By SYLVESTER MWALE –
THE Zambia National Farmers Union (ZNFU) says the implementation of the e-voucher system in 13 districts has been successful apart from a few challenges, which is normal in any new programme.
ZNFU head of outreach and member services Coillard Hamusimbi said the electronic system was by far better than the conventional way of input distribution which had been embroiled in corruption.
President Edgar Lungu launched the pilot programme in October last year which involves the use of electronic cards in accessing Government subsidised farming inputs in 13 districts across four provinces.
However, there have been some concerns particularly in Central Province that the system has failed to work with some farmers calling for suspension of the programme.
But in an interview yesterday, Mr Hamusimbi, who is currently in Southern Province to monitor the implementation exercise, said the e-voucher programme had already proved to be a success because it had managed to eliminate ghost farmers from accessing inputs.
“The e-voucher is a success although it has its own challenges just like any new programme. We are very proud of what has been done so far and we believe that it has achieved the objectives,” Mr Hamusimbi said.
“Of course we had a few challenges where some cards had hitches but that has been resolved and 85 per cent of the cards have been distributed and activated, and the farmers are accessing the inputs.”
He said only 17,000 out of more than 216,000 cards had remained uncollected by their owners, mostly because the farmers had either relocated or died.
Mr Hamusimbi, however, expressed confidence that the distribution of the cards would soon be completed and urged the farmers to deposit their money in order to activate the cards.
The e-voucher pilot programme is being implemented in collaboration with the ZNFU.
The farmers’ organisation is assisting the ministry by allowing the programme to ride on its already existing VISA card system which is being implemented under the LIMA Credit Scheme.
Another key component of the e-voucher is the presence of private agro-dealers who are providing the inputs to the farmers in the 13 districts.
Apart from curbing corruption in the distribution of inputs, the Government envisages that the system will encourage farmers to diversify because they will have access to a wide range of inputs.