Coop Revival Key to the future of Agric in Chisamba District

By Freeman Mwenge

THE Zambia Cooperative Federation (ZCF) has said the launch of the Chisamba Cooperative Union Revival Indaba is the turning point for the cooperative movement which will have a positive impact on the growth of agriculture in the District.

ZCF re-launched the cooperative movement which had remained dormant and seasonal in Chisamba.

The launch which coincided with ZCF’s golden jubilee was aimed at repositioning the organization through commercialization and industrialization of cooperatives for decent work and wealth creation especially in the agricultural sector.

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A large proportion of those who form cooperatives in Chisamba District earn their living in the agricultural sector as observed during the indaba attended by mostly farmers from over 16 agricultural camps.

Officially opening the launch District Commissioner Mr. Joel Mboyomo said cooperatives stood out as the only sustainable means by which inclusive development could be achieved because cooperatives were people centered.

“Cooperatives are non-discriminatory and require no qualification such that anyone is free to join regardless of gender or educational background,”Mr. Mboyoma said.

And giving his opening remarks earlier, Central Province Cooperative Union Chairperson Martin Kujila said the movement had reached aturning point at which change had become inevitable.

Mr. Mujila said it was time for farmer led cooperatives to reposition themselves in order to achieve commercialization and industrialization.

Mr. Kujila said the cooperative movement planned to reclaim its identity by cooperating with Government to alleviate hunger and poverty through enhancing household food security and income.

“Our focus is on cooperatives development through gender equality, environmental sustainability, infrastructure development, diversification and agro processing,” Mr. Kujila said.

He said farmer led cooperatives needed to reposition themselves in order to commercialize and industrialize their business.

Speaking at the same event Chisamba District AgriculturalCoordinator Belvin Muntanga said cooperatives were designed to engage in incomegenerating activities throughout the year.

Mr. Muntanga said cooperatives were key institutions in the districts agenda to bring about agricultural development.

He said the desire of the Ministry of Agriculture was for cooperatives to remain active throughout the year.

“So, Government is focusing on transforming the economy through cooperatives contributing to job creation. We want you cooperatives to be part of the job creation in the country but you cannot do that if cooperatives remain seasonal,” Mr. Muntanga said.

The Zambia Cooperatives Federation has begun conducting districtwide indabas aimed at introducing a Provincial Cooperative Development Fund (PCDF) which was a financing initiative with the intention of providing loans to farmer driven cooperatives including those in other sectors of the economy at low interest rates.  

Historically, the cooperative movement was the largest employer in Chisamba but had remained seasonal, dormant and dependent on handouts for nearly 30 years.

NAIS

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