Cotton Helps Zambia Farmers Fight Poverty
Roughly 300,000 Zambian farmers rely on cotton farming for their income. That income in turn supports approximately 1.5 million individuals in Zambia. Cotton contributes almost $70 million to the economy each year.
At Myooye Basic School students are taught in the classroom and in the garden. Learning basic farming skills provides them with the opportunity for a productive future. Cotton is one of the most important parts of the school garden. Kalangu Morris, the head teacher, places great importance on the cotton as an immediate cash crop. It provides necessary funds to purchase school supplies and other foods.
Donors have recognized the importance of cotton to the livelihoods of many Zambians and funding has become more accessible to help expand the cotton farming industry. The Competitive African Cotton Initiative supports the “Cotton Made in Africa” program, which provides educational programs in sustainable farming. Cotton produced in an ecologically conscious manner is labeled under the “Cotton Made in Africa” label in the hopes that branding will bring Zambian cotton more recognition and increased sales in the market.
In addition, some cotton ginning companies have begun funding and training farmers to help increase crop yield. These education and funding programs have been providing noticeable payoffs. More than 30 farmers have been able to buy farming equipment using ginning loans to expand cotton production. In turn the profits of higher yield are leading to new education programs in Zambia, giving the youth an opportunity for a better and more diversified future.
– Zoë Meroney
Source: All Africa, Zambia Daily Mail, Aid by Trade Foundation
Photo: IPS