USADF Signs Grant to Support Rice Growers in Zambia:

WASHINGTON - July 13, 2009 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – July 13, 2009  – The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) signed a grant to support grassroots development in Zambia.  The grant will benefit Chavuma District Farmers Association (Chavuma DFA). 

After signing the grant, USADF President Lloyd Pierson stated, “USADF seeks to fund grassroots groups that help serve their communities.  This grant will do as such, supporting rice farmers who are meeting the market demand for rice.”

Located in Chavuma District, Chavuma DFA is an organization of farmers who grow rice, cassava, and maize.  The Association works with farmer members to provide services such as market information extension services, and access to buyers such as the Food Reserve Agency.  Activities are focused on income generation.

Demand for rice in urban areas has grown, prompting wholesale companies to express interest in buying rice from Chavuma DFA so long it meets strict quality and quantity standards.  The eighteen month grant will position Chavume DFA to meet requested standards and market demand.  Funds will specifically fund improvements to financial systems, create a marketing plan, develop marketing strategies, train members, and supplying the Association with milling equipment.

USADF began programming in Zambia in 2003. Zambia’s current portfolio stands at twenty-three investment projects totaling nearly $4.7 million dollars. For more information about the portfolio, please visit the country’s quick source page at http://www.adf.gov/USADF-QuickSourceCountryPortfolioPage-Zambia.htm. The United States African Development Foundation (USADF) is a United States Government agency dedicated to expanding access to economic opportunity in Africa. Currently USADF operates in 20 African nations.  Over the past 25 years, USADF has funded nearly 1,500 projects representing in excess of $150 million in support of African enterprises and local African communities.  For more information on USADF, its programs and application guidelines, visit www.usadf.gov.

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