Reform: This project will address key policy challenges that constrain private sector growth and trade in grain markets.
  • Asset Finance Project: This initiative will increase access to affordable financing for critical investments in areas such as electricity, irrigation, and processing equipment.
  • American Catalyst Facility for Development Project: This project will facilitate investments by the U.S. Development Finance Corporation (DFC) in the Zambian agricultural sector, leveraging private capital to drive sustainable growth.

By addressing these interconnected challenges, the compact aims to unlock the full potential of Zambia’s agricultural sector, creating jobs, reducing poverty, and enhancing food security for the nation.

The implementation of this ambitious program will be overseen by the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA)–Zambia II, a new entity established specifically for this purpose.

The road ahead may still be challenging, but with the support of the MCC and the commitment of the Zambian government, the future of Zambian agriculture appears brighter. By investing in infrastructure, promoting policy reforms, and fostering private sector growth, the compact has the potential to transform the lives of millions of Zambians and position Zambia as a key player in the global agricultural market.