IN a heartening gesture of collaboration, Chiefs Shimukunani and Shibuchinga of Lufwanyama district have pledged land from their chiefdoms to the Zambia Air Force (ZAF) to support the expansion of their agricultural activities.
This move aligns with the government’s plan to mitigate the impact of the recently declared national drought.
Following President Hakainde Hichilema’s declaration and call for the defense forces to contribute to increased food production, ZAF Commander Lieutenant General Oscar Msitu Nyoni led a delegation in search of suitable land.
Last week, President Hichilema declared the drought a national disaster and directed government efforts towards establishing irrigation systems and bolstering agricultural production to combat its effects.
To this end, Lt. Gen. Nyoni met with the chiefs, emphasizing the significance of expanding agricultural activities to alleviate the impact of the drought.
During the courtesy call Lt Gen Nyoni emphasised the importance of expanding their agricultural activities with the aim of alleviating the impact of drought.
The chiefs expressed approval of the defence force’s initiative and have recognized its potential of not only bolstering food security but equally contributing to the overall development of their Chiefdoms.
They have since pledged land from their Chiefdoms as a way of promptly responding to the request and actualising their intent of collaborating with government’s efforts amidst the drought.
By Elesani Phiri
Kalemba 4th March, 2024
