Luena Farm Block, Kawambwa District, Luapula Province — September 2025
East Consult is making strides in its assignment to upgrade 130 km of feeder roads across the Luena Farm Block, as part of a broader initiative to unlock agricultural potential in the region. The project, funded by the World Bank in collaboration with the Ministry of Agricultural Development, runs until August 2026 and is valued at USD 499,962.20. It involves detailed engineering design, road construction supervision, and ensuring that communities in Luena and Nansanga farm blocks are better connected to markets and services.
Why Luena Matters
Luena is one of Zambia’s largest farm blocks, covering approximately 100,000 hectares. It has been earmarked by government policy to serve as a cornerstone for national agricultural growth. With fertile soils and strong rainfall, the area supports crops such as maize, soybeans, and groundnuts. However, limited infrastructure has been a major barrier for farmers, making road development critical to the success of the farm block programme.
Recent challenges such as illegal manganese mining in Kawambwa District have threatened agricultural land and raised environmental concerns. By focusing on feeder road upgrades, East Consult is helping mitigate these risks by ensuring land remains productive and accessible for farming rather than being degraded by unregulated mining.
What the Project Involves
- Design and supervision of 130 km of roads across Luena and Nansanga farm blocks.
- Drainage systems to withstand heavy rainfall and reduce road washouts.
- Market access improvement to ensure farmers can move produce efficiently to buyers.
- Integration with farm block development, which includes irrigation, schools, and health facilities.
Impact
The upgraded roads will reduce transport time and costs, improve food security, and strengthen rural incomes. With reliable infrastructure, Luena is expected to attract investment in agro-processing and commercial farming ventures, ensuring sustainable growth for years to come.
