The Government, through the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services has handed over agricultural equipment and livestock worth K1.3 million to Food Security Pack (FSP) beneficiaries in Isoka District.

Officiating at the handover ceremony, the Minister of Community Development and Social Services, Ms. Doreen Mwamba, said the equipment is aimed at promoting agricultural mechanization in line with President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision of enhancing food security through increased crop yields.

The Minister, who was accompanied by Isoka Member of Parliament, Ms. Marjorie Nakaponda, emphasized that promoting food security requires the concerted efforts of all stakeholders.

She noted that Government is committed to supporting nutritional needs through interventions such as the acquisition of agricultural equipment.

Ms. Mwamba said the occasion further marks a significant step in rural mechanization and livelihood improvement, through programmes and interventions such as the Social Cash Transfer, Supporting Women’s Livelihoods, and Village Banking, among others.

She expressed satisfaction with the improved pay back rates under the programme, which have facilitated community-driven projects aimed at lifting the poor and vulnerable out of intergenerational poverty.

Speaking at the same event, Ms. Nakaponda hailed the positive impact of the FSP programme and urged beneficiaries to remain visionary, focused, and to maximize household incomes while taking good care of the equipment provided.

And Isoka District Commissioner, Mr. Jairo Simbeya, applauded the Ministry for empowering communities with life-changing equipment, noting that it will help end the long distances people previously travelled to access tools such as hammer mills and maize shellers.

Meanwhile, FSP beneficiaries have thanked government for acquiring the equipment and pledged to continue paying back to facilitate for more equipment which will in turn contribute to increased yields and ultimately enhance food and nutritional security.