The World Food Program (WFP), and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have expressed satisfaction with the utilisation of the Mutambala irrigation scheme Project in Chipangali District, Eastern Province.
The project is part of the alternative livelihood programme which seeks to discourage the growing of tobacco, and promote the growing of crops that do not contribute to the loss of soil fertility and environmental degradation.
Speaking during the tour of the Mutambala irrigation scheme in Wilikani village, World Health Organisation (WHO) National Professional Officer for tobacco control in Zambia Agatha Shula said she was elated with the work of the beneficiaries at the irrigation scheme who have shown great commitment and made progress in improving their wellbeing through the growing of alternative crops.
Ms Shula urged the beneficiaries to avoid growing tobacco which is harmful to human health and the environment.
“We are happy with how the project is doing here in Mutambala. We have seen that the approach of alternative livelihoods is being embraced. The issue with tobacco farming is very serious, it is a silent killer and affects our wellbeing,” Ms Shula said.
She emphasised that growing tobacco negatively affects soil fertility and causes environmental degradation.
Ms Shula has since called on the beneficiaries to be ambassadors of change in their communities by promoting alternative crops to tobacco.
And World Health Organisation African Regional Manager for Tobacco Control, William Maina, commended the beneficiaries for their work and commitment.
“What you are doing here is very encouraging, especially having a communal farm where you are all jointly working together to grow food. We want to encourage you to continue doing this work, and in the future, we will consider exchange visits so that others can come and learn from you,” Dr Maina said.
And Ministry of Health Tobacco Control Focal Point Person Chirispine Sichone emphasised on the negative effects of tobacco to human life, and urged the community to choose healthier alternatives.
He said the government is concerned with the health risks associated with tobacco evidenced by the passing of the tobacco control bill of 2025 which is awaiting presidential assent.
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