NGO to improve livestock production in Mzimba North

The Centre for Community Empowerment Initiatives (CCEI) has introduced a K140 million agricultural project that aims to empower farmers in livestock production in Mzimba North.

The project which is called Livestock for Empowerment will be implemented in four extension planning areas (EPAs) of Emcizini, Zombwe, Euthini and Malidade in the district.

In an interview after presenting the project to Mzimba North District Executive Committee, CCEI Executive Director, Gilbert Banda, said the project will among others strengthen veterinary extension services and it has been designed in such a way that it will bridge various gaps that we have identified in livestock production as a way of increasing production.

“As you are aware that veterinary extension services have gone down in the country over the years, we have tried to factor in extension services as one of the main interventions,” he said.

Mzimba North District Council Director of Administration, Tamara Nyirongo, hailed CCEI for coming up with such an intervention saying it will help the targeted EPAs as Mzimba North have a shortage in extension services and the project will greatly help in fostering livestock production.

The project will engage personnel from the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR) to train lead farmers in basic extension services so that they impart the same knowledge to fellow farmers.