The Zambian Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Given Lubinda, has
stressed the importance for building farmers’ capacity on the continent,
NaijaAgroNet reports.
He gave this position at an address to the just concluded World
Farmers Organisation (WFO) General Assembly in Livingstone, Zambia, saying that building
farmers capacity it will increase efficiency in the agriculture sector.
“Africa is home of the small scale farmers poors that create wealth, and feed the
world,” Lubinda said.
Farmers, the Minister said, need to develop the right skills
and knowledge needed to effectively improve their capacity.
“A secure access to the land, ownership and control over
land, access to productive resources and inputs, including modern technology,
markets, inputs and financial resources are essential elements to enable
farmers to improve agricultural efficiency and productivity,” Lubinda said.
The farmers, minister further said, need to develop their
agricultural management and marketing skills to efficiently strengthen their
entrepreneurial skills.
“In this respect, agricultural extension and advisory
services are increasingly seen as a key means to build farmers’ capacity,” the
Minister said.
These services, Lubinda pointed out, help farmers deal with
risk and change, by providing options and capabilities to make the right
choices at the right time.
“The services assist rural actors to share technology and
practices, and support farmers to acquire a better position in value chains and
markets,” Lubinda said.
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