My name is Mitch Sikapizye, and I am a farmer and the founder of Africa International Foundation. I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact that delayed payments have on Zambian farmers.

I delivered maize to FRA last year. Like many farmers across Zambia, I am still waiting for that payment. This is not just my story — it reflects the reality for thousands of farmers, many of whom are parents struggling to afford school fees or critical farming inputs for the current farming season.

 
The Consequences of Delayed Payments:
Delayed payments are not just an inconvenience; they hurt rural families, undermine food security, and damage Zambia’s economy.

 
🚨 Why This Matters to All Zambians:
When farmers aren’t paid promptly, they cannot plant on time.
Missed planting windows lead to lower food production and higher prices.
Families are pushed into debt or hunger while waiting for payments that are rightfully theirs.
In other sectors, such as mining or banking, delayed payments trigger legal consequences and accrued interest. Why should agriculture be any different?
 
✅ Our Demands:
Mandatory Payment:
Payments must be made within 30 days of crop delivery to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) or any government institution.

Automatic Interest on Delays:
A 5% interest per month should be applied to all delayed payments, without requiring legal action or individual claims. This interest reflects the real financial impact on farmers who miss critical planting seasons.

Transparent Payment System:
Implement a trackable payment system to allow farmers to see payment timelines and interest owed.

Legal Accountability:
Establish legal enforcement and accountability for all institutions that delay payments.

Budget Reforms:
Ensure availability of cash at the time of harvest to prevent payment delays.
 
📣 This Is Not a Favor — It’s a Right
Farmers are the backbone of our nation’s food supply. They deserve respect, not empty promises. Timely payments and fair compensation for delays should be the norm, not the exception. We must stop normalizing the exploitation of those who sustain us.

 
✍️ Sign the Petition to Support:
30-day payment guarantees
5% interest on delayed payments
Real consequences for institutional failures
A stronger, more reliable food system for every Zambian
 
🌍 Together, We Can Make a Difference
This issue affects us all — farmers, students, workers, parents, and policymakers alike. Food security begins with fair treatment of farmers.

 
🖊️ Sign the petition now.
📢 Share this message widely.
💬 Engage in conversations about it.
📈 Let’s unite and show our leaders that Zambians stand together behind our farmers — and we will not be silent.

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