United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Corteva Agriscience, Global Communities, and John Deere have partnered to leverage more than K777 million to emerging Zambian farmers.
In a statement, US Embassy Zambia public affairs officer Sean McIntosh stated that the partnership’s objective is to transform Zambia’s largely subsistence sector through the commercialisation of emerging farmers.
“Ten thousand emerging farmers across Zambia will receive support to increase their productivity, incomes, and sustainable farming practices under a new project spearheaded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Corteva Agriscience, Global Communities, and John Deere. The objective of the Zambia Emerging Farmers Partnership is to transform Zambia’s largely subsistence sector through the commercialization of emerging farmers. The three-year project will leverage more than K777 million (US$37 million) in loans for inputs and equipment, resulting in more than 50,000 hectares of crops planted using climate-adaptive seeds and other sustainable technologies,” read the statement.
“The Emerging Farmers collaboration will catalyze greater productivity of emerging farmers working with 20-60 hectares of land, as well as support their communities and contribute to building a resilient global food system in Central Province (Mumbwa, Chibombo, Kapiri and Luano), Southern Province (Chikankata, Mazabuka, Monze, Kalomo and Choma), Copperbelt Province (Mpongwe, Lufwanyama and Masaiti), Eastern Province (Petauke), and North-Western Province (Solwezi and Kasempa). Youth and women will represent 30 percent of the project’s key beneficiaries and will be empowered with educational resources, technologies, and access to capital. Agronomists from Corteva Agriscience, the company behind Pannar and Pioneer brand seeds, will work directly with farmers to enhance adoption of hybrid seed and crop protection technologies, and advance sustainable farming practices.”
US embassy Zambia Chargé d’Affaires David Young said he anticipates that the partnership would catalyse a dramatic improvement in farmer yields and income
“The US government prioritises enterprise-driven inclusive economic growth, and we are excited to launch yet another partnership with the private sector to advance this goal. By leveraging Corteva’s world-class seed technologies, offering farmers better access to high quality John Deere equipment, and coordinating with Global Communities and their innovative approaches to addressing rural poverty, USAID hopes to catalyse a dramatic improvement in farmer yields and income,” said Young.
Meanwhile, Africa and Middle East at Corteva Agriscience president Subbarao Kolli said the collaboration will bring unparalleled technical expertise and innovative approaches and support the needs of farmers to help improve productivity.
“This collaboration is aligned to Corteva’s 2030 sustainability goals, spanning a wide range of initiatives for farmers, the land, communities, and operations. We will bring unparalleled technical expertise and innovative approaches and support the needs of farmers to help improve productivity, incomes and sustainable farming practices.”
And John Deere Director Sales and Marketing, Africa & Middle East Jaco Beyers said the company would live up to its commitment and deliver machinery.
“Through our proven mechanization solutions and customer lifecycle support, John Deere is committed to improve the livelihoods of people across the continent – in this case especially the communities of Zambia. We are honored to be part of this project and with the direct involvement and support from our dealer partner in Zambia, Agri Equipment, we will live up to this commitment.”
