"We seriously need to invest in mental health amidst economic hardships"

By Daily News Reporter

The current economic hardships being experienced in Zambia calls for a serious investment in mental health in order to help citizens cope with the state of affairs.

Fellow countrymen and women, it is a well known fact that a number of Zambians are currently undergoing hardships financially as a result of the tough economy and because of this, we have continued seeing reports of people commiting suicide due to failure to handle this stress. A day rare passes by without us having a report (s) of suspected suicide. This is worrying and requires urgent interventions.

Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. It has intrinsic and instrumental value and is integral to our well-being.

At any one time, a diverse set of individual, family, community and structural factors may combine to protect or undermine mental health. Although most people are resilient, people who are exposed to adverse circumstances – including poverty, violence, disability and inequality – are at higher risk of developing a mental health condition.

Many mental health conditions can be effectively treated at relatively low cost, yet health systems remain significantly under-resourced and treatment gaps are wide all over the world.

Mental health care is often poor in quality when delivered. Sadly, people with mental health conditions often also experience stigma, discrimination and human rights violations.

I am aware that we have one or two public Institutions offering mental health services but that is not adequate looking at current trends and human resource specifically trained to handle mental health services is inadequate. 

Secondly, we need to break the stigma surrounding mental health and institutions in the country by investing in public awareness campaigns starting from a community level. We need to establish community - based mental health centers that provide care and support options for people with mental health conditions and psychosocial disabilities in the community (e.g. day care centers, rehabilitation centers). Family support system also need to be encouraged.

Above all, Zambia should seriously invest in mental health like yesterday and as a matter of priority. We have seen a surge in Gender Based Violence (GBV) cases, alcohol abuse among young people continues being a source of concern and now we have the infamous "junkies" who are abusing drugs and in the end attack innocent citizens. All these are mental - related behaviors.

In an effort to tackle this matter head-on, I am calling upon government, CSOs, the church, community based organizations, politicians and the general citizenry to join me in this campaign.

Remember, a health people means a wealthy and productive nation. Together we can achieve this.

 

ZAM REVIEWS NATIONAL BUDGET

By Daily News Reporter

The Zambia Association of manufacturing (ZAM) with support from the USAID Revenue for Growth Project, held the Post-Budget meeting. The event was graced by the Minister of Finance and National Planning, represented by Mrs. Mwaka C. Mukubesa, Acting Permanent Secretary – Budget and Economic Affairs stated that ZAM’s proposal align with the government’s overarching objectives of fostering a vibrant and competitive manufacturing sector,

Mrs. Mukubesa noted that this year’s budget may not have fully addressed all of the association’s request due to fiscal constraints

She ensured the sector that the government has taken steps to support the sector through targeted tax incentives, infrastructure improvement and measures to protect the sector

“THE GOVERNMENT AND ZAM CAN WORK TOGETHER TO CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT THAT ENCOURAGES INVESTMENT, INNOVATION, AND SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH IN ZAMBIA.”

During the meeting, ZAM President Mr. Ashu Sagar presented our analysis of the 2025 National Budget. Key highlighted the sector record which showed a modest growth of 4.7% in 2022, contributing 0.4% to national GDP growth.

Increased allocation to the Zambia Credit Guarantee Scheme, introduction of surtaxes on selected imports to support local production, and enhanced road infrastructure through PPPs.

Mr. Sagar also noted that they are some of the absence of new tax concessions in 2025 which may hinder industrial growth, while increased excise duties on non-alcoholic beverages and tobacco could drive up production costs.

Mr. Sagar urged the government to adjust Corporate Income Tax for value-added exports, reform the VAT system to address refund delays, and implement cost-reflective electricity tariffs while ensuring affordability.

Meanwhile Proudly Zambia Campaign Chairperson Ms. Kim Otteby added that ZAM complied and submitted various proposals on Tax and Nontax to benefits ZAM for 2025 national Budget.

She also noted that some proposals were adopted including on the introduction of a 5% selected goods surtax on imported printed paper products and packaging materials the increment of 20% SGS on imported garden hose pipes   

“THESE MEASURES ARE DESIGNED TO SUPPORT DOMESTIC PRODUCTION, ENCOURAGING GROWTH IN ZAMBIA’S PACKAGING SECTOR AND PROMOTING LOCAL INVESTMENTS IN INDUSTRIES SUCH AS AGRICULTURE. “ Otteby said.

