Nkeyema, Western Province – 11th February 2025
The Government has urged youths in Western Province to prioritize agriculture as a sustainable source of income and job creation.
Speaking at a Farmer’s Field Day organized by World Vision in Nkeyema District, the Western Province Minister, Hon. Kapelwa Mbangweta.MP commended the strides made by young people in the region who have successfully created employment through agriculture. The Minister encouraged youths and women to form synergies that will drive the growth of the sector and contribute to national food security.
The Minister emphasized that agriculture is a lucrative venture that, when properly harnessed, can transform lives. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to empowering young farmers through various initiatives aimed at reducing unemployment.
World Vision Zambia’s ANEW Programme Manager, Patience Hamayanda, highlighted that the NGO has trained over 2,000 farmers in sustainable agriculture across all 10 provinces over the past eight years.
The recent Field Day was hosted at a 12-hectare maize and tomato farm utilizing drip irrigation, managed by Wamundila Ilukena and Simona Ilukena—two brothers who have been actively engaged in farming for over 12 years. The Ilukena brothers called on fellow citizens to embrace knowledge transfer in agriculture as a means of fostering social and economic growth.
In line with President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision of delivering for the people, the Government aims to increase maize production to 10 million metric tonnes annually, alongside 1 million metric tonnes of wheat and soya beans by 2027.
Issued by:
Mwakoi Njekwa (Mr.)
Principal Public Relations Officer – Western Province
