The Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition Alliance has described as insensitive the statement issued by Agriculture Minister Michael Katambo yesterday when he announced results for the assessment of the maize stocks survey that the country is food secure.
CSO SUN county Coordinator Mathews Mhuru says it is disappointing that the Minister could issue such a statement when he is fully aware that the country is food insecure with over 2.3 million people going hungry.
Mr Mhuru said the one million, thirty-seven thousand seven hundred and seventy-seven point seven metric tonnes available stock announced by Mr Katambo is a drop in the ocean as more maize is required to feed hungry Zambians whose harvests were impacted by drought in the last farming season.
He reminded Mr Katambo that Zambia requires US$89.5 million to feed hungry people and clearly this shows that we do not have adequate food as a nation hence the food security situation can best be described as dire at the moment.
Mr Mhuru added that had the country been food secure, the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit wouldn’t have been distributing 12.5 kg bags of mealie meal to those affected by hunger which in some instances are being shared by two to three families.
He added that because of scarce maize on the market, mealie Meal prices have skyrocketed to K180 in some parts of the country making it difficult for many ordinary Zambians to afford a bag of mealie meal.
Mr Mhuru has challenged the Minister to be truthful when discussing the food security situation in Zambia because many people are aware that the country is currently food insecure and in need of help from cooperating partners.
However, Mr Mhuru has commended the government for enhancing security at various points of entry to prevent smuggling of grain into neighbouring countries.
He said Zambia cannot allow the smuggling of grain into other countries when citizens are going to bed on empty stomachs on a daily basis due to lack of food.
what is this “pf thing”?
is it a functioning government of just a butch of people getting tax payer’s money, doing and saying whatever they feel like.
saying it’s dysfunctional would be a gross understatement
Food reserve managements ranging from agri commodities, distribution to storage infrastructures are characterized by natural science variables. Surprisingly this government puts FRA in the hands of lawyers to manage our national food reserves. This is strategic area Imwe Bangwele, Bamukuta, Bamataba give FRA to suitably qualified technical experts in the area of agriculture and postharvest. FRA continue to register postharvest losses way high above the international standards. This suggests that FRA is far from being an actor in the sustainable national and global supply chain. They can only supply Zimbabwe, DRC with mycotoxin riddled grains because people in these failed states have no choice but accept to digest aflatoxins and fumonisins. Whoever advices President Lungu on food…
Ahhhhh laupula boy
…….you are learneard ??
I thought all pf are empty
Hahaha @Spaka, so you can have some little hope in the current PF
Spaka … Spakarilo!
Whoever advices President Lungu on food security area of concern has drooling brains.
We do not remember when we last saw 12.5kg people are suffering hunger in tekelo ward yet you are busy telling people that you food which you do not have.if you have food bring it here before die of hunger.
Vote wisely next time
Don’t just dance to slogans……
These Gumu -gumu’z like K@tamb0 & J0n@ could not even organise a drink fest, right inside a brewery!
P.F, STARTING WITH ITS LEADER K@!ZAR, & HIS VICE CHAK0LWA MUKULA -J0N4 ARE SO INEPT, IT’S ALMOST CRIMINAL!!
Zoona K@tabo even by physical creation ni gumu gumu!
Ain’t it amazing that anything from lungus GRZ can not stand up against any scrutiny ?????
Now you know why lungu himself never has any press conferences or question times with the press…….
When the Chief Food Advisor looks malnourished, what good advice can he give on National Food Security?
A man who destroys his marriage after 27 years?
Incredible!
what can you expect from a useless adulterer who is only good and distributing sperm to ever welcoming gold-diggers.