The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) working with smallholder farmers in Southern Province is fostering the production of Crop-livestock integration and diversification trials aimed at increasing fodder production among smallholder farmers in the province.
Speaking with National Agricultural Information Services in Mazabuka district, Christian Thierfelder, who is a Principal Scientist at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre, highlighted that most farmers do not usually produce fodder in their fields.
Dr Thierfelder believes this is a new intervention and that it is necessary for farmers to adopt the technologies that have been tested with them on larger portions of land. By doing so, they can effectively harvest the crops and use them to make hay or silage, or for other ways of fodder conservation. This will ensure enough feed to sustain their livestock during the dry winter season.
“What we introduced here is new options for fodder production which involve green manure cover crops lablab and velvet beans but also new potential grasses like Brachiaria mulato which is a fodder grass of very high value, we heard from farmers that they can increase the milk production by 30 to 50 percent with this feeding strategy and also the meat production can be increased, in six weeks farms reported a 40kg weight gain in cattle,” he said.
George Malambo is a host farmer on the Ukama Ustawi Project working on an Innovation Research Trial in Ngwezi B of Mazabuka district. He stated that his dairy animals enjoyed the fodder he produced which led to an observed increase in milk production.
“What I tried was to feed 1 dairy animal and what I found was that it increased its milk production from 2.5 litres to 15 litres,” Mr Malambo said.
The Ukama Ustawi Initiative has set a goal to provide support for climate-smart agriculture and livelihoods in 12 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa. This initiative aims to assist millions of small-scale farmers in intensifying, diversifying, and reducing the risks associated with maize-mixed farming.
To achieve this, the initiative will offer improved extension services, strengthen institutional capacity, provide targeted farm management bundles, offer policy support, develop enterprises, and attract private investment.
#FARA’s Institutional Capacity & Future Scenarios Cluster Lead and African Seed and Biotechnology Partnership Platform #ASBPP coordinator under the auspices of the African Union, Dr. Abdulrazak Ibrahim, is at the #AU Headquarters, Addis Ababa, facilitating the 2nd #ASBPP General Assembly.
The assembly holds significant weight as it aligns ongoing dialogues concerning the 2nd decade of the African Union #Agenda2063 and the post-Malabo process.
The theme of the General Assembly is Humanitarian Development and Peace (HDP) Nexus alongside transforming food systems in Africa.
Key assembly elements encompass the interconnection between #ASBPP Working Groups, Clusters, and the Integrated Seed Sector Development #ISSD Africa Community of Practice, as well as the unveiling of the Africa Seed Sector Performance Indicator #SSPI spearheaded by The African Seed Access Index.
The meeting features deliberations on the evolving strategies within Africa’s seed sector, including initiatives like the Partnership for Integrated Seed Sector Development in Africa #PISSA. These endeavours contribute to the ASBP-CAADP Goals.
This collaborative effort, led by #ASBPP under the purview of African Union‘s Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy, and Sustainable Environment DARBE -AUC, AUDA-NEPAD, #FARA, and the Wageningen Center for Development Innovation (WCDI) of Wageningen University & Research, brings together 120 stakeholders from across Africa’s seed sector.
Agriculture plays a crucial role in the economic development and food security of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. However, the sector faces several challenges; including climate change, soil degradation, and limited access to markets, technology and information.
Access to timely and accurate information is critical for enabling farmers and policymakers to make informed decisions that promote sustainable agriculture and food security.
It is for this reason, the European Union (EU) working with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) supported the SADC member states in the implementation of SADC regional agriculture policy project known as Support Towards the Operationalization of SADC Region policy (STOSAR).
Minister of Agriculture for Botswana Fidelis Molao, commended the European Union and FAO for helping the SADC region in the development of Agricultural Information Management Systems (AIMS) for data-driven decision-making, tackling key transboundary animal diseases and crop to facilitate market and trade.
