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Zambia's climate makes possible the cultivation of a wide range of crops; maize, tobacco, cotton, rice, wheat and groundnuts. All kinds of vegetables can be grown together with Citrus Fruit, Bananas, Pineapples, Mangoes, Avocados and even Grapes. Lichis are also a high potential export crop. Tea and coffee are also grown successfully in fact the coffee produced is of a very high quality. Sugar cane is grown both by villagers and commercially. The PeopleZambia has over 73 different tribes, with a population of just about 10 million people, most of whom live in and around the urban centres. The population growth however, at 3.7 % p/a is among the highest in the world. In the cities, especially Lusaka, where there is massive unemployment and poverty, the informal sector has been allowed to multiply.
There is a growing number of thieves, pickpockets and beggars, but if you don't walk around with anything obviously stealable, it's quite safe and most will be more than willing to chat or give directions. For the most part Zambians are very friendly people. There is no predominant ethnic culture and Zambians are fast becoming westernised. There is however, an attempt to maintain traditional customs with the revival of tribal ceremonies amongst the various tribes in different parts of the country. If any of these are taking place during your visit, they're well worth attending. |
