FARMERS IN NORTH-WESTERN PROVINCE TO BENEFIT FROM K33.3M FARM-INPUT SUPPORT
KALUMBILA, ZAMBIA – First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has launched its 2025/26 Farmer Input Support Programme, investing K33,384,129 to support 7,208 smallholder farmers across Mushindamo, Solwezi, Kalumbila and Mwinilunga, covering 3,412 hectares under cultivation. The initiative is part of FQM’s long-running Agriculture Livelihood Support Programme in the project affected areas at FQM Trident Limited in Kalumbila and Kansanshi Mining PLC in Solwezi.
Speaking at the launch in Kalumbila, Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Reuben Mtolo Phiri said the support will lift productivity and resilience among targeted households while advancing national food and nutrition security and inclusive growth.
“Government continues to partner with First Quantum and other like-minded companies to drive agricultural growth. By improving access to input and output markets, boosting private investment and value addition, and diversifying crops, we are seeing tangible results,” he said.
“For example, the beans out-grower scheme with Good Nature Agro has grown from 40 farmers in 2022 to 615 in 2024, producing 100+ metric tonnes of certified beans and injecting over K2.5 million into the local economy. This season, the target is 1,000+ farmers.”
Dr Godwin Beene, FQM Country Manager, reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to resilient, market-oriented farming systems.
“Through the Trident Foundation in Kalumbila and the Kansanshi Foundation in Solwezi, we’re helping smallholders move beyond subsistence into commercial agriculture so communities thrive well beyond the life of our mines,” he said.
“This season’s investment funds subsidised inputs, training and technical assistance to strengthen household food security and local enterprise.”
FQM Trident Assistant General Manager, Frederic Wouters, underscored the synergy between mining and agriculture.
“Mining and agriculture are complementary engines of Zambia’s development. We cannot sustainably mine copper without cultivating community prosperity,” he said. “Supporting over 7,000 farmers this season is an investment in resilience, skills and opportunity.”
FQM’s agricultural strategy aligns with national policies including the Eighth National Development Plan (2022–2026) and the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Programme (2022). The company works with government, traditional leadership, input manufacturers and distributors, to ensure transparent and efficient farmer support.
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About First Quantum Minerals Ltd
First Quantum Minerals Ltd is a global metals and mining company producing mainly copper, gold and nickel. The company’s assets are in Zambia, Spain, Mauritania, Australia, Finland, Turkey, Panama, Argentina and Peru.
In 2024, First Quantum globally produced 431,000 tonnes of copper, 139,000 ounces of gold and 24,000 tonnes of nickel.
In Zambia it operates the Kansanshi mine and smelter in Solwezi, and the Sentinel copper mine and the Enterprise nickel mine in Kalumbila.
The company is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
http://www.first-quantum.com/
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