The three year ‟Support towards operationalization of the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy” (STOSAR) has three components being implemented by the SADC Secretariat and FAO. The components are: enhancing information on agricultural production, sustainability and competitiveness for evidence-based decision-making; improving access to markets through implementation of plant and animal pest and disease control strategies at regional level; facilitating the implementation of some components of Regional Food and Nutrition Security Strategy (FNSS). The latter component is being implemented directly by the SADC secretariat.
Overall, the project aims to strengthen regional integration, promote sustainable agricultural and socio-economic growth, improve access to markets, facilitate trade, and enhance food and nutrition security within the SADC region.
By investing in domestic agri-food systems, which promotes economic growth and sustainable food production, member States of SADC are leveraging on the benefits of regional value chains, access to international markets and pooling of resources to achieve economies of scale.
To facilitate regional cooperation and integration, SADC has come up with a Regional Agricultural Policy (RAP) which provides a framework of common objectives designed to harmonize, and create synergies between the agricultural sectors of its Member States, and, in so doing, strengthening regional integration, sustainable agricultural growth and socio-economic development.
The SADC Council of Ministers approved the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy (RAP) and the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy Investment Plan (RAIP) in June 2013 and July 2016 respectively.
The RAIP, which set out to operationalise the RAP, was prepared in the context of the Comprehensive African Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP), which was established in Maputo in 2003 as a Pan-African policy framework to transform agriculture, create wealth, improve food security and nutrition and promote inclusive economic growth.
This project forms part of the 11th Electronic Data Interchange (EDF) Regional Indicative Programme (RIP) identified under the SADC region envelope in line with the 11th EDF 2014 – 2020 Regional Indicative Programme for Eastern Africa, Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean. The overall objective of this action is to accelerate progress towards implementation of SADC regional integration.
The EU and SADC Secretariat identified FAO as the lead implementing agency for the two components of the Support Towards the Operationalization of the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy Project (STOSAR).
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (FAO) Sub-Regional Coordinator for Southern Africa Patrice Talla urged SADC member states to embrace innovative approaches to manage transboundary pests and diseases which pose food safety risks that undermine international trade.
Speaking at the ‘Support Towards the Operationalization of the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy’ (STOSAR) end of project workshop, Talla said, “Working in collaboration with the Centres of Excellence, the STOSAR project has capacitated SADC countries to develop the adoption of international standards such as Commodity-based trade, that has enabled some SADC countries get access to international markets by ensuring compliance with the requirements of importing countries.”
The implementation of the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy through the STOSAR project has led to deeper regional integration by harmonizing agricultural strategies, promoting trade, and fostering collaboration among SADC member states, contributing to a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector.
SADC Deputy Executive Secretary for Regional Integration Angele Makombo N’tumba highlighted STOSAR’s successes stating that “The implementation of the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy has already yielded significant achievements and by enhancing market access and tackling transboundary pests and diseases, the project has ensured the resilience and competitiveness of our shared agricultural sector within and beyond the SADC region.”
Officially opening the STOSAR end of project workshop, the Botswana Minister of Agriculture, Fidelis Molao commended the project for opening market access for the country.
Botswana is currently in negotiations for exporting fresh citrus fruits to key markets such as the European Union, the United States of America, India, and China. This initiative follows a comprehensive countrywide surveillance for citrus black spot, which has led to the establishment of pest-free areas.
Advanced plans are underway by the European Union to support the second phase of the STOSAR project to build on the progress and gains that have been achieved by the STOSAR project.
Deputy Head of Cooperation Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Botswana and SADC Jose Becerra, reiterated EU’s continued support to the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) 2020-2030.
“STOSAR II will contribute towards addressing industrial development and market integration through a transformed agricultural sector that practices sustainable management of the environment and its natural resources. It would support value chain actors and improve the policy environment to facilitate their access to global markets with high-quality and safe products in line with the principles and approaches to agroecology,” said Becerra.
