By 
Western Province Permanent Secretary, Simomo Akapelwa, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to building resilience in agriculture and ensuring food security through climate-smart initiatives.
Akapelwa said this during the official opening of the 2025 Western Province Agricultural and Commercial Show in Mongu on Saturday, on behalf of the Provincial Minister, Kapelwa Mbangweta.
Addressing farmers, exhibitors and invited guests under the theme “Adapting to Climate Change,” Akapelwa outlined a series of government interventions targeting climate resilience and improved agricultural productivity.
He noted that Western Province had benefitted from better rainfall distribution this season, resulting in improved harvests.
“The government is prioritizing drought-resistant crop varieties, water conservation techniques, and training on climate-smart agricultural practices,” Akapelwa said.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to control pests such as the fall armyworm and locusts, strengthen farmer field schools, and enhance conservation farming.
Akapelwa further announced progress in irrigation and mechanisation programmes under the Zambia Growth Opportunities Programme and the Sustainable Agriculture Financing Facility, which were critical to achieving year-round food production.
“The government has also provided 37,684 input packs under FISP, and we are appealing to farmers to contribute to national food security by selling their produce to the Food Reserve Agency,” he said
The Permanent Secretary also encouraged farmers to grow drought-resilient crops, diversify production, and embrace modern technologies to adapt to climate risks.
Akapelwa also revealed that the government was investing in livestock and fisheries, including fish cage installations in Senanga, the construction of a provincial veterinary laboratory, and mass cattle vaccinations against major animal diseases, as part of efforts to transform livestock farming into a thriving business.
Meanwhile, Western Province Show Society Chairperson, Joseph Mungandi described the show as a rallying point for collective action against climate change threats.
“Climate change is not a distant threat, it is here and now, affecting our rains, soils, and livelihoods,” Mungandi stated.
He praised stakeholders for their support and participation in this year’s exhibition, saying their involvement demonstrated the unity and cooperation needed to tackle climate challenges.
“We must move from talking about change to becoming the change. From renewable energy and sustainable agribusiness to eco-tourism and green jobs, climate challenges can become business opportunities,” Mungandi said.
He called for greater investment in technologies that conserve water, improve soil health, and increase farmers’ resilience, while promoting youth and women’s leadership in the agricultural sector.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR
Comments