
By Chapunga Manengu
The Government says that the Programme for Integrated Development and Adaptation to Climate Change (PIDACC) Project has been launched six targeted districts, with a loan from the African Development Bank (ADB) at a cost of about US$9.2 million.
Agriculture Permanent Secretary for Administration Yvonne Mpundu says the project will help farmers improve their agricultural production and ensure the effective use of agricultural systems in the six targeted districts of North-Western Province where it will be implemented.
Ms Mpundu outlined that the main objective of the PIDACC is to strengthen the resilience of the Zambezi Basin through the practice of smart agriculture, which would suit the nation’s current climate change.
“Eco-system-based interventions would be implemented for the farmers that are around the catchment area of the project which would result in high-level agricultural production in their communities,” Ms Mpundu said.
Speaking earlier when Ms Mpundu paid a courtesy call to His Royal Highness Senior Chief Sikufele of the Mbunda Speaking people in the Manyinga district, appealed to government to provide irrigation equipment to farmers in his Chiefdom to enable them to cultivate throughout the year.
“The provision of irrigation equipment would ensure that the community has enough food all year round,” Chief Sikufele said.
North-Western Provincial Agricultural Coordinator Muyobo Shimabale said there are about 137 farmers who have benefited from mechanisation services in North-Western Province.
“The good reception of the mechanisation project from farmers paves the way for a successful implementation of the PIDACC Project,” Mr Shimabale said.
The Programme for Integrated Development and Adaptation to Climate Change Project Coordinator Simunji Simunji explained that the project was a result of the climate change that was occurring in the nation.
Manyinga District Commissioner Brenda Mukwakwa said stakeholders in the district are ready to work towards the successful implementation of the PIDACC Project.
The PIDACC Project would be implemented in six districts which are along the Zambezi Basin namely; Manyinga, Kabompo, Zambezi, Chavuma, Ikelengi and Mwinilunga District. –NAIS