Zambian Breweries held its 2023 cassava farmer rewards day in Kawambwa District to recognize their efforts towards increasing production and productivity of cassava in the area.
According to the company’s Country Director, Mitchel Kilpin, the smallholder producers of the cassava crop were an integral part of ZB’s supply chain supporting the production of its Eagle Lager beer and the newly launched Mosi Light with cassava being a key ingredient.
“These farmers are the unsung heroes that have contributed to the development of cassava in the area and its commercialization,” she said.
Kilpin explained that ZB continues to support the smallholder farmers, including women and youth, with training, input supply and extension services to enhance their productivity and improve their livelihood.
Speaking at the same event that was held on June 13 in Kawambwa, Musika Managing Director – Reuben Banda reiterated the organisation’s continued support towards the commercialization of the cassava crop with funding from Sweden.
“To date Musika has invested over US$1 million in the development of the cassava value chain by partnering with various processors including Zambia Breweries, as well as aggregators, equipment suppliers and transporters. We have also promoted its cultivation in non-traditional cassava growing areas like Southern, Eastern and Central Province,” he explained.
In a speech read on his behalf, Luapula Province Minister Honourable Derricky Chilundika, appreciated ZB’s investment which had benefitted over 6,000 farmers in the province.
He called for collaborative efforts by other partners in the area of research and development to introduce new cassava varieties, provide input financing and additional market linkages needed to achieve a sustainable and prosperous agriculture sector in Zambia.
The awards given to both cooperatives and individual farmers by ZB included bicycles, a water pump for irrigation, and protective clothing among others.