Govt. hands over agricultural equipment to farmers…

Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening household food security and improving the livelihoods of vulnerable farming households through the Food Security Pack (FSP) Programme, with the handover of agricultural equipment to beneficiaries in Manyinga District. Ms Mukwakwa said the Ministry of Community Development and Social Services continues to implement several social protection programmes, including the Food Security Pack, Social Cash Transfer, Women’s Livelihood Support and Child Protection Programmes, aimed at reducing poverty and improving the welfare of vulnerable households. She explained that the Food Security Pack Programme is designed to support poor but viable farming households with agricultural inputs such as fertiliser, seed, livestock and training.

The District Commissioner noted that the programme consists of three components namely the Rain-fed Component, the Wetland Component and the Alternative Livelihood Intervention (ALI), which focuses on livestock production. She disclosed that in the 2025/2026 farming season, the Rain-fed component alone supported 1,062 beneficiary households in the district. She further noted that the government has strengthened management of the Food Security Pack Programme through increased funding, capacity building and investments in programme management systems.

The District Commissioner said the agricultural equipment being handed over will benefit farmers across ten wards in the district. She said the equipment comprises 14 water pumps, seven maize shellers, five hammer mills and one groundnut sheller, procured at a total cost of K403, 000. Ms Mukwakwa said the equipment is expected to reduce labour demands, increase agricultural productivity and improve household incomes among small-scale farmers. She commended Community Welfare Assistance Committees (CWACs), government officers and beneficiaries who have consistently honoured their repayment obligations, saying their commitment has made it possible for the government to reinvest in farming communities.