📋 Tender Overview
This project contributes to improved resilient livelihoods of smallholder farmers by supporting climate-resilient crop value chains. It promotes private sector engagement, enhanced market systems, and supportive policies for small grains and legumes. Implemented by NIRAS with the Community Technology Development Organisation and the Swiss-based Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, the project will expand in Zimbabwe while exiting Zambia after two agricultural seasons to ensure a responsible phase-out.
Country/region Topic Period Budget
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Agriculture & food security
nothemedefined
Household food security
Agricultural services & market
Agricultural co-operatives & farmers’ organisations
01.07.2025 - 30.06.2029
CHF 8’352’000
The project in brief
Background Zimbabwe and Zambia face similar socioeconomic and environmental challenges, with economies reliant on agriculture, mining, and tourism—sectors highly vulnerable to climate shocks like the 2023/24 El Niño-induced drought, which triggered food insecurity, energy shortages, and economic decline. Maize dependence in both countries reduces crop diversity and climate resilience. Traditional grains offer better options but face adoption barriers like poor seed access, weak markets, limited support, and poor stakeholder coordination.
Objectives Enhancing resilience of smallholder livelihoods while fostering dynamic, profitable engagement of market actors across the small grains and legumes value chains supported by an enabling policy environment.
Target groups The primary target group are 60’000 smallholder farmer households, of which at least 60% are women. This corresponds to approx. 300’000 beneficiaries. The secondary group are farmers’ associations, private sector companies, Agriculture and Small and Medium Enterprises Ministries, civil society organisations and policy makers.
Medium-term outcomes
Improved food security and incomes of smallholder farmers as a result of arketing more resilient crop varieties.
Targeted agricultural value chains become more competitive and inclusive, driven by improved private sector performance, enhanced market linkages, and strengthened supporting services.
An enabling policy environment informed by evidence and supportive of small grains and legumes sectors’ needs and interests developed.
In line with Switzerland’s planned phase out of bilateral development cooperation in Zambia, market engagement activities in Zambia will cease after two more agricultural seasons (2025-27), and phase-out fully completed in 2028. In Zimbabwe, the phase will expand to two additional districts with favourable agroecological conditions.
Results Expected results:
Community-owned businesses and associations are strengthened and effectively provide services that meet needs of 60’000 smallholder farmers.
Increased access to and adoption of improved seed of target crops by smallholder farmers.
Improved access to financial services by farmers
