GHOST FARMERS ACCESS OVER K19 MILLION IN FISP INPUTS – AUDITOR GENERAL
Zambia’s Auditor General has uncovered serious irregularities in the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP), revealing that 2,339 farmers whose details could not be traced on the authorised national farmer register accessed agricultural inputs worth more than K19.6 million during the 2025/2026 farming season.
According to the findings, the irregularities were recorded in Isoka, Mpika and Mansa districts.
Isoka recorded the highest number, with 1,343 unapproved beneficiaries accessing inputs valued at over K11.2 million, while 995 beneficiaries in Mpika received inputs worth more than K8.3 million.
In Mansa, one unapproved beneficiary accessed inputs valued at K8,200.
The findings raise serious concerns about weaknesses in the verification and management of FISP beneficiaries, particularly as the programme is intended to support vulnerable small-scale farmers.
Agriculture expert Gilbert Banda has called for stronger digital verification systems to eliminate unapproved beneficiaries and ensure that agricultural inputs reach deserving farmers.
The Auditor General’s findings have renewed calls for accountability and tighter controls in the management of government-supported agricultural programmes.