IFAD President's visit to Zambia

On 23 July 2010, in Lusaka, IFAD President, Kanayo F. Nwanze, met with President of the Republic of Zambia, Rupiah Banda.

The two officials praised the excellent collaboration between IFAD and the Government of Zambia. “We are proud with IFAD support” said President Banda. President Banda requested IFAD to continue assisting his government’s efforts in agriculture conservation agriculture and irrigation schemes.

IFAD President commended the Head of State and the Government of Zambia for their sustained commitment to agricultural and for being a leader within the region in agriculture conservation. Having noted the country’s bumper harvest in maize, Nwanze and Banda discussed crop diversification to ensure food security and to increase smallholder farmers’ revenues. He also assures President Banda that IFAD will continue to work with smallholder farmers.

The day before his meeting with President Banda, Nwanze travelled to Livingstone, Choma and Kalomo to visit some IFAD-supported projects. IFAD President noticed with great satisfaction that closed IFAD-funded projects were fully sustained by project beneficiaries who had managed to expand their businesses.

In Mukuni village where the Smallholder Livestock Investment project operates, he was received by Chief Mukuni with the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Hon. Peter Daka and was provided a demonstration of tagging and branding of local cattle. In Kalomo District, Nwanze met the beneficiaries of the Nabuyani irrigation project.

During his visit, Nwanze signed the host country agreement for the IFAD country office.

by Geraldine Mpouma Logmo