Posts in category: Uncategorized

By LUCY PHIRI

FORMER Lusaka Province Minister Bowman Lusambo has pleaded not guilty to two counts of possession of property suspected of being proceeds of crime.

NINE people have been burnt in Chongwe when a ZESCO transformer burst into flames. The nine were in the house watching television when the Transformer which is situated a few meters from their house developed a fault and affected the electrical system in house. The nine who are four juveniles and five adults comprising of […]

By SHERRY CHABALA 

ZAMBIA Must Prosper President Kelvin Fube Bwalya says lack of a proper vision by the UPND and the appetite to depend on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has negatively affected the growth of the economy.

By ANDREW MUKOMA

GWEMBE Valley Advocate, Winter Muvombo has urged the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment to take keen interest in the behavior of its officers deployed in Sinazongwe District.

By SENIYA BANDA and DORICA SAKALA

THE Food Reserve Agency (FRA) says it has procured about 146, 948 metric tonnes as of July 25, 2023 in the ongoing marketing season.

By DARLINGTON CHILUBA

FOR ease of discussion, Nationalisation will be understood as a process while nationalism will refer to a state of identity and commitment to that national identity. 

Nationalisation, therefore, alludes to a process of conversion from private to public ownership. Nationalism is not a process, but a state of reality created by decisions of identity. 

Yet even with these simplified definitions, these two terms cause emotive political confrontations that vacillate between visionary sense and vain populism. 

In other words, the interpretation of nationalism and nationalisation depends on the audience and what benefit is to be gained by the given candidate. Herein lies the blind spot or the unseen connection and confusion. 

Part of the confusion, which is the reason for the blind spot, is that some people often mistake government’s ownership of an asset as patriotism and preservation of value. 

To put it differently, that when a natural resource or sector of value is wholly owned and managed by government then the benefits will be shared equitably among citizens. 

In this logic, the presence of government eliminates the private enterprise notion of profit and greed. Like most things, this logic becomes sensible when decisions concerning national assets are made by experts in respective fields. When decisions are centralised in an individual, then failure is inevitable. 

Venezuela, under the late President Hugo Chavez was a rare example of nationalised oil companies distributing resources to the poorest sectors of society almost equitably. 

Brazil, under the first rule of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also tried to show the flat-society concept of socialism or Marxism by directing resources from nationalised companies towards marginalised groups. 

In short, these countries tried to distribute resources using the idea that the State, or Government, is custodian and activist of economic parity. However, both these countries fell short because the concept is led from the top and not necessarily institutionalised. 

In this respect, China is the best example of an institutionalised system of resource distribution that is anchored in law. The communist system as a theory becomes operational through legally created resource distribution channels with government at the centre.

What further separates China is that it does not suspend the need to commercialise industries or participate in lucrative sectors for the benefit of the State and citizens. 

At best, human capital is encouraged so that commerce and profit is not only a preserve of government but of (select) private entrepreneurs. Although imperfect, China has uniquely shown the workable balance between economic freedom and political caution. 

The tricky part is trying to distinguish what is genuinely private and what belongs to the state. How long this could be sustainable is another debate. 

In Africa, Rwanda is another example of resource distribution that appears to be functioning with visible resource distribution. There are many other examples, of course. 

But no matter how many we cite, it is a fact that every society has rich people and the poor, irrespective of the system of resource distribution the government chooses, whether state-led or in partnership with the private sector. 

It becomes a challenge to believe that nationalisation is efficient when basic commodities are absent in the economy. When government owns all (nationalised) resources, but citizens do not benefit from them except in funding military and police to threaten, contain and cage citizens; when medicines are lacking in hospitals and civil servants are underpaid if paid at all. 

When the system of resource distribution ends with those connected to the state. It is irresponsible to suggest that such a system is progressive. 

In Zambia for example, what became essential after the fall of autocratic rule in 1991 was to shift the understanding of value from natural resources to human resources. National assets owned by government did not add to the value of human life for over 17 years. 

Mental capital became the way out of economic, social and political stagnation. In this respect, 

EXAMINING THE IMPACT ON AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SUPPLY IN ZAMBIA AND THE REGION

By BERNADETTE DEKA-ZULU (PhD Researcher-Public Enterprise)

IN the pursuit of a sustainable and equitable world, the United Nations established the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address pressing global challenges. 

Among these goals, SDG 2 – “Zero Hunger,” stands as a critical commitment to eradicate hunger, improve nutrition, and ensure food security for all. 

However, achieving this noble objective remains an arduous task, particularly in regions like Africa, where adverse climate conditions, such as drought, pose formidable obstacles to agricultural productivity and food supply.

As a research fellow, I delve into the intricate web of challenges faced by Zambia, a nation emblematic of the African continent, and the broader southern region of Africa, in their battle against hunger amid drought-induced adversity. 

This article endeavours to illuminate the complex interplay between drought, agriculture, and food supply, while also highlighting the proactive measures required to uphold SDG 2 and ensure a hunger-free future for Africa.

The devastating impact of drought on agriculture

Drought, a recurrent climatic phenomenon, casts its long shadow over African nations, robbing fertile lands of their productivity and compromising agricultural livelihoods. 

