On 28^th December, H.E. Mr. MIZUUCHI Ryuta, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Zambia, and Ms. KANEMATSU Yui, Programme Coordinator of AAR Japan Meheba Office, signed a grant contract amounting to 461,581 US Dollars for the implementation of the programme titled “Supporting Livelihood Activities through Agriculture in Meheba Local Integration Area (Phase 2)” within the framework of the Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Projects. Hon. Hon. Mr. Jacob Jack Mwiimbu, Minister of Home Affairs, representing Her Honour Mrs. Mutale W.K. Nalumango, Vice President, attended the signing as Guest of Honour.

Through this project, AAR Japan will encourage 11 self-help groups comprised of 463 households by 1) providing agricultural equipment and skills on household management, 2) providing cash-rich seedlings and know-how on farming, and 3) promoting joint transportation and expansion of sales channels. Further, in collaboration with Community Road Empowerment (CORE), a Japanese NPO, AAR Japan will work with the target self-groups to pave rough roads to the nearby market to facilitate a smooth joint transportation system in the community.

This project by AAR Japan is expected to revitalise the targeted farmers’ agricultural activities and increase their cash income, which will lead to the promotion of their self-sustainable livelihood basis.

To read the speech by Ambassador MIZUUCHI at this ceremony, please click here.