Consider migrating north, South farmers told

FARMERS in the southern part of the country should take interest in migrating to areas with more rain in the country, Central Province deputy permanent secretary, Alfred Sakwiya has said. Mr Sakwiya noted that it was clear that the food production in the country was shifting to the Northern part of the country as evidenced by the rain pattern. “As the southern part of Zambia keeps drying up there is greater interest for the farming community to migrate northwards to areas that still have more rain, it is clear that the burden of the production of food in this country is shifting in the North direction, as we are following the rain pattern,” said Mr Sakwiya. Speaking yesterday during the dissemination of the National HIV and AIDS Communication and Advocacy Strategy in Kabwe district, Mr Sakwiya said the population in the province was poised to increase because most of the farmers especially smallholders would be coming to the region hence the need to step measures aimed at the fight against HIV and AIDS. He urged stakeholders engaged in the fight against pandemic to clearly understand the dynamics of HIV/AIDs in our province, and remove any negative impact that might lead to failure to manage HIV and AIDS in the province. Mr Sakwiya said failing to manage the pandemic could have a negative impact on the good intentions the government had for Central province as seen from a number of activities taking place in the area among them mining. He said stated that if the people that are supporting farming activities in the province are negatively affected by HIV and AIDS, it would have substantial implications for the economy. Investing, we have a huge opportunity, demand laid on us to clearly understand the dynamics of HIV and AIDs in our province,” said Mr Sakwiya.