The Department of Community Development  in Masaiti District is set to empower 700 vulnerable but viable small-scale farmers with inputs under the Food Security Pack component called wetlands.

The farmers are expected to benefit from 5 kilograms of maize seed, 50 kilograms of D compound and Urea fertilizer.

Masaiti District Community Development Officer, Musonda Mulomba said the 700 small-scale farmers have been identified  from areas with streams and rivers.

Mr Mulomba named the areas as Mipundu, Mbotwa, Shimibanga, Mukolwe, Kansabwa, and Chilese.

He disclosed that out of the 700 beneficiaries of the wetlands, 400 small-scale farmers will get maize seed with inputs only while the 300 farmers will be given vegetable seeds, pesticides, and the farming inputs.

Mr Mulomba said listing of the Wetlands beneficiaries has already been done and the office is just waiting for authority to begin validation.

He also noted that the district is earmarked for an emergency Wetlands component following the dry spells experienced during this year’s farming season.

The District Community Development Officer said this is an emergency response to President Hakainde Hichilema’s declaration on stabilising food security in the country.

Mr Mulomba said his office is working with other departments such as Agriculture, Health and the Local Authority to help identify people who live in water logged areas in Masaiti.

He said the district has begun comprehensive sensitizations in the district to identify the affected families in order for the Government to facilitate targeted interventions and support.