Mpika Member of Parliament Francis Kapyanga has advised Frankfurt Zoological Society to revive the Katibunga Horticulture project in Mpika District.
Mr. Kapyanga said the horticultural project which particularly focuses on chilly cultivation will not only be an income generating venture if revived but could be used to mitigate human-animal conflicts by communities in the area.
“ This project can go a long way in mitigating such conflict, I encourage you to re-introduce that project so that you will be able to make more income while fighting the human/ animal conflict in the game area,” said Mr. Kapyanga.
Mr. Kapyanga pledged to engage the Department of Agriculture in the district so that they can work with the organisation in its efforts to promote increased cash crop ventures.
The project was initially started to encourage members to grow vegetables and chilly so that it can be used to mitigate the human-wild animal conflict in the area.
Mr. Kapyanga also commended Frankfurt Zoological Society for the continued zero record of Rhino poaching in the Park saying such efforts should be appreciated.
And North Luangwa National Park Community Outreach Manager, Gilbert Mwale says the main purpose of the Katibunga Horticulture project is to create alternative sources of income for community members.
Meanwhile, Frankfurt Zoological Society Country Director, Ed Sayer says global demand for natural resources will increase in the near future hence his organisation’s willingness to work with government ensure social economic development in the area.
Mr. Sayer advised government to consider creating an enabling platform where decisions are not made with participation of communities rather than imposing investors on them.
He added that the organisations main aim is to provide employment to the local people of Mukungule Chiefdom.-ZANIS
