The Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises Development under the Cooperative College has trained over 105 cooperators from 53 cooperatives in Limulunga District in cooperative governance and entrepreneurship.
Cooperative College Trainer, Elizabeth Chiboboka told ZANIS that the government facilitated the training to foster growth and development among cooperators.
ZANIS reports that Ms Chiboboka said the government has trained cooperators in Limulunga, Nkeyema and Kalabo districts, and aims to make the cooperative vibrant for them to contribute to the economic development of the country through value addition.
“The present government aims to see these cooperatives become vibrant for them to contribute significantly to the growth of the economy through the cooperative movement,” she said
Ms Choboboka said many cooperatives trade in unprocessed products which fetch less value.
She disclosed that the government has made funding available through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for groups to acquire equipment that can be used to process the products.
“We encourage our cooperatives to utilise the CDF funds more effectively by acquiring value addition equipment to be able to grow as a cooperative and deal in more value-added crops and not just being dormant and depend on just Farmers Input Support Programme (FISP),” Ms Chiboboka said.
She also noted the need for cooperators to engage in climate smart agriculture, stating that cooperators have also agreed to participate in mitigating climate change.
The trainees were awarded certificates of completion by Limulunga District Commissioner, Lutangu Lutangu who officiated at the ceremony.
Mr Lutangu urged budding farmer cooperatives to utilise the knowledge acquired, stating it was not a waste of time.
“What we are doing is not a waste of time because you have picked something, this is an event that has gobbled a lot of money so let us ensure that the money has not been spent for nothing,” he said.
Mr Lutangu said he was hopeful for adequate rains this year so that the cooperators can apply the knowledge they have been empowered with.
At the same training, Western Province Cooperatives and Entrepreneurship Development Officer, Ruth Lwila urged beneficiary cooperatives to share the information so that many people can benefit from the programme.
Ms Lwila commended the CORP colleague for gathering cooperators throughout the district together, saying that the knowledge gained is important for progression.
Beneficiaries have thanked the government for the knowledge and skill they have been built with, stating that they will do things differently now.
Limulunga Jubilee Disability Club Chairperson, Maimboa Beha said the empowerment has lifted her zeal to excel in business because she has received a new perception in doing business.
“We are grateful to the government for enabling these training on how we need to work in cooperatives to empower our lives and bring change,” she said.
