Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
CSR Country Representative Juan Sheenan
The Catholic Relief Services (CSR) has applied for US$75 million to the United States Government to fight malnutrition and reduce childhood stunting in Zambia.
CSR Country Representative Juan Sheenan says this is a five year programme with an extension of 2-years.
He says CRS is now waiting for the U.S Government to review the proposals as well as approve the funds.
Mr. Sheenan has expressed concern at the levels of stunting in the country, with Eastern province having the highest levels of stunting.
Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on Agriculture Minister Dora Siliya at her office, Mr. Sheenan reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to continue working with its partners in helping people improve their lives through increased food production and improved health.
And Agriculture Minister Dora Siliya has equally bemoaned high levels of malnutrition in the country with 47 percent of children being stunted.
Ms. Siliya has called for a change in eating habits by making sure that women at household level understand the kind of food they need to feed their children.
She says this is the reason why government is encouraging diversification by including legumes on the Farmer Input Support Program such as beans, groundnuts among other farm seeds.