Zambia signs US$491m Farm to Market Compact deal
By Masauso Mkwayaya
Zambia and the United States of America have signed a US$491-million Farm to Market Compact aimed at strengthening the country’s agriculture and agro-processing sectors.
The second compact has been signed by the two countries through the Millennium Challenge Corporation -MCC.
Speaking at the signing ceremony in Lusaka today, President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA said Government has worked hard to ensure the MCC board approves the support in record time.
The President said what remains now is growth of the economy.
President HICHILEMA said the areas targeted for road improvement, such as Lundazi and Mumbwa, were selected based on their agricultural productivity potential.
He said part of the infrastructure development is aimed at lowering production costs for farmers.
And President HICHILEMA has expressed disappointment over corruption in the Farmer Input Support Programme -FISP.
He said this is why government is using the e-voucher system to eliminate ineligible beneficiaries.
And Finance and National Planning Minister SITUMBEKO MUSOKOTWANE said Zambia has earned the funding under the MCC second Compact, because of its good governance record and prudent management of resources.
Dr. MUSOKOTWANE said the second Compact follows consultations with various stakeholders who identified areas hindering growth in agriculture.
The Minister said the Compact focuses on improving roads in areas with high agricultural production potential.
Meanwhile, Dr. MUSOKOTWANE said the drainage and water supply project implemented by the MCC under the first Compact should be complemented with infrastructure to harvest water.
He said Lusaka needs a dam to collect water from the drainage systems.
Speaking at the same event, MCC Chief Executive Officer ALICE ALBRIGHT said the grant will help unlock Zambia’s agricultural potential.
Ms. ALBRIGHT said the MCC project will help strengthen food security by reducing the costs of transporting produce from farms to markets.
