Government has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting small scale farmers through the provision of agricultural inputs creating market opportunities.
Muchinga Province Deputy Permanent Secretary, Brian Sichande, says government recognizes agriculture as the backbone of the country’s economic transformation.
Mr Sichande was speaking during the commemoration of the Mutomolo Traditional Ceremony of the Namwanga people held at Chieftainess Waitwika’s palace in Nakonde today.
He commended the people of Waitwika Chiefdom for their hard work which has resulted in an anticipated bumper harvest in the 2025/2026 farming season.
Mr Sichande urged farmers to sell their produce to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) to get fair and reliable prices.
“I urge farmers not to sell their market produce to suitcase buyers who often exploit them through unfair pricing. Government encourages farmers to sell their produce to the Food Reserve Agency (FRA) which offers fair and reliable prices and remains committed to protecting the interests of our farming communities,” he said.
He further stated that government has created Mwenzo Constituency on the western side of Nakonde and has increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation to K40 million which demonstrates the government’s efforts to empower local communities.
“Through CDF, local communities are able to actively participate in decision making processes and determine development priorities for their communities and the district as a whole,” he said.
Mr Sichande further described traditional ceremonies as channels for passing values from one generation to the next.
He added that culture remains one of Zambia’s greatest assets and contributes to social and economic development.
Mr Sichande stated that government remains committed to working with traditional leaders to transform the economy.
He also disclosed that the construction of Chieftainess Waitwika’s palace has reached an advanced stage.
“I am pleased to note that the construction of Chieftainess Waitwika’s palace is in progress and the superstructure has been completed pending other finishing works to complete the palace,” he said.
The Deputy Permanent Secretary also highlighted the tourism potential of Nakonde, citing the Zwangendaba Grave Site, Mwenzo Mission, and Old Fife as sites that can attract visitors if marketed.
Mr Sichande further commended the chiefdom for efforts in addressing early marriages and teenage pregnancies.
Speaking at the same event, Chieftainess Waitwika who spoke through her representative, Davis Simwanza urged households to keep enough food to enhance food security.
The traditional leader also appealed to government to supply farming inputs early to take advantage of Nakonde’s good climate.
“Nakonde has a very good and favourable climate for farming and as such I would request the government to provide farming inputs in time and adequately for our people to produce more. This will help in ensuring sustainable national food security is enhanced, a key factor to national development,” she said.
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