BuyZed Campaign notes that the small scale and backyard poultry farmers input is really of great significance and feed in the supply chain.
BuyZed Campaign Founder Evans Ngoma says worryingly amidst plenty supplies amongst the local farmers, there are traders who bring in products particularly chicken purporting to be in transit to the neighboring countries yet they offload it on the local market.
“Our plea is three fold, to the regulators (Ministry of Agriculture agribusiness section) let’s help each other protect specific sectors in this case poultry. Let’s see to it that our regulatory framework is enforced but more importantly that we up our game and make sure that our legislation is supportive of local products promotion,” he said.
He said Zambia needs to create jobs and that the operational framework must support that and make sure that they remove bottlenecks and ensure compliance.
“This surely is within our means and must be done. To the producers, let’s be organized in that we share concerns, speak with one voice and collectively. Yes we are in a competitive environment and that’s a health environment that makes even our offering better,” he added.
“To the consumer, let’s prefer and always procure local goods. That way we are directly creating jobs, enhancing the socioeconomic being of our people.”