GOVERNMENT HANDS OVER 100 CATTLE TO THE COMMUNITY IN LUAPULA

Government has handed over 100 cattle to a community in Luapula Province as part of efforts to promote livelihoods that support forest conservation and rural economic growth.

Luapula Province Permanent Secretary, Prudence Chinama-Kangwa said the initiative reflects Government’s commitment to ensuring communities directly benefit from protecting natural resources.

Mrs Chinama-Kangwa said this when she delivered a speech on behalf of Luapula Province Minister Eng. Nason Musonda during the handover of the animals to the Kanyembo Community Forest Management Group in Nchelenge District on Thursday last week.

“This initiative shows a new development model where conservation walks hand in hand with livelihood improvement,” Mrs Chinama-Kangwa said.

The livestock — five bulls and ninety-five heifers — were provided with support from Community Climate Solutions Zambia.

Mrs Chinama-Kangwa noted that Government has continued to create an enabling policy environment that is attracting climate finance and investment into community-based environmental initiatives.

She said under the leadership of Hakainde Hichilema, communities are being placed at the centre of sustainable development.

“Government’s position is clear — communities that protect forests must derive real and measurable benefits,” she said.

Mrs Chinama-Kangwa added that livestock development has the potential to transform rural household incomes in the province because of the abundant grazing land and water resources.

She cited the success of the Chishinga Ranch run by the Zambia Correctional Service, which has grown its herd to more than 400 cattle.

And she urged members of the beneficiary community to manage the animals responsibly and ensure the herd grows for the benefit of future generations.