Agriculture and Livestock Minister, Emmanuel
Chenda, said when he officiated at the launch of the United Nations Development
Programme (UNDP) 2012 African Human Development report in Lusaka yesterday that
the detailed investment plans, when finalised, would direct the flow of
investments in the agricultural sector.
He said Government's key strategies and
interventions in the agricultural sector included extending support to crops
beyond maize, strengthening research and extension services.
The minister said the Government would invest
in irrigation, development and rehabilitation of livestock infrastructure,
control and eradication of livestock diseases and promotion of sustainable
fisheries.
The Government would reform the agricultural
marketing system and input programmes, promote agro-processing and
value-addition, use of high seed varieties and proven agricultural practices
like conservation farming.
"This will be done through enhanced
extension services by strengthening both public and community participation in
improving productivity through cooperatives and other farmer
organisations," Mr Chenda said.
He said the Government was aware that good
nutrition underpinned progress and led to enhanced education and health
outcomes that consequently contributed to improved economic development.
Mr Chenda said in the agricultural sector,
the Government's focus was on advocating promotion of nutritious diets through
crop diversification, adequate food processing, storage and utilisation.
And the UNDP 2012 African Human Development
Report has urged African countries to overcome under-nourishment that afflicts
more than a quarter of their people if they are to realise their full
potential.
The report said food security was a
precondition for sustained human development.
"Africa still trails the world in human
development but the quickening pace of change and the new economic vitality on
the continent offers ground for renewed optimism," the report reads.
UNDP senior economist, Roberto Tibana
presented the report during the launch at the Government Complex in Lusaka
yesterday under the theme 'Towards a Food Secure Future'.
And UNDP country director Viola Morgan said
enhancing food security in the Sub-Saharan region was based on raising
agricultural production to strengthen nutrition through a multiple agricultural
value.
Ms Morgan said the report was vital to
providing a framework for analysis and policy guidelines that would construct a
comprehensive response to food security.
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