Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening household food security and improving the livelihoods of vulnerable farming households through the Food Security Pack (FSP) Programme, with the handover of agricultural equipment to beneficiaries in Manyinga District.…

 Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening household food security and improving the livelihoods of vulnerable farming households through the Food Security Pack (FSP) Programme, with the handover of agricultural equipment to beneficiaries in Manyinga District.

Speaking when she officiated at the handover ceremony today, District Commissioner, Brenda Mukwakwa, said the event marked another milestone with government’s efforts to empower rural communities and promote sustainable agricultural production.

 Ms Mukwakwa said the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services continues to implement several social protection programmes, including the Food Security Pack, Social Cash Transfer, Women’s Livelihood Support and Child Protection Programmes, aimed at reducing poverty and improving the welfare of vulnerable households.

She explained that the Food Security Pack Programme is designed to support poor but viable farming households with agricultural inputs such as fertiliser, seed, livestock and training.

The District Commissioner noted that the programme consists of three components namely the Rain-fed Component, the Wetland Component and the Alternative Livelihood Intervention (ALI), which focuses on livestock production.

She disclosed that in the 2025/2026 farming season, the Rain-fed component alone supported 1,062 beneficiary households in the district.

Ms Mukwakwa said the interventions are intended to enhance household food security, improve income levels and promote better nutrition while helping communities withstand the effects of drought.

She further noted that the government has strengthened management of the Food Security Pack Programme through increased funding, capacity building and investments in programme management systems.

The District Commissioner said the agricultural equipment being handed over will benefit farmers across ten wards in the district.

She said the equipment comprises 14 water pumps, seven maize shellers, five hammer mills and one groundnut sheller, procured at a total cost of K403, 000.

Ms Mukwakwa said the equipment is expected to reduce labour demands, increase agricultural productivity and improve household incomes among small-scale farmers.

She commended Community Welfare Assistance Committees (CWACs), government officers and beneficiaries who have consistently honoured their repayment obligations, saying their commitment has made it possible for the government to reinvest in farming communities.

Ms Mukwakwa further urged beneficiaries to continue contributing the 10 percent payback from their agricultural produce, describing the initiative as essential for sustaining the programme and extending similar support to other communities.

She said the equipment will benefit wards including Chiteve, Kasamba, Chifuwe North, Chongo, Manyinga, Loloma, Kachikenge, Mukosho, Dihamba and Kashinakazhi.

Ms Mukwakwa encouraged beneficiaries to use the equipment responsibly, form cooperatives where possible and prioritise timely repayments to ensure the sustainability of the programme.

She also called on the beneficiaries to safeguard the equipment, saying it belongs to the communities and is intended to improve their livelihoods.

Provincial Senior Community Development Officer, Nancy Ikowa, said the Department of Community Development offers programmes that aim to improve the livelihoods of Manyinga and reduce poverty.

Ms Ikowa further noted that under the Wetlands component, farmers who benefit are those with access to rivers and streams and are given vegetables and maize for farming, while in the Rain-fed component farmers are given fertiliser.

Earlier in his welcoming remarks, Chairperson of the District Food Security Committee, Paul Mwansa, said the handover of the equipment demonstrates government’s commitment to improving food security and building resilient farming communities.

Mr Mwansa, who is the District Agricultural Coordinator, noted that the Food Security Pack Programme continues to empower vulnerable but viable farming households through improved access to productive assets, agricultural inputs and capacity building.

He added that the programme is helping communities increase agricultural production, strengthen household resilience and improve food and nutrition security through collaboration between government and local communities.

Meanwhile, Teddy Kiliyo, Chairperson for Nswanakalezhi Community Welfare Assistance Committees from Kashinakazhi Ward, concluded by thanking President Hakainde Hichilema and the government for their continued commitment to inclusive development.

Mr Kiliyo urged his fellow beneficiaries to ensure the equipment is put to productive use for the benefit of present and future generations.