Government says it is targeting to empower 2600 vulnerable but viable farmers under the wetland emergency response programme in the district.

Lunte District Community Development Officer, Jonas Chola, discloses  that another 600 beneficiaries will be empowered under the traditional wetland programme.

In an interview with ZANIS in Lunte District, Mr. Chola explained that the programme is aimed at cushioning the impact of hunger after the country experienced drought during the last farming season.

“So this means we will have 3200 beneficiaries to identify this year, and both programmes are underway and we are on the sensitization and registration stage, ” said Mr. Chola.

He said government will support these vulnerable farmers with inputs such as fertiliser and fortified maize seeds.

He further disclosed that his office has started identifying beneficiaries for both programmes.

Mr Chola further stated that among the criteria the department is considering in the award of beneficiaries are the unemployed but prospects for irrigation farming.

“We are targeting vulnerable but viable households in the community, those that have farrows or streams nearby, and those that fall under different vulnerable groups, such as child-headed households, female headed households, and those keeping chronically ill people.” He said.

He added that households keeping orphans shall also be considered during the selection process.

And  speaking at the same function, Ministry of Community Development Director, Mangani Daka,  encouraged the community to take advantage of the programme to have household food security.

“We want you to utilise these farrows and streams here since you had enough rainfall unlike other areas so that you may have food in your homes and also help those that did not receive rainfall this last farming season, ” said Mr. Daka.

He  also urged the community to unite and follow the required criteria in the selection process.

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And Mr. Justice Chishimba, a prospective beneficiary, has thanked government for the programme, saying it will help people in the district practice irrigation farming and have food in their homes.

“We are very grateful to the government for this programme, as it will even encourage us to plant a number of farming products.” He said.