The partnership that has been entered into by the Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZANACO) and ZAMBEEF Products PLC to empower livestock farmers could be a game changer.
It is most likely to see the livestock sector grow particularly in rural communities and bring about improved standard of living.
Although most villagers, especially in Southern and Western provinces keep cattle, it is mostly for subsistence farming. They do not look at their animals from a business perspective.
But all this will probably change by the partnership that Zanaco and Zambeef have signed.
The two companies have partnered to empower livestock farmers in a quest to equip them with the right knowledge and accelerate financial literacy and inclusion.
Under the partnership, Zanaco would provide financing solutions and financial literacy programmes to the livestock farmers while Zambeef would conduct training on how to improve livestock production methods, disease management and also provide a ready market.
According to the partners, the partnership resulted in the training of selected Southern Province-based livestock farmers. The training was held in Namwala and Choma. We can only pray that this programme is taken to all corners of the country to embrace not only those keeping cattle but goats as well.
This partnership aptly fits into the vision of the new dawn administration in which businesses partner with citizens and help them grow their businesses.
Animal husbandry is not something that most cattle owners pay attention to. They are content to merely take their animals to grazing fields.
They do not rear their animals for the commercial market, that they could actually make a fortune with prudent management of their animals.
There is no reason why Zambia could not become a major exporter of beef to the European market as neighbouring Botswana has done.
This can only become a reality when farmers possess knowledge on how to look after their animals coupled with financial literacy to recognise business opportunities.
As Zanaco’s Head Agriculture Banking Cheyo Mwenechanya says, the bank strongly supports partnerships that aim at improving the welfare and income of farmers as it will enable the country to achieve sustained economic growth.
“As Zanaco, we believe in partnerships that uplift communities and this partnership with Zambeef will unlock the potential of livestock farmers as they will have knowledge on how to manage their financial resources better.
“We would like to encourage livestock farmers to approach the bank for their financing needs and learn more on some of the financial products we offer to farmers. Over the years, the bank has supported Zambia’s key productive sectors including agriculture.”
“With farmers being financially literate and being able to manage their livestock better and having access to financing opportunities from Zanaco, we are assured of increased productivity.”
We feel this partnership will benefit not only the livestock farmers but the partners and the government as well.
“At the centre of this, the government will benefit through more jobs and generally improved livelihood of the communities. The coming together of Zambeef, Zanaco, livestock farmers and Government is therefore, a step in the right direction,” said Zambeef General Manager for Chisamba Huntley Farm and Beef Procurement Division, Francis Mondomona.
Our appeal is for farmers who have been inducted into the empowerment programme to take advantage of the openings the two partners bring to the table and end the cycle of poverty amid plenty to an end.
Well done Zanaco and Zambeef.
