KasamaNorth cassava farming boosted by Chifwani Concept

NOEL IYOMBWA writes @SunZambian ZAMBIA’S Ambassador to Ethiopia, Emmanuel Mwamba has launched the Chifwani Concept for Cassava in the region. Mr. Mwamba announced his support for the project when he paid a courtesy call to Senior Chief Mwamba at his Palace in Kasama recently. He said that the project aims at targeting the scaling-up of cassava farming for commercial purposes by small-scale farmers. The Ambassador disclosed that the concept involves each small-scale farmer to reserve one Lima (0.25 hectares) for cassava growing. Mr. Mwamba said cassava crop was drought-resistant and the cost of inputs were low. He said the farmers already had inherent knowledge on cassava farming as it was grown in the region for centuries. He said the commercial use of cassava and its by-products has grown and was now ready to be marketed. He said this would allow the farmers to grow cassava as a business venture. And Senior Chief Mwamba expressed gratitude that the project was first being launched in his Chiefdom. He said agriculture would remain the main-stay of economic activities in the Province and the project such as scaling-up of cassava farming would enhance direct economic benefits for farmers. A launch ceremony will be held at the premises near Senior Chief Mwamba’s Palace.