Aquatic agricultural systems in Zambia

Abstract

Zambia contains 40% of Southern Africa’s surface freshwater and seasonally almost 20% of the country (150,000 km²) is inundated. Zambia’s rivers, lakes and wetlands support extensive agriculture, fisheries and livestock production, and contribute to the livelihoods of about 3 million people, almost 25% of the country’s population. These aquatic agricultural systems (AAS) are particularly important to poor people and provide significant opportunities for agriculture-based economic growth.