On Friday, 4th November 2016, His Excellency Shuichiro Nishioka participated in a closing ceremony for the Project for Better Livelihoods and Self-reliance of Farmers in Mzimba District. The project has been implemented by a Japanese NGO named Japan Overseas Cooperative Association (JOCA). The Government of Japan through the Grant Assistance for Japanese NGOs Projects financed the project. The occasion was graced by Mr. Bright Kumwembe, Chief Director, Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development.
JOCA has since 2005, implemented this project in order to improve farmers’ livelihoods and enhance self-reliance in the targeted areas of Kazomba and Chikangawa Extension Planning Areas in Mzimba district. JOCA’s project is based on a unique approach that focuses on capacity building on value addition, marketing, cash crops and livestock production. The project has improved farmers’ livelihoods as most farmers are now food secure with improved houses and are able to earn income through small-scale businesses.
Speaking during the ceremony, His Excellency Nishioka called on the key farmers trained in the project to replicate the learnt best practices to ensure sustainability of the good agriculture model so that more farmers become productive, self-reliant and food secure. He concluded his remarks by reiterating that the Government of Japan remains committed to support the Agriculture sector in Malawi. |
