ACAF demands probe into K53m FISP irregularities
By Ludia Ngwadzai
THE Agriculture Climate Action Foundation Zambia (ACAF) has demanded an investigation into irregularities involving farming inputs worth K52.6 million under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP).
The demand follows revelations in the 2025 Auditor General’s Report.
ACAF executive director Dr Oliver Bulaya said the report, which cited 2,128 inactive farmers allocated redeemable farming inputs worth K17.76 million and 4,213 beneficiaries who received inputs worth K34.92 million despite already benefiting from other government support programmes, raised serious concerns about accountability and beneficiary verification.
In a statement, Dr Bulaya said the findings required immediate corrective action and greater transparency in the management of the programme.
“These findings raise serious questions about the integrity, transparency, and effectiveness of the systems responsible for managing one of Zambia’s most important agricultural support programmes,” he said.
Dr Bulaya wondered who was responsible for the irregularities, what action would be taken against those found culpable and why the discrepancies were not detected before public resources were put at risk.
He also called on government to clarify whether the irregularities occurred under the E-voucher or Direct Input Supply (DIS) system.
Dr Bulaya warned that the findings raised concerns about the effectiveness of existing controls.
“If these irregularities occurred under the E-voucher system, the effectiveness of its verification, monitoring, and control mechanisms must be critically reviewed,” Dr Bulaya said.
He urged the Ministry of Agriculture and relevant oversight institutions to undertake a comprehensive review of FISP management, including independent beneficiary verification, investigations into the reported irregularities and recovery of public funds where legally justified.
Dr Bulaya said appropriate administrative or legal action should be taken against individuals found responsible in accordance with due process.
He said government should consider engaging qualified and independent private-sector service providers to undertake beneficiary registration and verification, programme administration, and the delivery and monitoring of farming inputs.
“Where weaknesses in the existing public-sector management arrangements persist, the Government should be willing to explore alternative implementation models that promote efficiency, transparency, and accountability,” he said.
Dr Bulaya said involving private operators would not absolve government of its responsibility to support farmers.
He said the State must retain control over policy direction, programme financing, eligibility criteria and regulatory oversight.
Dr Bulaya warned that mismanagement of FISP resources could undermine agricultural productivity, weaken public confidence and jeopardise national food security objectives.
“Every kwacha lost through irregularities represents resources that could otherwise support genuine farmers, expand agricultural production, improve household food security, and strengthen national economic development,” Dr Bulaya said.
