Sun International launches worm farm

Sun International launches worm farm
Written by Kabanda Chulu
Tuesday, September 15, 2009 6:15:57 PM

SUN International Zambia has embarked on an innovative way of disposing of its waste through the launch of a worm farm (vermiculture) to process leftover food and other organic matter whose end products will be used as fertilisers and soil conditioner.

Giving an update on the agri-project that involves about 387 small-scale farmers across Livingstone, Sun International Zambia (SIZ) public relations manager Stella Mulala stated that management had embarked on a number of developmental projects and partnerships with local communities to create and enhance sustainable sources of revenue in the region.

Mulala stated that the main aim of the Agri-project was to help alleviate poverty and increase food security in the local community by encouraging and developing small-scale entrepreneurship.

She stated that to achieve this goal, Sun International Zambia was using the Hydroponics Centre at the Resort as a base for technological transfer of skills.

“The centre is used to educate the identified local communities in new and sustainable agricultural practices with the use of modern technology to grow crops throughout the year and achieve high yields,” Mulala stated.

“This helps small-scale farmers to acquire new knowledge and skills needed for entrepreneurship development. The development of small businesses is seen as the driving force to achieving food security and economic empowerment of the local people.”

She further explained that Sun International Zambia conceptualised the Monday Farmers' Market in order to provide the farmers with a steady and sustainable market for their products.

“This innovative initiative allows small-scale farmers to bring their produce every Monday to the company warehouse to sell their produce to Sun International at a market related price,” stated Mulala.

And last month, Sun International Zambia won the 2009 Gold Magellan Award by Travel Weekly in the Eco-Friendly ‘Green’ Resort/Hotel category.

The Magellan Awards is the premier awards programme honouring the best in the travel industry and salutes the outstanding travel professionals behind it all.

The Magellan Award winners represent the best in travel from design to marketing to services. And winners will also receive a custom-produced statuette created by the same company that produces the Oscar and Emmy awards.

“Being selected as a Magellan Award Winner is a tremendous achievement and proves we deliver a high standard of excellence within the travel industry,” stated Sun International Zambia general manager Craig Storkey.