The British High Commissioner to Zambia, Nicholas Woolley, has announced a significant financial commitment of two billion pounds from the United Kingdom to assist Zambia in combating the challenges posed by climate change.
In his address, Mr. Woolley outlined plans to allocate the funds towards initiatives aimed at bolstering agricultural resilience, particularly through the implementation of Climate Smart Agriculture practices. These initiatives will include providing farmers with essential equipment and resources to effectively adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate variability.
Mr. Woolley commended Zambia Sugar PLC for its proactive stance in adapting to the effects of climate change, particularly in the realm of agricultural innovation. He praised the company’s utilization of advanced irrigation technology as a means to enhance operational efficiency amidst environmental challenges. Additionally, he highlighted the company’s commitment to preserving local employment opportunities by maintaining production processes within the country.
The High Commissioner emphasized the importance of Zambia’s ability to cultivate and process its own sugarcane, thereby ensuring that job opportunities remain within the country’s borders.
However, amidst the commendations, Zambia Sugar PLC’s Managing Director, Oswald Magwenzi, expressed regret over the adverse impacts of the current drought and power crisis. He highlighted the significant challenges faced by smallholder cane growers, underscoring the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address these pressing issues.
As Zambia navigates through these challenges, the partnership between the United Kingdom and Zambia is poised to play a pivotal role in fostering agricultural resilience and sustainable development in the face of climate change.
Main Image: Diamond TV
