Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP) and Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP) for the ISAT Project
May 15, 2026The Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the Ministry of Finance and National Planning and in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, is advancing the preparation of the Irrigated and Sustainable Agriculture for Transformation (ISAT) Project with support from the World Bank.
As part of this effort, consultancy services are being procured to undertake comprehensive feasibility studies, detailed engineering designs, environmental and social assessments, and preparation of bidding documents for priority irrigation investments across the country.
Zambia possesses significant untapped irrigation potential; however, existing infrastructure remains uneven in quality and coverage, particularly among smallholder farmers. The ISAT Project seeks to address these challenges by supporting the development of new irrigation schemes, modernization of existing systems, and strengthening of agricultural productivity and resilience to climate variability.
The assignment will cover:
- Feasibility and design of new irrigation schemes supplied by dams and the Kafue River
- Modernization of community-based irrigation systems
- Expansion and optimization of existing commercial-smallholder schemes such as Manyonyo and Magobo
- Preparation of environmental and social safeguard instruments aligned with national regulations and World Bank standards
A strong emphasis is placed on sustainability, stakeholder participation, and economically viable irrigation models, including clear arrangements for operation, maintenance, and cost recovery.
The expected outputs include bankable feasibility studies, detailed designs ready for procurement, and robust environmental and social documentation to guide implementation of irrigation investments that will contribute to inclusive agricultural growth, improved livelihoods, and long-term water resource sustainability in Zambia.
Download the Terms of Reference: ISAT TOR