THE SMALL SCALE FARMERS DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (SAFADA) HAS CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO ENHANCE SUPPORT FOR THE AGRICULTURE SECTOR, STATING IT IS CRUCIAL TO FIXING ZAMBIA’S ECONOMY AND TACKLING WIDESPREAD POVERTY AND HUNGER.
SAFADA CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, BOYD MOOBWE, SAYS DESPITE AGRICULTURE BEING CENTRAL TO THE LIVELIHOODS OF MANY ZAMBIANS AND CONTRIBUTING SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE NATIONAL GDP, THE SECTOR CONTINUES TO FACE MULTIPLE CHALLENGES THAT HINDER ITS GROWTH.
HE IS URGING THE GOVERNMENT TO IMPLEMENT STRATEGIC INTERVENTIONS THAT IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY, EXPAND MARKET ACCESS, AND BUILD RESILIENCE AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE. HE ALSO EMPHASIZED THE IMPORTANCE OF EMPOWERING FARMERS THROUGH RESEARCH, EXTENSION SERVICES, AND ACCESS TO QUALITY INPUTS.
MR. MOOBWE FURTHER CALLED FOR FARMER-BASED ORGANIZATIONS LIKE SAFADA TO BE INCLUDED IN INTERNATIONAL GOVERNMENT DELEGATIONS, ENSURING POLICIES DEVELOPED ABROAD DIRECTLY BENEFIT SMALLHOLDER FARMERS.
IN A MOVE TO PROMOTE DIVERSIFICATION, SAFADA IS ROLLING OUT AN ONLINE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY COURSE AIMED AT ENCOURAGING FARMERS TO EXPLORE NEW CROPS AND LIVESTOCK TO MITIGATE RISKS FROM MARKET AND CLIMATE FLUCTUATIONS.
THE AGENCY ALSO WANTS THE GOVERNMENT TO REVIEW OUTDATED AGRICULTURAL POLICIES AND REMOVE LONG-STANDING BARRIERS AFFECTING SMALL SCALE FARMERS, ADVOCATING FOR SEASONAL SUPPORT AND REFORMS THAT PROMOTE SUSTAINABLE AND INCLUSIVE FARMING.