By John Chola
As Zambia grapples with the devastating effects of drought, Lufwanyama District on the Copperbelt has emerged as a beacon of hope for agriculture production.
Blessed with favorable rainfall amidst the agricultural challenges of the 2023/2024 farming season, this region remains a critical player in ensuring national food security.
However, a relentless enemy—the armyworm— remains a perennial threat to the district’s agricultural potential.
For over five years, Grizzly Mining Limited, one of Zambia’s leading emerald miners, has been a steadfast ally to Lufwanyama farmers in their tireless battle against this destructive pest.
On December 29, 2024, the company reaffirmed its commitment by donating 500 liters of pesticide, valued at K560,000, to safeguard the district’s maize crop.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Davy Phiri, Corporate Affairs and Human Resources Manager at Grizzly Mining, emphasized the company’s dedication to the community.
“Agriculture sustains not only families but also the entire district. By providing this essential pesticide, we aim to mitigate the impact of this pest and ensure that the fields of Lufwanyama remain fertile and productive,” Phiri said.
The handover was attended by traditional leaders’ representatives, government representatives, and farmers, reflecting the community’s unity in tackling shared challenges.
Phiri highlighted that Grizzly’s commitment to Lufwanyama extends beyond mining.
“Our efforts are rooted in fostering sustainable development and empowering the community. This initiative is a testament to our enduring mission to enhance the well-being of the people we serve,” he added.
Government Endorsement
Lufwanyama District Commissioner Justin Mwalika lauded Grizzly Mining for its unwavering support.
He noted that the company’s contribution complements government agricultural initiatives such as the Farmer Input Support Program (FISP) and the Sustainable Agricultural Financing Facility (SAFF), which aim to boost food production across the nation.
“Amidst the expected bumper harvest, armyworms remain a challenge. Grizzly Mining’s intervention will go a long way in protecting our crops and securing our farmers’ livelihoods,” Mwalika said.
Mwalika acknowledged Grizzly Mining’s broader contributions, including the donation of vehicles to the Zambia Police, building of schools across the district, support towards the health sector and several other community-focused projects including the road network and water reticulation.
Strengthening Agricultural Resilience
Farmers in Lufwanyama now face the arduous task of safeguarding their crops using the provided chemicals.
Mwalika urged caution in handling the pesticides, underscoring their potency and the need for proper usage.
“These chemicals are dangerous if misused. I appeal to everyone to follow the guidelines and prioritize safety. We have qualified extension officers under the Ministry of Agriculture and the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unity (DMMU) who will be at had to help with appropriate use,” he advised.
Grizzly Mining’s consistent support has earned the trust and gratitude of the government, community, with chiefs and farmers expressing appreciation for the company’s all-weather partnership.
A Call to Action
As Lufwanyama pushes for a promising farming season, Mwalika called on other mining companies and investors in other sectors of the district to emulate Grizzly Mining’s example by investing in community development tirelessly.
“Development is a shared responsibility. Let us all come together to foster growth and improve the lives of our people,” he urged.
Grizzly Mining’s ongoing partnership with Lufwanyama stands as a model for corporate social responsibility, proving that impactful investments can transform communities.
For the farmers of Lufwanyama, this latest gesture offers renewed hope as they strive to feed their district and the nation.
Representative of the hundreds of farmers who gathered to receive the pesticides, Ackim Kainya said companies like Grizzly Mining were making it possible for President Hakainde Hichilema’s good government policies to work well through such gestures.
“The government of President Hichilema has introduced a number of programmes that are aimed at sustainable agriculture among communities and we thank Grizzly Mining which has taken up the responsibility to complement these programmes by aiding farmers. On behalf of all the benefiting farmers in Lufwanyama and indeed their royal highnesses, we are on our knees thanking Grizzly Mining because of their commitment to the welfare of the communities in which they operate,” concluded Kainya.