To emphasize the significance of strategic partnerships and innovation, a Business Expo was held concurrently with the STOSAR end of project workshop, where 12 exhibitors presented their products and services aimed at promoting sustainable agrifood systems across the SADC region.
The continued implementation of the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy promises to enhance and capitalise on trade opportunities in regional and international markets, ensuring food and nutrition security for all SADC member states. –NAIS
In an effort to mitigate the advent effects of climate change, government in partnership with International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) have launched the Southern Africa Research and Administrative Hub (SARAH) and food system research delivery facilities aimed at producing state of the act research technologies.
The partnership will leverage IITA and CGIAR’s expertise in research delivery and agriculture innovation to support Government’s efforts in promoting sustainable agriculture practices, enhancing crop productivity and mitigating the impacts of climate change on smallholder farmers.
The research will work towards addressing critical issues like food insecurities, plant health and seed systems in Zambia and the entire southern region.
Speaking during the launch of the Southern Africa Research and Administrative Hub at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) held in Chongwe district of Lusaka province recently, President Hakainde Hichilema called for research in the agricultural sector to ensure high levels of productivity is attained.
Mr. Hakainde stated that the country must work together to realise the goal of boosting agricultural production and productivity, noting that IITA should help ensure there is enough food production and provide seed varieties which are drought resistance for better yields.
He said smallholder farmers should promote varieties like cassava that are drought resistant and if produced can increase household food security and nutrition.
“Farms should create jobs and value addition for people to improve on mechanization because there is money on the farms therefore youths should be encouraged to venture in agriculture to help sustain their livelihoods,” The President stated.
Mr. Hakainde further emphasized the need for collaborations with other stakeholders such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) to support agriculture and attain food security at household level.
And Agriculture Minister Reuben Mtolo expressed happiness for the support that IITA and CGIAR are working with government to developing new varieties and capacity building in the country.
Mr. Mtolo added that the ministry is committed to work with other stakeholders to heighten food security in the country amidst climate shock.
And Former President of Nigeria and IITA Ambassador Chief Olusegun Obasanjo described the launch as historical as the hub will ensure food and nutrition security for Zambia and Southern Africa added that there is need to turn agriculture into a business and make it sustainable.
“We need availability of production, processors, marketers and distributors for the agricultural sector to thrive and to achieve this we need youths to venture in agriculture to sustain their living,” he stated.
Meanwhile, IITA Country Director and Regional Director for Southern Africa David Chikoye expressed excitement for hosting the event which he said took lots of planning and engagements.
“IITA will continue to support the Zambian government to achieve the agricultural transformation agenda, enhance food security and promote sustainable development across the country and the region,” Dr Chikoye stated.
He however called upon all the researchers working in the same domain like students to visit and work in those facilities as they focus on working on diversification of farming systems and diets in Zambia and the region to improve access to science and innovations.
Despite Africa’s vast arable land, the farming community is faced with challenges to mitigate the climate effects that needs concerted efforts in scaling climate smart innovations through scientific driven solutions and market-based approach to make agriculture sustainable.
Indeed, the establishment of SARAH in Zambia 38 years ago and the launch of the food system research and delivery facilities underlines the commitment of both IITA and government to enhance agricultural productivity, food security and livelihoods for people and the Southern African Region.
The IITA Regional hub in Zambia will serve as a melting pot for innovative research, capacity building and knowledge sharing research and agriculture will further reflect in commitment to drive food systems, transformation to improve the lives for smallholder farmers in Africa. –NAIS
Veterinary field epidemiologists in the livestock sector are the first line of defense against animal diseases that can also affect humans. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is supporting efforts towards the Frontline In-service Applied Veterinary Epidemiology Training (ISAVET) program in Zambia.
The training programme has had its first cohort of 27 in-service trainees from the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock drawn from Lusaka, Southern and Western provinces.
The ISAVET programme is aimed at developing transferable, critical thinking skills amongst Veterinarians to strengthen preparedness and early response to animal disease outbreaks.
