This summer, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences hosted a significant delegation of government leaders from the Republics of Malawi and Zambia. The visit aimed to showcase advanced agricultural research and innovative techniques these nations may adopt to enhance their farm productivity and food security.
The event was organized in collaboration with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the N.C. National Guard. It is part of a broader initiative known as the National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program, which fosters civilian partnerships between U.S. states, military forces, and government agencies in partner nations to bolster national security through agricultural development.
Touring NCAT
Zambia’s Minister of Defense, Ambrose Lufuma, led the delegation, which included around 50 members., The delegation toured various facilities on the university’s farm. They explored the Automated Milking System, beef cattle unit, poultry unit, and high-tunnel horticultural research area, where they observed ongoing ginger research.
During their visit, the delegates also gained insights into the Cooperative Extension program. The program aims to enhance agricultural practices and education in local communities, a model they are considering implementing back home.
Malawi and Zambia regard agriculture as critical to their economies, providing significant employment opportunities. However, the two countries are grappling with the devastating impacts of a three-year-long drought that severely threatened food security in south-central Africa.
“Agriculture is vital for the rural livelihoods of both nations,” N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler said. “In both Zambia and Malawi, agriculture Is a major source of employment and economic driver. Both countries are implementing policies and initiatives to enhance agricultural productivity; however, the governments implementing these policies will face many challenges. That’s where assistance is needed and where N.C. agriculture has been asked to help.”
Beyond the Campus
During the visit, delegates learned about strategies for achieving higher yields, leveraging technology to maximize food production on limited land, and adopting climate-resilient agricultural practices, including water-saving techniques. These insights aim to address the pressing food security issues the visiting countries face.
“This is such an important partnership,” said Dr. Antoine Alston, CAES associate dean for academics. “When you lack the ability to feed your people, you have a security issue. N.C. A&T is uniquely poised to help the National Guard, in our national interest, thanks to the multitude of small-farms programs we have, which can easily be transferred to our Malawi and Zambia partners.”
In addition to their time at NC A&T, the group visited several key agricultural sites across North Carolina, including the Piedmont Triad Farmers Market, the North Carolina State University livestock farm, and Commissioner Troxler’s Guilford County farm.
