Next Generation News
The Zambian Understanding/Assisting Mission
Education is closely linked to agriculture, whether it’s latest research or lifting small farmers out of poverty. That’s fundamental to the Royal Agricultural Society of the Commonwealth, (RASC), a network of agricultural show societies across the Commonwealth. For years young sponsored delegates at our biennial Commonwealth Agricultural Conferences have returned home to become energetic ‘catalysts for change ‘.
At the 22nd Conference, Calgary, July 2006, delegates under 35 years from 16 countries named “The Next Generation” (NGs) held their own Pre-Conference Seminar. Under the chairmanship of John Bennett, from a farming family in New South Wales they discussed their farming systems(from tropics to near tundra), rural structures and Society plans. Having heard Anna Nawa, a Zambian agricultural adviser, who returning from a previous conference had caused effective changes, they planned to meet in Zambia in 2007.
After substantial ground work by John, Anna Nawa and a few others scattered about and great support from the Zambian Agricultural & Commercial Society and the Zambian government, 12 people from 8 countries, Australia, Canada, Kenya, New Zealand, South Africa, Uganda, UK and Zambia, met in Lusaka to learn about Zambian agriculture, their rural scene, assist a local Show and suggest ways small farmers might improve their methods. Agriculture, like English, is a common language.
Enthusiastically welcomed, they spent much time learning from Anna’s small farming families, the Mwembeshi community. One day each team member, using equipment which they brought specifically (and left behind), demonstrated best husbandry practices with cattle, pigs, goats, soils, safety, and capacity building for small communities. Demonstrations are vital to convince since they are reluctant to change for ‘getting it wrong’ could mean starvation Surplus produce is sold the money going towards the children’s education, this is the accepted way out of poverty.
The experienced team helped erect the local Kafue Agricultural Show; brought the prize cards, with a local trader providing prizes. On show day they judged livestock, produce, crafts, stands, and entertainment and were overwhelmed by everyone’s enthusiasm.
The team also visited larger farms, major food operations, education establishments and, of course, a nature reserve with magnificent wildlife
It’s imperative to assess impact but too soon for a full story. The response was immediate. Anna has been inundated with people asking for more details of the demonstrations, looking for more simple equipment and hearing that the majority of those present have adopted some improved techniques. Two TV News slots and a lengthy TV programme on the visit brought messages of appreciation and enquiries from across the country.. The locals were full of praise for the team’s practical approach.
The Chief Show Judge and some of the larger farmers have since had discussions on the running of the Show and livestock breeding policies respectively
For the team this was the experience of a life time, an opportunity to make a contribution to Commonwealth agriculture, “Life With The Lid Off” for those who had not been in rural Africa before.
The team were honoured to be invited to meet the President of Zambia so he could hear of the project first hand . A film on the team’s work will be shown at the 23rd Conference in New Zealand, November 2008
It built very strong foundations for the RASC Next Generation and a determination that in 2009 this would be repeated in another developing country. RASC thanks those in Zambia and those in the organisation who worked imaginatively to make this project an inspiration amongst the small Zambian farmers.
Philip Bolam
Hon. Press Secretary
RASC
23rd Commonwealth Agricultural Conference, New Zealand, November 2008
Through the generous support of the New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture, a number of scholarships are available for Next Generation delegates (21 and over and under 40 years of age). These will cover the cost of attending the Conference together with accommodation. To view full details click here.
Would you like to represent Scotland at the next Commonwealth Agricultural Conference in New Zealand in November 2008?
Click here for more details about the Roy Watherston Memorial Trust travelling scholarship.