(PICTURES bY ZAM)

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 STORY OF MIGHTY KARIBA DAM

Kabriba in 1959

Kariba in 2023-24

BY MOSES WALUBITA

LUSAKA

IN his book, ‘RHODESIA’ AND NYASALAND LANDS AND PEOPLES’, published in 1961, Colin Black writes that a wall 420 feet high and nearly half a mile wide has tamed one of Africa’s greatest rivers.

At Kariba Gorge on the Zambezi River, some 200 miles to the east of the Victoria Falls, a great curved concrete wall was completed in 1959 and finally check the flow of a river which no African had lived near its bank or seen the power of its flood would agree could ever be halted.

“By the end of 1959, the lake which was forming was estimated to be half full. The waters will be pushing back for 175 miles and with a width varying between twenty and ten miles the area of Lake Kariba will be about 2,000 square miles - or just about enough to cover Northern Rhodesia’s Copperbelt”, Colin Black notes.

He adds: “It will be three times the size of the island of Mauritius or a quarter the area of Israel. Such a sheet of water forming the greatest man-made lake in the world - four times the size of Hoover Dam in the United States - and forming a hundred rivers to un backwards into the boundary hills, has set problems as well as records.”

On the northern bank, where the area was more crowded, some of the tribes refused to move, and the Northern Rhodesia Government (present day Zambia) had to force the old men, women and children to leave their low-lying villages for the safety of higher ground.

According to Colin Black, it had been apparent, however that two Rhodesias - Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) would have to use their potential resources for hydro-electric power if their economic progress were to be maintained and then accelerated.

The former British territories belonged to the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland which lasted from 1953 to 1963.

After many investigations Lord Malvern, then Prime Minister of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, told the Federal Parliament in 1955, that the Government had decided to proceed with the Kariba project.

On January 1, 1960, the first power from Kariba flowed to Northern Rhodesia’s Copperbelt.”

 Sir Duncan Anderson, the Chairman of the Federal Power Board, said: “The Kariba project has been an example to the world of the way in which Europeans and Africans can work together, pulling together vigorously on the same rope in the same way.”

Sir Duncan had been knighted for his work at Kariba. As Colin Black writes, the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland had a cabinet and government modelled on the British system and its Parliament was in effect, a miniature of the House of Commons.

The Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland comprised Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and Nyasaland (now Malawi). Sir Roy Welensky (20 January, 1907-5 December, 1991) was the last Federal Prime Minister.

The history of the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) may be said to have begun in November 1964 when the Central African Council appointed the Inter-Territorial Hydro-Electric Commission.

In May 1951 the Inter-Territorial Hydro-Electric Commission recommended the development of a dam at Kariba electric power station.

In June 1954 the Hydro-Electric Power Act was passed which provided for the establishment of the Federal Hydro-Electric Board charged with the function of Coordinating the generation and supply of electricity within the Federation.

The Zambezi River Authority says in May 1956 the Federal Power Board was established pursuant to the enactment of the Electric Act. This was a reconstitution of the Federal Hydro-Electric Board.

The new Federal Power Board was vested with the power to build dams and power stations to transmit electric power and sell same to Electricity undertakings. A hydrological data collection organisation territory was also established. In 1963, the Federation was dissolved.

 The integrated system for the control of generation of power and its transmission continued to be operated and was fully developed as a single system under joint ownership and control of the two Governments of Northern and Southern Rhodesia under the Central African Power Corporation (CAPCO) which was established in the same year.

The Central African Power Corporation was vested with the assets and liabilities of the Federal Power Board.

The general function of Central African Power Corporation was to supply electricity to Electricity undertakings in the two territories while its conduct was regulated by a higher authority for power comprising two ministers appointed by each of the two Governments.

In 1987 the Zambezi River Authority Act was passed simultaneously in the two states of Zambia and Zimbabwe dissolving Central African Power Corporation and reconstituting it as Zambezi River Authority (ZRA).