Zambia, often hailed as the breadbasket of Africa, is no stranger to the formidable impact of drought on its agricultural sector. 

A lack of sufficient rainfall disrupts planting and harvesting cycles, leading to diminished crop yields and, in severe cases, crop failures.

In Zimbabwe, a significant portion of the population relies on rain-fed agriculture for sustenance and livelihoods. Prolonged droughts in Zimbabwe disrupt planting seasons, exacerbating food shortages and malnutrition. 

The nation’s economic challenges further compound the situation, impeding access to resources needed for sustainable agriculture.

Similarly, in Malawi, recurrent food crises are experienced due to drought. The reliance on rain-fed agriculture makes the country highly vulnerable to climate fluctuations. 

Innovative approaches are needed to bolster food security and break the cycle of hunger.

Mozambique, with its long coastline, is particularly susceptible to extreme weather events like cyclones, which can devastate agricultural lands and coastal communities. 

Integrated climate-resilient strategies are essential to safeguard food production and protect vulnerable populations in Mozambique.

Threats to food supply chain

Drought-induced challenges extend beyond agricultural lands, permeating the entire food supply chain in the southern region of Africa. In Zambia and other African countries, where smallholder farmers play a crucial role in food production, the ripple effects of drought reverberate through distribution networks. 

Diminished agricultural output leads to limited surpluses for trade and distribution, triggering price fluctuations and food scarcity across borders.

Moreover, transportation and storage of agricultural produce face logistical hurdles due to disrupted infrastructure and limited financial resources. 

This exacerbates post-harvest losses, impacting food accessibility and affordability for vulnerable populations. 

As a result, the cycle of hunger perpetuates, thwarting progress towards SDG 2 and hampering broader sustainable development efforts.

Africa’s collective response

Recognising the urgency of the situation, African nations, including Zambia, have forged alliances and partnerships to address the challenges posed by drought and hunger. Collaborative initiatives focus on promoting climate-smart agriculture, integrating sustainable irrigation systems, and developing drought-resistant crop varieties.

 Investments in meteorological technology and early warning systems have been prioritised to enhance preparedness and response to climatic extremes.

Furthermore, the integration of digital platforms and e-agriculture solutions empowers farmers with vital information on weather patterns, market trends, and agronomic practices. 

These innovations, coupled with targeted social safety nets, support resilient livelihoods, and enhance food security for vulnerable communities.

Collaborative efforts and regional resilience

Recogniing the urgency of the situation, Southern African nations have come together to forge alliances and partnerships to address the challenges posed by drought and hunger. 

Collaborative initiatives, such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Regional Agricultural Policy, focus on promoting climate-smart agriculture, enhancing cross-border trade, and strengthening food reserves to foster regional resilience.

Empowering women in agriculture

Women play a crucial role in agricultural activities in the southern region of Africa. Empowering women with access to resources, education, and market opportunities is vital for increasing food production and improving food security. Gender-inclusive policies and programmes can amplify the region’s progress towards SDG 2.

Harnessing technology for climate adaptation

In the face of climate uncertainties, digital technologies offer invaluable tools for climate adaptation in the southern region of Africa. Weather forecasting systems, precision agriculture, and mobile-based market information services empower farmers to make informed decisions, optimising agricultural productivity despite environmental challenges.

Empowering communities through education and innovation

While governments and international organisations play a crucial role in spearheading hunger alleviation efforts, it is equally imperative to empower local communities.

Education and training programmes that promote sustainable farming practices, water conservation, and diversification of income sources prove instrumental in building adaptive capacities.

Moreover, fostering innovation through research and development initiatives unlocks the potential of indigenous knowledge and modern technology, contributing to enhanced agricultural productivity and food security.

Conclusion

SDG 2, the aspiration for a hunger-free world, demands collective action and unwavering commitment, particularly in regions like the southern part of Africa, where drought casts a long shadow over agricultural productivity and food supply. 

By fostering regional collaborations, empowering women in agriculture, and harnessing technology for climate adaptation, the southern African nations can rise above the challenges posed by drought and pave the way for a more food-secure future.

As researchers, policymakers, and global citizens, let us rally behind the vision of a hunger-free world, supporting the southern region of Africa’s efforts to achieve SDG 2 and foster a brighter, sustainable future for all. 

Together, we can make a difference and ensure that no one goes hungry in the face of climate adversity.

(bernadettedekazulu@gmail.com) 

By NATION REPORTER 

CHAMA South Member of Parliament has proposed the need to formulate legislation that would dictate that Cabinet Ministers are appointed outside Parliament for effective delivery of public services.

TRIAL in a case Lumezi parliamentarian Munir Zulu is accused of defaming two cabinet ministers failed to kick off yesterday because the prosecution team did not have access to a document to aid the proceedings. A prosecutor informed Lusaka chief resident magistrate Davies Chibwili that the State was ready to proceed with one witness but […]

Over the last decade, opioid abuse and overdoses have reached epidemic proportions in the United States. Now, Scripps Research scientists show that a drug that activates metabotropic glutamate 2 receptors in the brain can reduce oxycodone intake and drug-seeking behavior in an animal model of opioid use disorder (OUD).