Government has increased the number of beneficiaries under the Wetlands Component of the Food Security Pack (FSP) Programme in Mpongwe District from 700 to 1,100 for the 2026/2027 farming season. ‎ ‎Speaking during the official launch of the distribution of farming inputs at…

Government has increased the number of beneficiaries under the Wetlands Component of the Food Security Pack (FSP) Programme in Mpongwe District from 700 to 1,100 for the 2026/2027 farming season.

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‎Speaking during the official launch of the distribution of farming inputs at Mukulefumo, Mpongwe District Commissioner, Mwitwa Mwambashi, said the increase reflects Government’s commitment to strengthening household food security, reducing poverty and improving the livelihoods of vulnerable but viable farming households through increased agricultural production.

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‎Mr Mwambashi said the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services is implementing the Food Security Pack Programme as part of Government’s social protection interventions aimed at promoting inclusive and sustainable community development.

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‎He said beneficiaries under the Wetlands Component will receive fertiliser, maize seed, agricultural lime and vegetable seed packs, as well as extension services and training in precision farming and other improved agronomic practices.

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‎The District Commissioner disclosed that the Government has also targeted 1,265 households under the Rain-fed Component, bringing the total number of Food Security Pack beneficiaries in Mpongwe District to 2,365 during the 2026/2027 farming season.

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‎He urged beneficiaries to utilise the inputs for their intended purpose and refrain from selling them, saying the programme is designed to boost food production, improve household incomes and enhance food security.

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‎Mr Mwambashi further noted that Mpongwe’s position as Zambia’s second-largest maize-producing district demonstrates the hard work of its farmers and expressed hope that the Government would consider increasing future allocations to the district.

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‎He also commended officers from the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services and other stakeholders for their commitment to the successful implementation of the programme before officially flagging off the distribution of the 2026/2027 Food Security Pack farming inputs.

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‎Meanwhile, Mpongwe District Community Development Officer, Humphrey Mununga, said the programme seeks to promote sustainable food production by encouraging communities to engage in farming throughout the year.

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‎Mr Mununga said the initiative is intended to help vulnerable but viable households graduate from poverty through increased agricultural productivity.

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‎He also appealed to beneficiaries not to sell the farming inputs but to use them productively to improve their livelihoods.

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‎And beneficiary, Median Makumbi, thanked the Government for extending the programme to Mukulefumo, saying the farming inputs would help improve crop production and household food security.

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‎Ms Makumbi encouraged fellow beneficiaries to make good use of the inputs, increase their yields and ensure they repay the recoveries as required under the programme.