World Bank launches livestock project in Zambia

The World Bank has launched a US$64.7 million (RM200 million) livestock development project in Zambia that will benefit over 390,000 farming households.

The Livestock Development and Animal Health project will benefit smallholder farmers in six of the country's 10 provinces, Xinhua news agency quoted local press reports.

Agriculture and Livestock Deputy Minister Luxon Kazabu said during the project's launch in eastern Zambia's Chipata district that the government expects the project to increase rural incomes and reduce poverty in rural communities.

"The project will target selected species such as cattle, small ruminants (sheep and goats), pigs, and poultry. Efforts must be made to give special attention to female members while other direct benefits will include training for 560 staff members in the Ministry of Agriculture," he said.

About 1.1 million farmers will benefit indirectly from the project through improved control of animal diseases and value-chain stakeholders will profit from increased animal supply numbers.

The Agriculture Ministry will implement the six-year project whose main objective, among others, is to improve the productivity of key livestock production systems.

The livestock sector accounts for 35 percent of Zambia's total agricultural production with about 50 percent of rural households earning their income from livestock.