FRIDAY BRIEF
WEEK 24, 2016
This Week’s Highlights……….


ZNFU CALLS FOR INCREASED MAIZE EXPORTS IN EL NINO YEARS
ZAMBIA COMMEMORATES WORLD ACCREDITATION DAY

ZNFU PARTICIPATES IN A STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIVE FORUM FOR SMEs
..... SEE DETAILED UPDATES BELOW……
INDUSTRY UPDATES
ZNFU CALLS FOR INCREASED MAIZE EXPORTS IN EL NINO YEARS
The Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU) has urged government to implement a predictable open maize
export policy during EL Niño years in order to take advantage of high demand for the maize commodity in
regional markets and to stimulate improved production by Zambian farmers. The Union noted that most of the
countries in the region such as Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, and Malawi recorded huge maize deficits while
Zambia is expected to produce a surplus. The Union said this on Thursday during a public discussion convened by
IAPRI and the Economics Association of Zambia under the theme “Options for Zambia’s Maize and Mealie Meal
Industry in El Nino Years.” The Union further indicated that the current FRA maize floor price was too low to
enable farmers recover the costs they incurred during the 2015/16 farming season.
Grain Traders Association has bemoaned the fact that last year’s crop destined for export markets is still stuck in
the country as government bureaucracy is failing to facilitate movement of the commodity to regional markets.
Other stakeholders that attended the discussion forum include: Ministry of Agriculture led by Honourable Given
Lubinda, FAO Country Representative, African Development Bank, World Food Programme, Musika, ZAMACE,
among others.
1
ZAMBIA COMMEMORATES WORLD ACCREDITATION DAY
Zambia through the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry (MCTI) under the umbrella of Southern African
Development Community Accreditation Services (SADCAS) commemorated the 2016 World Accreditation Day
(WAD) whose theme was Accreditation: A global tool to support public policy on 9th June, 2016. ZNFU took
part in these celebrations. The celebrations were graced by the Director of Trade- Ministry of Commerce Trade &
Industry. In attendance were ZABS, NWASCO, ZEMA, ZWEMA, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry
of Fisheries and Livestock, SADC and UNCTAD Representatives among others.
Accreditation is the formal recognition that an organisation is competent to carry out specific tasks. Accreditation
further promotes the principle of “Tested once Accepted everywhere” and it facilitates trade. Accreditation
supports public policy in the areas of; Protecting the health and welfare of consumers and the public; Protecting
the environment in which we live and all future generations; Measuring compliance with regulatory and legal
requirements; and Developing new regulations and requirements among others.
ZNFU PARTICIPATES IN A STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATIVE FORUM FOR SMEs
ZNFU this week participated in the on-going consultations to develop an SME strategy and implementation plan
to be located in the Lusaka South Multi-Facility Economic Zone (LS-MFEZ). The LS-MFEZ has been established to
promote the industrialisation and economic diversification in Zambia. The key objective of the LS-MFEZ is the
promotion and support of Small and Medium Enterprises. While LS-MFEZ offers Tax and Non-Tax incentives to
would be occupants of the zone, stakeholders proposed that the SME strategy should;
 Ensure a clear definition and distinction between small and medium enterprises
 Have preferential incentives for local SMEs for enhanced competiveness
 Consider reduction of leasing fees paid to LS-MFEZ and occupancy conditions which have a potential of
eroding the incentives in place
 Speed up the provision of required infrastructure (i.e. road network), before companies start operating.
ZAMBIA PROJECTED TO BENEFIT FROM AGOA
Zambia can increase its benefits from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). This came to light during a
meeting held on 7th June at the Zambia Development Agency Offices to review the study findings on the “Zambia
AGOA Strategy Development Initiative”. The study was done with the aim of facilitating the implementation of a
sustainable strategy following the reauthorisation of AGOA in 2015. Among the recommendations of the study
was the need to increase education and outreach on AGOA, increased access to finance by local producers and
improved logistics and transportation infrastructure in order to increase Zambia’s competitiveness. Besides
Precious stones and processed copper cables, Cassava starch was identified as one of the products that Zambia
could potentially export especially that the US demand for the commodity has on an increase.
Among the factors that would however hinder Zambia’s exports of groundnuts to the USA is the US policy
encouraging its local farmers to grow excessive peanuts. Cashew nuts and shear nuts could however be explored
as the US had high demand for them. The AGOA is a United States Trade Agreement aimed at optimizing trade
with the Sub-Sahara African countries.
2
ALERTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MEMBERSHIP ALERT!
The ZNFU/ZFEA was visited by inspectors from the Ministry of Labour this week in order to conduct an inventory of
members who are covered by the ZFEA collective agreement with workers’ unions. They believe that there are
farmers using the collective agreement without being members of ZFEA, in which case they should be abiding by the
Minimum Wages & Conditions Act and SI No. 46 (minimum basic wage K700 plus 30% housing allowance, etc).
Farmers who wish to use ZFEA’s collective agreement must be paid-up members of both ZNFU and ZFEA. Being a
member of ZNFU only does not automatically entitle you to use the collective agreement. Members of TAZ are
covered by a ZFEA block membership agreement.
Payment of ZNFU and ZFEA subscriptions for 2016 can be made at ZNFU Head Office or any ZNFU district office, or
bank deposit / transfer. The ZNFU membership rate vary according to your membership category (Contact any
ZNFU Office for details), while The ZFEA rates per annum are:
 Up to 50 workers:
K500.00
 Over 50, less than 100:
K750.00
 100 or more:
K1,000.00
If paying at ZNFU district offices, you should inform Billy Mudenda ( bmudenda@znfu.org.zm ) quoting company
name, receipt number and amount paid. If paying by bank deposit or transfer, please email bmudenda@znfu.org.zm
with deposit slip or transcript.
Bank details are:
Name: Zambia Farm Employers Association
Bank: ZANACO
Branch: Government Business Centre
Branch code: 050
Ac number: 0005756300197
ANNOUNCEMENT
DISCOUNT OFFER ON EMPTY GRAIN BAGS UV TREATED
The Zambia National Farmers’ Union has negotiated for a discount on bulk buying of empty grain bags from
Wonderful Group for members. ZNFU members can now buy a bale of 500 by 50kg bags (brown) at K1,000 or
K1,600 for white bags.
All interested members can contact with ZNFU Head Office.
3
OPPORTUNITY FOR A FARMING PARTNERSHIP
An emergent farmer based in Mumbwa Big Concession area along Mumbwa/Kasempa road is interested in
partnering with fellow farmers. He has three hundred hectares (300 ha) of land with road frontage suitable for all
agricultural purposes.
For those interested, kindly call 0977 701030 or email: growthpoint@gmail.com
UPCOMING AGRICULTURAL HOLIDAYS
Heroes Day – Monday 4th July
Unity Day – Tuesday 5th July
Farmers Day – First Monday in August
Independence Day 24th October
Christmas Day – 25th December
LIQUID NITROGEN FOR SALE AT BREEDING IMPULS ZAMBIA
"Breeding Impuls Zambia would hereby like to inform you that it now has Liquid Nitrogen available from its
premises in the Agricultural and Commercial Society Zambia grounds. Our address is Fens Investment Building,
Lusaka Show grounds, Cattle section.
FARMS FOR SALE/LEASE