Central African Power Corporation (CAPCO) was divested of its electricity production and bulk distribution assets which were allocated to the National Electricity undertakings of the two states.

The Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) was therefore left with the responsibility of the operation and maintenance of Kariba Dam Complex, investigation and development of new dam sites on the Zambezi River and analysing and disseminating hydrological and environmental information pertaining to the mighty Zambezi River and Lake Kariba.

The Zambezi River is the fourth-longest river in Africa, the longest east-flowing river in Africa and the largest flowing into the Indian Ocean from Africa, according to the Zambia Tourism Agency.

The 2,574 km (1,599 miles) river rises in Zambia and flows through eastern Angola, along the north-east border of Namibia and the northern border of Botswana, then along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe to Mozambique, where it crosses Mozambique to empty into the Indian Ocean.

The Zambezi’s most noted feature is Victoria Falls but there is so much more. Other notable waterfalls include Chavuma Falls at the border between Zambia and Angola, and Ngonye Falls, near Sioma in Western Zambia.

The Zambia Tourism Agency says hippo, Nile crocodiles and monitor lizards are commonly found along many of the calm stretches of the Zambezi River. Species of birdies, like heron, pelican, egret and African fish eagle are found in large numbers here. Riverine woodlands then support many large animals such as buffalo, zebra, giraffe and elephant.

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CHONA’S DAUGHTER EUGOLISES SISTER JUDGE MUYOVWE

BY MOSES WALUBITA

LUSAKA

FOR Kaoli Chona’s father Mathias Mainza Chona, it was love at first sight as eyes came to face with Yolanta Mainza Chona’s beauty when the two were pupils at Chona Primary School, east of Monze District in former Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia).

The two classmates shared the middle name ‘Mainza’. Mainza Chona was classes ahead of Yolanta. He made it his business to convince Yolanta, a daughter of headman Haanamoonga Jeke Malambo of nearby Chiile village in Chief Chona’s area.

Mainza Chona died on December 11, 2001. The tombstone on his grave at Chona village reads: ‘’Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be known as sons of God.’’ He died a day after his wife’s birthday.

Today, one of the couple’s daughter Kaoli Chona eulogises her Late sister Elizabeth Nkombo Chona Muyovwe who was Supreme Court Judge.

Justice Muyovwe was born in 1956 at Haanamoonga village. She went to primary at Chona School and later moved to Chikuni Primary School in Southern Province as a boarder. She did her upper primary at St Mary’s Primary School and secondary school at St Joseph’s in Monze, Southern Province.

Highlighting Justice Muyovwe’s achievements, Kaoli said: ‘’ I am telling the story of a woman who has definitely without debt contributed to the cause of women and vulnerable people in Zambia.’’

Kaoli walked with Justice Muyovwe, saw her tire, struggle, get up, use her own resources and she listened to her dreams.

‘’Mine is the story of my elder sister Justice Elizabeth Nkombo Chona Muyovwe’’, she said.

Justice Muyovwe’s passion for law wasa probably developed by her father Mathias Mainza Chona, first black lawyer in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia).

Yolanta Chona recalls how Mainza Chona brought Munali Secondary School in Lusaka to a standstill in 1958 soon after returning from law studies in United Kingdom.

Yolanta Chona had accompanied him to his old school and they were taken around the school grounds. Students jostled to view the country’s black lawyer, who had broken the colour bar during British colonialism.

In his book, THEY BUILT ZAMBIA, ZAMBIA’S HUNDRED GRADUATES AT INDEPENDENCE, Yuyi Kwalombota Libakeni recalls that Mainza Chona returned home from his studies in London shortly after he was called to the English Bar in June 1958.

Proudly invited to visit his old school, Munali, Mainza Chona and his wife Yolanta were taken around the school by the principal H.J. Roberts and his wife.

There was commotion as students jostled to view the back native who had broken the colour bar to become the first African lawyer in the country.

In the days that followed students began to consider law as a serious career and profession. Mainza Chona had shown that it was feasible proposition for an African to aim to become a lawyer.

This is what inspired Justice Elizabeth Nkombo Chona Muyovwe to have a passion for law.

