Participants listen to a presentation by MRI Syngenta on the company’s range of products and services tailored for the smallholder market.
By Pamela Hamasaka, Head- Corporate Affairs (Musika) :
Government has commended Musika’s role in facilitating sustainable business linkages between agribusinesses and the smallholder sector resulting in increased adoption of productivity-enhancing technologies by rural communities.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by Musika between private companies and North Western Province Chiefs in Solwezi, North Western Permanent Secretary Mr Ephraim Mateyo said that Government appreciated the key role of the private sector in diversifying the economy.
“North-Western Province has good climatic conditions and is therefore well positioned to benefit from the private sector that are willing to invest in the smallholder supply chains. Access to veterinary products and services, irrigation equipment, and mechanisation will help to increase productivity of smallholder farmers and diversify their production,” he explained.
In his closing remarks Chief Mumena, observed that the meeting was the ‘first of its kind’ that opened a door of opportunity for Chiefs and companies to collaborate and identify investment opportunities that will help to develop the respective chiefdoms.
The meeting was held on Wednesday 18th July, 2018 and was attended by ten traditional leaders including Senior Chief Mujimanzovu, Senior Chief Kalilele, Chief Mulonga, Chief Kizela, Chieftainess Ikelenge, Chieftainess Nyakulenga, Chief Chibwika, Chief Chinyamalitapi, Chief Kucheka, and Chief Mumena, drawn from nine districts.
Ten companies including MRI Syngenta, Premiercon, CAMCO, ATS Agrochemicals and Barrick Lumwana were in attendance.
Musika facilitated the meeting between traditional leaders and companies to create an information sharing platform aimed at exploring business opportunities that will translate into sustainable business linkages benefitting rural communities.
Source : Musika
