By Chinoyi Chipulu
USAID deputy administrator for policy programing Isobel Coleman has announced that the United States of America will give Zambia US$67 million to address the current drought and strengthen food security in the country.
Coleman said US$20 will be used for immediate drought response and US$14.5 million will go towards accelerating the country’s long term recovery from the drought.
She said this investment would promote sustainable agriculture production and market access.
Coleman was speaking during the launch of feed the future program which was launched in Lusaka yesterday.
She said farmers were grappling everyday with the effects of climate change and food security.
“Despite these challenges, Zambian agriculture sector is poised with significant growth. The USA is committed to supporting the Zambian people in getting through the immediate crisis of the devastating drought and building towards a more resilient and prosperous future,” Coleman said.
“Today I am pleased to announce that the United States through USAID intends to provide US$67 million to Zambia to address the current drought and strengthen food security in the country and build resilient in the country across a variety sectors.
Coleman said this investment would support business and entrepreneurs.
“A further US$14.5 million will go towards accelerating Zambia’s long term recovery from the drought,” she said.
Coleman said USAID would continue supporting agriculture as it had the potential to eliminate poverty.
She also said more than six and a half million people were in need of humanitarian assistance.
“This is an anxious time and a difficult time for most Zambians, the country as we know is facing a devastating drought.The farmers have lost about 60 to 90 percent of their crops causing maize crisis as we heard,” she said.
Speaking at the same function, Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo Phiri said the US financial contribution will boost public and private sector investments in agriculture, enhance productivity, and improve food security.
“The Global Food Security program, which we are launching today, supports these efforts. The program also addresses climate variability and related risks, ensuring resilience in our agricultural systems, Phiri said.
He said the government was committed to implementing necessary policy reforms and structural changes within the agricultural sector which included marketing, credit lines, and other initiatives that were already in advanced stages.
“Implementing strategies that avoid single-solution programs and focus on market-driven interventions will raise productivity and encourage private sector involvement. Additionally, increasing the uptake of small irrigation systems and farm mechanization programs is vital,” he said.
Phiri also said transforming the agricultural sector was essential for the future well-being of Zambia’s economy and its people.
