By Staff Writer
Lusaka Deputy Mayor, Christopher Shakafuswa says despite the challenges faced by the informal food markets,they offer crucial opportunities for livelihoods and income generation.
Mr Shakafuswa said lack of access to capital, credit, spoilage as a result of storage and competition from import markets are but some of the problems faced by traders .
He said this during the launch of a study on informal food markets in Zambia compiled by the Center for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) with support from HIVOS.
“We are committed to implementing projects that will alleviate these challenges together with other stakeholders, through ventures such as these ” he said.
The Deputy Mayor also highlighted that the Lusaka City Council is keenly interested in addressing issues that affect the city and food is one of the key areas which the council has targeted.
Mr Shakafuswa said the council is committed to working on food system issues by signing up to international agreements such as the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact.
“In this agreement, we have committed that we will take action not only through ensuring that we do our part in relation to food systems, but that we coordinate the various efforts of our cooperating partners on food issues in the city. “ he added.
The Deputy Mayor also said that the launch comes at an opportune time when the world is celebrating World Food Day (today) whose theme is ‘Healthy Diets for a Zero Hunger World.’
Mr Shakafuswa also added that LCC has been working with the National Food and Nutrition Commission through CUTS in ensuring that traders in markets have nutrition related information about various foods.
“These are a few of our efforts and we hope to do more in addressing informal sector issues.” he explained.
The Deputy Mayor also urged all stakeholders to take keen interest in contributing to the status of Zero hunger through provision of healthy diets.