Fisheries and Livestock Permanent Secretary Engineer Himba Cheelo who officiated at the graduation ceremony in Lusaka recently, said Frontline Applied Veterinary Epidemiology is a pivotal pillar in animal and public health.
Engineer Cheelo said the FAO has so far successfully launched the Frontline In-Service Applied Veterinary Epidemiology Training (ISAVET) program in 22 countries with Zambia being the 23rd country in Africa.
“The Frontline In-Service Applied Veterinary Epidemiology Training ISAVET will help in bolstering and enabling officers in the frontline are able to detect and provide effective early responses to animal diseases,” Engineer Cheelo said.
She said it is worth noting that major pandemic throughout history both past and present have originated in animals.
Ms Cheelo said disease such as COVID-19, AVIAN Influenza, Black Death, SARS, Ebola, swine Flu and even major zoonotic diseases have been traced back to the animal kingdom.
“Most recently the Anthrax outbreak in Southern province serves as a poignant reminder of the critical role our cadre of Veterinarians and veterinary para-professionals play in safeguarding public health,” she said.
She said that beyond ISAVET’S pivotal role in animal health, the strong soco-economic connection they possess within rural communities position them ideally for prompt detection, reporting and response to future zoonotic pandemics.
Deficiencies to prevent, detect and respond to outbreaks timely in the animal health sector have often contributed to continuous animal health threats across the country. Therefore, having enough and well-trained veterinary epidemiology officers means protected human health, reduced animal losses, assured consumer protection and promotion of safe trade in the country. She said this in a speech read on her behalf by the Human Resources and Administration Director Ignatius Daka.
The Food and Agriculture organisation of the United Nations Country Representative
Suze Percy Filippini said the ISAVET program is a milestone in the journey to enhance the capacity of veterinary services in disease surveillance and uphold the principles of One Health.
Ms Filippini said the initiative that has generously been funded by the United States Government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is in line with the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s action plan that seeks to support the one health agenda and improve the management of emerging animal and human related health risks.
“By actively assisting selected countries in sub-Sahara Africa including Zambia, we aim to strengthen disease surveillance and risk management at the human animal ecosystem interface,” Ms Filippini said.
She noted that through locally joint strategies and innovative tools, FAO endeavours to combat diseases and microbial resistance that pose significant threats to public health, poverty alleviation and human livelihoods.
“The skills acquired by ISAVET trainees will significantly bolster Zambia’s Veterinary Services by mitigating the burden of zoonotic diseases and Transboundary Animal Diseases,” Ms Filippini said.
She said these efforts will also contribute to enhancing livelihoods, fostering economic growth, ensuring food security, and advancing the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development for better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life, leaving no one behind.
While, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Deputy Director Robin SHARMA said the skills and knowledge gained through the ISAVET program will serve as a solid foundation for future works because the skills will strengthen
Zambia’s public health systems to protect the health and safety of all animals and people in Zambia.
Mr Sharma said 75% of new and emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic or spread from animal to people.
“This makes your training more essential than ever and the skills you have acquired critical because you are literary the first line of defence against zoonotic infectious disease threats,” Mr Sharma.
He said the Anthrax break-out in 2023 may not be the last zoonotic disease threat the country may have encountered considering the prolonged droughts the country is facing that might force both humans and animals to search further beyond for water and food sources.
And speaking earlier, Frontline In-Service Applied Veterinary Epidemiology (ISAVET) National Program Coordinator Humphrey Banda said the training is, hands-on and aimed at building a cadre of skilled frontline veterinarians who can conduct effective surveillance and outbreak response under a One Health approach.
Dr Banda said the ISAVET program was generated because of deficiencies being experienced in field epidemiology and animal health surveillance systems.
“The ISAVET program was brought about through the SET evaluation conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nation and the Performance of Veterinary Services evaluation conducted by the Office of International Epizooties (OIE),” Dr Banda said.
