Market systems development approach in Zambia supports agriculture led growth for small scale farmers.
Production, finance and improved technology plus (PROFIT+), a $24 million USAID project supports farmers to increase production and reduce poverty.
Under this initiative, opportunities for farmers in agri-businesses are created to increase productivity and access high value markets, which at the same time allowing private sector investment in specific value chain.
Focusing on improved smallholder productivity, greater access to markets, trade and increased private sector investment, PROFIT+ is fostering economic growth, especially for women.
The project leverages private sector participation that sustains value chain competitiveness and creates economic growth.
“The project engages private sector partners to supply value chain solutions and out-grower schemes that emphasizes permanent transfer of knowledge, information and resources to rural areas,” Ivy Manyuka, PROFIT+ Gender Focus person.
Harmonizing profit driven private sector interest and that of small holder farmers was raised as a concern but the two square off using extension service models not to manipulate the small scale farmers.
Showing posts with label Mbala. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mbala. Show all posts
Wednesday, 25 January 2017
Research On Food Choices
On day one of the INGENEAS Global Symposium in Lusaka, one of the thematic sessions featured Emily Lloyd, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health U.S. Borlaug Global Food Security Fellow.
In 2016, Emily conducted a research in Mbala, Northern Zambia on what is important to rural Zambians in the foods they produce and consume.
The outcome of the qualitative research brought out salient issues pertaining to gender, nutrition based on the food choices that that people make.
The researched participants revealed that they make food choices based on their food values which are themselves influenced by the contexts in which they live. These include cost, gender and age dynamics,
According to Emily, each person’s influencing factors and values were perculiar because they are shaped by cultures, economies, life experiences, preferences and other people.
“For example, in high-income countries, people tend to value convenience and taste while in low- and middle-income countries people often prioritize cost and nutrition. Few food choice motives studies in sub-Saharan Africa have been conducted to date,” she said.
In 2016, Emily conducted a research in Mbala, Northern Zambia on what is important to rural Zambians in the foods they produce and consume.
The outcome of the qualitative research brought out salient issues pertaining to gender, nutrition based on the food choices that that people make.
The researched participants revealed that they make food choices based on their food values which are themselves influenced by the contexts in which they live. These include cost, gender and age dynamics,
According to Emily, each person’s influencing factors and values were perculiar because they are shaped by cultures, economies, life experiences, preferences and other people.
“For example, in high-income countries, people tend to value convenience and taste while in low- and middle-income countries people often prioritize cost and nutrition. Few food choice motives studies in sub-Saharan Africa have been conducted to date,” she said.
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