Government has intensified collaboration with the private sector to increase beef exports, create jobs and improve incomes for livestock farmers through the establishment of Local Participation Centres (LPCs).
Speaking during an interview facilitated by the Public Private Dialogue Forum (PPDF) in Lusaka, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock Permanent Secretary Max Choombe said the centres have been established to unlock export opportunities while ensuring local communities actively participate in and benefit from the growing beef export industry.
Dr Choombe noted that the initiative reflects government’s private sector-led approach to economic development, noting that livestock production depends on farmers.
“The Local Participation Centres will aggregate livestock from surrounding communities into disease-controlled production systems that meet international export standards, enabling farmers to access lucrative export markets while strengthening foreign exchange earnings,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU) Executive Director Harold Lungu said the centres will provide smallholder farmers with access to structured markets, better prices and increased investment in animal health, biosecurity and production standards.
“For many years, livestock farmers have largely relied on informal markets, these reforms will provide access to structured markets where farmers can benefit from better discovery and market opportunities,” he said.
And PPDF Director of Strategic Communication and Partnerships, Francesca Phiri stressed that Zambia’s beef industry has significant potential to drive economic diversification, export growth and rural development.
“Zambia’s beef industry presents enormous opportunities for economic diversification and rural development,” she said.
Ms Phiri reaffirmed that the PPDF remains committed to facilitating dialogue between government and the private sector to improve investment, create jobs and enhance competitiveness.
This was according to a press statement issued to ZANIS by Public Private Dialogue Forum (PPDF) Director Strategic Communication and Partnerships Francesca Phiri.
