All the principles are essential for Zambia as they are a mechanism for integrating multiple approaches that will accelerate technology, resources, skills, expertise and market access thereby adding value to the livelihoods of resource poor smallholder farmers.
Principle 1 and 2
The importance of having Ministry of Agriculture and other key government departments such as Forestry, Energy, Water, Fisheries and Research as well as relevant private sector entities in PPPs cannot be overlooked. A dynamic stakeholder analysis should be carried out. Orientation and capacity building of key government and local leadership will help them understand the importance of their involvement in PPP cycles. This would enhance strong commitment towards implementation of PPP activities.
Stakeholders to finance the processes such as viable seed companies, livestock breeders, outgrower enterprises, banks etc should enforce their corporate social responsibility to foster sustainable agricultural development. PPPs need to demonstrate affordability/bankability.
Principle 3
Smallholder farmers should be able to make informed decision making. Mindset set and empower them to drive their own development and sustain it even after the PPP is no longer in place. The dependency syndrome must be discouraged. Need to preserve smallholder systems to keep varieties and breeds alive. Protection of farmers (contract signing, payments, mechanisms for conflict resolution) and local focus tailored to what works for them in a particular area. Women and youth are drivers of change can contribute more to productive food systems and enhance economic viability of diversified agro-landsapes. Emphasis the importance of upscaling smallholder farmers empowerment and create decent rural jobs especially for youth to decrease urbanization and unemployment.
Principle 5-9
As these PPPs are sourced, creating awareness and data provision to interested parties is vital. Whilst PPPs focus on enhanced food production the must consider the environment, so that they do not drive land and water degradation. There's need to boost sustainable productivity and nutritional health through agro biodiversity is crucial for Zambian agribusiness. Agro biodiversity has the potential to contribute to increased resilience, adding to soil health as well as water quality hence reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
They should also be cost-effective and efficient, ensure all players needs and aspirations are met. PPPs could also include landscape approaches, social environmental inclusiveness to promote sustainability.
A conducisive operational environment is necessary for sound implementation of ppp. Integrity, Transparency and Accountability at all stages of PPP processes is a must.
A case study of viable partnerships in agriculture is that of Community Markets for Conservation (COMACO)as attached
Joromana Phiri