By Bertha Pata

Mwinilunga District leaders in North-Western province have welcomed the proposed Building Resilience of Food, Livelihoods, and Ecosystems Services (BREFOLES) project, describing it as a potential game-changer for local farming communities.

According to Mwinilunga Town Council Secretary, Joseph Kanyemba, said “The BREFOLES project is a potential game-changer for our local farming communities.”
Mr Kanyemba said the district has vast potential that can be harnessed to improve the lives of our farming communities.

“The project’s timing is opportune, given the ongoing development of the Lobito corridor,” Mr Kanyemba emphasized during a visit by a team from Green Economy and the Ministry of Agriculture.
District Administrative Officer, Pius Pulina, noted that the project aligns with the Eighth National Development Plan, which aims to combat food insecurity and poverty.
“The project will ensure the long-term vulnerability of the people is addressed,” he said.

Ikeleng’i District Agriculture Coordinator, Bwalya Ponga, expressed optimism about the project’s potential impact.

“Once the project is implemented, the district can look forward to a brighter future, where sustainable agriculture and economic growth go hand-in-hand,” he said.
Earlier, North Western Province Deputy Permanent Secretary, Lackson Mulumbi, welcomed the project, emphasizing the need to address areas heavily affected by climate change and previous droughts.
Mr Mulumbi said government remains committed to initiatives that support the well-being of its citizens, particularly in rural areas.
he further implored the Building Resilience of Food, Livelihoods, and Ecosystems Services Project to step towards achieving this goal.
“As government we are glad to see such programs taking shape, and we remain committed to to support these programs but I just want to implore you to address areas first heavily affected by climate change in the Province,” he said
Meanwhile, Green Economy Chief Officer, Hedges Tembo, explained the project is set to commence in 2026.

“This project aims to increase the income of rural communities and enterprises, fostering transformational change and sustainable livelihoods with a budget of 43.38 million US Dollars that will commence in 2026”. He said
The BREFOLES project is expected to improve food security, reduce poverty, and promote sustainable agriculture practices in the selected districts if the province.-NAIS