It is estimated that over 277 million people across the continent of Africa obtain their livelihoods through agriculture. Many of these people are located in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia. In fact, agriculture is a large component of the economies in these three countries. Improving food and farm productivity in these three countries could help in the fight against poverty. Agricultural productivity has been found to be a critical component in eradicating poverty because it creates food security and helps to protect the environment.

Recently, the World Bank Board of Executive Directors has approved an International Development Association credit of $89.4 million to aid in food and farm productivity in Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia. The credit will go towards the creation of Regional Centers of Leadership for food staples, such as rice and maize, help spread technological advancements, such as mobile phones, as well as will help boost agricultural research capacity and help spread technological advancements, such as mobile phones and help train farmers and provide agricultural knowledge. At least 30 percent of farmers chosen to receive aid or benefit from the aid are women.

Michael Morris and Melissa Brown, World Bank Co-Task Team Leaders, said, “The agricultural sector has a strong influence on growth, employment, food security and poverty reduction efforts benefiting the entire economy…successful implementation of this innovative project that takes a farmer-centric approach to development and dissemination of improved crop varieties and promising farm practices” will be beneficial to a multitude of people and help in the fight against poverty.

– Angela Hooks

Source: allAfrica
Photo: Guardian