By Andrew Gondwe

Chitipa, October 24, Mana: A local Non- Governmental Organisation, SPRODETA has introduced a two-year Beef Value Chain (BVC) Project, which targets to reach 6,350 cattle farmers in Chisenga and Lufita Extension Planning Areas (EPAs) in Chitipa district.

Project Coordinator for SPRODETA, Daniel Nyirenda, expressed optimism that smallholder beef producers in the two EPAs will generate more income through the project which is being financed by Transforming Agriculture through Diversification and Entrepreneurship (TRADE) to the tune of K200 million.

Nyirenda disclosed this Wednesday in Chitipa during a project briefing to District Executive Committee (DEC) members in the district.

Nyirenda said the project aims at increasing beef production among smallholder beef producers in the district.

"As SPRODETA, we expect improved economic status of beef producers in the district as 6,350 direct beneficiaries have been targeted to be involved in the BVC Project," Nyirenda said.

Nyirenda added that through the project, they will also promote an increase access to profitable markets and improved environment for commercialisation of beef among smallholder beef producers in the district.

He said: "We expect strengthened capacity building of smallholder beef producers in relation to climate friendly beef husbandry practices, creation of demand and promoting the adoption of Artificial Insemination (AI) services among beef producers will also be available.”

Principal Agriculture Officer for Chitipa District Council, Steve Msopole said the coming in of BVC Project will help to transform beef production in the district to make it more productive and become highly commercialised.

Msopole added that the project is going to address challenges that most beef farmers may have been facing due to funding issues.

He assured that the council is committed to work in collaboration with SPRODETA as a service provider adding that government officers responsible for animal health and livestock production are already in the areas where SPRODETA is going to implement the project.

The project started in August, 2024 and it will phase out in August, 2026