Maravi

(LUSAKATIMES) Over 10 000 North farmers benefit from FSP

Over 10 000 North farmers benefit from FSP
February 10, 2009

Over 10,000 vulnerable but viable farmers in Northern Province have benefited from the Food Security Pack programme (FSP) since its inception in 2000.

Newly appointed Northern Province Permanent Secretary Walimu Simfukwe disclosed this yesterday when he officiated at the training workshop for Community Development Officers at the Provincial Development Center in Mungwi.

Mr. Simfukwe said in 2005 Northern Province weaned more than 10,000 Food Security Pack beneficiaries from the Government programme because of their improved livelihood and increased household food security.

He said small scale farmers have regained their productive assets lost due to recurrent adverse weather conditions and limited access to farming inputs.

The Permanent Secretary said the FSP implemented under the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services has achieved a lot in reducing poverty among most rural communities.

The PS says Government targeted 80 percent of the vulnerable but viable farmers in the country adding that so far the programme had greatly helped to reduce the levels of poverty in the country.

Mr.Simfukwe added that Government has chosen three provinces namely Northern, Central and Northwestern Provinces on a pilot basis for the implementation of Food Security Pack by the department of Community Development.

He urged employees under the department to show commitment and seriousness in the implementation of the programme.

The PS has also expressed happiness at the successful implementation of food security pack programme for 2008/2009 farming season.

Mr. Simfukwe further lauded the department of Community Development for ensuring that inputs were distributed in time to vulnerable but viable farmers in the province.

The four-day workshop for Community Development Officers has been called to equip officers with knowledge and skills in the implementation of major components of food security pack which include livestock management, conservation farming, basic accounting and work plan preparation.
[ZANIS]

Labels: FSP, NORTHERN PROVINCE

posted by MrK @ 10:39 PM