Agriculture – Chikankata Town Council

The Agricultural Department is regarded as the main provider of agricultural extension services. The department’s primary aim is to help farmers make knowledgeable choices to enhance their production and productivity. The Department of Agriculture and Livestock Services is tasked with promoting sustainable agricultural growth, enhancing food security, and improving livelihoods throughout Kazungula District. Aligned with the goals of the Ministry of Agriculture, the department offers:

Objectives

Crop production and agronomic assistance: Providing training, extension services, and access to high-quality seeds and fertilizers, in line with national objectives to empower farmers to make informed choices and boost agricultural productivity. Veterinary and livestock care: Emphasizing animal health, disease prevention, and the enhancement of breeds to assist smallholder pastoralists raising cattle, goats, sheep, donkeys, poultry, and pigs, reflecting the local livestock landscape. Agribusiness and market linkages: Connecting farmers to value chains, enhancing market access, and improving post-harvest handling according to the Ministry’s agribusiness and marketing strategy. Climate-smart and sustainable farming: Advocating for eco-friendly practices and resilience through methods such as conservation agriculture and efficient production techniques. Fisheries and irrigation enhancement: Utilizing local water resources, such as the Zambezi and Chobe rivers, to support fishing initiatives and small-scale irrigation projects.

Sub-units and Functions

These areas are manned by extension officers, agronomists, veterinary staff, and administrative support, all committed to assisting both peri-urban and rural farming communities in Kazungula.

Agriculture Services

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This division is primarily concerned with the cultivation of crops, the assurance of food security, the establishment of market connections, and the implementation of sustainable agricultural methodologies. It holds the responsibility for the coordination of governmental agricultural initiatives and the provision of technical guidance to agricultural producers. Principal functions encompass:

1)Extension Services Unit

(a)Facilitates experiential training and technical assistance to agricultural practitioners regarding optimal agronomic methodologies.

(b)Exhibits climate-resilient and sustainable farming techniques.

(c)Encourages diversification into high-value crops and horticultural endeavors.

2)Crop Production Unit

(a)Enhances accessibility to certified seeds and suitable fertilizers for agricultural use.

(b)Advises farmers on integrated pest and disease management strategies, encompassing early warning systems.

(b)Provides support for post-harvest management practices aimed at minimizing losses and enhancing produce quality.

(c)Agribusiness and Marketing Unit

(d)Establishes connections between farmers and market opportunities, value chains, and agro-processing enterprises.

(e)Advocates for the establishment of cooperatives and farmer associations to facilitate collective bargaining power.

(f)Aids in the organization of agricultural fairs and exhibitions to present local agricultural products.

(g)Irrigation Development & Fisheries Unit

(h)Advocates for smallholder irrigation initiatives to optimize agricultural production throughout the calendar year.

(I)Facilitates the development of aquaculture and promotes sustainable fishing practices within the district’s aquatic ecosystems.

Veterinary and Livestock Services

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This sector emphasizes animal well-being, production of livestock, and illness management to enhance the lives of livestock owners and protect public health. Its actions are in harmony with national veterinary policies and regional requirements. Essential roles encompass:

1)Veterinary Public Health Unit

(a)Carries out vaccination drives for illnesses including Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), East Coast Fever (ECF), Newcastle Disease, and rabies.

(b)Supervises slaughterhouse inspections and meat sanitation to guarantee a secure meat supply.

2)Livestock Development Unit

(a)Advances better animal breeds via artificial insemination and livestock replenishment initiatives.

(b)Offers technical guidance on animal care, nutrition, shelter, and grazing management.

(c)Aids in the development of livestock facilities like dip tanks, spray races, and kraals.

3)Animal Health Surveillance & Disease Control Unit

(a)Tracks and reports on outbreaks of animal diseases.

(b)Enforces quarantine protocols and movement restrictions when required.

(c)Collaborates with national veterinary authorities on disease elimination initiatives

Chikankata Town Council

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