The Small Scale Farmers Development Agency says the 20 million Euros that has been set aside to support agribusiness for 150, 000 smallholders farmers by the European Union will help boost the country’s agriculture sector.

Speaking to Money FM News in an interview, Agency Director Boyd Moobwe however said government should ensure that the money is disbursed to the intended farmers once injected into the project.
Mr. Moobwe said a number of organizations have been coming on board to help the farming community with funds but that most farmers have been having challenges in accessing the money.
“We have been facing a lot of challenges in accessing the funds, you will find that the announcement is put across that this money is for farmers but at the end of the day farmers do not know anything,” Mr. Moobwe said.

He added that government in collaboration with the European Union should engage farmers’ organizations in identifying the beneficiaries of the money so that every small holder farmer gets a share.
“We really appreciate this effort but I think that the Zambian government and the European Union who have invested this money should work with some farmer based organizations to identify the farmers so that they are able to reach their target,” he added.
About 20 million Euros is expected to be injected in a five year agribusiness project targeting over 150, 000 smallholder farmers.
The project which is supported by the European Union, will be delivered in collaboration with Iman International Development in March this year