Fertilizer and Irrigation in Improving Smallholder Food Security:The Case of One Village in Central Zambia

Abstract

This paper discusses the development of dry season irrigation farming in the village. I first reviews government agricultural policies in Zambia since the 1960s, which have substantially influenced farming in the village.And then I sheds new light on the ongoing discussion on the positive effects of irrigation systems on the use of improved maize seeds and fertilizer. Green Revolution types of innovations have been partially realized in the village, but that have expanded income disparities among farmers.Conse-quently, farmers reliance on subsidized inputs has increased, which has brought about a new type of vulnerability.