Farm for lease: 40 hectares situated about 6KM from Kitwe-Chingola Road about 20km from Kitwe. On the
farm are: a 4-bedroomed house MSC (solar powered), A stream running on the boundary, borehole with a
solar pump. The farm is mostly virgin land. Contact Terrence Mukula on 0968195186 or
terrencemukula@gmail.com

7 Hectares virgin land for sale in Mwembeshi, about 44km along the Lusaka-Mongu Road and 500m off the
road. The land is opposite Sable Farm. ZESCO line about 500m from the fam. Asking Price K250,000. For
enquiries, contact Maj Kayewa on 0977365911

Land for long-term lease available in Miengwe, Ndola Rural. One kilometre from the Great North Road on
the road leading to Chief Nkambo’s Palace/Teka Farm. Up to 20 hectares to be leased. Contact Nancy
Mubanga 0966457674/0955457674 or e-mail namubanga@hotmail.com, lombe.mubanga@gmail.com

1,000 acres Farm in Kapiri/Mkushi on sale or long lease. Four Kilometres from Great North Road, 1KM from
ZESCO grid, 4km from Tazara Railway. Farm on a 99-year Government lease. Farm is bordered by two rivers
on either side. 300 acres cleared. A unique deal offers. Call 0955424201 or e-mail kankonongo@gmail.com
4

