The Wetlands Cropping component of the Food Security Pack Programme (FSP) has been received with gratitude in Lunga District.
The programme is being implemented under the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services has made tremendous impact as the beneficiaries are excited and grateful to have been included
This will no doubt result in enhanced domestic food security and nutritional improvement for over 600 beneficiaries.
The Wetlands Cropping, Food Security Pack component was launched on 12th July, 2022 at Ikwichi, Limulunga District in Western Province by the Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Ms. Doreen Mwamba.
The programme is aimed at uplifting the communities by enhancing food security, scaling nutrition and more income from production of the different crops as well as from livestock rearing at household level.
Community Development Director, Ms. Patricia Muyamwa appreciated the hard work by both the Community Development Officers and Community Welfare Assistant Committees (CWACs) in the District and pledged continued government support.
This came to light when she conducted a farmiliarization tour in Lunga District to monitor the progress on the Wetland Cropping programme which was last implemented 12 years ago.
Ms. Muyamwa also monitored other programmes namely the Alternative Livelihood Intervention (ALI) component, Supporting Women’s Livelihoods (SWL) and the Community Self-Help Initiative to appreciate the impact the programmes have had on the lives of the people.
She noted that 1,894 women have benefitted from the SWL Programme under the GEWEL Project whose objective is to give life skills and business management before the grants are given to the Supporting Women’s Livelihoods beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, when she paid a courtesy call on Lunga District Commissioner, Mr. Matthews Mwewa, the District Council Secretary, Mr. Gilbert Sendama and the Council Chairperson, Mr. Stephen Chakolwa, Ms. Muyamwa was informed that phone network has been a big challenge which has negatively affected development due to ineffective communication.
The Council Chairperson further said accommodation crisis and lack of good sanitation is also another challenge which requires attention.
And the District Commissioner further appealed to government to look into the issue of transportation considering that the district is water logged.
And Ms. Muyamwa said that Lunga district requires a different type of approach because it being an island, requires a lot of support which she said Government has been trying to do through various interventions.
She said it has been a huge challenge to move from the mainland to the Islands because that requires efficient transport such as a cargo boat to reduce exorbitant charges.
