Project News

Isaac Sikanyika is a Master Trainer trained by the MOReDeP project for Lunga district, Luapula province, where has been supported by the project from its beginning in October 2019. Mr. Sikanyika said "Lunga district of the Luapula province is one of the remotest districts in Zambia. But, it is rich in terms of rice production. As the area is surrounded by vast wetlands, we see even greater potential of rice cultivation. With this project, the potential is being utilized though not yet fully. I am very happy to be a Master Trainers and help farmers in this region". He told us some successful stories in his area.

Edson Kalumbu from Kasoma Lunga is one of the 1,050 farmers the MOReDeP project has supported in the district. By practicing the techniques he learned through the project, he harvested 900 kg of rice from 2,500 m2 of his field, where he harvested 500 kg last season. He sold 850 kg of rice out of 900 kg for 5,100 kwacha and bought roofing sheets to complete building a new house which had been left uncompleted for the past two years. Edson Kalumbu said "I am happy to be part of the project. It has helped me to finish building my house. Now, I am planning to support my child's schooling by buying a boat so that I can help him to go to school".

Evance Kaya cultivated rice in the last season as is the case with Mr. Kalumbu. Despite being affected by flash floods, his production was increased from 250 kg to 350 kg. He brought the Market-oriented approach in practice when he sold the rice and earned 2,450 kwacha, 300 kwacha per 50 kg bag, which was 25% higher than the market price. He started the construction of his house using the profit and hopes to complete it next year.

Mumba Robin has high hope for more success for the future. He enhanced his production by 30% in the 2020/2021 farming season, and the increased sales of rice enabled him to support the education of his daughter. After this success, he doubled the area of his field for rice production for the 2021/2022 farming season.

Mr. Sikanyika said "the impact that JICA's support has brought to Lunga cannot be underestimated, and the district is expecting to show even more outcomes for the farmers in near future. I am optimistic that the district will reach and be carrying out a higher standard of rice production by the end of the project".

Mr.Isaac Sikanyika - Master Trainer

Mr.Edson Kalumbu

Mr.Evance Kaya

Mr.Mumba Robin