Lusaka West Farm

April 2007 – December 2008 Report

Council of Churches in Zambia

The Council of Churches in Zambia (CCZ) is an ecumenical Christian organization composed of most of the Protestant churches in Zambia.  In 1993 long-standing Global Ministries partner, the Christian Council of Zambia, embarked on an important project in the area of agriculture and agricultural education.  The Lusaka West Farm is located on 24 hectares of land, which the Zambian government donated to the Christian Council.  Its mission is to train village and rural persons in agricultural skills and to provide needed food to the poor people of Lusaka.  Lusaka West Farm is also an income-generating entity for the CCZ. 

This report is of farm activities with regard to financial support received from Global Ministries during the period between April 2007 and December 2008.

The major Farm activities financed with Global Ministries funds received in 2007 – 2008, are as follows:

Chicken Raising

During this period, 5,300 broilers were stocked and sold.  Approximately $9,500 was raised.  Excess income generated from this activity greatly contributed to the overall operational funding of CCZ, which was the original intention of enhancing farm activities.  The income from the farm also helps in raising funds for workers’ salaries. 

Fish Farming

Fish were successfully raised due to the ideal environment at the farm.  Here again the excess funding realized from this activity goes a long way in sustaining the farm activities and also in contributing to the successful operations of CCZ.  Some indirect benefits of this activity are that the surrounding community had access to an affordable source of fish and their diet has improved.  In addition, fish farming provided a training model to surrounding farmers and persons intending to venture into their own fish farming to generate income for their families.   

Piggery Unit

From the initial four sows (female pigs) and one boar (male pig) the farm started with as breeding stock, the breeding stock has increased to twelve sows and one boar.  Furthermore, 20 pigs were sold and 80 pigs are expected to be sold by end of 2009.  The total pig population now stands at 90 pigs.  It is hoped that an amount of $9,750 would be realized from the sale of the 90 pigs.

Farm Staff

Due to expanded poultry and piggery activities during the period under review, one additional person was employed and this provides a great relief to the farm manager.   The labor force now stands at four permanent workers and one temporary worker giving a total work force of five.

ADDITIONAL NEEDS FOR THE FUTURE

Due to the farm’s proximity to densely populated nearby townships and an open farm boundary, theft is becoming a great concern.  The intention is to safeguard the investments made thus far.   Erecting an electrical fence is a best solution to this challenge and this capital expenditure is estimated at $10,000.

The farm also needs its own independent transport (1.0 – 1.5 ton utility Van).  The cost to acquire this vehicle is estimated at $20,000.