A Brazilian renowned Agro Professor Paulo Hartmann says there is need for African Countries to invest more in the Agricultural sector to sustain their economies during this time of uncertainty due to the Corona-Virus Pandemic.
Professor Hartmann, who is President of the Educational Foundation of Patos De Minas in Brazil, said investing in the Agricultural Industry as well as technology has proved to be a quicker way of attaining economic gains.
Speaking when he addressed African Ambassadors, during a Virtual Meeting in Brasilia, Professor Hartmann emphasized the need for individual African Countries to empower young people with the necessary Agricultural technology and skills to make them self-sustainable.
He said a good farming industry helps to revitalize a nation’s economy in difficult times especially this season when the World is grappling with COVID- 19.
Professor Hartmann encouraged African dignitaries and their Governments to boost small-scale farming as it had the capacity to create economic growth.
Zambia’s Ambassador to Brazil, Alfreda-Kansembe-Mwamba has welcomed the remarks made by Professor Hartmann, further indicating that Zambia was already moving in the right direction with growing Agricultural and technology advancement.
Ambassador Kansembe- Mwamba said a viable Agricultural industry is vital in sustaining the Country’s food basket in difficult times such as droughts and floods.
Dr Kansembe -Mwamba said that Agriculture will always remain a backbone of the development of any economy as it also plays a pivotal role in employment creation.
The Zambian Envoy has since encouraged the Zambian youths to take interest in studying advanced Agri-business technology courses that have the capacity to promote entrepreneurship and skills development.
Brazil’s agricultural sector represents more than four percent of the annual value added to Brazil’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and accounts for a nine percent share of the total employment in the country.
This is contained in a statement issued by Grace Makowane First Secretary (Press and Public Relations) Zambian Embassy, Brazil.
