List of commercial farms in Zambia

 Which are regarded as biggest commercial farms in Zambia? Farming has been very helpful to the economy of Zambia and many people have converted to commercial farmers from small scale due to the current government that supports farming. 

Image Credit: 7th generation farming

Here is a list of 20 notable commercial farms in Zambia, highlighting their contributions to agriculture and food production:

  1. Mutanda Farms - Diversified agribusiness in Solwezi, Mpongwe, and Chingola, specializing in livestock, poultry, cropping, milling, and conservation.
  2. Savenda Farms - A leading farm with operations in Shibuyunji and Chibombo, producing maize, soya, vegetables, and fish.
  3. Zambeef Products PLC - One of the largest agribusinesses in Zambia, involved in crop and livestock production, milling, and meat processing.
  4. Amatheon Agri Zambia - A significant player in commercial maize, soya, and livestock farming.
  5. Mondo Farms Limited - Focused on vegetable production and timber plantations, with farms in Chongwe.
  6. Kalangwa Estates - Specializes in large-scale maize, soya, and wheat production.
  7. Chankwakwa Farms - Known for fruit processing and sustainable farming in Kabwe.
  8. Kachema Meat Supplies - Specializes in beef and livestock farming, with a significant market presence in Lusaka
  9. FirstWave Group - A diversified agricultural enterprise focusing on poultry and aquaculture
  10. Chiawa Farm - A notable commercial farm in Lusaka Province focusing on crop farming
  11. Sage Valley Farms - Produces spices and pastes from locally grown crops
  12. Nanga Farms - Operates in Mazabuka, focusing on sugarcane and livestock production
  13. Mpongwe Development Company - Known for large-scale wheat, maize, and soya production
  14. Mark O’Donnell Farms - A leading private maize and wheat producer
  15. Chishakwe Ranch - Focuses on cattle ranching and conservation agriculture
  16. Choma Farm - Specializes in mixed farming, including maize and livestock
  17. Zambezi Ranching and Cropping - A large-scale commercial farm with diverse operations
  18. Winterthorn Farm - A vegetable and timber plantation under Mondo Farms
  19. Chibombo Estate - Produces maize, soya, and other crops with plans for paddy rice expansion
  20. Palabana Farm - Part of Savenda Farms, known for poultry and vegetable farming


Common farm products available in Zambia

Zambia produces a wide variety of farm products, supporting its economy and ensuring food security. Below are the main categories of farm products in Zambia:

1. Crops:

  • Staple Crops: Maize (Zambia’s main staple food), cassava, and millet
  • Cash Crops:
    • Sugarcane: Produced in regions like Mazabuka
    • Cotton: Cultivated for local processing and export.
    • Tobacco: Grown for export markets.
    • Soya Beans: Widely grown for oil and feed production
    • Sunflower: Used for oil production.
  • Horticulture:
    • Vegetables: Tomatoes, onions, carrots, and cabbages.
    • Fruits: Mangos, bananas, and pineapples

2. Livestock:

  • Cattle: For beef and dairy production.
  • Poultry: Eggs and chicken meat are significant contributors to the agricultural sector
  • Goats and Sheep: Important for meat and small-scale dairy
  • Pigs: Pork production is growing in popularity.

3. Aquaculture:

  • Fish: Tilapia is the most commonly farmed species, supported by the government’s aquaculture development initiatives

4. Processed Agricultural Products:

  • Flour from maize and wheat.
  • Cooking oil from soya and sunflower.
  • Dairy products: Milk, butter, and cheese

5. Specialty Crops:

  • Coffee: Cultivated in high-altitude regions like the Northern Province.
  • Spices: Small-scale production of herbs and spices like paprika and chili

6. Wildlife and Forestry Products:

  • Timber: From eucalyptus and pine plantations
  • Honey: Gained from beekeeping in rural areas

Contribution to Exports:

Zambia’s agricultural products are crucial for its export economy, with crops like maize, soya beans, and tobacco being significant earners. Domestic production also supports agribusinesses, such as milling, meat processing, and vegetable packaging.


Where do farmers sell their products in Zambia?

Farmers in Zambia sell their products through various channels, catering to local, regional, and international markets:

1. Local Markets:

  • Farmers’ Markets: Local open-air markets where farmers sell produce directly to consumers.
  • Retailers and Supermarkets: Chains like Shoprite, Pick n Pay, and local grocery stores purchase fresh produce, poultry, and dairy.
  • Cooperatives: Farmers often collaborate through agricultural cooperatives, which aggregate products for sale at better prices.

2. Commercial Buyers:

  • Food Processors: Companies like Zambeef and Savenda Farms purchase raw materials like maize, soya beans, and livestock for processing into packaged goods
  • Milling Companies: Purchase grains such as maize and wheat to produce flour.

3. Export Markets:

  • Farmers export cash crops like tobacco, cotton, and sugarcane to regional and international buyers.
  • Aquaculture products like tilapia are sold to neighboring countries.

4. Government and Institutional Buyers:

  • The Food Reserve Agency (FRA) buys maize and other staple crops to maintain strategic food reserves and stabilize local prices

5. Online Platforms and Agritech Solutions:

  • Emerging digital platforms connect farmers with buyers, reducing reliance on intermediaries and expanding market access.

These varied outlets ensure that farmers have multiple opportunities to monetize their produce while meeting both local and international demand. Farmers have good access to agro shops in the country.


Farms using irrigation technology 

Several farms in Zambia utilize irrigation to enhance agricultural productivity. Here are some notable examples:

  1. Chiansi Irrigation Project - Located in the Kafue District, this project supports both commercial and smallholder farmers. It uses infrastructure such as canals, pump stations, and irrigation pivots to provide year-round water for crop cultivation

  2. Zambia National Service (ZNS) Farms - Spread across various locations, ZNS implements large-scale pivot irrigation projects for crops like maize, soybeans, and wheat. These projects are designed for food security and sustainable farming

  3. Black Star Farms - This farm operates a sophisticated irrigation system using water from a dam on the Munte River. The water is pumped to a holding dam atop a hill, and gravity feeds it to center pivots that irrigate crops

  4. Commercial Farms in Southern Province - Farms near Livingstone use center pivots and micro-jet irrigation systems to support diverse crop production, including bananas

These farms demonstrate Zambia's commitment to leveraging modern irrigation techniques to address water scarcity, enhance crop yields, and support food security.

These farms contribute significantly to Zambia’s agricultural output, food security, and export earnings through a combination of traditional and innovative farming practices.