• first quarter of 2022 has been favorable for the Livestock sector despite being faced with challenges
• Business was thriving for the livestock farmers as they were able to gain profit.
• Animal diseases such as the foot and mouth disease and the African swine fever need to be urgently mitigated.

Zambia Livestock Cooperative Union says the first quarter of 2022 has been favorable for the Livestock sector despite being faced with challenges.
Speaking in an interview with Money FM, Union Chairperson Elias Nkhuwa stated that in the first quarter of 2022, business was thriving for the farmers as they were able to gain profit and sustain their lives from their businesses.
Mr. Nkhuwa said the challenges hindering the progress of livestock farmers are animal diseases such as the foot and mouth disease and the African swine fever which need to be urgently mitigated.
“Lack of access to land and water, lack of access to markets, lack of access to credit facilities, persistent draught, poor animal nutrition and smaller herd size are also among the challenges our farmers face,” he said .
Mr. Nkhuwa has since called on Government to completely deal with animal diseases in order for farmers not to encounter loses.
He is optimistic that the second quarter of 2022 will be one that will be free from animal diseases.
“Livestock helps on food supply, family nutrition, family income, asset savings, soil productivity, livelihoods, transport, agricultural traction, agricultural diversification and sustainable agricultural production, family and community employment,” he said.