EU Boosts Zambia’s Small Scale Farmers with 50 Million Euro Investment
The European Union (EU) has invested over 50 million euros to support agribusiness enterprises in Zambia, with the aim of improving services for small scale farmers in the country. The funds will be used to create a better market for these farmers, as well as increase production and productivity in the sector.
Mark Ireland, the team leader of Self Help Africa Enterprise Zambia Challenge Fund, highlighted the objectives of the fund in an interview with NAIS. He emphasized that the EU’s investment seeks to enhance the delivery of services to small scale farmers, ultimately benefiting their livelihoods and economic prospects.
One of the grant beneficiaries from the Enterprise Zambia Challenge Fund, Starke Ayres Zambia, is actively promoting hybrid breed seeds and improved farming systems among small scale farmers. According to Abel Ondya, the project coordinator at Starke Ayres Zambia, the company has already trained more than 20,000 farmers in Zambia since its inception.
This investment from the EU comes at a crucial time for Zambia’s agricultural sector, which heavily relies on small scale farmers. With improved access to markets and increased productivity, these farmers will be better positioned to contribute to the country’s overall food security and economic growth.
The EU’s funding will not only provide financial support but also contribute to knowledge transfer and capacity building within the agribusiness sector in Zambia. This multifaceted approach is expected to have a positive ripple effect within the industry, benefiting not only the small scale farmers but also other stakeholders involved in the agricultural value chain.
Zambia has great potential for agricultural development, given its favorable climate and abundant natural resources. However, small scale farmers often face numerous challenges such as limited access to credit, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of market opportunities. The EU’s investment aims to address these issues and create an enabling environment for small scale farmers to thrive.
The investment is also part of the EU’s broader commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development in Africa. By supporting small scale farmers and enhancing their productivity, the EU aims to contribute to poverty reduction, food security, and inclusive economic growth in the region.
Overall, the EU’s investment of 50 million euros in Zambia’s small scale farmers is a significant step towards transforming the country’s agricultural sector. With increased access to markets and improved farming practices, these farmers will have the potential to become key players in Zambia’s agricultural value chain, ultimately benefiting the entire nation. The EU’s investment not only provides financial resources but also signifies a commitment to sustainable development and poverty alleviation in Zambia.
