Vice President G. KUNDA MAKES A GOOD CALL.

Let’s increase investment in agriculture’

VICE-PRESIDENT George Kunda has called for increased investment in agriculture and rural infrastructure to enhance economic growth. Mr Kunda says higher agriculture output will ensure food security and poverty reduction.

He said this during a debate at the 13th African Union Heads of State and Government Summit in Sirte Libya.
Mr Kunda said the Zambian government has prioritised agriculture because of the many economic benefits from the sector.
He said government wants the School of Agricultural Sciences at the University of Zambia to become a centre of excellence in coordinating sustainable land and water management.

Mr Kunda said government has also put in place favourable policies and conditions aimed at encouraging investment in the agriculture sector. He regretted that Africa appears to be the worst hunger affected region in the developing world.
Mr Kunda challenged leaders at the summit to individually and collectively turn agriculture into an engine for food security and poverty reduction in Africa. The summit which ended yesterday was being held under the theme, "Invest in Agriculture for Economic Growth and Food Security." - ZNBC

ZAMBIA: CHALLENGES OF THE NEXT PRESIDENT

Zambia is experiencing challenging times in its democratic process. Every election is about the future. No candidate should run for Presidential office if all they want is to maintain the status quo. Zambia is confronted with many challenges that require strong and effective leadership.

We need to reform our government institutions to create transparency and accountability in government public services especially in education and health. We need a new strategy to fight corruption; one that receives a mandate and authority from parliament, not just the executive branch. We face an energy crisis on how to maintain a sustainable source of oil and upgrade ageing oil refineries. Zambia’s energy is a national security issue which the next President, cabinet and parliament need to quickly address with clear goal to maintain a reliable source, build strategic oil reserves and offer affordable oil prices to businesses and consumers. On the long term, the next administration must offer clear plans for alternative sources such as coal and natural gas. We can not continue to bargain money for oil from private banks and make lives around Zesco load shedding.

Past good economic results is not guarantee for another good future performance. People want affordable food, health, employment and education today, so that tomorrow they can live. Therefore, we can not continue to milk the past as true measure of tomorrow especially in this globalized market economy were one event in another continue has direct impact globally. The next President has to offer clear vision for the future, articulate policy goals and how they intend to pay for and monitor such as program.

Zambia’s agriculture has lots of potential unfortunately political parties have not taken this issue as priority. The next President must champion Agricultural Revolution in Zambia, which will invest in this sector which will create millions of job opportunities, lower food prices and make a real contribution to the economy. We need to move from political slogans that focus only on fertilizer distribution.

These challenges we face in Zambia require bold leadership. Zambians can not get a different good economic result if the same bad policies and same people do the same bad thing again. Of course government can not do everything but it can create opportunities for ordinary people to do great things. And that what this election needs to be about; which party can a government that works for the people and create opportunities for Zambians. Every election is about change; we have that opportunity to change our destiny