Reported by: S. Ernest
Date: 22nd February, 2025.
Mazabuka, Southern Province, Zambia.
In a significant step toward enhancing food security and community empowerment, the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services has provided agricultural equipment valued at over K662,000 to 13 Community Welfare Assistance Committees (CWACs) under the Food Security Pack (FSP) programme.
The newly acquired equipment—comprising oil expellers, maize shellers, an incubator, peanut butter machines, and hammer mills—was procured using recoveries from the FSP programme. This reinvestment underscores the New Dawn Government commitment through the ministry to foster self-reliance and sustainable agricultural practices within local communities.
Officiating at the handover ceremony, Mazabuka District Commissioner, Mr. Oliver Mulomba, lauded the initiative as a milestone in promoting economic independence and agricultural productivity.
“This initiative represents a major step forward in equipping communities with the necessary tools to boost their agricultural output and economic resilience. I encourage all stakeholders to continue supporting the government’s efforts in sustaining this life-changing programme,” he stated.
Mr. Mulomba commended the beneficiaries for their adherence to the FSP repayment model, which requires them to contribute a portion of their produce.
These contributions have enabled the reinvestment into more agricultural equipment, ensuring the programme’s continuity and expansion.
“I am pleased that beneficiaries have complied with the repayment system, transforming their contributions into the tangible support we are witnessing today. This demonstrates the sustainability of the programme, and I urge all recipients to use and maintain these tools responsibly,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Nachipooma FSP Club Chairperson, Ms. Gertrude Cheelo, expressed her gratitude to the government for its unwavering support in empowering small-scale farmers.
“We are grateful to the government for implementing initiatives that uplift small-scale farmers and strengthen food security in our communities. This equipment will significantly enhance our productivity and improve our incomes,” Ms. Cheelo stated.
The handover of agricultural equipment in Mazabuka is part of the broader strategy to create sustainable livelihoods and foster economic growth through community-driven agricultural development.
The New Dawn Government through Ministry of Community Development and Social Services remains committed to expanding such initiatives, ensuring that communities continue to benefit from sustainable agricultural investments.
The Agency.
