• The team is training cooperatives in the fish value chain.
• Cooperatives are being equipped with requisite information, skills and resources to run fishing projects.
• Two traditional leaders have welcomed promotion of growth cooperatives through business entrepreneurship skills.

Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) says it is implementing the Zambia Sustainable Small-Scale Fisheries Project (ZSSSFP) in seven districts including Kafue and Luangwa Districts in partnership with Action Aid Zambia and Department of Fisheries with support of the Eco-Fish Programme, European Union (EU) and other cooperating partners.
And Senior Chief Mburuma of the Nsenga-Luzi people and Chief Mphuka of the Chikunda people, of Luangwa district have welcomed the promotion of growth cooperatives through business entrepreneurship skills and technical support activities conducted by ActionAid Zambia and ZDA in their Chiefdoms.
Speaking when the two institutions in the company of the district fisheries department handed over a booster pump and a scale to one of the cooperatives in Manueli Community, Senior Chief Mburuma expressed gratitude to Action Aid Zambia, government and the cooperating partners for considering Luangwa district in their interventions in the fishing industry value chain.
“The trainings and technical support offered to the cooperatives in the district will go a long way in alleviating poverty levels and create employment opportunities for most of the youth and women,” he said.
Senior Chief Mburuma asked for continued dialogue with traditional leaders in development projects, and urged stakeholders to consistently monitor the projects to ensure that the efforts are not in vein.
And speaking after attending one of the business and entrepreneurship trainings by the team on how to run fishing as a viable and profitable business venture, Chief Mphuka said he was grateful for the support rendered to the cooperatives and has encouraged his people to be committed in order for them to see the desired results.
“We have been crying for development and jobs in our communities and this is one way in which our cries have been answered. Let us embrace the people that are helping to bring development to our communities, utilize the resources and knowledge prudently and show commitment,” Chief Mphuka stated.
The team is training cooperatives in the fish value chain, to equip them with requisite information, skills and resources to run fishing projects as viable and profitable businesses while also creating a platform for cooperatives in the fish value chain to gain relevant information in running the fish business as well as providing technical support.