40 hectares Farm located I the Mpima Dairy Scheme in Kabwe for lease. Farm is on a 99-year Government
lease.
It
is
bordered
partly
by
the
Mulungushi
Dam.
For
enquiries,
contact
0955569168/0977786367/0977883442
or
email
indiekayama@gmail.com
or
mirriamkasonde2000@yahoo.co.uk
MAIZE BRAN UP FOR SALE
KASAMA MILLING HAS IN STOCK 10,000 X 25KG BAGS OF MAIZE BRAN SELLING AT K20 PER BAG. THE STOCK IS
IN KASAMA.
FOR DETAILS;
CONTACT MR. KAKUSU SIKAZWE
0977 287057 or 0955 217057 OR EMAIL; kasamamillingltd@gmail.com
******************************************************************************************************************
NEWS FROM THE REGIONS
SOUTHERN A REGION
MDP CONSULTS STAKEHOLDERS ON SEVENTH NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN
The Ministry of Development Planning (MDP) this week conducted a consultative and process formulation
meeting on the 2017-2021 Seventh National Development Plan (7NDP) with provincial stakeholders in Choma.
During the meeting, the formulation process was presented with a view to kickoff and facilitate the effective
contribution of stakeholders at all levels of national development planning. The team leader from the Ministry, Dr.
Stephen Gumboh, presented key highlights that included; the preparation process, integrated development/multisectoral approach, development cooperation, enhanced use of statistics in the NDP and national performance
framework. He further stated that Southern Province is advanced with the process having executed the first given
assignment successfully. He however stressed on the need for collective efforts and input from all stakeholders if
priority areas for the province are to be taken on board.
LUAPULA REGION
GOVERNMENT DELIVERS 2016/2017 FISP INPUTS
Farm inputs under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP) have started arriving in Chienge district. A check at
the main storage shed by ZNFU staffer in the district on Tuesday this week reviewed that 1,200 X 50kg bags of
Compound D fertilizer had been delivered.
5
FARMERS APPEAL TO GOVERNMENT TO REHABILITATE MILENGE – NDOLA ROAD
Farmers of Milenge district in Luapula Province have appealed to the government to rehabilitate the MilengeNdola road. The Milenge-Ndola road which passes through Sakanya in the Democratic Republic has been in a
state of disrepair for a long time.
Speaking on behalf of the farmers during the Milenge South Block Show, Milenge DFA chairperson Mr. Justine
Chembo told ZANIS that Milenge district has stagnated in terms of Agricultural development because the 120
kilometer road to the nearest markets for farm produce in Ndola is impassable. Mr. Chembo added that
rehabilitating the road would trigger increased economic activities in the district. He further observed that
Milenge district has a conducive environment for agriculture but the poor road infrastructure has continued to
frustrate the efforts of farmers and potential agribusiness players.
COPPERBELT REGION
SARO, PANNAR SEED VISIT MPONGWE
The Managing Directors from Saro and Pannar seed companies visited Mpongwe ZNFU office last week. The
purpose of their visit was to familiarise themselves with the work the ZNFU is doing in promoting agri-businesses
at grassroot level and partnerships that have been developed thus far.
During the visit, the Managing Director for Pannar, Mr Smith commended ZNFU for the work they were doing
under the Lima Credit Scheme of which he said his company was a direct beneficiary. He further went on to
informed ZNFU field staff that his company has introduced new seed varieties which will favourably compete with
other varieties on the market.
SARO Managing Director Mr. Ashok Oza also commended ZNFU and said his company had benefited a lot from
ZNFU initiatives and it is for this reason that his company was now planning to open an outlet in the Mpongwe
district which will bring farm equipment closer to the farmers.
EASTERN A REGION
CHADIZA DISTRICT HOLDS THE 2016 DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL SHOW
Chadiza district this week held its District Agriculture Show under the Theme; “Managing Environment for
Growth”. The District Commissioner for Chadiza who was the guest of honour during the show urged farmers not