Among her rich credentials, Justice Elizabeth Muyovwe was a member of the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) and she became involved in the women’s issues together with prominent lawyers like Charity Mwansa.

Justice Muyovwe sat on the Women’s Rights Committee. The committee realized that there was need for Legal Aid that would look at the rights of women and children.

The committee organized a workshop and what followed a publication of document on Women’s Rights. Together with this committee they began to do some ground work which led to the formation of a Legal Clinic for Women.

Kaoli Chona said: ‘’At first this was just a dream that was on paper and women’s issues at this time were not taken seriously by LAZ. The committee drew up a project proposal which was funded by NORAD. The committee chose Elizabeth as the project leader.’’

Justice Muyovwe resigned from Lima Bank to head the ‘Legal Clinic for Women’. To begin with she had a skeleton staff which consisted of herself and the secretary.

Justice Muyovwe also used volunteer lawyers and student lawyers from Legal Practicing Institute (LPI)to help in handling many cases.

One of the lawyers whom Justice Elizabeth Muyovwe managed to convince to join as Volunteer Lawyer is the prominent woman lawyer Nellie Mutti, currently Speaker of the National Assembly.

Justice Elizabeth Muyovwe dealt with so many cases and met many women who she helped a times it was difficult for her remember.

‘’The money was not much but the satisfaction she found was so great. She saw many women who were without a smile, smile again, some who were depressed revived and some who had almost lost everything regain it’’, Kaoli Chona said.

The year 1996 was notable one for Justice Elizabeth Muyovwe when her husband Charles Muyovwe died. The funeral was taken to his home village in Pemba, Southern Province.

Her experience as a widow opened her eyes to the importance of the work she had done for women. She no longer only sympathised with them but she became part of their struggles, as she understood what they went through.

She was left to look after four children who were still school going. The tasks she had done with her husband she now had to do alone.

‘’It was a long struggle’’. Kaoli Chona said.

In 1998, the Government of the Republic of Zambia through the Office of the Vice President honoured Elizabeth Muyovwe a High Court Judge. Among the Judge’s other tasks was being appointed as Vice-Chairperson of the Lands Tribunal - and again she enjoyed this as the cases were mostly for disadvantaged people and it prepared Elizabeth Muyovwe for the bench.

Eulogising the sister, Kaoli Chona said Justice Elizabeth Muyovwe never left either a woman or man wounded. She helped pick up them up. The Judge was the ‘Good Samaritan’.

She said: ‘’The Legal Clinic contributed to the recognition in Zambia that women were human beings who had rights. The formation of the Victim Support Unit of the Police is as a result of institutions like the Legal Clinic.’’

On January 16, 2002, the Secretary General of the United Nations and the Government of Sierra Leone, announced that eight Judges had been appointed to serve on the Trial Chamber and the Appeals Chamber of the Special Court which would have its seat in Freetown.

Justice Elizabeth Muyovwe was one of the two women appointed. One of the criteria used to select the Judges was integrity.

‘’I believe my sister Justice Elizabeth Nkombo Muyovwe should be honoured’, Kaoli Chona said at Lusaka West home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 *UNEP HINTS AT CREATING AFRICAN INSTRUMENT ON ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS*

By Daily News Reporter 

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) stated that there are ongoing discussions about creating an African instrument on environmental rights.

UNEP Deputy Director of the Law Division Andrew Raine, further said there are already 2,116 specialized environmental courts and tribunals in 67 countries, urging Zambia to establish an Environmental Court.

Mr Raine said the institutions will help advance environmental justice by equipping judges with specialized knowledge.

This Mr Raine was speaking during at the Environmental Protection Day (EPD) 2024 organized by the Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) in Lusaka.

Mr. Raine highlighted the importance of environmental rule of law, which he described as having two main components such as good laws and good implementation.

Mr Raine added that they is need for fair and clear laws, public participation, access to justice and information, accountability, coordinated mandates, and effective dispute-resolution mechanisms.

Mr. Raine also mentioned the potential of specialized environmental courts to advance environmental justice.

He said despite global geopolitical tensions, countries are coming together to address environmental issues through multilateral agreements, such as the international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution and the global biodiversity framework.

