Govt, IFAD partner to boost agriculture in Southern Province

Govt, IFAD partner to boost agriculture in Southern Province
By Lawrence Kabutu in Kalomo
Sat 24 July 2010, 14:40 CAT

THE International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in partnership with the Zambian government is conceptualizing an agriculture project that will run from 2010 to 2012 to enhance agriculture development in Southern Province.

IFAD president Kanayo Nwanze made the disclosure when he toured IFAD funded projects at Nabuyani irrigation scheme in Kalomo. Dr Nwanze disclosed that IFAD was funding 250 to 300 projects worldwide aimed at uplifting the living standards of communities.

He explained that IFAD was gratified to implement projects that were aimed at transforming and empowering the rural communities in the agriculture sector particularly the women.

Dr Nwanze expressed happiness with the various agriculture projects that he toured in Kazungula and Kalomo districts in Southern Province.

He stated that IFAD was proud to be a partner of the Zambian people and government in working together to foster agriculture development.

Dr Nwanze pledged IFAD’s continued close collaboration in increasing the investment portfolio.

He commended the farming communities for registering a success story to improve their livelihood and assured them that IFAD would continue to find new ways of increasing their wealth.

Dr Nwanze clarified that agriculture was a business no matter its size and scale, adding that IFAD would support rural communities to access amenities that were in cities and towns.

‘’Food is not grown in Lusaka but here in rural areas, hence we shall ensure that we work together to create wealth through various agriculture projects,’’ said Dr Nwanze.

And agriculture and cooperatives minister Peter Daka said the government attached great importance to the agriculture sector in Southern Province and would work closely with IFAD to enhance agriculture development.

Daka expressed happiness with the visit by the IFAD president to Zambia adding that out of 54 countries in Africa, Dr Nwanze chose to visit Rwanda and Zambia.