LUAPULA Province Permanent Secretary Mighty Mumba has urged small-scale farmers across the province to diversify their farming activities.
Mr Mumba says that farmers should explore areas such as livestock farming for increased income and food security.
He observes that the call for farmers to diversify is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector, reduce dependency on traditional crop farming and enhance resilience to climate change and other emerging challenges.
He said this in a statement made available to ZANIS by Luapula Province Principal Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Maseko.
“As part of its commitment to supporting farmers, the Government, through various programs such as the Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility (SAFF) loans, continues to provide critical financial support to farmers in Luapula Province,” he said.
Mr Mumba added that the loan window for livestock farming remains open, offering an excellent opportunity for farmers to invest in the sector.
Further, the Permanent Secretary encouraged farmers, particularly those in areas where crop farming has been less productive, to take advantage of the opportunities and explore the potential of livestock farming.
“We will continue to ensure farmers have access to necessary resources, guidance, and infrastructure to succeed in diverse agricultural activities. Diversifying into livestock farming offers significant opportunities for growth, economic resilience, and sustainable livelihoods for our communities,” said Mr Mumba.
He noted that the Provincial Administration, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, is actively working to find more ways to support farmers.
The Permanent Secretary added that the collaboration will focus on providing technical assistance, access to loans, and practical solutions to overcome any challenges that farmers may face as they transition into livestock farming.
“Livestock farming has immense potential for job creation, food security, and long-term economic development for our province.
“It is a viable alternative that can complement crop farming, especially as we face the realities of climate change. We encourage all farmers to explore this opportunity and build a diversified, sustainable agricultural future,” said Mr. Mumba.
