Joca in K660m agricultural project
Japan Overseas Cooperative Association (Joca) has launched a three-year project for Better Livelihoods and Self-reliance of Farmers in Mzimba worth K660 million (about $1.4m).
The project targets 2 900 people or 580 households as direct beneficiaries with approximately 100 000 residents (20 000 households) expected to benefit indirectly in Kazomba extension planning area (EPA) and Chikangawa Sub-EPA.
Launching the project on Wednesday, Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development Allan Chiyembekeza, who was the guest of honour, said the project is in line with his ministry’s vision, which is to make Malawi “a nation that enjoys increased agricultural productivity and ensures food security and sustainable agricultural growth and development.”
Joca programmes officer Carol Zgambo said the project was introduced after noticing various challenges facing farmers in the district such as lack of markets, poor quality of products and lack of utilisation of crops calendars or zone activities.
Japanese Ambassador Shuichiro Nishioka said his government contributed K220 million (about $478 000) to the project to assist Joca in the implementation of the first phase.
