Development Finance in Zambia: Privatizing Seed, Growing Debt and Increasing Hunger

Despite its abundant natural and resource wealth, Zambia remains one of the most malnourishedand heavily indebted countries in the world, spending more on debt servicing than on essential public services such as health, education, and the fulfilment of basic human rights. Structural economic injustices – rooted in colonial policies, inequitable trade regimes, and market capture – have entrenched the country in untenable debt, chronic food insecurity, and poverty.

This article by Frances Davies explores how global financing systems preclude Zambia’s realization of the right to food and nutrition,and undermine national food sovereignty. It calls for systemic transformation towards agroecology, debt restructuring, and people-centered food systems.