Agriculture Climate Action Foundation Zambia (ACAF) has demanded urgent investigations and stronger controls in the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) following revelations in the 2025 Auditor General’s Report that inactive farmers and double beneficiaries received farming inputs.
According to the report, 2,128 inactive farmers were allocated redeemable inputs worth K17.76 million, while 4,213 beneficiaries received inputs valued at K34.92 million despite already benefiting from other government support programmes, contrary to FISP guidelines.
ACAF Executive Director, Dr. Oliver Bulaya, said the findings raise serious questions about the integrity, transparency, and effectiveness of the systems responsible for managing one of Zambia’s most important agricultural support programmes.
Dr. Bulaya attributed the irregularities to weaknesses in beneficiary verification and internal controls, particularly under the E-voucher system.
“We call on the Government to clarify whether the irregularities occurred under the E-voucher or Direct Input Supply (DIS) system, and why the existing controls failed to prevent or detect them,” he said.
He further urged authorities to undertake a comprehensive review of FISP management, including independent verification of beneficiaries, recovery of misused funds, and legal or administrative action against those found culpable.
Dr. Bulaya said Zambia cannot afford to lose sums of public money through mismanagement, fraud, or the actions of individuals seeking personal gain.
“Every Kwacha lost represents resources that could otherwise support genuine farmers, expand agricultural production, and strengthen national economic development,” Dr. Bulaya stated.
He proposed that the Government considers engaging qualified private-sector service providers in beneficiary registration, programme administration, and monitoring, under transparent contracts with clear performance targets and independent audits.
“The Government must retain responsibility for policy direction, programme financing, eligibility criteria, and oversight,” he said.
Dr. Bulaya further called for urgent investigations, transparent disclosure of findings, and stronger programme controls.
