Government Recognises WV Zambia's Efforts in Agriculture

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Government has commended World Vision Zambia for its efforts in promoting and empowering small scales farmers in the country.

Speaking when he officiated at the 2nd Agri-Business Financial Fair, Agriculture and Livestock Minister Given Lubinda said empowering of households and small scales farmers with livestock such as goats which are easy to manage and  reproduce faster  gives farmers financial capacity to grow rapidly hence reducing poverty levels.

‘‘In this way, Zambia will be able to reduce costs and improve quality in domestic agricultural marketing and will support the growth of the small holder share in these markets,’’ Lubinda said.

He noted that the organisation’s interventions in the communities especially in the agriculture sector were also another form of saving or alternative bank for households meanwhile empowering the disabled. 

The Minister further said farmers can also easily use the goat manure to fertilize their vegetable gardens which reduced the cost of production in growing the crop. 

Lubinda also urged the organization to strengthen the value chain of groundnuts seed growing and link the farmers to outside markets.

‘‘There is no doubt that such initiatives help Zambia’s development and small holder farmers produce 90% of the food consumed in the country. This also provides employment to citizens as it generates incomes for many urban and rural families,’’ he stated.

He added that the private sector interventions such as the ones that WV Zambia is promoting are key to sustainable development of the agricultural enterprises.

Chikomeni, Katete and Kawaza ADPs were present to showcase WV Zambia activities at this year’s Agri-Pro-Focus, 2nd Agri-Business Financial Fair which was hosted by SNV Netherlands Development Organization in Chipata District