Zambian rice sector will receive U.S $484,000 support from FAO under its Technical Cooperation Program (TCP). The program will boost the rice production over the next two years. The main focus of the programs is to strengthen rice seed production and enhancing extension services to increase rice production in the country. The TCP will allow implementation of a demand-driven technical assistance that responds to government’s priority needs, catalyze change, foster capacity development and assist smallholder farmers mobilize resources. FAO will work hand-in-hand with the Zambian Ministry of Agriculture and livestock at investing in rice value chain, the project will provide a productivity boost and address key constraints faced by rice producers. The constraints will be addressed through intervention such as the purification of existing rice varieties and develop improved varieties while supporting multiplication and supply of quality rice seeds.
http://oryza.com/22925/fao-support-zambia-rice-sector-484000-project
http://www.cuts-international.org/ARC/Lusaka/pdf/A_Study_of_the_Rice_Value_chain_in_Zambia.pdf