Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Government says climate change has adversely affected the availability of water for livestock.
Livestock and Fisheries Deputy Minister Lawrence Evans says it is for this reason that government putting up dams to mitigate against climate change.
Mr. Evans says the livestock sector is key to the development of the country as it accounts for about 42 percent of countries gross domestic product GDP.
He says the sector is important to improving food security, income generation and overall poverty reduction.
Speaking when he inaugurated the US$15,000 Ametheon Agri Zambia’s Community Livestock Centre in Nkulumashiba village in Mumbwa district today, Mr. Evans disclosed that government has employed 260 livestock extension officers.
He adds that his ministry has also procured more than 300 motor bikes to ease the transport situation for the officers that will be required to deliver the extension services.
Mr. Evans has also said that in a bid to improve the farmer officer ratio,the ministry of livestock and fisheries is sub dividing the existing livestock and veterinary camps into smaller units.
He says Government will continue with the construction of livestock service Centers throughout the country which are intended to provide extension services such as dipping, spraying, vaccinations, artificial insemination, de-worming, branding and castration.
And Amatheon Managing Director Troy Minne whose company says Amatheon will continue to ensure the availability of a reliable output market for the animals.
Mr. Minne says the initiative to put up community livestock centres is part of Amatheon Africa’s inclusive growth strategy that promotes the economic participation of rural communities.
He says the community Livestock Centres will inject significant value into the rural livestock market by improving the heath, resilience and value of the animals while ensuring farmers have a market and a network of community Livestock workers.
Mr. Minne says the centres will be used for effective disease prevention such as cattle dipping, while also serving as an organized marketing point for Amatheon Agri to buy cattle for their feedlots, exchange bulls for steers and sell heifers so that farmers can improve their cattle breeds.