World bank urges govt to priotise agric funding

The World Bank has acknowledged that increasing agriculture production is key in responding to the poverty that most rural Zambians are experiencing.

World Bank Zambia Agriculture Economist Christine Heumesser says global evidence has shown that high productivity in the agriculture sector is needed for the transition from poverty in a sustainable way.

Ms. Heumesser however says this should be coupled with training of farmers in diversification programmes.

She observes that most farmers in the country are mostly interested in maize production saying this will hamper the enormous role that agriculture can play in improving the country’s economy and poverty reduction.

Ms. Heumesser notes that a developed agriculture system will relatively result in reduced food prices which will intern benefit consumers.