By ZANIS –

The introduction of a Chili outgrower scheme in Chinsali District of Muchinga Province has cheered the Government and its stakeholders in the district. Chinsali District Commissioner Samson Muchemwa says the Chili out-grower scheme that Chance for Change Foundation is introducing to farmers in Chinsali District is an economic boost and key to growing the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Mr Muchemwa notes that the out-grower project is not just about agriculture but aims at transforming lives and communities and subsequently reducing poverty at the domestic level. Mr Muchemwa notes that the project will target 500 farmers this year and within the period of three years increase to 3000 farmers who will be empowered. He has stressed that the out-growers will have an opportunity of employing 10-20 people per farmer providing residents with opportunities for economic empowerment and growth.

The District Commissioner shared his remarks through the District Administrative Officer Brenda Silwembe, who represented him at the official opening of a two-day training workshop on chili growing held at Farmers Training Institute in Chinsali. According to the District Commissioner, the impact of the project will extend beyond job creation which will lead to significant economic and infrastructure development in the province and Chinsali District inclusive. The chili out-grower scheme is one of the outcomes of the partnership that the Government through the Muchinga Provincial Administration has forged with MC Group of Companies which is helping the province to woo investors under the flagship Muchinga Investment Forum and Expo. On the chili project, the government in collaboration with Chance for Change has plans to diversify by featuring products such as black pepper, ginger, garlic and French beans for international exports. Farmers are elated with the project, which they say has come at the right time when they are seeking solutions in agribusiness.

And Mathews Mulenga of Chambeshi farm block nods the projects as part of the benefits accruing to farmers for supporting the Expo, which he believes is the only way to change the economic outlook of the province. “We are ready to start growing chili as the project means well to the peasant farmers who want to change livelihood,” he said. Chance for Change Foundation being a non-profit organisation will help link the chili farmers it is training to a global marketing network. The organization is among the 22 investors who are committed and interested in investing in Muchinga Province.

ZANIS/