Celebrating Farmer's Day in Zambia: A Historical Perspective

Nov 07, 2025 0

Today is Farmer's Day, an annual observance in Zambia to celebrate the national contributions of farmers and agriculture. It is a day dedicated to honoring the hands that feed the nation, recognizing farmers as the true architects of Zambia’s economic growth.

Like other countries around the world, Zambia acknowledges the vital role farmers play in society. Farmers' Day is an annual observance in various countries to celebrate the contributions of farmers and agriculture. For example, in Chile, Farmers' Day (Día de las Campesinas y los Campesinos) is celebrated on July 28 to commemorate the passing in 1967 of laws promoting agrarian reform and unionization of farmers.

Let's delve into the history and significance of this special day in Zambia.

A Glimpse into the Lusaka Agriculture Show

The Lusaka Agriculture Show provides insight into the Zambian agricultural sector. The show is a mix of commercial exhibitions with companies presenting their products at different stalls.

Most of the companies at the show have an activity closely related to agriculture, while some have less direct connections. Petrochemical companies advertise their fertilizers and pesticides, tool manufacturers showcase their tractors and irrigation solutions, and big farmers display their crops and breeds of cattle, pigs, and poultry.

There are also companies and organizations with seemingly less direct connections to the farming business, such as the army, air force, prison authorities, the national statistical office, different ministries, and the state electrical company.

The show covers several hectares, lasts 3 days over the long bank holiday week end, and culminates on the Monday - Farmer’s day- when the crops are being sold to the public. This is also the occasion to make good business deals as the fair is coming to an end and products are priced down. The public is entertained with lots of music, concerts, dance competitions, and food.

One of the most popular parts of the fair is the “real” agriculture show, with lots of farm animals on display. Like anywhere else in the world, the kids really like getting close to the animals… They are mesmerized with turkeys, pigs, and ostriches.

A variety of farm animals on display

Historical Roots of the Agriculture Show

The Lusaka Agriculture Show has a very long history, having started in 1927 under colonial times. Zambia gained its independence from the British Empire in 1964.

The Role of the Tobacco Board of Zambia (TBZ)

On Farmer’s Day, the Tobacco Board of Zambia (TBZ) recognizes the unshakable resilience of farmers and unveils tangible actions aimed at improving their lives. The spotlight this year falls especially on tobacco farmers, whose contributions continue to uplift communities and fuel the nation's economic engine.

“Our farmers are not just producers of crops. They are builders of prosperity, guardians of tradition, and pillars of our economy,” said Lee Haamunji, Corporate Affairs and Communications Manager for TBZ. “At TBZ, we recognize their tireless efforts and remain steadfast in walking this journey with them.”

Tobacco farming in Zambia has long stood as a reliable livelihood for thousands, especially in rural regions. It is a key contributor to Zambia’s Gross Domestic Product and a vital player in agro-based export earnings. However, beyond statistics, tobacco farming represents something far deeper - hope, heritage, and hard-earned dignity.

‍This year, TBZ has made bold strides in transforming farmer support from mere policy to action. In a game-changing move, the board has opened regional offices in Luapula and Northwestern Provinces, strategically bringing services closer to the people who need them most.

“These regional offices mark a significant step in our decentralization agenda,” Haamunji explained. “They reduce red tape, improve service delivery, and create a direct link between TBZ and the farmer, especially those in underserved rural communities.”

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The regional offices provide streamlined access to vital resources such as marketing platforms, extension services, and technical assistance. Farmers no longer have to travel long distances to sell their produce or seek support, a burden that has often cost them time and income.

In addition to administrative accessibility, TBZ is exploring innovative initiatives to further enhance farmer productivity and profitability. These include partnerships for training programs, improved seed access, and market linkage facilitation, all designed to elevate the entire tobacco value chain.

This year's Farmers’ Day message is as emotional as it is strategic. TBZ recognizes that behind every bale of tobacco lies a story of grit - of early mornings, cracked hands, and dreams sown in the soil.

“To every farmer out there - your work is not just appreciated. It is celebrated,” Haamunji said with warmth. “You are the heartbeat of this nation, and TBZ is here to amplify that beat with every policy, every innovation, and every handshake.”

As rural communities across Zambia gather to mark the day with song, dance, and shared meals, one thing is clear: the Tobacco Board of Zambia is not just a regulator. It is a partner, an advocate, and a champion of the Zambian farmer.

And on this special day, the message from TBZ is resounding and clear: “We salute you. We support you."

Global Celebrations of Farmers

Many different countries have set aside dates for celebrating National Farmers Day at different times of the year. Here's a glimpse into how other nations honor their farmers:

Ghana: The National Farmers' Day in Ghana is an annual celebration of farmers and fishermen, observed on the first Friday of December.
Pakistan: The National Farmers' Day in Pakistan, also known as Kissan Day, was celebrated for the first time in the country's history on 18 December 2019 in Islamabad.
Peru: Farmer Day, or Dia del Campesino, is celebrated in Peru on June 24 every year as a tribute to the hardworking local farmers that provide food to the table of every Peruvian. Observers celebrate this day by holding agriculture fairs, cultural displays, and the sharing of food.
South Korea: In South Korea, the observance is on 11 November.
America: In America, it is observed on 12 October every year.
Vietnam: In Vietnam, it is observed on 14 October every year as the anniversary of the foundation of Vietnamese Peasants' Society.
Afghanistan: National Farmer's Day is celebrated in Afghanistan on March 22.

Farmers Day

Celebrating the Backbone of Society

Some might say that modern society was built upon the rugged shoulders and stubborn personalities of farmers from around the world. Because without those who dedicate their lives to growing food, where would everyone else be? So, it only makes sense that a time should be set aside to celebrate their contributions and all that they have provided (and indeed continue to provide) to the world. National Farmers Day intends to do just this!

Celebrating National Farmers Day can take on a few different forms but may partially depend on where a person lives. One of the best ways to celebrate National Farmers Day would be to begin by thanking a farmer! For those who live in a rural community, this might just mean visiting a friend who is a farmer and wishing them a happy National Farmers Day!

City dwellers can choose to celebrate National Farmers Day by taking a trip to a rural area and visiting a local farmers’ market.

Traditions and Misconceptions

Due to the fact that farmers have been honored for centuries, the roots of this day are likely to go back very far and with a wide variety of traditions! In ancient England, “Harvest Home” marked the end of the harvest season with singing, dancing, and decorating villages with boughs. “Lammas Day,” observed on August 1st, signified the start of the wheat harvest in medieval England.

A common misconception is that most farms are large corporate operations. Urban farms have emerged in cities worldwide, converting rooftops and vacant lots into productive agricultural spaces.

National Farmers Day offers a delightful time in the harvest season of the autumn to show some appreciation and love for those folks who toil and work to provide food for those in the communities around them.