Government has called for increased participation in aquaculture and crop production in Western Province as part of efforts to boost productivity and strengthen food security.
Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet for Administration, Oliver Kalabo, says the province has vast potential to enhance economic growth through crop production and aquaculture if communities fully utilized the available resources with support from government.
Dr. Kalabo said this when he inspected the aquaculture cooperative project in Senanga District and Sefula Rice Scheme in Mongu.
And Western Province Permanent Secretary, Simomo Akapelwa, said the province has many areas suitable for fish farming that can help boost fish production.
Mr Akapelwa noted that Western Province has the potential to become one of the major suppliers of fish in the country if more people ventured into aquaculture.
And Citizens Economic Empowerment Commission (CEEC) Acting Provincial Coordinator for Western Province, Nkemena Siamuka, said the commission is impressed with the progress of the aquaculture project in Senanga.
Ms. Siamuka reiterated the commission’s commitment to promoting rural industrialisation and expressed hope that more districts and provinces will benefit from similar initiatives.
Meanwhile, Augustine Muuka, Chairperson of the Aqua Fish Market Cooperative Union, thanked government through the CEEC for empowering local communities, noting that the project is benefiting about 400 cooperative members.
The Senanga Aquaculture Expansion Project was launched in November 2025 and is being implemented by CEEC in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock at a total cost of K10.8 million.
Dr. Kalabo also visited the Sefula Rice Scheme in Mongu District where he interacted with farmers to understand the challenges affecting rice production.
Farmers cited inadequate farming equipment and high production costs as some of the challenges affecting their operations.
Dr. Kalabo is in Western Province to engage the local leadership and other stakeholders to explore strategies and initiatives that will boost the economic productivity levels of the province.
