admin000 households in various agro-ecological regions.
Officiating at the signing ceremony, EU Ambassador Aldo Dell‘Ariccia, said this agreement was a result of the Project Proposal made by FAO to the EU for improvement of livelihoods of vulnerable rural smallholder farmers through improved agricultural productivity and marketing of produce.
He noted that many rural families were facing chronic food insecurity due to low productivity and income constraints.
“Support is still required to improve and sustain the increases in agricultural production experienced in recent years.
“An injection of resources for agro-inputs provides smallholders with capacity to respond to more positive market signals and move out of food insecurity,” he said.
Ambassador Ariccia said the project was going to support improved production and productivity and strengthen food and nutrition security as well as household incomes.
‘The main elements of the assistance are increased production through improved agricultural practices and support to the livestock sector.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Irrigation Development, Mr Seiso Moyo, said adequate information on agricultural programmes was vital for farmers to ensure easy accessibility of resources.
Deputy Minister Moyo said a number of agriculture programmes ended up not reaching the intended people as the beneficiaries did not have enough information on how they could access the facilities.
“We are making efforts to make sure all farmers are informed about all programmes being spearheaded in their area. The ministry is doing its best to make sure all farmers are well informed about their specific fields,” he said.
FAO representative, Dr Gaoju Han, said the organisation was committed to the realisation of the project results.
Online Reporter