Small Scale Farmers Network has emphasised the vital need to enhance agricultural technology and support systems in the country. This is in a move to drive growth and sustainability for smallholder farmers across the country. Speaking in an exclusive interview with the media,…

Small Scale Farmers Network has emphasised the vital need to enhance agricultural technology and support systems in the country.

This is in a move to drive growth and sustainability for smallholder farmers across the country.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the media, Small Scale Farmers Network Chief Executive Officer Edward Nsama said while various government pronouncements have been made regarding agricultural transformation and the adoption of modern technology, continuous efforts are needed to ensure the initiatives directly benefit small scale farmers.

Mr Nsama said that among the core pillars advocated by the Small Scale Farmers Network is the pressing need for the government to focus intensely on modernizing equipment and technology for small scale farmers, moving beyond traditional methods like hand hoes and ox ploughs.

 He pointed out that reliance on seasonal rainfall has become increasingly unreliable, making innovative approaches to irrigation essential for safeguarding food security.

“The only pure way of doing agriculture without disruption is by tapping from the groundwater,” Mr. Nsama stressed.

He recommended that farmers embrace borehole and irrigation systems powered by solar technology to navigate dry spells effectively.

Mr Nsama emphasised that policy implementation must remain a collaborative effort between the government and the farming community.

“Government formulates policies, but those policies should be centered at the people, the poor people or the small-scale farmers,” he said.

Mr Nsama added that the Small-Scale Farmers Network remains committed to encouraging grassroots participation so that agricultural policies translate into tangible resources, helping farmers transition from subsistence farming to medium and commercial scales.

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