Zambian Minister Calls for Improved Livestock Disease Control and Investment in Agriculture
The Zambian Minister of Fisheries and Livestock, Hon. Makozo Chikote, has highlighted the importance of addressing livestock disease management in Africa.
He emphasized that stronger disease control mechanisms are crucial for African nations to compete effectively in the international livestock market.
According to a statement released by the Zambian Embassy in Ethiopia, Hon. Chikote acknowledged Africa’s potential in the livestock sector, but pointed out that inadequate disease management remains a significant barrier.
Despite having good quality livestock, many African countries, including Zambia, are unable to export due to concerns about disease outbreaks.
The Minister urged Zambian farmers to explore value addition strategies to increase their profits from livestock products.
Hon. Chikote also addressed the challenges faced by small-scale farmers in accessing financing for mechanization. He encouraged financial institutions to adopt more flexible lending practices, reducing the collateral requirements for small-scale farmers seeking loans to invest in machinery.
Increased mechanization, he argued, would lead to higher productivity, job creation, and a positive impact on Zambia’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product).
The Minister made these remarks in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during a stopover after attending the 33rd Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Regional Conference for Africa in Morocco.
Hon. Chikote’s statements highlight the need for a two-pronged approach to strengthen Zambia’s agricultural sector:
Improved Livestock Disease Management: Implementing effective disease control measures is crucial for African nations to compete in the global livestock market and expand their export potential.
Increased Access to Financing for Mechanization: Providing small-scale farmers with easier access to loans for machinery will allow them to improve their productivity and contribute more significantly to the country’s economy.
