13 Dec 2015

The Kanye-based National Food Technology and Research Centre (NFTRC) has been designated as the lead centre of excellence in the area of empowering youth, women, small holder farmers in agribusiness support and development in the SADC region.

In a statement, NFTRC public relations manager, Ms Mmamosese Kepaletswe said her institution was appointed by the Centre for the Coordination of Agriculture for Southern Africa (CCARDESA).

She said the appointment is a sign of confidence in NFTRC’s ability to deliver food and agro-processing research and development work, as well as skills training that can improve the lives of the people of the region.

Ms Kepaletswe said the appointment follows the November 2014 proposal, which NFTRC submitted to CCARDESA for consideration to be evaluated and recognised as a centre of excellence for empowering women and youth through farming and associated value addition along the value chain.

She explained that NFTRC will be the lead centre in a collaborative effort between Africa University of Zimbabwe and the Co-operative College of Zambia.

She said the next step is for the tripartite to come up with a project plan to roll out the project activities. Ends