FAO constructs Livestock infrastructure

THE Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has stepped up support to Zambia’s livestock sector with the rehabilitation of office blocks and construction of a livestock disease testing laboratory in Namwala district. The project, being implemented through the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, is aimed at bringing livestock disease testing services closer to farmers and livestock […]

THE Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) has stepped up support to Zambia’s livestock sector with the rehabilitation of office blocks and construction of a livestock disease testing laboratory in Namwala district.

The project, being implemented through the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, is aimed at bringing livestock disease testing services closer to farmers and livestock producers in the district.

Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Permanent Secretary Maxwell Choombe said the construction of the laboratory would strengthen disease surveillance and control in Namwala and surrounding livestock-producing areas.

Dr Choombe said this when he inspected the progress of the works in Namwala, where he commended FAO for supporting the government’s efforts to strengthen livestock infrastructure and improve services to farmers.

Dr Choombe disclosed that the laboratory was particularly important to Namwala because of the district’s significant livestock population and its potential to contribute to the growth of Zambia’s beef industry.

He explained that improved disease testing and surveillance will help the government address livestock diseases that could affect production and limit access to lucrative export markets.

Dr Choombe said the initiative was also in line with the government’s ambition to increase Zambia’s beef exports to US$1 billion.

Meanwhile, ESPEKA Zambia Limited Site Foreman Gerald Mukagoayinga noted that works on the project were progressing, with rehabilitation of the existing office blocks and construction of the laboratory underway.