PROFIT+ Supports Agric Led Growth

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.

INGENEAS SYMPOSIUM CLOSES IN LUSAKA

The Integrating Gender in nutrition and Agriculture Extensions Services (INGENEAS) Symposium has closed in Lusaka after three days of deliberations.
The symposium which opened in Lusaka on Monday, January 23, 2016 drew participants from various regions of the world including the USA, Europe and many African destinations. Former Agriculture Minister of Zambia chance Kabaghe closed the event with a call for serious investment in extensions services as well as serious integration of gender issues in agriculture, nutrition and extensions services.
According to Kabaghe, issues of gender and extensions services in Zambia are not critical issues, hence the lukewarm service delivery that currently characterises the system.
The symposium was exploring ways in which matters of gender can be infused in agriculture extension services with the view of bridging the parities that obstruct the participation of women in the services identified.