Case study M: Extension of the contributory pension scheme to small-scale farmers in Zambia

Zambia embarked on an ambitious plan to extend pension schemes to informal economy workers, including small scale farmers, who are traditionally excluded from pension schemes. The extension of coverage is aided by enactment of statutory instrument that enables design of a scheme with peculiar financing such as reduced contribution rates, and benefit package including short-term benefits such as maternity benefits, family funeral grant, and access to credit. Administratively a mixed approach of public-private model has been embraced through partnerships between the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) and informal economy worker associations, and the private sector. This chapter presents considerations for the implementation of pension schemes to small scale farmers.