Zambia: Conservation Agriculture contractors get knowhow to Improve Your Business
8 April 2011

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The RIU-supported Conservation Agriculture Innovation Platform in Chipata District has been providing Improve Your Business training for contractors offering tillage and weed control services.

24 entrepreneurs took part in the training which was delivered by Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Livestock and private sector (agro-dealer) representatives. The training covered topics designed to improve the business of providing tillage and weed control services to small-scale farmers, including:

• marketing
• costing and gross margin analysis
• business management
• draft power animal management
• health and safety
• Conservation Agriculture practices

Mr Michael Ngulube, the District Agriculture Coordinator (representing the Provincial Agriculture Coordinator), urged the entrepreneurs to work hard and serve many more client farmers with ripping and herbicide spraying so that more farmers can use Conservation Agriculture technologies for improved productivity. He also thanked RIU for supporting the commercialization of Conservation Agriculture tillage and weed control services through the development of a network of community-based business-minded farmers turned entrepreneurs. This model brings these services closer to the doorsteps of farmers.

Mr Ngulube told the trainees:

"Chipata District has a lot of farmers that require your services. Last year alone the government, through the Farmer Input Support Programme, supported a total of 47,000 small-scale farmers in the district.

The policy of government is for all these farmers to use Conservation Agriculture principles. Therefore you have to work hard in expanding your businesses so that you can reach many more farmers who need your services in terms of ripping and herbicide spraying."

Victor Makasa, RIU Zambia Country coordinator, said:

"During the 2010 ripping season, 148 farmers benefited from the services the entrepreneurs provided. The 2011 season should see an increase in the number of service providers and farmers benefitting from the programme.

With 47,000 small-scale farmers in the district there is a great business opportunity here. The approach helps both the farmers and the entrepreneurs whilst contributing to food security.

Farmers now have an opportunity to access draft power and herbicide spray services instead of using hand-hoe methods. This has positive implications in addressing gender issues as it reduces the agricultural labour burden, especially for women and children."