He said the ISAVET program is focused on enhancing epidemiological skills in the frontline staff in the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock so that they can address emerging infectious diseases and transboundary animal diseases in the country.
Field epidemiology is an important area that supports timely and rapid response to transboundary, zoonotic, and other health conditions of public health importance that limit productivity.
Therefore, In-Service Applied Veterinary Epidemiology Training (ISAVET) programme is one such capacity building initiative that has strengthened the animal health services capacity since the pilot phase in 2018 within the African region.
Blessings Kantu Kalimbika, an In-Service Applied Veterinary Epidemiology Trainee from Senanga district in Western province said the training was a reminder to all the ISAVETEES (graduates) that they entered to learn and depart to serve the country.
“Today as we leave this place, we are more than equal to the task because when it comes to the knowledge in the prevention of animal health threats, we have it, rapid response to animal health security threats, we have it, improved and early detection of animal health security threats, we have it,” Ms Kalimbika said.
Ms Kalimbika said the six months they have been in training, ISAVETEEs have been able to gain skills and undertake research that seeks to address the needs of the local farmers in areas like Kavalamanja, Mkandanzovu and Sinjembela.
Timely dissemination of animal disease information to relevant stakeholders facilitates prompt action when necessary, making it vital in managing both emerging and reemerging diseases. It is therefore upon the ISAVETEEs to put into practice what they have gained in the last six months and save lives in the country. –NAIS
DRUGS in veterinary medicine are there to control different animal diseases and if properly used, they contribute to improving the production of food of animal origin.
Food safety regulations are based on a risk analysis which is a structured and systematic process in which hazards that potentially affect public health are examined paving ways to mitigate the risks.
The presence of veterinary drugs in foods of animal origin such as meat beyond the maximum residue limit allowed could affect food trade and human health.
Parameters such as an acceptable daily intake level, the maximum residues limits, and the withdrawal periods are determined for drugs used in livestock simply because levels of residues in edible tissues can be affected by diverse factors related to the treated animal, the type of drug administration, and even the type of cooking.
This is why drug residues monitoring programme are crucial in the livestock industry to ensure that prohibited or authorized substances do not exceed the maximum residue limit.
Participants in the Development of a National Residues Monitoring Program for Zambia
The Animal Health Systems Strengthening Project is one of the projects under the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) from the United Kingdom helping the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock in developing a National Residues Monitoring Program on veterinary medicine in animal husbandry in Zambia.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) International Project Coordinator, Elizabeth Marier, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine said the Animal Health Systems Strengthening Project is delivering the objectives relating to veterinary Medicine resistance.
Speaking at Chita Lodge in Kafue District, Dr Marier said the objectives of the workshop are to create awareness on the responsible use of vet medicines and developing a surveillance program for residues.
She said that understanding what the issue is or was when using animal medicines is important in making people take appropriate actions to ensure that medicines are used responsibly in respect of the withdrawal period.
“To achieve this, our project has ensured that a diversity of participants from the private sector, laboratories, ministries and vet associations were invited to attend the workshop to create awareness at that level,” Dr Marier said.
She explained that the second part of the project’s objectives is to create an effective plan that will allow the Zambian government through the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock to know how many samples to take for each of the livestock sectors and identify which substances are a priority for testing.
Speaking at the same function, Acting Director of Veterinary Services in the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Charles Masekasaid the use of veterinary medicine in animal husbandry plays a crucial role in maintaining animal health and productivity.
Dr Maseka said the development of the monitoring program will help ensure the surveillance of veterinary medicine residues in food products of animal origin which has almost been nonexistent in Zambia.
He said the drought the country is experiencing will increase the risk of animal disease occurrence that may result in improper use of veterinary drugs for therapeutic purposes by livestock owners which in turn will affect human health.
“Excessive residues of these medicines in food products can pose significant risks to human health,” Dr Maseka said.