Mr. Raine said the human right to a healthy environment is recognized in the legal frameworks of 160 countries and regional treaties like the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Green Economy and Environment – Director Environment Godwin Gondwe, representing Ministry of Green Economy and Environment Permanent Secretary Douty Chibamba, highlighted the mounting pressures on the environment and the global forces threatening communities, urging a collective commitment to enforcing environmental laws and best practices in stewardship to secure a sustainable future.

Mr. Gondwe also noted that since its inception, the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment has provided guidance and technical support to enhance programming and governmental protection efforts.

He praised the Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) for its significant contributions over the past four years, including convening key stakeholders to discuss urgent environmental issues.

Mr. Gondwe expressed pride in the progress made and encouraged continued efforts to bring together key actors for environmental justice.

He also addressed the increasing environmental challenges posed by chemicals, solid waste, hazardous waste, industrialization, and mining, calling for urgent corrective actions to manage and remedy these issues.

Mr. Gondwe stressed the importance of strengthening environmental monitoring, law compliance, and enforcement mechanisms, and called for active participation from all stakeholders, including civil society, the private sector, and communities.

He further urged the private sector to invest in green technologies and sustainable businesses and emphasized the need for inclusive development that prioritizes the voices of marginalized groups.

THEY IS NEED TO ADDRESS ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL INJUSTICES* GREEN PEACE AFRICA 

 By Daily News Reporter 

Greenpeace Africa - Director of Communications Nanfadima Cisse has called for the creation of specialised environmental courts and tribunals to help communities seek redress to environmental harms.

Ms Cisse said justice must be at the forefront of addressing current global challenges.

She emphasized the importance of international collaboration, noting that they work closely with climate justice movements and people from around the world towards achieving social justice and integral ecology.

Ms. Cisse pointed out that the global conversation is focused on transition, referencing COP28 in Dubai where nations committed to moving away from fossil fuels.

She stressed that Africa needs a comprehensive transition in its food systems, energy sources, and development models, which have historically hindered progress.

Ms Cisse was speaking during the 2024 Environmental Protection Dialogue (EPD) organized by the Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ) in Lusaka.

She expressed concern that Africa is being overlooked despite the “leave no one behind” mantra.

Ms Cisse said as COP29 in Azerbaijan approaches, she called on affluent industrialized nations to embrace their moral responsibility and commit to creating an ambitious and expansive climate finance framework.

She said this framework should empower African nations to implement mitigation and adaptation strategies to avert further loss of life and property.

Ms. Cisse highlighted the ongoing climate crisis in vulnerable communities, noting the loss of land and resources.

She urged African leaders to establish a common goal and agreement for a global system shift, insisting that polluters must be held accountable.

 

REPEAL NGO BILL INTO LAW OF 2022 AND REPLACE NGO ACT OF 2009-CNGO(MR.MWILU)

 

“we are deeply concerned by the prolonged delay in the signing of this bill into law……… Mr. Mwilu

 

By Daily News Reporter

 

The current position of the signing of the 2022 NGO Bill into law to Repeal and Replace the NGO Act of 2009.   It hampers the progress of numerous initiatives and creates uncertainty and instability within the NGO sector, which is essential for addressing various socio-economic issues across the country.

 

The Council Non Governmental organizations (CN GOs) Executive Director Roy Mwilu stated that According to the four staged roadmap provided by Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MDSS), there are three more steps that the Bill needs to go through before it is introduced in Parliament after cabinet Approval.

Mr Mwilu also concerned that similar road maps have been drawn before and they amounted to nothing.  And that some number of Bills have been introduced to Parliament overtaking the NGO Bill that has been under review for the past fifteen years. 

Has further urged the Ministry of Justice to get a clear understanding on why the Bill has to undergo so may reviews without ever being introduced to parliament.

 

By prioritizing the timely repeal and replacement of the 2022 NGO Bill,it will foster an environment that nurtures the growth and success of NGOs, enabling them to continue making invaluable contributions to the society.

 

In future we may we hope to hold peaceful provincial solidarity matches, press statements and other form of advocacy, including escalating the concerns to the Republican President if this is what it calls to bring to the attention of those that are supposed to prioritize the importance of the repealing and replacing the 2009 NGO ACT.