to sell all their maize this marketing season as there won’t be enough food due to erratic rainfall experienced in
the district last season. He appealed to the farmers to leave enough food for their home consumption to avoid
depending on relief food from the Government. He also urged the farmers to diversify their farming activities and
adopt new farming methods like Conservation Agriculture as a way of mitigating the effects of climate change.
6
EASTERN B REGION
FARMERS APPEAL TO GOVERNMNT FOR A DAM
Farmers in Chief Mumbi’s area of Petauke district have called on Government through the office of the District
Agriculture Coordinator to construct a dam in Mwambula Zumba area. Over 20 villages surrounding Mwambula
Zumba area of Petauke district have been hit with critical water shortage for both domestic and livestock use due
to inadequate rainfall that was received during the 2015/16 farming season. Speaking during an IC meeting,
Headman Mwambula said the life of the animals and their economic activities have been threatened due “to nonavailability of water” to sustain their farming activities. He further added that if the situation is left unchecked,
farmers will find it difficult to keep livestock and do their off-season farming activities such as vegetable
production.
FARMERS URGED TO TAKE LEAD IN THE FIGHT AGAINST HIV/AIDS
Farmers in Nyimba district have been urged to take lead in the fight against HIV/AIDS if they are to remain
productive in their farming businesses. Speaking during a Block Agriculture Show held in Vizimumba area, His
Royal Highness Chief Ndake told his subjects that farming remained an integral part of the people in his chiefdom
hence there was need for them to maintain and remain faithful to their partners. He further challenged the
Ministry of Agriculture to have deliberate programmes that will focus on addressing the issue of HIV/AIDS and
help eradicate the pandemic and not leave everything to the Ministry of Health alone.
NORTHWESTERN REGION
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE FORMS CASSAVA PLATFORMS IN MWINILUNGA
The Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) is implementing the Smallholder Agri-business Promotion Programme (SAPP)
project in Mwinilunga district where various value chain players are funded through a Matching Grant Facility in
selected commodities. It is against this background that the MoA in Mwinilunga district have started making some
Cassava Platforms in collaboration with the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
With the foregoing collaboration, the district has since established six (6) Cassava seed multiplication sites and a
district steering committee has since been instituted to spearhead the implementation of the programme.
KASEMPA DFA PURCHASES MAIZE SHELLER
Saro Agro Industrial this week delivered a Maize Sheller purchased by Kasempa DFA. The Sheller was bought at a
cost of K25,000. Speaking when he delivered the Sheller in Kasempa, Saro representative Zwide Daka urged the
DFA to utilise the equipment to the fullest. Mr. Daka further informed the DFA that the Sheller has a life span of
about 15 years if managed properly.
And speaking when he received the Sheller, Kasempa DFA chairman Lackson Kamayani thanked Saro for the quick
delivery of the equipment.
7
Mr. Kamayani said the DFA will utilise the Sheller to assist the farmers shell their maize faster and cheaper. He
further said this would not only give the DFA some income but render a service to the members as well.
WESTERN REGION
AMATHEON SPREADS ITS ACTIVITIES TO KAOMA DISTRICT
Amatheon Zambia, a Germany agricultural conglomerate with most of its activities based in Mumbwa has decided
to spread its farming business to Kaoma district in Western Province. The company will be purchasing farm
produce and so far six (6) buying points for Groundnuts and Maize have been set up and it will start buying these
commodities by 15th June 2016.Some of the buying points that the company has sited are Munkunye, Kangomba,
Kalumwange A and B farming areas. The coming of Amatheon brings to 4 the number of major private market
players who are buying and providing competitive prices for farm commodities in the district.
8