Fisheries and Livestock Minister Peter Kapala has revealed that his ministry plans to procure 630 cattle, 1,500 goats, 5,000 village chickens, and 1,000 rabbits for stocking and restocking initiatives in 2025. The announcement was made during a ministerial statement in the National Assembly on Wednesday, outlining the ministry’s objectives for the upcoming year.
Kapala highlighted the significant progress made under the stocking and restocking programme, noting that from 2019 to 2024, the ministry facilitated the distribution of livestock packages to 31,194 pro-poor households. These households received various forms of livestock, including beef and dairy cattle, pigs, goats, rabbits, and chickens, as part of efforts to promote sustainable livelihoods.
“The House may wish to note that stocking refers to the placement of livestock packages in areas where they have not been part of the normal livelihoods of the inhabitants. This is aimed at promoting livestock rearing in non-traditional livestock areas, thus expanding the scope of farming and improving food security in these regions,” Minister Kapala explained.
The stocking and restocking programme is part of the government’s broader strategy to uplift rural communities by providing them with the means to diversify their livelihoods through livestock farming. By introducing animals such as cattle, goats, chickens, and rabbits to households that have previously not engaged in livestock rearing, the initiative encourages sustainable agriculture practices and enhances local food production.
Minister Kapala further emphasized that the programme is designed to increase the resilience of rural households to economic shocks and promote rural development. The government’s support for livestock farming is seen as a way to boost the agricultural sector, increase income-generating opportunities, and improve nutrition in vulnerable communities.
Looking ahead, the 2025 plan to procure additional livestock is expected to build on the success of previous years and expand the reach of the programme. The distribution of cattle, goats, chickens, and rabbits will help improve the livelihoods of many rural Zambians, contributing to the country’s long-term goal of achieving food security and economic stability.
As the ministry continues to prioritize the welfare of rural communities, the 2025 livestock stocking and restocking programme is set to play a pivotal role in the ongoing efforts to foster economic growth, enhance agricultural productivity, and improve living standards in Zambia’s most vulnerable areas.