 

The 2022 NGO Bill will Promote Transparency and Accountability and  the NGO Bill establishes clear guidelines that will improve the transparency and accountability of NGOs, which is critical for maintaining public trust and ensuring that resources are used effectively.

By signing the 2022 NGO Bill it

Reaffirms, it’s Commitment to Civil Society and also it will signal administration’s commitment to supporting civil society and recognizing the vital role that NGOs play in the democratic and development processes.

 

Mr. Mwilu also noted that by delaying signing the 2022 NGO Bill it will Addressing Legal Uncertainties which will create

 a legal vacuum that affects NGOs’ ability to plan and execute their projects, potentially leading to disruptions in crucial services and interventions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

HAPPY LAND RESORT TO BOOST TOURISM SECTOR

“This investment is a great opportunity for the community to experience the tourism sector ….” Dr. Mulenga.

By Daily News Reporter,

Speaking during the launch of Happy Land Resort in Chongwe district, Happy Land CEO Dr Joseph Mulenga stated that this investment it will promote tourism sector by creating tourism activities in the district.

Dr. Mulenga added that such investment create jobs for local people to reduce lack of employment and lack of creation activities in the area.

Happy Land Resort which is within Happy Land for creations was constricted at a cost of $10 million.

And Dr. Mulenga further urged the Ministry of Tourism to work with local investors to boost local investment in areas of interest.

Meanwhile Chongwe District Commissioner Dr. Evans Lupiya added that through local investment in the district it will increase GDP, economy in the tourism sector also improve Tourism activities.

Dr. Lupiya stated this investment will preserve the natural and culture heritage for future generations.

And Dr. Lupiya urged all local investors to continue working together by ensuring that this establishment succeed in the long term.

Also by ensuring that Happy Land Resort to serve as beacon of excellence hospitality within Chongwe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DGA FORUM TO FOSTER DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN AFRICA….

By Daily News Reporter

This year’s 2^nd Digital Government Africa (DGA)Forum 2024 is scheduled to take place from October 2-4, which has attracted over 550 delegates from 33 African countries.

The 2^nd DGA is the follow up of the 1^st summit of 2023 to implement the E-government system to benefit the Zambia citizens and Africa at large.

Speaking to the media in Lusaka SMART Zambia Institute National Coordinator Mr. Percy Chinyama stated that the conference is aligned with the presidential directive to leverage technology and collaboration for digital solutions in government agencies across Zambia and Africa, adding that the three-day event aims to foster digital transformation in Africa.

Mr. Percy added that through this summit it discuss challenges and opportunities faced in the digital space.

And Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister Hon. Jack Mwiimbu stated that government's commitment is to have  digital transformation in Zambia.

Mr. Mwiimbu also stated that the Digital Government Africa Summit  will facilitate African government to have collaboration, cross-border payment systems, and professional interactions in cyberspace, ultimately enhancing service delivery.

Meanwhile Technology and Science Minister Hon. Felix Mutati stated that digital transformation is high on the government's agenda, and for this reason, it has suspended taxes on the importation of digital equipment, such as towers and fiber, among others. He noted significant progress

in Zambia's digital space since last year's inaugural summit, adding that this year it showcases Zambia's advancements in its digital security and transformation agenda.

And Speaking at the same event African-Brains Chief Executive Officer John Glassey said this year’s summit will focus on the implementation of E-Government systems, which will positively benefit Zambian citizens to have a digital nation.

 

ORGANIC FARMING TO MITIGATE CLIMATE CHANGE

“organic farming is the best way to go and mitigate drought crisis Zambia is facing……..

By Daily News Reporter

Zambia has faced challenges especially in agriculture which has been impacted so much due to drought in most part of the country 2023-24 farming seasons. Organic Farming is the way to go and find ways to mitigate this climate change Zambia is facing.

Organic Farming is a way that keeps soils, ecosystems and it uses natural processes and products to produce food in a way that provides people with the nutrients they need for a healthy life.

