FARMERS WARNED

Chasefu farmers urged to report malpractices in input distribution

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in Eastern Province has urged Chasefu farmers who were affected by malpractices in the farming input distribution to report the matter to relevant authorities.

Speaking in an interview with ZANIS, ACC Eastern Province Community Education Officer, Bernard Ndhlovu, said famers are being disadvantaged because unscrupulous individuals have manipulated the distribution of inputs under the Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP).

Mr. Ndhlovu further noted that the malpractices in the farmer input distribution system have made farmers continue to suffer poor yields as they do not receive the correct quantity of inputs due to them.

He explained that it is this same way that corruption contributes to underdevelopment and poverty among farming communities.

He observed that a number of vulnerable households become impoverished because of the action of a few selfish individuals that are engaged in corruption.

“Corruption also creates unfairness. You find that the justice system which is supposed to serve everyone equally, may be compromised if corruption is involved,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ndhlovu has urged Chasefu community members to take keen interest in the governance of the district especially in the allocation of projects and implementation of the 2022 constituency development fund (CDF).

He said government increased the 2022 CDF allocation with the aim of developing rural areas.

Mr. Ndhlovu said people in the rural areas cannot experience development if the implementation of CDF projects is marred by corruption.

“So as ACC, we will also be more vigilant towards how the CDF is used, because we understand the repercussions of corruption. We want a Zambia where everyone is benefiting from the national cake and not only a few individuals,” Mr. Ndhlovu said. 

ZANIS