LINDA SOKO TEMBO writes
@SunZambia
REARING of livestock is good business and sustainable for household and food security, says Zambia Livestock Enterprises Limited (ZLEL), director Michael Kabesha.
Mr Kabesha encouraged Zambian farmers to take interest, in livestock rearing, and use it as an alternative venture instead of concentrating on crop farming which had its own challenges such as drought or flooding.
He was speaking in an interview with the Sun after a-two days livestock market day held in the Lusaka showgrounds from the March 29-30.
Mr Kabesha said it was government’s idea to ensure that such events were held to allow farmers interact and improve the quality of their livestock.
He expressed happiness that despite the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease that had hit selected parts of Zambia such as Chisamba and those in Southern Province among others, the event was a success.
“Government want us as livestock farmers to collaborate with other farmers so that, we can identify which areas are suitable for livestock farming,
“We also wanted farmers to know that keeping of livestock is a very good business and sustainable for household and food security,” he said.
“We encourage farmers to invest in this business as we have experienced it be sustainable and they should not just focus so much on crop farming looking at the drought and flooding the country may experience,” he said.
He encouraged framers to also take an interest in fish farming because the fingerlings were easily accessible.
And Zambia Cooperative Union Limited chairperson Elias Nkhuwa said the event was a success because the idea was to help
Mr Nkhuwa said the next target was to go to all the parts of Zambia and hold livestock market days, adding that plans were also underway to host a livestock expo in Southern Province.
“This project is all about the small-holder farmer to benefit and if the farmer benefits it will change the face of the economy and farmers will be able to take their children to school because they have enough revenue,
“As a union we are encouraging people to participate when there is livestock sale,” he said.
