Women urged to take up farming

A farmer in Bulilima, Ms Zelda James, said women were as capable as men to produce for the nation and challenged relevant authorities to level the playing field.

She said women could do as much as their male counterparts and contribute significantly towards national economic recovery and growth.

“I urge women to get up and engage in farming business because they are as capable as men. “Through partaking in agricultural activities they can also contribute significantly towards the recovery and subsequent growth of the national economy,” she said.

Ms James said if the playing field was levelled and women were equipped with knowledge and farming skills, they would also be able to sustain their livelihoods.

“It is essential for women to be knowledgeable and be equipped with farming skills as that would enable them to sustain their livelihoods.

“Besides that if they become seasoned farmers they may be able to present and create employment opportunities for others as well,” said Ms James, who is a cattle breeder.

She said for women to be successful they had to form consortiums and partnerships.

“Women can partake in every aspect of farming as men and as such I encourage them to take their chances because you never know unless you try.

“For them to be successful in farming they also have to form consortiums and partnerships. So women, let’s get up and go farming,” said Ms James.

She said agriculture was one of the driving forces of the national economy and it was important for farmers to be enlightened and strive to produce the best.