Dr Maseka acknowledged that the valuable input from different stakeholders will lead to the development of sampling plan that will ensure an effective surveillance program is put in place to monitor and control the presence of veterinary medicine residues in food products, thereby safeguarding public health.
“I am irate to note that there are representatives from government agencies, regulatory bodies, veterinary professionals, food producers and consumer advocacy groups,” Dr Maseka said.
He said the deeper conversations around veterinary medicines amongst the stakeholders have become imperative for the country adding that this couldn’t have come at a better time than this.
Veterinary drugs are chemical agents used to prevent or treat animal diseases. Rationally administered to food-producing animals, following good veterinary practices, they favor the production of abundant food, such as meat, milk, eggs, and honey.
In contrast, several adverse effects, such as drug residues in food exceeding safe levels for humans, may appear when good veterinary practices are not met.
Consequently, one of the emphases by the DEFRA workshop was that foodstuffs obtained from animals treated with veterinary drugs must not contain levels of residues that pose a risk to the consumer’s health.
Central Veterinary Research Institute (CVRI) Chief Veterinary Research Officer in the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Mwansa Songe said the DEFRA awareness workshop has been very useful, interactive and productive because the workshop discussed issues around veterinary drug residues in animal food.
Dr Songe said the country thus far has not got a national surveillance plan to test for drugs in food animals such as meat.
“It is important that we have met here today at Chita Lodge to develop a national surveillance plan that will encompass all food animals for the safety of the people,” Dr Songe said.
Dr Songe said it is difficult to manage what is not know, but with the surveillance plan in place, veterinarians in the country will be able to see what issues are there, what residues are common in food animals and ascertain how to deal with them effectively.
“Without the awareness workshop and support from DEFRA, we would not have had all these rich conversations that have taken place here with the stakeholders drawn from various facets of society to develop a national surveillance plan,” Dr Songe explained.
She said the surveillance plan will among other things ensure that livestock farmers have a prescription from a trained veterinarian who is registered with the Veterinary Council of Zambia for proper guidance regarding the treatment of their animals.
Veterinary drugs and drugs for humans are the same, but the way in which they are regulated differs, especially for drugs used in food production animals.
Since humans can be exposed chronically to veterinary residues through the diet, veterinary drug residues in food are evaluated for effects following chronic exposures, so an acceptable daily intake must be established.
Animal Health Systems Strengthening Project, Zambia Animal Health National Lead Bruce Mukanda said a world without antibiotic and a world where all the microbes have acquired resistance from microbial would be problematic.
“How many of us have family members who understand what antimicrobial resistance is, very few understand these, that’s why sensitisation is key for this program to achieve desired results,” Dr Mukanda said.
He said considering awareness, sensitisation, advocacy or whatever form of awareness strategy should be top priority of the National Residues Monitoring Programme because for as long as people who release money does not understand this, it will never be done in the shot, medium or long-term.
“There is one principal I have learnt throughout my working years that government allocates resource based on the pressure that comes from the population, so if they have to allocate resources to this program, veterinarians must ensure government receives enough pressure,” Dr Mukanda said.
Dr Mukanda emphasised the need for the population to be aware that food animal residues is their problem too because a world without antibiotics and a world with maximum microbial resistance will be catastrophic.
He said all veterinarians should be advocates of antimicrobial resistance because it affects not only those who are interested in the subject, but also everybody in the world.
Dr Mukanda implored the need for veterinarians to explain to everybody in the country so that they understand why this issue is important otherwise more time will be spent without any results.
“A clear and clever innovative strategy on advocacy will ensure that people, policy makers, the industry and consumers understand it, and then we will have a program that will have acceptance and sufficient resources for us to achieve the results that we want,” Dr Mukanda said.
It is therefore important to estimate the intake of various veterinary drug residues from food for risk evaluation, hence the need for the establishment of a surveillance plant for the country to ensure food animals meant for the market are tested to identify potential risks for human health. –NAIS
