An organization that focuses on livestock value chains and women’s empowerment, Heifer International Zambia says it is not implementing any Aquaculture, pig and crocodile projects in Zambia.
Heifer International Zambia’s comments comes after receiving some inquiries and reports about its purported aquaculture project in Central Province.
According to some reports, it is alleged that the organisation is about to start undertaking a pig and crocodile project in the Province.
Heifer International Zambia Communications Officer Pezo Siabasimbi says some farmers have reported that they have been asked to pay K470 to K1, 300 each to a named individual purporting to be the organization’s agent in Chikonkomene area.
Ms Siabasimbi says the payment is said to be for ponds and for surveying the underground water.
“The individual who is collecting money is issuing Heifer International branded receipts bearing contact details and physical address of the organization. From this background, we would like to categorically state that Heifer International Zambia is not implementing any Aquaculture, pig and crocodile projects in Zambia later alone in Central Province. Heifer International Zambia would therefore like to distance itself from the alleged activities,” she said.
Ms Siabasimbi states that anyone purporting to be representing Heifer International Zambia and collecting money from farmers on behalf of the organisation must be treated as unlawful.
She has advised farmers in the area, and the country at large to verify with the organization any information they receive about Heifer International especially when it compels them to pay some money.
“It is also important to note that all our activities in our target areas across the country are implemented in partnership with Government line ministries, local authorities and traditional leaders. This makes it easy for people to verify the existence of our work. Furthermore, Heifer International works with groups as opposed to individuals and does not collect money from farmers,” Ms Siabasimbi said.
Heifer International’s mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth.
Since 1988, Heifer International Zambia has provided livestock and environmentally sound agricultural training in Zambia to improve the lives of those who struggle daily for reliable sources of food and income.
Heifer International Zambia currently work in 8 provinces to help families and communities become self-reliant.
Heifer International Zambia’s goal is to help 309, 000 families achieve a living income by 2025, which will allow them to be food secure; afford education for their children; and have good housing, water, sanitation and hygiene.