Mining services provider Makor Resources, in partnership with Jubilee Metals Zambia, has joined the Zambian government’s efforts to assist subsistence farmers affected by a recent drought that has severely impacted agriculture and food security in the country.
Ndola District Commissioner Joseph Phiri, alongside Makor Resources CEO Brooke Bibeault and Jubilee Metals Zambia MD Ricus Grimbeek, distributed Compound-D and Urea fertilizers, as well as drought-resistant maize seeds, to farmers in Ndola’s Munkulungwe ward.
The event, hosted by the Bwana Mkubwa resettled families, was attended by local officials, including ward councillor Lombe Kaweme and senior Ndola agricultural officer Zeniah Nambeye Chitema.
“Our aim is to provide critical support to subsistence farmers, especially those recently resettled due to the drought, and the most vulnerable farmers,” Bibeault said.
These farmers have been struggling with crop failures, food shortages, and malnutrition, which has forced them to make difficult decisions such as selling assets or cutting back on meals.
The beneficiaries of the program include elderly people, widows, and individuals with disabilities who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Makor Resources and Jubilee Metals Zambia also plan to expand the initiative to rural communities around the Munkoyo mine in Kapiri Mposhi, with the goal of promoting sustainable agriculture, increasing crop yields, and improving livelihoods in the face of climate challenges.
Both Bibeault and Grimbeek highlighted the importance of collaboration in the mining industry to improve the lives of communities affected by mining activities.
“I will continue advocating for large-scale mining companies to work together for the benefit of the communities they impact. It’s not just good business; it’s the right thing to do,” Grimbeek said.
Rural farming communities near mining operations often face challenges such as isolation, environmental risks, and limited access to agricultural inputs and markets, all contributing to low productivity and food insecurity.
Makor Resources and Jubilee Metals Zambia aim to alleviate these challenges by providing crucial resources and support to struggling farmers.
Phiri praised the partnership, calling it a model for other companies to follow. “Their commitment to supporting our communities is admirable and should inspire others in the mining sector to undertake similar initiatives,” he added.