And the way to mitigate it is by going agroecology Method way , through PELUM  Association in collaboration with the knowledge Hub for Organic Agriculture in Southern Africa in promoting  agroecology to the farmers it engaged farmers affected by drought within Zambia and one of the farmers involved in agroecology farming Mrs.Kanangwa Hamuyamba Newlove a Manager at Loctaguna Organics Fam in Chongwe district highlighted the benefits of organic farming stated that organic farming it builds soil health, provides cost benefits and builds resilience to climate change.

Mrs Kanangwa stated that these benefits they play a significant role in producing plants rich in nutrients that are more resistant to drought, pests and diseases,

“organic agriculture it also helps builds resilience through more consistent yields in the face of changing climate change and production of a diversity of nutrients foods,” Kanangwa stated.

Mrs Kanangwa also said that organic farming is the technology which has not been proven unequivocally safe for long term use and some of the accompanying inputs may have negative effects on the otherenvironment and human health.

Mrs Kanangwa urged farmers to make use of the land available and water,

“let farmers use water sustainably because organically managed soils retain more water and for a long time. From this process there are no chemicals used and it doesn’t damage the water bodies,”Kanangwa said.

Meanwhile Patson Ncube a Soil Health expert at Loctaguna Organics Farm add that Soils build healthy plants and it also boost it’s ability to retain water and support effective in nutrients cycle.

“if you build soil with natural soils it will produce plants  rich in nutrients that are more resistant to drought,” Ncube said.

Ncube also stated that organic farmers should not use synthetic fertilizer and animal drugs but work with health of soils and animal dung.

“Zambia has rich soils but how do we use it? So they is need to build soil for all plants to be healthy.”Ncube said.

 

 

 

 INVEST / ALLOCATE MORE RESOURCES IN THE AGRICULTURE AND ENERGY SECTORS

By Daily News Reporter

Zambia Institute for Policy and Research (ZIPAR) has projected  the 2025 National Budget in the agriculture sector to address agricultural policy with the aspiration to make it a major driver of growth through market-based mechanisms, including the Comprehensive Agriculture Transformation Support Program (CATSP) and Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility (SAFF), aiming at increasing productivity in agriculture. Speaking to the Media in Lusaka, ZIPAR  Interim Executive Director Zali Chikuba stated that such reforms are critical to ensure a clearer framework for evaluating government accountability in agriculture.

Mr Chikuba also stated that this will show commitment to reduce reliance on the Farmer Input Support Program (FISP) as a measure to improve productivity in the agricultural sector due to the underlying inefficiencies associated with the framework.

“ this FISP need to be maintained for the 2025 National Budget with commitments made to improve efficiency, particularly in targeting the poor and vulnerable, and in the use of electronic vouchers to streamline distribution,”Chikuba said.

Mr. Chikuba further urged the Minister of Finance to allocate resources to recruit more extension officers to support the implementation of the stated agricultural reforms. Also by scaling down of FISP allocations with resources redirected to more critical areas such as irrigation and mechanization.

And ZIPAR also expects the 2025 National Budget to increase investment in irrigation and mechanization to boost agricultural productivity and build resilience against climate challenges, particularly droughts and floods.

So far the Government has continued commitment to constructing 38 dams, supported by the K598.4 million allocated in the 2024 Budget for key farm blocks, which is expected to continue in 2025.

And Mr. Chikuba has also urged the Government under ministry of finance to allocate and invest more in the               Energy Sector, In 2023 and 2024 Zambia has not been spared of drought  across the country especially in the agriculture and energy sectors,

The 2025 National Budget is expected to fast-track the licensing of energy projects, with a focus on facilitating increased investment in renewable energy such as solar, while expanding existing thermal and hydropower projects. The government is anticipated to streamline licensing processes further to enhance efficiency and attract investment by operationalizing a one-stop shop for energy project development. Additionally, the fast-tracking of licensing and implementation of renewable energy projects is expected to include non-tax incentives for independent power producers, both local and international, to invest in Zambia’s energy sector.

 And Mr. chikuba stated that they is need to support the introduction of on-bill financing, where ZESCO and the financial sector collaborate to provide solar systems to both domestic and commercial consumers. “The cost of these systems would be recovered through electricity bills. This program is expected to reduce dependency on the national grid and lessen load-shedding, while also ensuring consumer protection through regulation of solar systems to prevent the use of counterfeits,” Mr. Chikuba stated