FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WITH PICTURES
OCTOBER 15, 2024
ZAMBIAN BREWERIES’ SORGHUM INITIATIVE EMPOWERING DROUGHT-HIT FARMERS
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – Zambian Breweries has launched the 2025 sorghum farming season in Chirundu District, offering farmers a chance to restore their livelihoods and increase resilience with a reliable cash crop that has a ready market.
Following one of Zambia’s worst droughts, triggered by the El Niño weather pattern, the initiative addresses the pressing need for crop diversification and sustainable farming practices. Sorghum, known for its drought tolerance, is a promising solution.
Tawanda Hojane, Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs at Zambian Breweries, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to empowering local farmers and contributing to Zambia’s food security.
“We are fully committed to supporting Zambia’s farmers, especially those hardest hit by climate change. Sorghum offers a practical, climate-smart solution that strengthens our supply chain while providing farmers with a stable source of income. Our partnership with local farmers is at the heart of our business and crucial to the prosperity of the broader community,” Hojane said.
As part of Zambian Breweries’ out-grower scheme, the initiative supplies small-scale farmers in regions like Chirundu with high-quality sorghum seeds, technical knowledge, and a guaranteed market for their harvests. These resources are pivotal for farmers recovering from the catastrophic 98% crop failure in Chirundu caused by El Niño.
The Ministry of Agriculture commended Zambian Breweries for its continued collaboration with farmers in climate-affected areas.
“The challenges faced by farmers in Chirundu are significant,” said Olivia Makima, Crops Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture. “This partnership with Zambian Breweries provides critical support—such as access to quality seeds and improved farming techniques—which is essential for helping these communities rebuild.”
In addition to crop production, Zambian Breweries invests in training farmers on quality management, financial literacy, and sustainable farming practices. By purchasing over 4,000 metric tonnes of sorghum annually, the company not only reduces reliance on imports but also fosters local job creation and economic empowerment.
Sorghum plays a vital role in Zambian Breweries’ local sourcing strategy, being a key ingredient in its popular products, including Eagle Lager and Eagle Extra.
“Local sourcing isn’t just about securing our supply chain,” Hojane added. “It’s about creating opportunities for Zambian farmers to thrive. By working with smallholder farmers, we contribute to Zambia’s industrialisation and stimulate economic growth, especially in rural areas.”
Given its drought resilience, sorghum is a crucial crop in Zambia’s efforts to combat climate change. By promoting its cultivation, Zambian Breweries helps farmers strengthen their livelihoods while supporting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Through its Smart Agriculture Programme, the company builds strong, sustainable partnerships with local farmers, ensuring that both Zambian Breweries and the communities it serves thrive, despite environmental challenges.
Christopher Nicolle, Agriculture Manager at Zambian Breweries, emphasized the company’s long-term vision: “We are focused on creating a future where farmers can thrive despite the adversities posed by climate change. Our goal is to build resilient, self-sustaining communities, and we are proud of the progress we’ve made alongside our farmer partners.”
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About Zambian Breweries
Zambian Breweries Plc is part of Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev), the largest brewer in the world, with more than 500 beer brands and some 200,000 employees in over 50 countries. It is also one of the world’s largest bottlers of soft drinks.
Zambian Breweries was established in Zambia in 1968 and its product range has grown to include clear beers such as Mosi Premium Lager, Mosi Light, Castle, Carling Black Label, Eagle, Stella Artois, and Budweiser.
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